Transcript Highlights:

• So look forward to working collaboratively with them on getting a bunch of stuff across the finish line
• way, I think, this year on a number of bills across the floor that helped them move in a really collaborative
• The challenge is these are very complicated issues that have a lot of collaboration.
• We've had very good communication and collaboration with the House Republicans this year, and I think

Summary: Senate and House Democratic leaders said they were pleased with progress before cutoff, highlighting work on immigration/federal-overreach protections and affordability measures. They cited bills such as restrictions on ICE activity in private spaces, employer notice requirements for ICE worksite actions, housing expansion in commercial and mixed-use zones, limits on medical debt interest, senior property tax relief, grocery-store covenant restrictions, preventive health care access, energy relief for low-income households, and the proposed millionaire’s tax, which they said would support tax credits and long-term fiscal sustainability. They also noted strong bipartisan movement on many bills and said they were now focused on processing House bills in the Senate and vice versa. Several stalled or controversial measures were discussed. Leaders said the JR bill did not advance in the House because it lacked votes, though support had grown and stakeholder engagement continued. Child welfare and controlled-substance/endangerment bills were described as still under discussion, with lawmakers saying there were differing views on the best way to protect children and that some proposals were paused for further work. The Senate-side transmission and cultural resources package also ran into procedural and timing problems, with one bill ultimately not moving after a request for a full reading delayed the plan. The governor’s comments on the millionaire’s tax and the updated revenue forecast were a major topic. Democrats said they welcomed the governor’s tax ideas, were aiming to balance meaningful tax relief with a sustainable budget, and saw the forecast as providing some breathing room and more reserve capacity, though much of the new revenue would be absorbed by caseload growth and maintenance costs. They also discussed a proposed employer assessment tied to Medicaid-funded health coverage, saying it was intended to address federal cuts and shifting costs, while acknowledging concerns from employers and nonprofits. Other items included the tort-liability/survivor claims bill, which leaders said would preserve jury trials and damages while creating a claims process, the 0.05 BAC impaired-driving bill, and a pension-related proposal to terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1, with some related transfer ideas still unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge your support for Senate Bill 5968 and for continued collaboration to build the system that supports
• We urge your support for Senate Bill 5968 and for continued collaboration to build the system that support
• I encourage your support for Senate Bill 5968 and for continued collaboration to build the system that
• During these challenging economic times, we look forward to collaborating with the legislature to thoughtfully

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the way that today unfolded was about cooperation and collaboration.
• 45.840><c> about</c><00:04:46.400><c> cooperation</c><00:04:47.040><c> and</c><00:04:47.560><c> collaboration
• </c> was about cooperation and collaboration. was about cooperation and collaboration.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• thereby increasing Minnesota's exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment and technical collaboration
• Taiwan is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the world to
• thereby increasing Minnesota's exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment and technical collaboration
• Taiwan is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the world to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He leaves behind a culture of collaboration and respect, and we will miss you.
• 58.960><c> of</c> leadership he leaves behind a culture of leadership he leaves behind a culture of collaboration
• 00.320><c> respect</c><00:05:00.840><c> and</c><00:05:00.960><c> we</c><00:05:01.080><c> will</c> collaboration
• and respect and we will collaboration and respect and we will miss<00:05:01.520><c> you</c><00:05:01.880

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as to depoliticize it, to require collaboration, and to safeguard these funds for future kids and
• </c><01:47:46.000><c> to</c><01:47:46.239><c> the</c> legislatures to collaborate to the legislatures
• thing which is why I bring collaborative thing which is why I bring this<01:58:19.199><c> amendment<
• as it relates to the collaboration as it relates to the permanent<01:58:24.320><c> school</c><01:58:
• with folks across the aisle collaborate with folks across the aisle and<01:58:52.080><c> to</c><01:58

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, collaboration and cooperation.
• So, collaboration and cooperation.
• </c><00:08:50.480><c> At</c> um, collaboration and cooperation.
• At um, collaboration and cooperation.
• </c> work is our commitment to collaboration work is our commitment to collaboration and<00:08:55.120

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to thank Chair Kisha for his collaboration and willingness to listen to concerns as we put
• </c><00:00:59.199><c> and</c><00:00:59.440><c> your</c> faith for our collaboration and your faith for
• our collaboration and your willingness<00:01:00.000><c> to</c><00:01:00.160><c> find</c><00:01:00.480
• So look forward to continuing the work next year with this collaborative.
• </c> keep doing that with the collaborative. keep doing that with the collaborative.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• together for further relief, in which they request the court to order the PED to revise the plan in collaboration
• all of the PED staff for the implementation of the Martinez Ignazi plan, and there's significant collaboration
• At the same time, we are collaborating with the Math and Science Advisory the Math and Science Advisory
• We're continuing this momentum through expanded collaboration between curriculum and instruction in the
• at PED ensuring that all of our staff continues to stay compliant with taking the state tribal collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• And just kind of reiterate what we've all talked about: our collaboration with the Senate and State Patrol
• And just kind of reiterate what we've all talked about: our collaboration with the Senate and State Patrol
• and I am very proud of the work that we've done in this committee and I look forward to future collaborations
• and I am very proud of the work that we've done in this committee and I look forward to future collaborations
• ><00:14:47.520><c> to</c> and I look forward to and I look forward to future<00:14:49.400><c> collaborations

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them. Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer. No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my view was I wanted to deal with working with the ag community in places where we have a collaborative
• And Mike... ...in the places where we can have a collaborative environment to talk about it, and my question
• Again, we're just trying to modernize the way we communicate and are collaborative to our property owners
• We're very glad to have a collaborative partnership with Representative Carbone.
• We're very glad to have a collaborative partnership with Representative Carbone.

Bills: HB2120 , HB2173 , HB2261 , HB2786 , HB2792

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing

Transcript Highlights:

• environmental epidemiologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, who wrote this testimony in collaboration
• I wrote this testimony in collaboration with Dr. Catherine Schilling, Dr. Bazan Jan, Dr.
• Sheerston and these collaborators led a peer-reviewed study finding toxic metals in tampons, of the 16
• I wrote this testimony in collaboration with Dr. Catherine Schilling, Dr. Bazan Jan, Dr.
• Sheerston and these collaborators led a peer-reviewed study finding toxic metals and tampons. of the

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three bills after beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 328 would cap DTSC hazardous waste generation and handling fees for infill housing and master development projects and set response timelines for cleanup reviews. Supporters said the current fee structure has made some housing and remediation projects infeasible, while opponents warned that capping fees for one sector could shift costs to other hazardous waste generators. The committee discussed the need for broader DTSC fee reform, and SB 328 was approved on a 7-0 vote and sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. SB 754 would require manufacturers of disposable menstrual products to test for and disclose concentrations of certain contaminants, with DTSC able to verify results and publish them. Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and public health measure, citing recent studies finding toxic metals in tampons and emphasizing consumer right-to-know. Opponents, including manufacturers and hygiene product groups, argued the bill adds duplicative testing, vague requirements, and public disclosure that could be misinterpreted, and urged amendments. The committee members generally supported the goal of transparency, and the bill passed 5-2 with not voting members, moving to Appropriations. SB 466 would provide temporary legal protections for public water systems that are complying with approved chromium-6 compliance plans while they work toward the new drinking water standard. Supporters from Los Banos, Coachella Valley Water District, and other water agencies said the measure would help avoid costly litigation during a lengthy and expensive compliance period, especially for systems dealing with naturally occurring chromium-6. Committee members raised concerns about limiting recourse for harmed individuals and discussed possible alternative language, but the author said the bill would not affect state enforcement authority. SB 466 passed 7-0 and was sent to the Committee on Judiciary. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of additional measures by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're happy to collaborate with the Department of Health and the developmental disability division on
• people administering the program may need to think a little more creatively and a little more collaboratively
• and a think a little more creatively and a little<00:10:11.680><c> more</c><00:10:12.000><c> collaboratively
• </c><00:10:12.800><c> so</c><00:10:13.079><c> that</c><00:10:13.720><c> that</c> little more collaboratively
• so that that little more collaboratively so that that woman<00:10:14.040><c> on</c><00:10:14.240><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several resolutions focused on health care access, Medicaid services, and regulatory reform. SR 6 urged the Director of Health to create a working group on health insurance reform to reduce prior authorization delays; testimony was generally supportive, with DHS, SHIPA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and HMSA all offering comments or support. SHIPA said House Bill 250 would provide a better mechanism for the same goal, but the committee still moved forward with the resolution. SR 7 asked DHS Med-QUEST to cover behavioral health services for children in school-based settings, and SR 9 sought a program to incentivize community care foster family homes to accept people eligible under the Medicaid IDD waiver program. DHS supported the intent of both measures but raised concerns about regulatory limits. Testifiers on SR 9, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, argued the state should be more creative in expanding residential capacity, especially on the neighbor islands, while the chair questioned whether the barriers were state administrative rules or federal requirements. The committee also heard SC 14/SR 10 on a sunrise analysis for lactation consultant licensure. Supporters said lactation services can improve health outcomes and save costs, and that Medicaid coverage remains limited. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations: SR 6 and SC 14/SR 10 were passed with technical, non-substantive amendments; SR 7 was deferred; and SR 9 was deferred for further work. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a great way that the state works in collaboration.
• opportunity and help Florida career and technical education and the Board of Education report collaboratively
• We work in collaboration with them.
• importance of the work force to re training in economic recovery in Taylor County, their extensive collaboration
• The Florida College System, Santa Fe College respondent in collaboration with our partners.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We say it is a joy to share and collaborate with all of you, and we wish you much success.
• This bond represents real collaboration between the Legislature, housing advocates, local governments
• It happens when we continue to move forward in a meaningful direction with collaboration, respect, and
• It represents that collaboration and working spirit that is reflected in everyone who lives in the SGV
• So again, I'm so proud to collaborate and be part of the tapestry of this wonderful community.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill additionally outlines a pathway for unsolved cases to be collaboratively reviewed, creates
• S. 2177 provides the accountability, assurance, and collaborative approach the Commonwealth needs to
• S2177 provides the accountability, assurance, and collaborative approach the Commonwealth needs to address
• In 2019, ...built on strong labor-management collaboration.
• It would also encourage collaboration among states, agencies, municipalities, and school systems to promote

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're nimble, and we can really... ...move quickly and collaborate well when funding is shifted from
• We're recently involved in a medically tailored meal program that is in collaboration with Berkshire
• So there is that collaboration between Outer Cape Health Services, Cape Cod Healthcare, and the local
• I'm the policy director at the Mass Food System Collaborative.
• The Mass Food Collaborative reported that our food system accounts for about 45% of all food jobs and

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers. A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders. The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's really kind of a neat collaboration that they have going.
• So we are just wanting collaboration between campuses on the different programs.
• So we are just wanting collaboration between campuses on the different programs.
• We're wanting good collaboration between our institutions.
• You know, we do, compared to other states, have really nice collaboration.

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard an extensive campus update from Dean Corey Gorder and other DCB leaders. Gorder described the college’s affiliation with Minot State and its growing use of shared services, including business office functions, HR, institutional research, Title IX, printing, financial aid support through UND, and payroll support through NDSU. He said the arrangement lets DCB focus on its core mission while relying on system partners for specialized administrative work, and noted that accreditation concerns were not believed to limit those shared-service arrangements. He also highlighted DCB’s mission, enrollment growth, dual-credit reach across rural schools, and the college’s emphasis on nursing, dental, paramedic, farm management, and other workforce-oriented programs. Committee members asked detailed questions about dual credit, program delivery, and whether DCB’s partnerships were exclusive. Gorder said the relationships are generally collaborative rather than exclusive, that schools can choose other providers, and that many partnerships began through personal outreach and ongoing relationships with rural schools. Lisa Johnson of the university system added that transfer complaints are rare and that dual credit generally transfers well within North Dakota, though highly selective out-of-state institutions may treat credits differently. Members also asked about stipends for high school instructors, the share of K-12 versus DCB instructors, and the capacity limits in dental hygiene and other programs. Gorder said dental hygiene is capped by space and staffing, that there were more applicants than seats, and that expansion is being considered; he also said he would provide follow-up information on the paramedic program and instructor breakdowns. Gorder closed by identifying long-term challenges, including aging residence halls, recruiting faculty and staff, and the need to review low-enrollment programs. He said DCB should consider expanding into more high-demand trades such as welding, HVAC, and electrical work, and should streamline dual credit and strengthen its Minot programming. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose leaders outlined student priorities from the last session and the interim. Their main concerns included campus housing quality and affordability, food insecurity and food pantries, mental and physical health resources, student-led research funding, academic and career readiness, internships, and campus collaboration. They also discussed dual credit, saying it is valuable but uneven across the state, and raised questions about how to better retain students in North Dakota through the system. Members asked follow-up questions about housing, transferability of dual credit, and whether incentives could be used to encourage students to stay in-state for higher education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Matt Stevens, executive director for the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative in support
• Next we have Matt Palberg, director of policy and communications from Mahalo Collaborative, in support
• Next we have Matt Palberg, director of policy and communications from Mahalo Collaborative, in support
• I am the director of policy and communications of Mahalo Collaborative, a local nonprofit dedicated to
• </c><00:33:01.600><c> I</c> to work together and collaborate. I to work together and collaborate.

Bills: SB2141 , SB2593 , SB2824 , SB2135 , SB2115

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• This was our way of collaborating with the education community.
• They're champions of teacher collaboration. They understand the PLC process.
• And we would love to continue to collaborate with this body in ensuring that sensitive materials and
• We want to collaborate with you and make sure that we are working together to make sure that this law
• This is a committee bill that was in response to some requests for legislation and collaboration with

Committee: Joint Education Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all