Transcript Highlights:

• It includes proceeds from the sales of bonds and fixed assets, any balances that they have.
• If there is a balance, they can write another letter asking for more money to be drawn down.
• If there is a balance, they can write another letter asking for more money to be drawn down.
• All three of those allocations go into the Public School Fund, on top of any balances that are already
• And that leaves the balance of that restricted reserve fund set aside at $292 million.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have for years since the early 80s used a balanced literacy approach in the majority of our classrooms
• And what we have found is that the ideology of whole-word balanced literacy has not taught students the
• We have four years since the early 80s used a balanced literacy's We have for years since the early 80s
• used a balanced literacy approach in the majority of our classrooms in most English-speaking countries
• As you know, districts are making painful reductions to staff, programs, and services to balance budgets

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three K-12 bills focused on behavioral health, literacy, and review of education mandates. On House Bill 1634, staff and Rep. Milin Tai described a framework for OSPI and educational service districts to coordinate with state and local partners on behavioral health technical assistance and training for schools, aligned with the Washington Thriving prenatal-to-25 plan. Testifiers, including students and education/behavioral health representatives, said the bill would improve coordination, early intervention, and access to supports for students and families. The bill was presented as having no fiscal note because it relies on existing funding, and testimony emphasized parent and student engagement in the framework. On House Bill 2636, staff and Rep. Skyler Rude explained that the bill creates a Public Education Review Steering Committee to identify existing policies and funding provisions for JLARC review, with the goal of determining whether they achieve intended outcomes, improve student performance, are cost-effective, and should be maintained, modified, or repealed. Supporters said the bill is intended to help reduce burdensome or ineffective requirements on school districts and free resources for students, while some members questioned how the committee would define policy and whether it could affect future mandates. A representative of the Washington State School Directors Association supported the concept as a meaningful review of unfunded mandates. The committee also heard House Bill 1295, which would require evidence-aligned literacy curriculum updates after 2027, require comprehensive K-4 literacy programs using structured literacy practices, direct PESB to revise literacy endorsement standards, require literacy-related continuing education, and direct OSPI to develop educator literacy training. Supporters, including parents, educators, students, dyslexia advocates, and district staff, argued that structured literacy is supported by research and would improve outcomes for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. One witness from the Washington Education Association supported the bill but raised concern about adding another continuing-education requirement. Testimony on the bill was extensive and largely in favor, with some discussion about whether the approach would address older students and how it would interact with existing district and ESD efforts. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and approved three gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation. It adopted an amendment to House Bill 1796 and advanced the bill to Ways and Means, passed Engrossed House Bill 2317 to Rules, and adopted a striking amendment to Substitute House Bill 2594 before advancing it to Ways and Means. All actions were taken by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the phrasing of what we have in here is really trying to create a balance for the school district
• And so the phrasing of what we have in here is really trying to create a balance for the school district
• We don't always have two good actors, and that's where we're trying to balance the language on it, right
• We don't always have two good actors, and that's where we're trying to balance the language on it, right
• And state budgets, as a reflection of our paramount duty to public education, should not be balanced

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this process and encourage the legislature to work collaboratively across proposals to develop a balanced
• this process and encourage the legislature to work collaboratively across proposals to develop a balanced
• It removes a reference to DFI calculating the inflation-adjusted maximum outstanding principal balance
• It removes a reference to DFI calculating the inflation-adjusted maximum outstanding principal balance
• ...to DFI calculating the inflation-adjusted maximum outstanding principal balances of all small loans

Bills: HB2291, HB2629, HB2439, HB1078, HB1701, HB2207, HB2501, HB2361, HB1932

Keywords: kratom, consumer protection, regulation, health safety, substance control, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, pet insurance, insurance regulation, animal welfare, claims processes

Transcript Highlights:

• And in my opinion, it's then on the back. the budget is balanced and makes sense and in my opinion it's
• funds like the general fund, education legacy trust account, and others, this account does have to balance
• Again, not at the request of any system, just to make the budget balance.
• Again, not at the request of any system, just to make the budget balance.
• I am having to close three workforce programs and lay off 30-plus people just to balance the budget at

Bills: SB6251, SB6259, SB6325, SB5978, SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm able to leverage it into my balance sheet, into my capital.
• About six to seven billion of that is put on our balance sheet as deposits, which is, you know, not the
• Give you an idea on our balance sheet, and this is pretty typical of a... ...what I would say, a well-run
• The balance sheet structure of any bank you run, especially a public bank, is very, very important, and
• sheet or working with our legislature and some type of off-balance-sheet program that we may manage

Summary: The committee first received a JLARC work session on the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine tax preferences and recommending legislative action on eight. JLARC reviewed natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, and several shorter reviews including senior center property tax relief, a disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, trade convention nexus treatment, wholesale sales of fertilizer/pesticides/seed, a hazardous substance tax exemption for pesticides stored for out-of-state shipment, and three energy-related preferences for a silicon smelter. JLARC generally recommended continuing preferences that met stated or inferred objectives, modifying some to improve reporting or performance metrics, and allowing the unused silicon smelter preferences to expire. The Citizen Commission endorsed JLARC’s recommendations, and committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about trends in travel agent/tour operator beneficiaries and the housing exemption’s performance metric and data issues. The committee then heard a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 5754, which would create a Washington State public bank. A presentation from California public banking advocates and the Bank of North Dakota described public banks as government-owned financial institutions intended to keep public funds working locally, support lending for housing, infrastructure, and community development, and partner with community banks and credit unions. Committee questions focused on leverage, liquidity, constitutional issues, and how the model would interact with existing state investment and debt structures. Staff summarized the bill’s structure, including activation conditions, governance, powers, and fiscal impacts, noting the fiscal note was largely indeterminate and startup costs could be significant. Public testimony on SB 5754 was divided. Supporters included statewide elected officials, county and city officials, labor, educators, community advocates, and residents, who argued the bank could lower borrowing costs, improve access to capital, keep public money in Washington, and help finance infrastructure, housing, and disaster resilience. Opponents included community bankers and county treasurers, who warned about risks to safety and liquidity of public funds, questioned the need for a new institution given existing programs, and argued the proposal lacked a proven track record in Washington. The hearing concluded with no vote taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will help ensure a smooth transition away from fossil fuels by balancing supply and demand.
• In the June letter to the GO, CEC Vice Chair Seva Gunda articulated a balanced three-pronged approach
• And I did want to compliment you on what I thought was a very balanced and thoughtful letter.
• So it is definitely not a balanced approach about moving forward.
• Michael Scarley, here on behalf of the California Council for Environmental Economic Balance, standing

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting. SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote. SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, on the final day of session, Democrats stand ready to complete our important work on balancing
• Today, on the final day of session, Democrats stand ready to complete our important work on balancing
• Democrats are focused on balancing our state budget for the future, reducing costs for Minnesotans, and
• Democrats are focused on balancing our state budget for the future, reducing costs for Minnesotans, and
• Democrats are focused on balancing our state budget for the future, reducing costs for Minnesotans, and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But our job is to balance this budget.
• But our job is to balance this budget.
• And it's a matter of fact that the provision that you all don't like is not a line item to balance our
• Our job is to balance this budget, and it's a matter of fact that the provision that you all don't like
• is not a line item to balance our state education budget.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That checks and balances is only bolstered by the use of the advisory committee that has people has a
• A balanced review by an advisory committee comprised of at least 50. industry reps instead of just the
• I believe House Bill 22 25 strikes a very good balance between what, uh, what we need to do to make sure
• But then the city still has a responsibility so we need to figure out how to balance that so that We
• I just want to understand where that balance... is because I do know some delays exist and that's why

Bills: HB602, HB1322, HB1930, HB2225, HB2304, HB2494, HB3275, HB3810, HB3919

Keywords: affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, taxation, residency, municipal approval, subdivision plans, local governance, plats, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that it's been It is difficult to balance all the needs that we have.
• To school meals while also trying to bring that balance and focus on funding our schools.
• It's in that spirit that I ask you to work together to balance the needs of our students in the lunchroom
• shaming because not so long ago, we had schools dumping meals in front of kids. with a negative meal balance
• , if there's a fund balance in that account, can be used.

Bills: HF51, HF1161, HF2201, HF2786, HF1053

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• scene here as we begin this, and my first question is: has the administration ever used GGRF funds to balance
• To balance this MVA account in the past? No.
• you ever done transfers that essentially result in Proposition money, like Prop 4, being used to balance
• Have we ever used Proposition 4-type bond funding to balance this, which is clearly one-time funding?
• And now we have—have we ever used the air pollution control funds to balance this?

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on transportation agency budget proposals and did not take any votes. The first major discussion focused on the Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and a proposed one-time $166 million transfer from the Air Pollution Control Fund and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to offset California Air Resources Board mobile source costs. Department of Finance and the LAO described the account’s long-running structural deficit, driven largely by employee compensation growth and REAL ID-related workload, while members criticized the use of Proposition 4, GGRF, and other one-time or redirected funds as backfills and urged a longer-term solution that addresses both revenues and expenditures. The committee then heard Caltrans’ request for $25 million in General Fund support to create a Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program. Caltrans said the program would build on the prior Clean California effort by funding local litter and graffiti cleanup, community engagement, and workforce pathways for vulnerable populations. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that local litter abatement is not a core state responsibility and that one-time funding is unlikely to solve persistent local cleanup needs. Several members echoed those concerns, while public commenters split between support for the cleanup/employment model and calls to instead restore funding to the Active Transportation Program and transit operations. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requested that California administratively recognize Tahoe’s federally designated population figure for state formula-based transportation funding, which would raise the population count used in formulas from 40,000 to 145,000. The agency said the change would not request new money but would better align state formulas with federal law and support a shared regional funding framework; members appeared generally supportive, though they noted the need to phase in the change to reduce impacts on other regions. The final presentation was on High-Speed Rail. The LAO reviewed the authority’s project update report, noting that it did not fully meet statutory requirements and that key details are still pending in a supplemental report expected later in the summer. The LAO said the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment still shows an estimated roughly $7 billion funding gap, with no specific plan to close it, and highlighted risks from federal review, inflation, and uncertain GGRF revenues. High-Speed Rail Authority staff said they are conducting a bottom-up review of scope, schedule, ridership, and costs, expect to provide updated information by late summer, and are exploring public-private partnerships and other financing strategies. Members stressed that no further funding commitments should be made until the updated analysis is available.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could affect balance billing.
• So we've had a lot of discussion across the nation about balance billing.
• A few years ago, that required mediation or arbitration for certain kinds of balance bills.
• the legislature to have good information about what they're voting on, it's just we want to see the balance
• In shaping health care policy that balances quality and affordability, when new mandates are imposed

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• The first and top priority for us is balancing the budget, and we're going to do that equitably for communities
• concerned about things that might happen in Washington, D.C., we would have a job in front of us to balance
• We're able to balance this budget.
• We're able to balance this budget.
• Yes, we always wait for that second forecast to balance the budget. That'll be on March 6th.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This represents a decrease of 4.8 million due primarily to the removal of unexpended balances carried
• Significant funding changes reflect a decrease of 20.9 million for the removal of unexpended balances
• 2, significant funding changes reflect a decrease of 20.9 million for the removal of unexpended balances
• Last session, $42 million was appropriated to the Comptroller, which represented the account balance
• That's that balance. I would also say it's a force multiplier, right?

Bills: SB 1, SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE IS FULLY FUNDING MAINTAINING 100% OF THE FULLY FUNDED BALANCE, WHICH IS THE MOST CONSERVATIVE LEVEL
• WHAT IS THE BEGINNING BALANCE OF THAT RESERVE FUND. DEE BECAUSE THAT HAS TO BE PULLED SEPARATELY.
• SO WHAT IS THE BEGINNING BALANCE IF THE OLD ACCOUNT HAD EVERYTHING MIXED TOGETHER? RIGHT.
• THERE'S A MILLION-DOLLAR BALANCE.
• TO HELP BALANCE WITH THE SERS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we don't find a path forward where we balance the needs of people and we balance the needs of nature
• So how do you balance that?
• So how are you going to balance my Joshua tree issue?
• That's that fine balance that we have to walk with the department in this role.
• For your time for the, you know, individuals are, what is the thinking and how we balance that?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider a series of gubernatorial appointments, bill referrals, and two Senate Rule 26 authorship-change requests. The committee first approved, on 4-0 votes held open for absent members, a slate of appointments not required to appear, including J. Bradshaw to the Transportation Commission, Kylie Bolser to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and several appointments to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, as well as Monique Moyer to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority Board. The committee also approved bill referrals and, after a clarification that only authorship changes were before the committee, approved the Rule 26 requests involving former Assembly Member James Gallagher’s bills AB 2676 and AB 2700. After absent members arrived, those earlier actions were confirmed by 5-0 votes. The main hearing was on Megan Hurdle’s appointment as Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hurdle emphasized a science-based, collaborative approach balancing conservation with the needs of farmers, ranchers, local governments, tribes, and communities. Senators focused on human-wildlife conflict, including wolves and mountain lions, the Western Joshua tree program and its costs for homeowners and local projects, invasive golden mussels, staffing shortages among wildlife officers, marine protected areas and 30x30, tribal co-management and land return, and oil spill prevention and response. Hurdle said the department is using data sharing, less-lethal tools, task forces, public education, and partnerships to address these issues, while also trying to improve permitting and reduce burdens where possible. The committee then heard from Caroline Thomas Jacobs, nominated to lead the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Jacobs highlighted her prior leadership roles in wildfire safety and her earlier service at Cal OES, and said her priorities include statewide preparedness, next-generation 911, recovery from the Los Angeles fires, and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Senators questioned her about disaster debris clearance, public safety power shutoffs, governance for the 911 rollout, earthquake preparedness, mutual-aid equipment, and how Cal OES coordinates with local and out-of-state law enforcement for major events. Jacobs said Cal OES should show up quickly, coordinate clearly, and use lessons from past disasters to reduce delays and improve response. Both nominees received broad support from public witnesses, and each was advanced to the Senate floor by committee vote; Hurdle’s appointment was later confirmed 5-0, and Jacobs’s appointment was confirmed 5-0 after the committee reconvened.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we don't find a path forward where we balance the needs of people and we balance the needs of nature
• So how do you balance that?
• So how are you going to balance my Joshua Tree issue?
• That's that fine balance that we have to walk with the department in this role.
• For your time for the, you know, individuals are, what is the thinking and how we balance that?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're balancing the fossil fuel with the clean energy.
• Again, balancing fossil fuel with clean energy incentives.
• So that's what we're trying to balance with this bill, is ensure that those who are willing to have the
• But this framework is important to really signal that that fossil fuel, clean energy balance is important
• So I hope this bill helps to Balance is important to us.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call. The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationwide, state agencies are wrestling with balancing technology, hunter success, wildlife management
• This includes balancing conflicting interests, opinions, and desires of the public, such as the desires
• As the commission balances opportunity, harvest success, and sustainable populations, they essentially
• This includes balancing conflicting interests, opinions, and desires of the public, such as the desires
• As the commission balances opportunity, harvest success, and sustainable populations, they essentially

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 895, which would require data centers using water for cooling to use non-consumptive closed-loop systems or secure water from a municipality or other water user so they do not draw more from the system than can be sustained. Representative Raybould presented the bill, and Representative Mickelsen moved it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee approved that motion by voice vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Idaho Fish and Game’s advanced hunting technology rule package, including restrictions on transmitting trail cameras, thermal optics, night vision, drones, and related technologies. Fish and Game staff and Director Jim Frederick described a lengthy public process, survey results showing broad hunter opposition to many technologies, and the commission’s effort to balance hunter opportunity, fair chase concerns, and enforceability. Several committee members objected to the rule package, arguing it conflicted with state law, changed substantially from the original proposal, and should have been handled by legislation rather than rulemaking. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold the docket until an odd-numbered day the following week, effectively delaying action. The committee then heard House Bill 910, which would create a statutory framework for the Department of Lands and Parks and Recreation to jointly manage recreation opportunities on endowment lands while protecting existing uses and maximizing revenue to the endowment. The bill drew questions about approval authority, existing MOUs, impacts on grazing and other current uses, and whether it would expand recreation development. Supporters said it would streamline management and generate revenue; opponents worried it would promote more recreation on endowment lands and create conflicts. The committee approved the bill on a 9-6 roll call vote. It also sent Senate Bill 1303, updating renewable energy language in a state fund statute, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 124, recognizing wildlife crossing projects, to the floor with due pass recommendations. House Bill 878, dealing with firefighter pay and fire suppression fund issues, was sent to House General Orders. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Memorial 111 on protecting federal public lands from disposal; after testimony and debate over public access, fragmented parcels, and federal land management, the committee had not yet reached a final disposition in the portion provided.