Transcript Highlights:

• the state to pay anything.
• I have lived in Port Aransas for 15 years, and I serve as the superintendent of schools for Port Aransas
• and is sending $30 million of those local taxpayer dollars to the state. dollars to the state of Texas
• Aransas and across the state.
• It clarifies the OAG's enforcement authority.

Bills: SB2920 , SB2929 , SB2398 , SB865 , SB401 , SB2619 , SB2927 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1635 , SB1581 , SB2008

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes the state auditor, state.
• The state the state auditor's office.
• Senator Port Senator Port votes no. Senator Port votes<01:32:16.639><c> no.
• is working in the capacity of a state employee who is in a position of authority concerning the act
• Senator Port Senator Port votes no. Senator Port votes<02:49:09.600><c> no.

Transcript Highlights:

• about sending it to other states.
• It's our beaches, our springs, our state parks, our waterways, and our wildlife that make the state so
• of the city is annexing state lands.
• But the state this bill has written even with the amendment impacts several ports in the state, just
• So as we look at the ports and we go forward, we can look at the federal and the state may be much those

Transcript Highlights:

• So WSIPP is within our state.
• If anything happens to me, the state will become their guardians.
• If anything happens to me, the state will become their guardians. outside of the state of Washington.
• If anything happens to me, the state will become their guardians.
• Without them, many parts of the state would be food deserts.

Bills: SB6007 , SB6186 , SB6212

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: assessment practices, public policy, children, youth, families, evaluation, outcomes, SNAP, nutrition, public health, food access, unhealthy foods, benefit program, assistance, pilot program, state support, public welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> areas that existed in legalized states. areas that existed in legalized states.
• </c> the chief author about that amendment. the chief author about that amendment.
• Senator Port. Thank other discussion? Senator Port. Thank you,<01:22:46.400><c> Mr.
• But when it talks about complying with state and state building code and state fire code, the issue is
• ><c> state</c><01:28:06.880><c> fire</c><01:28:07.199><c> code,</c> state building code and state fire

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can look at any county aging provider in the state.
• And you can look at any county aging provider in the state.
• : Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama.
• , Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama.
• Yeah, for the people watching, state your name and position.

Summary: The committee met, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several health- and human-services-related bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs for covered caregivers, was explained as creating training and testimonial privilege protections; the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. House Bill 5004, an educational bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience and the importance of earlier diagnosis; it was reported to the Senate without amendment. House Bill 5327, which would require the Department of Human Services to create an ALS services program, also received supportive testimony from the sponsor and members, but the transcript reflects the bill being reported as House Bill 537; it was moved forward without amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 5096, which would remove personal care and intellectual/developmental disability waiver services from certificate-of-need review. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory burden and expand access, while a county aging-program director testified that certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and services and that eliminating the requirement would reduce important support for aging providers. After a division vote, the motion to report the bill failed 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative medically appropriate covered treatment without new prior authorization if it costs no more than the original treatment, was explained as carrying an estimated $13 million annual cost to PEIA and was reported to the Senate. The committee also advanced House Bill 5582, enacting the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, after discussion of a committee amendment removing a new-background-check-at-initial-licensure provision; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported. Another House Bill 5582, concerning the TANF drug screening program, was described as removing the sunset date and allowing oral fluid testing in addition to urine samples; it too was reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery with an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide, and the bill was reported to the Senate. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Port introduced herself as co-chair, Senator Lindsey Port, representing District 55, Burnsville
• , which are the mes of every state and territory of the United States right now.
• </c> state and territory of the United States state and territory of the United States uh<01:09:18.400
• Thank you, Chair Port.
• Thank you, Chair Port.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• like Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Colorado.
• On page 4, you will find table 2 early literacy policy state comparison.
• increases in state summative reading scores.
• The green bar is the state.
• , we're a wealthy state, we've got lots of money.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the largest ports, there's thousands of trucks that enter every day, in and out of those ports.
• the state of much-needed revenue.
• I don't see Port of Long Beach, Port of L.A.'
• And unfortunately, you know, I was a co-author then. I'm a co-author now.
• I want to start by thanking the efforts of the author to narrow the bill to state employees.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker rights, workplace technology, pay equity, and retail/self-checkout standards. SB 703 would require ports to collect and report information on trucking companies to help identify worker misclassification in the port trucking industry; supporters, including Teamsters and the California Labor Federation, said better data is needed for enforcement, while trucking and retail groups said they were working with the author and expected to remove opposition after amendments. The bill passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Transportation. The committee also approved a consent calendar of other measures. SB 294, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, would require the Labor Commissioner to create a template for annual employer notices about workers’ labor and civil rights, including emergency contact notification if a worker is detained or arrested. Supporters said the bill would help workers understand their rights amid federal rollbacks and weak enforcement; the California Restaurant Association opposed it. SB 7 would require notice and human review before employers use automated decision-making systems for discipline or termination, and would bar predictive use of such systems for employment actions. Labor groups supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or opaque algorithmic management, while HR, chamber, retail, and local government groups raised concerns about breadth, notice burdens, and small-business impacts. Both bills passed 5-0 to their next committees. The committee also advanced SB 238, which would require disclosure about workplace surveillance and AI monitoring tools, and SB 442, which sets staffing and operational standards for self-checkout, including at least one staffed lane, one employee dedicated to monitoring self-checkout, item restrictions, and a 15-item limit sign. Supporters argued both bills improve transparency, safety, and worker protections; opponents warned SB 238 could expose security practices and SB 442 could raise costs and create preemption issues. SB 464 would expand state pay-data reporting to better capture public-sector workforce demographics in line with reparations and pay-equity goals, and SB 642 would strengthen the Equal Pay Act by extending recovery periods, clarifying wage definitions, and updating pay-scale language. SB 464 and SB 642 also passed, with some opposition from county and business groups over scope and retroactivity. All measures taken up in the hearing were approved by committee, generally on 5-0 votes, and re-referred to the appropriate policy or fiscal committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• bond authorizations.
• It would take those three bond authorizations and direct the State Finance Committee to not issue any
• It would take those three bond authorizations and direct the State Finance Committee to not issue any
• the cars in this state.
• General Motors has 62 stores and communities across the state, from Port Angeles to Colville, from Vancouver

Summary: The committee heard briefings and public testimony on three transportation bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6170 would raise WSDOT monetary thresholds for doing repairs in-house and for contracting work intended to support small, veteran-, minority-, and women-owned businesses, increasing the regular repair limit from $60,000 to $100,000, the emergency repair limit from $100,000 to $160,000 with annual inflation adjustment, and the contracting threshold from $100,000 to $160,000. The sponsor and WSDOT supported the bill as an efficiency measure; the fiscal note indicated no fiscal impact. Washington Federation of State Employees also supported it, saying the higher limits would let highway maintenance crews do more work in-house while preserving the existing work split with contractors. Substitute Senate Bill 6225 would authorize new and expanded transportation general obligation bonds, including $1.1 billion for highway projects in the Move Ahead Washington account, $400 million for listed highway projects with cost increases, and a $500 million increase to the SR 520 bond authorization, while also ending issuance of certain older unissued bond authorizations after June 30, 2026. Committee members asked about debt service, bond capacity, and how the money would be allocated; staff said the projects would be handled through the budget process and that the bill was intended to provide flexibility. Labor and business groups supported the bill as a way to fund preservation and maintenance and provide predictability, while Transportation Choices Coalition said any bonding should be limited and paired with broader transportation funding reforms and protection for multimodal programs. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6354 would allow certain qualifying U.S.-based battery electric vehicle manufacturers that have Washington service facilities and no prior franchise agreements to own and operate dealer licenses and sell directly, while also raising the dealer documentary service fee from $200 to $250 until the end of 2026 and directing part of the increase to an EV rebate program and the multimodal transportation account. Rivian and Lucid supported the bill as a compromise that would expand EV access and direct-sale options; Climate Solutions and the Port of Seattle also supported it, citing emissions reduction and affordability goals. Washington State Auto Dealers Association supported the compromise, saying it strengthens franchise protections while allowing limited direct sales. Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed the bill, arguing it creates special treatment and weakens the franchise system, and some urged added consumer protections, service requirements, or bonding. The committee took no final action and closed the public hearings after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:01.040><c> for</c> responsibility and the Authority for responsibility and the Authority for
• it says either the Loops in the state it says either the state<00:17:11.799><c> or</c><00:17:12.000>
• Scott Derkson, Chief Planner, State Land Use Commission. Chief Planner, State Land Use Commission.
• :54:53.880><c> County</c><01:54:54.280><c> agency</c> authorized by a state or County agency authorized
• In the past, with the State House and the State Senate, the bill rose to the state level by a single

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Port. Senator Port. Thank you, Mr. President.
• President, and thank you, Senator Port, for offering this amendment. our entire state.
• Senator Port votes no. Rest votes no. Senator Port votes no.
• Senator Port votes I. And votes I. Senator Port votes I.
• </c> Port votes no. Senator Port votes no. Port votes no. Senator Port votes no.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think anybody in the state today would say, oh, Cal Fire is not an essential service of the state
• I don't think anybody in the state today would say, oh, Cal Fire is not an essential service of the state
• On the bonding authority, so the bonding authority is not a general obligation bond.
• So the bonding authority is not a general obligation bond.
• Metro, the Port of Los Angeles, and Advanced Energy United.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an amendment to—State your name, please, ma'am. Oh, sorry.
• It's a no-cost contract to the state.
• We're extending it for 6 months state.
• veterans home in North Alabama.
• veterans home in North Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was not aware of a port for cruise lines, but what I have heard is possible is a port in the sea because
• Right now, the state of Arizona and the state of Sonora are investing and upgrading the port in Puerto
• Members, my understanding is Commerce Authority, my understanding is the Commerce Authority was created
• And as I mentioned to the Commerce Authority, this is not an anti-Commerce Authority move.
• Commerce Authority. This is not an anti-Commerce Authority move.

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria, a Puerto Peñasco council member and chamber president, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism destination and binational partner for Arizona. He highlighted tourism, cross-border visitation, safety coordination, and possible commercial opportunities, including discussion of a future cruise port or cargo port, border improvements, and the continued importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy. Members responded with personal comments about travel, student field work, and medical volunteer clinics in Puerto Peñasco, and Renteria offered to serve as a liaison for Arizona offices dealing with visitor or property issues. The committee then considered a series of Arizona Commerce Authority oversight bills. HB 2746 was removed from the agenda. HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund and subject its use to legislative appropriations; supporters said it would add balance and oversight, while an Arizona Free Enterprise Club representative opposed it, arguing the fund lacked accountability and should be repealed or tightly restricted. The bill passed on a due-pass recommendation. HB 2752 would move authority over trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; it also passed, with several members saying the legislature needed a stronger role in trade-office decisions. Finally, HB 2753, as amended, would add ex-officio members to the ACA board, including the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, plus ranking minority members or their designees. The committee adopted an amendment expanding minority-party participation and then passed the bill as amended. Throughout the debate, members emphasized that the measures were intended to increase legislative oversight and communication with the Commerce Authority rather than oppose the agency outright. The committee adjourned after approving HB 2751, HB 2752, and HB 2753 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local entities across the state and some $1.9 billion at the state level.
• This includes taxing entities across the state and some $3.5 billion at the state level.
• other states are doing.
• Currently, the state Comptroller and Texas counties lack the authority to collect hotel occupancy taxes
• The Beaumont port is the largest military export port in America by tonnage.

Bills: SB209 , SB529 , SB1265 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SCR37 , SCR38

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• voters of the state to be able to vote.
• Not one district in the state of Louisiana is 100% independent, nor is one district in this state 100%
• I didn't pledge allegiance to a party, to a state, or to a nation... ...to a party, to a state, or to
• It's actually the best map I've seen to operate in any state, because we've been looking at the states
• This map says that Louisiana is not like Alabama. This map says that Louisiana is not like Alabama.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines. Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice. Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Port votes Senator Port votes I.
• . state. state.
• </c> Port votes I. Senator Port votes I. Port votes I. Senator Port votes I.
• </c> Port votes no. Senator Port votes no. Port votes no. Senator Port votes no.
• Senator Port votes I. Mchuan votes I. Senator Port votes I.

Transcript Highlights:

• States have bought states in the United States have bought a<01:06:01.680><c> Tyler</c><01:06:02.160>
• </c> state of Hawaii and they made it work. state of Hawaii and they made it work.
• And across the country, as this form of housing is authorized at the state level, that issue still lingers
• And across the country, as this form of housing is authorized at the state level, that issue still lingers
• /c><02:03:23.840><c> um,</c><02:03:24.080><c> that</c> authorized at the state level, um, that authorized

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• There exists, um, so this port authority was created in 2021, and so it's a new port authority.
• There exists, um, so this port authority was created in 2021, and so it's a new port authority.
• </c><00:36:13.240><c> Authority</c> uh term of the Red Wing Port Authority uh term of the Red Wing Port
• the Port Authority.
• > to</c> created the Port Authority in 2021 to created the Port Authority in 2021 to promote<00:37:22.320

Committee: Senate State and Local Government