Video & Transcript : 'crossover voting' :
Page 79 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Opening Ceremonies of the 89th Legislature Jan 14th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Section three, voting procedures, voting machine.
- Section four, voting procedures roll call vote.
- All votes taken shall be record votes with the vote of each member to enter into the House journal.
- votes cast.
- Vasute voting aye. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So how do you vote? I know, but you keep on referencing what we're not voting on. How do you vote?
- Senator Epstein, how do you vote? I vote yes. Thank you. Senator Epstein votes.
- How do you vote? I vote aye. I doubt me. I vote aye. I'm willing, I got you. I got you. All right.
- I vote no. All right, Senator Sundaration votes no. System is closed. Secretary, record the vote.
- And I vote no. Senator Gonzales votes no. Vote no. Senator Gonzales votes no.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- vote, uh, They vote on what the actual language is.
- And when people go into that voting booth and vote for the person with the most votes, they're expecting
- the vote.
- If you're permitted, for example, 3 votes, you can vote for only 1 and 2.
- If you don't vote for somebody, you're voting for the other person.
Committee:
House Elections
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 56 (3-31-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> members voting I 11 members voting nay. members voting I 11 members voting nay.
- </c> members voting I 19 members voting members voting I 19 members voting voting<00:18:29.120><c> nay
- </c> members voting I 16 members voting nay. members voting I 16 members voting nay.
- </c> members voting I, 14 members voting nay. members voting I, 14 members voting nay.
- </c> members voting n members voting nay. members voting n members voting nay.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00:00
Senate Message 00:04:13
Report of Committees 00:06:00
Orders of the Day 00:06:39
HB 4 00:07:32
HB 7 00:10:19
Enrollment 00:12:49
HB 10 00:13:30
HB 58 00:14:31
HB 78 00:18:39
HB 96 00:21:59
Enrollment 00:25:31
HB 134 00:26:01
HB 139 00:28:20
HB 185 00:35:36
HB 213 00:38:16
HB 220 00:40:32
HB 253 00:41:45
HB 265 00:44:55
HB 280 00:47:10
HB 290 00:49:13
Enrollment 00:51:49
HB 355 00:52:25
HB 398 00:54:42
HB 622 00:57:07
HB 424 00:58:24
HB 456 01:01:43
HB 459 01:02:51
HB 470 01:04:54
HB 555 01:10:20
HB 562 01:12:35
HB 576 01:16:37
HB 648 01:18:59
SB 68 01:21:53
SB 226 01:27:40
SB 90 01:30:36
SB 137 01:34:08
SB 136 01:37:08
SB 198 01:41:55
Recess 01:46:14
Reconvene 02:47:31
Orders of the Day 02:48:28
HB 10 02:48:53
HB 67 02:50:01
HB 257 02:51:05
Senate Message 05:52:18
Enrollment 02:53:15
SB 183 02:57:00
SJR 23 03:00:24
SB 251 03:06:24
Announcement 03:24:34
Enrollment 03:25:28
Recess 03:26:50
Reconvene 07:04:07
Enrollment 07:04:12
Senate Message 07:06:54
Appointment of Conference Committees 07:09:38
Orders of the Day 07:10:03
SB 100 07:11:06
Appointment of Conference Committee 07:12:18
HB 778 07:12:37
HB 6 07:15:14
HB 142 07:18:48
HB 144 07:21:27
HB 236 07:24:13
HB 305 07:26:45
HB 651 07:29:16
HB 521 07:31:44
HB 692 07:36:04
HB 491 07:38:33
HB 689 07:40:50
HB 767 07:43:24
HB 627 07:46:33
HB 869 07:49:00
HB 566 07:50:21
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 07:54:31
Introductions 08:07:19
ConC & Rules Report 08:12:28
Floor Amendments 08:13:10
Adjournment 08:16:56, 958, all
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Valdez votes aye. Representative Davis votes aye. Representative Engel votes aye.
- Representative Lowe votes aye. Representative Macri votes aye. Representative Manjarrez votes aye.
- Representative Davis votes aye. Representative Engel votes aye. Representative Lowe votes aye.
- Representative Davis votes aye, angle. Engel votes aye. Representative Engel votes aye. Aye.
- Representative Engel votes aye. Representative Lowe votes aye. Representative Macri votes aye.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on Substitute Senate Bill 6183, which would require health plans to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with only one therapeutically equivalent option required if equivalents exist. The prime sponsor said the bill is part of Washington’s effort to end HIV/AIDS, citing ongoing new diagnoses and the need for immediate access to treatment, especially for late-stage cases. No one testified in person or remotely, and public testimony was closed with written comments invited.
The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6226, which limits the Board of Hearing and Speech from adopting rules that would prevent licensed audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists from using clinical judgment to choose telehealth or in-person care. Supporters said teleaudiology improves access, especially in rural areas and for patients with mobility barriers, and that the bill preserves professional autonomy. Some testifiers raised patient-safety concerns about first-time hearing aid fittings and asked for amendments or more time to study safeguards, while others said the bill should move forward to protect access.
In executive session, the committee advanced several measures. It adopted amendments and reported out Substitute Senate Bill 5185 on international medical school graduate physician licensing, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5845 on claims payment timing and refund requests, Senate Bill 5915 on the health technology assessment program, Senate Bill 6025 on the definition of fetal death, and Senate Joint Memorial 8802 requesting federal Medicare changes. The committee recessed briefly for caucus before taking final votes, and each bill or memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation; 5845 and 5185 were reported out as amended.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote now. If you favor the measure, vote aye. If you oppose the measure, vote no.
- Those wishing to vote or change their vote: Senator Kern, you care to vote.
- Senator Mann, you care to vote. Those wishing to vote or change their vote.
- Those wishing to vote or change their vote: Senator Guthrie, you care to vote.
- Senator Pugh, you care to vote. Those wishing to vote or change their vote.
Bills:
HB3327 , HB3711 , HB4104 , HJR1077 , HB3329 , HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989 , HB3016 , HB2979 , HB2988 , HB2288 , HB3062 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3530 , HB3622 , HB3755 , HB4266
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency.
Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Garcia voting aye. Show Mr. Jones voting aye. Have all voted.
- Garcia voting aye. Show Mr. Frank voting aye. Have all voted.
- Latterback voting aye. Have all members voted? Ms. Jones voting no, Ms. Bowers voting no.
- Vassup voting aye. Mr. Virdell voting aye. Mr. Wilson voting aye. I have all members voted.
- Harless voting aye. And Chia voting aye. Leo Wilson voting no. Have all members voted?
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration.
The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others.
Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in favor vote aye. Those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Those in favor vote aye. Those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Members, please vote. Members, please vote. How do you vote?
- Members, please vote. How do you vote? Representative Martinez, how do you vote?
Summary:
The House met in regular session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and personal privileges, including introductions of students and family members. The chamber also took up a motion to request the Senate return SB 1160 for reconsideration, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered SB 1118, SB 1178, and SB 1419. SB 1118 received an appropriations committee amendment and a floor amendment related to balancing housing affordability with historic preservation, and was recommended do pass as amended. SB 1178, dealing with naturopathic medicine accreditation and scope issues, drew debate: supporters said it would protect patient access and provider supply by updating accreditation-related definitions, while opponents argued it expanded scope too far and sidestepped federal accreditation concerns; the bill was ultimately recommended do pass as amended. SB 1419, concerning solar energy devices and disclosure protections for residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial units, was also amended and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1497 was retained on the calendar.
The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1242 and SB 1270. SB 1242, which allows audio and audio-visual technology for mental health evaluations or treatment hearings, was amended to modify the definition of a mental health treatment agency and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1270 also received a floor amendment and was recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole and additional Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossing SB 1118, SB 1178, SB 1419, SB 1242, and SB 1270, while retaining SB 1497.
On third reading, the House passed SB 1162, SB 1274, SB 1426, SB 1552, and SB 1814. SB 1814, which establishes a substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight study committee, drew remarks in support of a study committee to address fraud, waste, abuse, and treatment reform. The House also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- but it's not one vote.
- </c> ballot on Election Day and cast my vote ballot on Election Day and cast my vote vote<01:08:55.719
- get one vote?
- Ranked-choice voting is always one person, one vote because everyone has a vote that counts in every
- </c> one vote because everyone has a vote one vote because everyone has a vote that<01:20:09.600><c>
Committee:
Senate Elections
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in favor vote aye. Those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Those in favor vote aye. Those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- The House will now proceed to vote. Have you all voted? Members, please vote.
- And with that, I vote yes. Mr. Blackman votes aye. Mr. Blackman votes aye.
- I vote aye. President Cullen votes aye. Have you all voted? Three minutes.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jasleen Chatwal. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Irish dignitaries for St. Patrick’s Day recognition, labor organizations such as AFSCME and CWA, the Arizona Farm Bureau, the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons for Stop the Bleed training, and advocates for rare skeletal conditions. A proclamation recognizing St. Patrick’s Day was read, and the House later heard a proclamation honoring AFSCME Arizona.
On the floor, the House took up several procedural motions, including requests to have the Senate return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration, and received multiple Senate bills on first and second reading. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and approved HB 2750 with a friendly floor amendment, sending it forward as amended. The House also sent HB 2999 to an additional Committee of the Whole, adopted a floor amendment, and advanced it as amended for engrossing.
During third reading, HB 2197, relating to water access and camping near water sources, failed on reconsideration after members debated whether it imposed unnecessary criminal penalties and enforcement concerns. HB 2429, relating to vacation and short-term rentals, passed after supporters said it restored local control to cities and towns. HB 2950, creating special districts for tourism improvement areas, passed after amendments made participation voluntary and added notice requirements. HB 4001, relating to nicotine products, also passed after debate over youth vaping, enforcement authority, and whether the bill struck the right balance between regulation and parental responsibility. The House then made committee announcements and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- vote nay do not vote until you hear the bell The House will now proceed to vote.
- Therefore, I vote no. Representative Colleton votes no. Have you all voted?
- The House will now proceed to vote. Vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- So with that, I vote no. How do you vote? Oh, I voted no. Representative Austin votes no.
- All those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote nay. Aye. Those opposed vote nay.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Fred Kogan. Members also introduced numerous guests and groups, including Lunar New Year celebrants, Freedom Academy students, local officials from Nogales and Santa Cruz County, and representatives of Phoenix Ballet, which was honored in a proclamation recognizing National Ballet Day and the company’s contributions to Arizona’s arts community. The chamber also announced committee assignments, upcoming committee meetings, and several birthday and event notices, including African American Legislative Day and a statehood celebration for Arizona.
On third reading, House Bill 2190, relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants and the Physician Assistant Compact, failed on a 20-38 vote after debate over licensing compacts and rural health workforce needs. House Bill 2206, relating to SNAP rulemaking, passed 33-25 after a dispute over whether it created new rulemaking authority; supporters said it clarified existing authority and would help administer the program, while opponents argued it improperly delegated legislative power. House Bill 2396, also relating to SNAP and food restrictions, passed 34-25 after extensive debate about whether the state should limit purchases by low-income families; supporters framed it as promoting healthier choices and responsible use of public funds, while opponents argued it was paternalistic and harmful in food deserts.
During the SNAP debate, members on both sides cited food access, nutrition, personal freedom, and the cost of living. Supporters referenced WIC restrictions, school lunch standards, and concerns about taxpayer-funded benefits, while opponents emphasized food deserts, rising prices, and the need for families to make their own choices. After the votes, the House recessed briefly, then returned for additional announcements and procedural business, including committee substitutions, bill referrals, and first reading of HB 4097. The House then adjourned until Monday, February 16, 2026.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote, members, vote your machines. Chantalbitt, yes.
- Vote, members, vote your machines. Are you through voting?
- Vote your machines, members. Vote your machines. You're through voting.
- Vote your machines, members. Vote your machines. Are you through voting?
- Vote your machines, members. Vote your machines.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, here, U.S. citizens who have registered to vote are given to vote, cast vote.
- I mean, here, U.S. citizens who have registered to vote are given to vote, cast vote.
- You are not supposed to vote, and don't vote.
- Current votes 3-1. Chair voted aye. Vice Chair voted no. Allen. Okay, that's four to one.
- Current votes 2-2. Chair voted no. Choi, aye. Okay, on a vote of 3-2, that bill is out.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I vote no. Any votes now, Senator Sunderation? Mr. President Pro Tem, rise to explain my vote.
- And I vote no. Thank you. Senator Gonzalez votes no.
- Secretary, record the vote: 26 ayes, 3 nays, 1 not voting. Senator Gonzales votes no.
- So with that, I vote no. Senator Diaz votes no.
- Secretary, record the vote: 28 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
- All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence.
The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added.
Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator a no vote for votes no vote for Senator a no vote for Senator Senator Senator Dort<00:15:41.120
- </c><00:18:58.000><c> Za</c> any no votes no votes for senators Za any no votes no votes for senators
- </c> any no votes no vote for Senator any no votes no vote for Senator aah<00:20:21.240><c> Senator</
- votes no votes for reservations any no votes no votes for senators<00:24:14.480><c> A</c><00:24:14.840
- Any no votes? No votes?
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 2nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- So we all, as you said, voted this. We voted this bill out last year.
- So I would assume you couldn’t vote with a felony while you’re incarcerated, but you could vote with
- People should have the right to vote. We vote for that. Okay. Representative Elliott, to inquire.
- I cannot walk into a voting booth and cast a vote myself.
- I would point out that voting is not a privilege. Voting is a right.
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- Those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote nay. Do not vote until you hear the bell.
- How do you vote? Representative Wilmeth. How do you vote? How do you vote?
- So with that, I vote no. How do you vote? Oh, I voted no. Representative Austin votes no.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Eslick votes aye. Representative Eslick votes aye. Burnett votes aye.
- Dent votes aye. Representative Dent votes aye. Goodman votes aye. Representative Goodman votes aye.
- Hill votes aye. Representative Hill votes aye. Ortiz-Self votes aye.
- Eslik votes aye. Representative Eslick votes aye. Burnett. Burnett votes aye.
- Goodman votes aye Hill Hill vote aye representative Hill votes aye or T self or T self votes aye representative
Summary:
The committee met to brief amendments and then took executive action on nine bills related to child care, DCYF oversight, and services for children and vulnerable populations. Before voting, members reviewed proposed substitutes and amendments for HB 1544, 2099, 2219, 2253, 2319, and 2350, with brief discussion on issues such as child welfare risk assessment tools, military family child care access, child care provider flexibility, licensing and monitoring requirements, and residential habilitation center terminology and notice requirements.
The committee then reported HB 2099, HB 2185, HB 2219 as amended, HB 2253 as amended, HB 2317, HB 2318, HB 2319 as amended, and HB 2350 as amended out of committee with do pass recommendations. HB 2253 saw one amendment adopted to restore state monitoring and health/safety reviews at the Washington School for the Deaf, while other proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected. HB 2319 was amended to correct technical language regarding Eastern State Hospital and Interlake School. HB 2350’s substitute changed notice procedures for residential habilitation center noncompliance to emphasize posted notices, email, preferred language, and plain-language summaries.
HB 1544 drew the most debate. Amendments to add domestic violence, define “safe,” require an audit of missing safety-plan data, and prohibit use of an unvalidated risk tool to screen out referrals were considered; only the domestic-violence amendment was adopted, while the others failed. Members discussed concerns about the current DCYF risk assessment tool, cultural bias, and the need to improve validation, but also cautioned against narrowing the study too much. The committee ultimately reported the second substitute HB 1544 out with a do pass recommendation by a 9-0-2 vote, with two members voting no without recommendation.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Pollet votes aye. Rep. Reed votes aye. Rep. Rude votes aye. Rep. Salahuddin votes aye. Rep.
- Schmidt votes aye. Rep. Thomas votes aye. Rep. Thomas votes aye. Rep. Timmons votes aye.
- Paul votes aye. Rep. Paul votes aye. Rep. Paul votes aye. Rep. Nance votes aye. Rep.
- Reed votes aye. Rep. Rude votes nay. Rep. Saldaña votes aye. Rep. Schmidt votes aye. Rep.
- Thomas votes aye. Rep. Timmons votes aye. Rep. Leavitt votes aye. Rep. Timmons votes aye. Rep.
Summary:
At the February 3 meeting of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, members reviewed several bills for possible executive session and noted that House Bill 2538 would be heard later in the session, while no action would be taken that day on House Bills 2422, 2427, and 2589. Staff walked the committee through proposed substitutes and amendments on multiple bills, including HB 2438 (early childhood education degree seekers scholarship), HB 2525 (heritage orchard program at WSU), HB 2586 (Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant alignment), HB 2458 (expanding Washington College Grant eligibility to certain non-degree credential programs), HB 2474 (student consumer protections and tuition recovery for school closures), and HB 2540/2450 relating to EMT recertification timing. Members discussed fiscal impacts, use of the GET account, student aid access, support for trades and vulnerable students, and protections for students when institutions or programs close.
The committee adopted a proposed substitute for HB 2438 and reported it out on a 13-4 vote, with supporters emphasizing early childhood workforce shortages and opponents raising concerns about using GET account funds. HB 2525’s proposed substitute and a null-and-void amendment were adopted, and the bill was reported out unanimously. HB 2586 was reported out on a 17-0 vote, with members citing benefits for students experiencing homelessness and foster care. HB 2458’s amendment was adopted and the substitute bill passed out of committee on an 11-6 vote, despite objections about available financial aid funding. For HB 2474, members withdrew several amendments, adopted REN 076 to narrow exemptions for certain private institutions, and then reported the substitute bill out on a narrow 9-8 vote after debate over student protections versus institutional flexibility.
The final bill considered, relating to EMT recertification intervals, was reported out of committee by voice vote with 17 ayes. Throughout the meeting, the committee generally advanced the bills with do-pass recommendations, while recording split views on funding sources, student consumer protections, and the scope of aid eligibility.