Transcript Highlights:

• Would this bill affect the Grain Belt Express?
• And nor is Grain Belt. Right. That's one of the things they're saying.
• There's a lady that's quit her job, has been fighting Grain Belt Express for 12 years.
• And one thing also is, ...co-ops are not in partnership in any way with Grain Belt.
• They're going to have to hook Grain Belt up.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Transcript Highlights:

• elevators and grain buyers in Minnesota and the Department of Agriculture.
• The department oversees the financial operation of grain buying.
• To spend on the high end for these smaller grain elevators.
• buyers but also for the people who sell grain to them, the farmers.
• Mostly, this has been for our smallest elevators and our smallest grain buyers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the facility locations, so here I'm talking about like grain elevator locations, grain storage
• That allocates grain in the base situation.
• So grain merchants, grain farmers, or anyone affected by the movement of grain for sure, and fertilizer
• If less grain moves, then it's a higher price. If less grain moves, you're going to have this cost.
• If less grain moves, then it's a higher price. If less grain moves, you're going to have this cost.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• am also concerned about the provision allowing superintendents to designate an administrator to confiscate
• Confiscating weapons is a responsibility that should be... ...to confiscate a weapon.
• Confiscating weapons is a responsibility that should be left to trained law enforcement officers, not

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including Doctor of the Day Dr. Eric Osowski, State Farm visitors, Donate Life Day participants, and representatives from Ganado and Chinle Unified School Districts. The chamber also read proclamations honoring Ganado Unified for the ASBA Golden Bell Promise Program Award and Chinle Unified for multiple academic and cultural achievements, including national recognition for Chinle Elementary School and district leadership. The body then moved through committee and floor business, including consent for the Senate to adjourn, first and second readings of several bills, and a motion to reconsider HB 2429. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2093 was amended to restore mental health instruction while removing social emotional learning, HB 2229 advanced after debate over reproductive health and abortion-related provisions, HB 2429 and HB 2950 were amended and recommended do pass, and HB 4136 also advanced as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred the measures to engrossing. The chamber then considered HB 4001, a bill regulating alternative nicotine products, with amendments and debate focused on licensing, enforcement, youth access, and whether to add a tax or education provisions; the bill was recommended do pass as amended. It also debated HB 4030 and the related HCR 2052, both aimed at limiting municipal tax and fee increases and allowing increases tied to inflation or new water-source costs. Amendments offered by Democrats to redirect the measures toward affordability, housing, and health insurance claims were ruled out of order or defeated on roll-call votes, while the Olson substitute amendments prevailed. The House ultimately adopted the Committee of the Whole report, sending HB 4001, HB 4030, and HCR 2052 forward as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• there's a finding structure based on, you know, the first offense, on the third offense, actually confiscation
• there's a finding structure based on, you know, the first offense, on the third offense, actually, confiscation
• Now, of course, if it rises to a level of felony, they're already confiscating the animal.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout, and then passed two local/private bills to enactment: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure waiving the Boston Police Department’s maximum age requirement for Luis Cabral. The chamber also received and journalized a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while away on Navy training. The Senate then took up several committee rule-suspension and extension orders. It approved extensions for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on two late-filed matters until July 31, 2026, and approved two Health Care Financing extension orders, one extending 15 bills to March 31, 2026 and another extending six bills to May 1, 2026. Senators explained the delays as needed for hearings, stakeholder input, and mandated benefit reviews. The chamber also advanced local bills for Rutland recall elections, Boxford liquor licenses, Boston police age waivers, and Milton school construction timing, and adopted a resolution recognizing Endometriosis Awareness Month. A major portion of the session was devoted to H. 3014, the omnibus “Pets Act,” which combined provisions on animal welfare, pet shop sales, housing, insurance, and enforcement. Senators supporting the bill described it as banning the retail sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills, strengthening anti-cruelty enforcement, expanding access for animal control officers, limiting breed discrimination in housing and insurance, and protecting pet ownership in subsidized housing. Several amendments were debated: some were withdrawn or rejected, including proposals on renters’ insurance, nuisance barking, and property damage; others were adopted, including a compromise expanding protections for domestic animals, standards on animal welfare, and reporting/adoption requirements for research animals. The Ways and Means amendment was adopted as amended, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by roll call, with 38 members voting in the affirmative and none in the negative.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a 200-bushel bin that the grain collects in.
• That's a 200-bushel bin that the grain collects in.
• tons' worth of grain in that as they're moving with that vehicle.
• And you see in the middle that grain, that's where the grain drops in that bin.
• That crop cart that you saw that the grain was unloading into is a small one.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm concerned that we're asking a superintendent to confiscate a dangerous weapon when that should
• be That we're asking a superintendent to confiscate a dangerous weapon when that should be a security
• address all the internal, but this district has a history. that we're asking a superintendent to confiscate
• To that point, though, it says, I do see where it says, the superintendent confiscates.
• And to ensure that we're not just confiscating the language is there for a reason, because there was

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• The CIO just had an auction site, you know, for confiscated items that the state sells, and that was
• The CIO just had an auction site, you know, for confiscated items that the state sells, and that was
• The CIO just had an auction site, you know, for confiscated items that the state sells, and that was
• The CIO just had an auction site, you know, for confiscated items that the state sells, and that was
• The CIO just had an auction site, you know, for confiscated items that the state sells, and that was

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once you fill out one of these, all of the weapons are confiscated no matter what box that you check
• Once you fill out one of these, all of the weapons are confiscated no matter what box that you check
• Once you fill out one of these, all of the weapons are confiscated no matter what box that you check
• What I've taken out of the amendment, what I've taken out of the bill, was the confiscation piece.
• </c><05:55:56.558><c> those</c> Enforcement Officers to confiscate those Enforcement Officers to confiscate

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Foundation, the Specialty Soy and Grains Foundation, the Specialty Soy and Grains Alliance,<00:08
• Section 62 modifies inspection fees for grain buyers. Section 63 modifies grain storage fees.
• </c><01:13:32.960><c> program</c> the fruit, vegetable, and grain program the fruit, vegetable, and grain
• </c> grain buying, a flat $300 fee for grain grain buying, a flat $300 fee for grain storage,<01:14:55.840
• </c> gra on the grain discussion we had too. gra on the grain discussion we had too.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• , called spent grain, to farmers and ranchers for use as animal feed or compost.
• Spent grain is a high-protein byproduct left after brewing or distilling.
• Spent grain can be used as a low-cost, high-quality feed source, especially for cattle.
• Donating the grain is not free for us as brewers. It doesn't.
• Okay, and what they're doing is they're selling their grain. They're not donating it.

Bills: HB220 , HB783 , HB2240 , HB3336 , HB4202 , HB4449 , HB4904 , HB3441 , HB4284

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The grain buyers bill, what it did was say, okay, smaller grain buyers, we still want some check, but
• Larger grain buyers, yes, you still need to do the full CPA audit.
• And bill, but it was about grain buyers.
• 25:41.039><c> we</c> was said, okay, smaller grain buyers, we was said, okay, smaller grain buyers, we
• Larger grain buyers, over your books.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so for the grain recommendations.
• You know, uh grain licensing fee.
• </c><00:37:44.000><c> bin</c> the license location with no grain bin the license location with no grain
• Many of these grain to cooperatives.
• Now they market their grain as it it.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventy percent of all the product that comes out by barge is grain.
• Some of the facility locations—so here I'm talking about grain elevator locations, grain storage facility
• So grain merchants, grain farmers, or anyone affected by the movement of grain for sure, and fertilizer
• If less grain moves, then it's a higher price. If less grain moves, you're going to have this cost.
• grain, this is what these costs would look like?

Committees: Joint Transportation , Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and its consultant described the study as focused on transportation mitigation, not on whether dam removal should occur. They outlined geologic risk work on drawdown and erosion, identified vulnerable embankments and nearby roads, rail, and utilities, and explained a total logistics cost model used to compare base conditions and several future scenarios. Those scenarios included no-dam conditions with new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, a combined “many solutions” scenario, and a future scenario still to be defined. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could test reduced grain volumes; staff said the model can estimate transportation changes and costs, but not broader farm-economics impacts. WSU’s independent review said the model had improved but still had limitations in spatial detail, routing accuracy, and testing, and that stakeholder engagement remained important though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received an update on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Consultants said the study is in its early information-gathering phase, with a statewide survey of cities and counties, interviews, national research, and legal review of possible funding mechanisms. They described current sidewalk funding as fragmented, with grants, transportation benefit districts, levies, and some utility-tax allocations used in Washington, but no dedicated statewide source. They said the study is especially examining a possible sidewalk utility fee, while parcel taxes appear unlikely under Washington’s property-tax rules. Members asked whether any new mechanism would duplicate existing taxes, how a sidewalk fee would be collected, and whether development requirements for sidewalks count as dedicated funding; the consultants said the study is aimed at expanding local options rather than mandating adoption. Deliverables include a preliminary draft by mid-December, a “Sidewalks 101” document by year-end, and a final report by mid-June next year. The committee also heard a brief update on the ocean-going vessels at berth emissions study. Staff explained that the report is nearing completion and will be presented at the next JTC meeting. They highlighted federal Clean Air Act constraints, noting that Washington’s options are shaped by California’s waiver-based standards and that deviations from California’s vessel-at-berth rules could invite litigation. Staff said stakeholder outreach is underway and asked for any missing participants to be identified before the final report is issued. Finally, the committee began hearing from county representatives on local transportation challenges. The county engineers’ association emphasized ongoing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs, but the presentation was cut off as the meeting moved on to the next item.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it doesn't sound like a super exciting, sexy bill, but it was about grain buyers.
• So the grain buyers bill, what it did was say, 'Okay, smaller grain buyers, we still want some check,
• Larger grain buyers, yes, you still need to do the full CPA audit.'
• "Okay, smaller grain buyers, we still "Okay, smaller grain buyers, we still want<00:13:27.600><c> some
• Larger grain buyers, over your books.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cockfighting busts often involve a confiscation of illegal firearms, ghost guns, and drugs.
• Cockfighting busts often involve a confiscation of illegal firearms, ghost guns, and drugs.
• Even if a school can detect and confiscate these disguised vapes, the school has no way to dispose of
• requires the Department of Toxic Substances Control to address the management and disposal of vapes confiscated

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Even if a school can detect and confiscate these disguised vapes, the school has no way to dispose of
• requires the Department of Toxic Substances Control to address the management and disposal of vapes confiscated
• The first compelling issue is schools and how schools manage vapes that are confiscated from students
• high school and brought in three giant Ziploc baggies, gallon baggies full of vapes that had been confiscated

Summary: The committee heard AB 839, which would allow up to three sustainable aviation fuel projects to qualify for expedited CEQA judicial review. The author and airline and airport supporters argued SAF is a key emissions-reduction strategy for aviation and that California needs to signal investment certainty after prior project litigation. Environmental Justice and Earthjustice opposed, saying the bill weakens the public’s ability to challenge polluting projects and that SAF facilities can harm already overburdened communities. The committee later took a roll call on the bill and it was held on call after a 3-0 vote, with the motion being due pass to Judiciary. Members then took up AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes in California. The author and a broad coalition of waste, public health, local government, and environmental groups said the devices create fire hazards, add lithium batteries to the waste stream, and burden local recycling and hazardous waste systems. Opponents, including retailers and business groups, argued the bill would mainly affect a small legal market while the illicit market would continue to supply most disposable vapes, and warned of unintended consequences. After discussion about illicit sales, EPR ideas, and reuse alternatives, the committee voted 2-2 on the motion to pass as amended to Revenue and Taxation, so the bill was kept on call. The committee also heard AB 907, which would compensate the six local air district representatives who serve on the California Air Resources Board the same as other board members. The author and supporters said the change would improve equity and help ensure local representation on CARB, and no opposition was presented. The chair expressed support, noting similar legislation had passed the committee previously, and the bill was held for a later vote once quorum issues were resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• These serious MRL violations often lead to eviction and confiscation of our homes, which for many of
• These serious MRL violations often lead to eviction and confiscation of our homes, which for many of
• our homes, which for many of our often lead to eviction and confiscation of our homes, which for many
• can tell you that some of the most extreme violations, resale interference, which can result in confiscation

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 518, which would create an opt-in state framework for low-impact camping areas on rural private property. The author and supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative state permitting, expand outdoor access, and help rural landowners and local recreation economies. Opponents, including county and campground representatives, argued it could weaken existing protections, create enforcement problems for counties, and allow online marketing of sites in jurisdictions that have not opted in. Members raised questions about fire safety, sewage, local control, and whether the bill should require clearer posting and permit verification. The committee ultimately passed AB 518 as amended on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 635, which would require HCD to refer up to 25 of the most serious mobile home residency law complaints to the Attorney General each year. Supporters said the bill would strengthen enforcement for vulnerable mobile home residents facing eviction, unauthorized charges, and other abuses, while opponents argued the existing program is underused, has a large surplus, and should be allowed to sunset rather than expanded. After discussion about the program’s effectiveness and the size of the fee reserve, the bill passed 9-1 with a recommendation to the Judiciary Committee. AB 893, which expands ministerial approval for mixed-income housing near college campuses and extends affordability eligibility to students, faculty, and staff, also advanced. Supporters emphasized student homelessness and housing insecurity, while the League of California Cities opposed unless amended, citing local control and height-limit concerns. Several members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 10-0. AB 925, the Mobile Home Emergency Safety Act, drew support from resident advocates and legal aid groups who cited wildfire risks and the need for working hydrants, accessible exits, and utility shutoffs, but opponents said the bill added unnecessary requirements and an unfunded fee increase. It was moved to Appropriations on a 6-1 vote and left on call. The committee also adopted the consent calendar and heard the opening presentation of AB 712, which would increase penalties and attorney-fee remedies for public agencies that violate state housing laws; testimony on that bill began with strong support from housing advocates and industry groups, followed by initial opposition from special districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• 16:05.199><c> with</c> prohibited are those that deal with prohibited are those that deal with confiscating
• <00:16:06.560><c> firearms,</c><00:16:07.199><c> ammunition,</c><00:16:07.839><c> and</c> confiscating
• firearms, ammunition, and confiscating firearms, ammunition, and accessories.<00:16:09.120><c> And</
• ><00:16:25.680><c> purpose</c><00:16:25.920><c> is</c><00:16:26.160><c> to</c><00:16:26.320><c> confiscate
• </c> force whose purpose is to confiscate force whose purpose is to confiscate firearms,<00:16:27.440

Bills: HB0130 , HB0095 , HB0096 , HB0097 , SF0101 , SF0106 , SF0067 , SF0123

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• currently administers the Law Enforcement Protection Program, or LDP, which uses proceeds from confiscated
• Senate Bill 333 ensures that funds generated from the lawful disposition of confiscated firearms are
• I'll answer any questions that you have. ...disposition of confiscated firearms are reinvested directly

Committee: Senate Judiciary