Transcript Highlights:

• When systems fail, local government becomes the point of continuity.
• Wilkeson is not a place people pass through by chance. We are a gateway community.
• When infrastructure fails due to natural disasters, our systems quickly respond.
• This bridge did not fail suddenly. It failed predictably.
• The answer today is no, unless you pass Senate Bill 5987.

Bills: SB5987, SB6170

Keywords: SB 5987, SB5987, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, WSDOT, Washington State Department of Transportation, emergency bridge replacement, infrastructure failure, transportation emergency, climate commitment account, climate investment account, clean energy, climate funding, greenhouse gas reduction, environmental justice, renewable energy, building electrification, industrial decarbonization

Transcript Highlights:

• When systems fail, local government becomes the point of continuity.
• Wilkeson is not a place people pass through by chance. We are a gateway community.
• When infrastructure fails due to natural disasters, our systems quickly respond.
• This bridge did not fail suddenly. It failed predictably.
• The answer today is no, unless you pass Senate Bill 5987.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee began with a work session on the Fairfax Carbon River SR-165 Bridge closure and replacement. Wilkeson Mayor Jamie Pololi described the bridge as a long-neglected state asset whose closure cut off a gateway community from Mount Rainier access, hurt local businesses and municipal revenue, complicated emergency response, and severed access to public lands. Pierce County’s Melissa Littleton emphasized that the Fairfax closure, along with recent bridge closures from other causes, shows the need for stronger preservation and modernization funding. WSDOT’s Steve Rourke explained that the 105-year-old bridge was permanently closed after structural failure, that a detour route on private property is now the only access for some residents, and that the agency’s planning study considered seven alternatives; the current recommendation is to continue geotechnical work and NEPA review, with construction likely taking 24 months or more once a design is finalized. Committee members asked about detour distance, speeding up the project, emergency authority, historic-preservation issues, community mitigation, and funding needs; WSDOT said about $7 million in existing preservation funds has already been used and more will be needed. The committee then heard public testimony on proposed substitute Senate Bill 5987, which would declare the Fairfax Bridge closure an emergency, direct WSDOT to restore SR-165 access as soon as possible, and give the transportation secretary some emergency authorities. Supporters, including the mayor, residents, recreation advocates, and trail groups, said the bill is needed because the closure was foreseeable, has harmed local economies and recreation access, and lacks a current emergency response pathway. WSDOT testified in opposition, warning that the bill could create false expectations because most of the timeline is driven by federal environmental review and historic-preservation requirements that the secretary cannot waive. The bill drew strong support in testimony, with 606 pro, 1 con, and 2 other recorded on the sign-in tally. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6170, which would raise dollar thresholds for state highway work performed by state forces and for certain contracting rules that help small and disadvantaged businesses compete. Staff said the limits have not been updated since 2005 and the bill would increase the normal state-force threshold from $60,000 to $100,000 and the emergency threshold from $100,000 to $160,000. Senator King, the prime sponsor, said the change would better match inflation and help keep maintenance work in-house when appropriate. Washington Federation of State Employees and WSDOT supported the bill, saying it would help maintenance workers do more timely work without harming existing equity and small-business contracting programs; the committee noted 55 pro and no con on the sign-in tally. The chair then reminded members that amendment requests for the upcoming executive session were due the next day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with two, with the failed...
• It is available online and has been passed out.
• So if they fail, if they fail, If they failed in the fall, they could come back in the spring.
• We are having renewals fail at an alarming rate.
• We are having renewals fail at an alarming rate that used to pass with flying colors because they're

Summary: The Committee on House and Governmental Affairs met on March 18 and first adopted the minutes from its February 21 meeting. The committee then took up HB 250, which would have narrowed financial disclosure requirements for appointed, unpaid board and commission members by exempting immediate family information. Supporters said the bill would reduce burdens and help recruit volunteers, while opponents argued it would weaken ethics enforcement and create opportunities for undisclosed conflicts of interest. After debate and a roll call, the committee deadlocked and HB 250 failed to advance on a 6-6 vote with one abstention. The committee next considered HB 576, which transfers ownership and maintenance responsibility for the Old Governor’s Mansion to the Department of State and codifies its current operational role. Secretary of State Nancy Landry and mansion staff testified in support, describing expanded programming, increased visitors, and the need to align the statute with current practice. The committee adopted technical amendments and then reported HB 576 favorably without objection. The committee also heard HB 117, which recreates the Department of State and its statutory entities through July 1, 2033, and reported it favorably without objection. The major remaining item was HB 842, the annual omnibus elections bill, which makes numerous technical and substantive changes to election law, including voter assistance for people with disabilities, absentee ballot and petition procedures, inactive voter updates, and election contest deadlines. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns about disability documentation, absentee ballot curing, witness requirements, constitutional amendment challenge deadlines, and the scope of authority given to the Secretary of State, while others said the bill clarified existing practice and improved election administration. After adopting amendments and rejecting a motion to defer, the committee reported HB 842 favorably by an 8-5 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I failed the paper test first time and I studied more and passed it second time.
• If you don't pass that section, it's safe to say you failed the navigation.
• If they fail the oral board, if they pass the written test, they fail the oral board, we offer them another
• If they fail the oral board,<05:09:47.280><c> if</c><05:09:47.440><c> they</c><05:09:47.680><c> pass<
• the written test, board, if they pass the written test, they<05:09:48.878><c> fail</c><05:09:49.040>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The national average on passing across the country is 91% of those taking the test passed the test in
• We were 84% only passed the test.
• If you pass, don't pass that exiting. See him with this bill in place.
• For example, in 2014, they passed the requirement.
• So so hard passed the test. We are 50 out of 50.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill did not receive a constitutional majority and failed to pass.
• The bill did not receive a constitutional majority and failed to pass.
• The bill did not receive a constitutional majority and failed to pass.
• The bill did not receive a constitutional majority and failed to pass.
• The bill did not receive a constitutional majority and failed to pass.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He failed. He failed to kill the Hoffmans. He failed to kill Ann Rest. Yes, I do.
• He failed. He failed to kill the Hoffmans. He failed to kill Ann Rest.
• He failed to take out anyone else in this room.
• He failed. He failed to kill the Hoffmans. He failed to kill Ann Rest.
• He failed to take out anyone else in this room.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Fail to meet their obligations? You recognize. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• for the children of Delaware, if the DuPont Trust, which is in Florida, and the Nemours Foundation fail
• Before that bill was passed and was enacted into law, excuse me, we operated in a system where there
• Passing this bill will harm both patients and Florida consumers. Thank you.
• In almost two years to the day, HB 837 was passed.

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion does pass, and we'll go forward with the due pass recommendation. Mr.
• with a due pass recommendation.
• The motion has passed and we'll go forward with the due pass recommendation. Mr.
• The motion having failed to meet the majority in each committee, the motion has failed.
• Having failed to get a quorum within each body, this motion has failed. So this motion fails.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee met to review the general fund update and several budget-setting items, with staff explaining how to track the latest “green sheet” online and how JFAC actions were affecting the FY 2026 and FY 2027 bottom lines. Members also discussed whether work group progress should be summarized more broadly, but leadership emphasized that work groups were intended to remain independent and that members should consult analysts directly rather than have a running public summary of each group’s internal deliberations. The committee then acted on a series of agency budgets. It approved the Idaho State Tax Commission enhancement package after revising it to remove the chief operating officer personnel item and adopted language limiting use of $550,000 for fast tax collection vendor payments, with any unused amount reverting to the general fund. It also approved supplemental and enhancement requests for the Office of Information Technology Services, including Chinden campus furnishings, E-Core grant staffing and funding, enterprise security/firewall upgrades, the IT modernization transfer of 58 positions from Health and Welfare, and a one-time cash transfer language item to cover transition-year health insurance costs. The Military Division’s request for $120,000 for Office of Emergency Management indirect cost recovery was approved, but an alternate motion to also add $190,800 for the state education assistance program failed, and the original motion was later held in committee. The Industrial Commission and Public Utilities Commission budgets were both advanced with dedicated-fund increases for IRIS maintenance, training, disability fund needs, OITS hardware, and replacement laptops. The Department of Fish and Game budget was also advanced, with approval of a large package of dedicated and federal funds for fishery habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, hatchery and laboratory inflation, temporary employees, wolf depredation response, communications, and replacement items, along with reappropriation authority for prior-year funds. The committee then took up the Department of Health and Welfare Division of Public Health Services, where competing motions focused on the Idaho Home Visiting Program, immunization assessment fund restoration, laboratory testing, HIV and hepatitis prevention, suicide prevention, and moving the home visiting program to Early Learning and Development. Both the substitute motion and the original motion failed after split votes in the House and Senate committees, leaving that budget held for later action. Finally, the committee considered new language for the State Controller and State Treasurer to require monthly reconciliation of cash balances between Luma and TARS from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, with a report due by the fall interim JFAC meeting and documentation retained for audit. Members discussed the need for accurate cash reconciliation and the resources available to the Controller’s office, but no final action was taken before adjournment. The chair announced upcoming budget-setting meetings and reminded members to complete work group motions by the end of the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Stefani, I move do pass. Chair: Is there any objection to the do pass motion? None.
• All right, there's a do pass motion. Senator O'Malley: Yes, do pass. Chair: Senator O'Malley.
• Chair: Wiley, who has a do pass motion, very timid do pass motion.
• Here you can fail it.
• On the bill, members, do pass as amended. There's a motion for a do pass as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of them failed because they were dead.
• Some of them failed because they were dead.
• </c> that failed. that failed.
• </c> Some of them failed because Some of them failed because they<00:43:53.960><c> were</c><00:43:54.080
• </c> Some of them failed because Some of them failed because they<00:43:58.600><c> had</c><00:43:58.840

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we will move into executive session, and I move that House Bill 2592 be voted do pass.
• House Bill 2592 be voted do pass. Any discussion? I got a discussion.
• So still they have to show the intent to fail to charge their bracelet.
• And that's why the words not merely failing to charge, but intentionally failing to charge is a little
• And that's why the words, not merely failing to charge, but intentionally failing to charge is a little

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first okay due to our increased failed inspections along with other violations such as failing to
• Overall, this is a 300% increase in failed inspections that home deficiencies for failed inspections
• since the implementation of House Bill. 187 are failing to maintain employment and patient records failing
• and failing to have a procedure in place to report human trafficking.
• Also failing to display a 2 by 2 photo of each appointee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Passes bill. Will there be debate?
• Presents, passes the bill.
• This final passes the bill.
• failed.
• failed.

Bills: HR1038, HB3263, HB3127, HB2997, HB3115, HB2123, HB3587, HB3028, HB2035, HB3369, HB3620, HB3621, HB3622, HB3624, HB3175, HB3173, HB3178, HB1979, HB4476

Keywords: Oklahoma Youth Expo, OYE, 4-H, FFA, agriculture, agricultural education, youth expo, livestock show, junior livestock, scholarships, youth leadership, Oklahoma City, rural communities, ag mechanics, engineering contest, farm youth, student recognition, ceremonial resolution, house resolution, livestock competition

Transcript Highlights:

• I move C3B passed. Thank you very much, Senator Christian.
• The committee voted: aye, no; the amendment does not pass.
• The amendment has failed. Vice Chair Frame moved Amendment D4.
• The amendment has failed. Are there more amendments? There are not... The amendment has failed.
• The bill is passed subject to signatures, and we are at 3:30.

Bills: SB6062, SB6080, SB6184, SB6224, SB6255, SB6286, SB6308, SB6319, SB5977, SB5979, SB6249, SGA9299

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, contracts, jails, federal custody, municipal agreements, incarceration, law enforcement, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• </p> <p>Nay, the amendment has failed. Are there any more amendments?
• </p> <p>Nay, the amendment has failed. Are there any more amendments?
• </p><p>Nay, the amendment has failed. Are there any further amendments?
• </p> <p>Nay, the amendment has failed. Are there more amendments?
• The bill has passed, subject to signatures, and that will. Nay.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 25 and received staff briefings on three bills. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2253, the DCYF licensing bill, was described as affecting foster care licensing, crisis residential center staffing ratios, and child care licensing. Staff reviewed multiple proposed amendments, including changes related to immediate threats to children’s safety, substance use, subsidy fraud, reporting channels, and DUI-related ineligibility, as well as a Wilson striking amendment that would remove many of those floor changes. After caucus, the chair announced she would pull ESHB 2253 from executive action for further work over the interim, and no vote was taken on the bill. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319, which renames certain residential habilitation centers, had one amendment to rename Yakima Valley School as the Yakima Valley Residential Habilitation Center. The committee adopted the amendment despite opposition from Senators Warnick and Christian, who said constituents in Yakima did not support the change. The bill then received a do-pass recommendation and was sent to Rules, with Senators Warnick and Christian voting no. House Bill 2464, concerning incident reporting by private detention facilities to the Department of Health and local law enforcement, was also considered. Senator Christian offered six amendments, including a JLARC study, public posting and legislative sharing of reports, expanded reporting requirements, food-safety consistency, and reimbursement for compliance costs; all six amendments failed. The committee then approved the bill on a do-pass recommendation and sent it to Rules, with Senator Christian opposing and Senator Orwall supporting the measure as a human-rights and safety bill. The chair closed the meeting after noting the committee had reached the policy cutoff and thanking staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I would ask for all those in favor of passing, of passing Senate Bill 6308 to be sent to
• The bill passes and is subject to signatures. Sorry about that.
• I move C3B passed. Thank you very much, Senator Christian.
• The amendment has failed. Are there more amendments? There are not... The amendment has failed.
• The bill is passed subject to signatures, and we are at 3:30.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee first held a public hearing on the gubernatorial appointment of Angela Ramirez to serve as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. Ramirez described her background in public service and said her priorities would include improving technology, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening relationships with labor, tribes, and community organizations, and protecting DSHS programs and clients during uncertain budget and federal conditions. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck also spoke in support of her confirmation, and members raised questions about needed improvements at DSHS. The committee then moved into executive session on six bills. On SB 6062, dealing with juvenile rehabilitation, midpoint reviews, bed capacity, and transfers between DCYF and DOC facilities, all six proposed Christian amendments failed and the committee advanced the Wilson substitute to Ways and Means. On SB 6308, concerning shelter care conditions for children under five in dependency cases, the committee rejected four Christian amendments and adopted a Wilson amendment clarifying that the bill does not supersede the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act; the bill then advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6319, addressing community-based referrals for high-risk families with children under four and parental opioid use, the committee rejected three Christian amendments and adopted a technical Wilson amendment; the substitute then advanced to Ways and Means. The committee also considered SB 6286, which would authorize Department of Health inspections of private detention facilities and create a repair account funded by fines for inspection violations. All Christian amendments and one Warnick amendment failed, and the proposed substitute was advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6080, regarding contracts and conditions for jails holding people in federal custody, all Christian amendments failed and the substitute was advanced to Rules. Finally, on SB 6184, an agency-request bill making technical and program updates, the committee adopted the bill with one amendment and sent it forward subject to signatures. The committee recessed partway through the agenda, returned to vote on the first six bills, and announced that remaining bills and the gubernatorial appointment would be taken up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 2001, due pass, be amended to show that the resolution failed to pass.
• , be amended to show that it failed to pass.
• HCR 2001, due pass, be amended to show that the resolution failed to pass.
• You failed to pass Senate Bill 1178.
• You failed to pass House Bill 2142.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a</c><00:02:08.160><c> company</c><00:02:08.959><c> uh</c> The original grain indemnity fund was passed
• 43.920><c> I</c><00:02:44.160><c> think</c><00:02:44.319><c> three</c><00:02:44.640><c> years</c> passed
• bipartisanly I think three years passed bipartisanly I think three years ago.<00:02:45.920><c> The</
• Is there anything that is preventing any legislator of any party in a future year, if this bill passes
• Uh other committees have over or failed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment failed. Senator Christian moved Amendment C3.
• The amendment failed. Senator Christian moved Amendment C4.
• The amendment failed. Senator Christian moved Amendment C6.
• The amendment failed.
• The bill has passed, subject to signatures, and that will. Nay.

Bills: HB2464

Keywords: detention facilities, law enforcement, reporting requirements, incidents, private detention, 904, all