Transcript Highlights:

• We removed the initial licensing fee in 2012.
• , a law license, an engineering license.
• 4,000 licensed occupational therapy assistants.
• The licensing division has issued over 7,000 licenses to qualified applicants while exceeding processing
• Licensed individuals.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused heavily on workforce access, public safety, transparency, and fee authority. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree for licensure, fee structure changes, and ongoing work on LVNs performing respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree proposal was intended to strengthen competency and could be phased in without harming access, but several public commenters—especially respiratory therapists and families of medically fragile children—argued it would worsen shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Other stakeholders supported clarifying LVN authority in congregate living health facilities, while the California Medical Association flagged the proposed Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist classification as having limited current workforce impact. The interior design segment drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current voluntary certification/title-act model, saying it establishes competency, has produced minimal complaints, and that licensure would unnecessarily disrupt the workforce and create barriers without demonstrated public harm. Committee members questioned the lack of state-style enforcement authority, transparency, and Bagley-Keene compliance, and some public commenters criticized the private structure and inconsistent plan acceptance in local jurisdictions. Supporters of the current system said the certification and commercial designation help educate building officials and allow qualified designers to work safely, while opponents argued licensure would provide clearer accountability and reduce confusion. The speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster turnaround times, and new continuing education audits and advertising rules. The board supported creating a licensed audiology assistant category to improve access to care, and public commenters generally backed the board while urging continued modernization. The occupational therapy board described steady growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and requested additional fee authority to address rising costs; the main public comment supported the sunset extension and a reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The naturopathic medicine board emphasized consumer protection, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and the need to clarify statutes; it said most licensed naturopathic doctors practice in underserved areas and welcomed legislative collaboration on scope and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds that alarm contractors can hardwire a service.
• Doug Bell, Associated General Contractors, waves in support.
• Carol Bowen, Associated Builders and Contractors, waves in support.
• Doug Bell, Associated General Contractors, waves and support.
• Carol Bowen, Associated Builders and Contractors, Waves and Support.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably. Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes. The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues. Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has nothing to do with the safety of the contractor, but creates a carve-out for a handful of contractors
• Another set of contractors is subject to arbitration.
• He was a general contractor.
• The state gives you your license to work in California.
• The Associated General Contractors of California.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills. SB 1154 would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. The author and community college supporters argued it would give colleges flexibility similar to K-12, UC, and CSU and help avoid delays and costly change orders. Contractors and electrical subcontractors opposed the bill, saying its skilled-and-trained workforce requirement and safety provisions would narrow competition and disadvantage small and nonunion firms. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass vote and was placed on call. SB 1347 would clarify that stock albuterol may be stocked in all public schools, including preschool programs. The author and a physician testified that the bill would remove confusion in existing law and improve access to emergency asthma medication for students. School nurses, respiratory care advocates, and small school districts supported the measure, and there was no opposition. The bill passed unanimously on a due-pass to the floor vote and was placed on call. SB 1222 would create a pilot program to designate a lead county office to help regions struggling with career technical education implementation. Supporters said many students remain disconnected from school and work and that the bill would spread proven regional CTE practices. Some committee members questioned whether another pilot was needed, arguing existing CTE programs need more funding and fewer new structures, while the author and sponsor said the bill would build regional capacity and share successful models. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1378 would create a California Excellence in Service Learning Designation Program to recognize schools and districts with strong service-learning programs. Supporters said it would validate existing work and encourage civic engagement, while one member raised concerns about adding more designations and workload for schools. The bill passed as amended to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1048 would create a Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students demonstrating climate science knowledge through coursework and hands-on learning. Supporters, including the Department of Education and climate education groups, said it would align students with growing clean-energy careers; some members cautioned against adding more curriculum-related seals and noted equity and implementation concerns. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, SB 1101, the Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act, was presented. It would require CSU, community colleges, independent colleges, and request UC to notify students, faculty, and staff when their personal information is shared with federal agencies such as the Office for Civil Rights, and to limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters said recent federal investigations and subpoenas have created fear and a lack of transparency on campuses. Committee discussion focused on subpoena authority, constitutional limits, and whether notice should be required; one member said she would abstain because of legal concerns, while another said the bill would continue to be examined in the next committee. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1101 before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also streamlines the licensing process by moving to a three-year license cycle and updating renewal
• We have worked on this for the past two years to try to clean up our license and laws and make them a
• We currently license 163 money transmitters.
• This is not other contractors or anything like that. I want everybody to be aware of that.
• miles of area because they bring in 10 contractors at one time.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on May 13 with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee then heard and advanced a series of House bills, many of them described as modernization or consumer-protection measures. HB 555, as amended, expands the definition of financial exploitation under the Protection of Eligible Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, adds training and transaction-delay provisions for financial institutions, and was reported favorably after technical and substantive amendments. HB 1166 creates a disclosure form for vacant residential property transactions and was also reported favorably. HB 267, which changes how candidates for the Louisiana Board of Home Inspectors are submitted to the governor, and HB 1195, which updates rules and penalties for athletic contests, exhibitions, and sports-agent/NIL regulation, were each moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced several licensing and regulatory bills. HB 917 modernizes life safety and property protection licensing by reducing burdens on some employees and moving to a three-year license cycle; it was reported favorably. HB 1230 overhauls Louisiana’s money transmission laws, replacing older statutes with a new framework for digital payments and stronger consumer protections; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. HB 1103, described as opening Louisiana for business in certain commerce areas, was reported favorably. HB 478 requires utility bills to clearly label and reimburse overcharges within 90 days and was reported favorably. HB 1096 gives electric cooperatives an opt-out from a prior law allowing boards to amend bylaws without member approval, and HB 921 modernizes private security licensing while restoring penalties for unlicensed activity; both were reported favorably, with HB 921 amended. HB 548 adds CPA licensure pathways to help address shortages, especially in rural areas, and was also reported favorably. Several bills drew more extensive discussion. HB 670 would promote wood pellet manufacturing and related workforce development; supporters argued it could create jobs and help manage timber waste, while an opponent warned about pollution, environmental violations, and the risks of biomass facilities. Committee members raised concerns about permitting and environmental oversight, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably, with discussion of possible follow-up with DEQ. HB 259, dealing with BEAD broadband projects, extends notice requirements before excavation, requires coordination with utility operators, and addresses damage reimbursement; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. HB 848 clarifies repair obligations for ATV and golf cart sellers, aiming to ensure consumers have meaningful repair access and to level the playing field between small dealers and big-box retailers; it was reported favorably after questions about enforcement and service requirements. The committee also heard HB 672 and HB 670 as economic-development measures tied to brick manufacturing and wood pellets, respectively, and both were moved favorably. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that remaining bills would be carried over to the following week, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, senators Senate Bill 1076 focuses on regulations pertaining roofing contractors.
• Notice is the bill updates the required notices that contractors must provide to residential property
• Casino license is a privilege granted by the government. Not an inherent property, right.
• Specifically we have a slots license.
• And without that, if somebody wants to prove a point in hand back the license, we're all screwed.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Doug Bell with Associated General contractors is a proponent.
• National Utility Contractors Association of Kerry Brink.
• National Utility Contractors Association of Florida waives in support. Hear Ye Brink.
• Contractors waives in support, Robert, for be a half building.
• General contractors is a proponent, the bill. Thank you, sir. All right.

Transcript Highlights:

• excess property taxes, and tolls, as well as an annual vehicle fee not to exceed $100 on vehicle license
• For vehicles that are subject to gross weight license fees, for example certain trucks, the maximum weight
• Under this bill, vehicles that are subject to gross weight license fees, for example certain trucks,
• In traditional design-bid-build, contractors build what is designed.
• We know that many cities and contractors are trying to address safe passage through construction.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• excess property taxes, and tolls, as well as an annual vehicle fee not to exceed $100 on vehicle license
• For vehicles that are subject to gross weight license fees, for example certain trucks, the maximum weight
• Under this bill, vehicles that are subject to gross weight license fees, for example certain trucks,
• In traditional design-bid-build, contractors build what is designed.
• We know that many cities and contractors are trying to address safe passage through construction.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. ESSB 6262 would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for vehicles subject to gross weight license fees; the sponsor and city representatives said it would close a loophole, make fees more equitable, and help fund road maintenance, while the fiscal note was described as indeterminate. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, aligning Washington with other states and supporting RV dealers; the bill drew support from the RV industry. SB 6110 would exclude certain faster electric vehicles from the e-bike definition and create a Department of Licensing work group to recommend a framework for electric motorcycles; testimony generally supported the effort but urged clearer e-motorcycle definitions and earlier work-group action, with some concern about youth safety and local enforcement. SB 5833 would allow a person to leave a vehicle running for up to 30 minutes to heat or cool a pet inside, with locking and brake requirements; the sponsor and a sheriffs’ association witness discussed balancing pet safety with auto-theft concerns, and the committee heard no fiscal impact. The committee also heard ESSB 6066, which would establish crash prevention zones in areas with unusually high serious-injury or fatal-crash rates, initially for a specific stretch of U.S. 395 and later more broadly beginning in 2029. The bill would allow local governments and WSDOT to designate zones, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, use speed cameras in the zones, and dedicate related revenues to safety improvements; supporters from Pasco and county risk pools backed the approach, while the sponsor asked for broader geographic coverage. ESSB 6311 would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school routes, with temporary routes, safety plans, inspections, and enforcement tools such as stop-work orders and penalties; the sponsor said it was modeled on local practices and aimed at protecting pedestrians during construction, and contractors and transportation advocates supported it with a requested amendment clarifying design responsibility in design-bid-build projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed each public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a licensed contractor has been paid, then they must pay their subcontractors or suppliers within 45
• Carol Bowen, Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, waives in support.
• My name is Daniel Howard, third-generation septic contractor.
• This will be extremely difficult for septic contractors and property owners.
• Most septic contractors have three- to four-day wait times as it is.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Rules Committee heard and voted on a series of bills, beginning with SB 54 on toxicology screenings in autopsies of violent offenders, which requires medical examiners to screen for psychotropic and intoxicating substances, consult treating providers when possible, and report findings to state agencies; it passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 176 on public postsecondary campus safety policies, requiring colleges and universities to publish clearer reporting and response procedures for threats to students, faculty, and staff. Both bills were reported favorably without major opposition. The largest portion of the meeting was devoted to CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Florida Farm Bill. The bill covers a wide range of agriculture-related issues, including fair association rules, preemption of local restrictions on gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food and animal veterinary loan repayment program, permanent Farmers Feeding Florida funding, forest service training expansion, signal-jamming device penalties, CDL English proficiency enforcement, no-solicitation protections, food safety inspector protections, biosolids regulation, and contractor payment enforcement. Members adopted several amendments, including changes to contractor payment language, expanded veterinary loan eligibility, citrus foundation consolidation, technical corrections, removal of outdated fair references, a nonprofit definition fix, and a late amendment deleting the bill’s disparagement clause after extensive testimony and debate about free speech and agricultural speech protections. A separate late amendment delayed biosolids compliance deadlines. The bill drew strong support from farmers, agritourism groups, food donation advocates, and some utility and wastewater interests, while conservation groups and biosolids operators raised concerns about land surplus provisions and biosolids restrictions. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then approved SB 834 on nonprofit religious organizations, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while an amendment added written disclaimer requirements; it passed favorably. SB 936 on temporary door locking devices also passed, directing the Building Commission to incorporate standards into the Florida Building Code. SB 50 on veterans’ courts was approved, allowing judges in all circuits to use veterans’ courts for cases involving service-related issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. Finally, SB 1004 on the sale of dogs and cats passed after amendments removed an appropriation and kept the bill’s disclosure, financing, and consumer protection provisions, and SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed with discussion about coaches providing basic support to student-athletes and possible parental-consent language. The committee also began hearing SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks, which would regulate crypto kiosks with registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections; an amendment to that bill was adopted, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies the required contents of a notice of claim of construction defect served on a contractor
• Horton Hawaii, I am here to strongly support SB 179, which seeks to reform the contractor repair act.
• But ultimately, the contractor repair act already allows for abuse by developers and contractors as a
• </c> period of days that the contractor period of days that the contractor repair<00:16:01.279><c> act
• </c> Implement and enforce its own licensing Implement and enforce its own licensing system<00:24:08.200

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission. The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We only hire licensed realtors to do our activities, and we have about 50 licensed realtors in the state
• Licensed Missouri real estate agents.
• So they're hiring local contractors to do the work.
• If you're selling your own home, no license is needed.
• ...licensed organization similar to New Western, where we operate with our agents being licensed to

Committee: House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2508, which would clarify that Missouri series LLCs may obtain standalone certificates of good standing from the Secretary of State and be individually listed on the Secretary of State’s website. Representative Chris Brown said the bill is intended to remove uncertainty created by a newer interpretation of the law and help Missouri businesses operate in other states. Committee members and witnesses from law and business groups generally supported the measure, emphasizing transparency, easier verification of entities, and reduced barriers to interstate business. No opposition was offered, and the hearing on HB 2508 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2517, which would require real estate wholesalers to provide a written disclosure before contracting with a seller, stating that they are acting as a wholesaler, do not represent the seller, may assign the contract, and encouraging the seller to seek legal counsel. Representative Brown described the bill as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing deceptive practices that can harm distressed homeowners, seniors, heirs, and first-time sellers. Members raised questions about whether the disclosure should be more prominent and whether the bill would affect legitimate investors. Brown and several supporters said the bill targets bad actors without restricting legitimate transactions. Testimony on HB 2517 was mixed but broadly supportive of disclosure. The Missouri Association of Realtors, the Missouri Chamber, and several wholesalers and homebuyers supported the bill’s transparency requirements, while warning that overregulation could hurt the market for distressed and blighted properties. Supporters described wholesalers as important to moving off-market homes into the hands of rehabbers and argued that disclosure helps ensure sellers understand the transaction. One witness said the Senate companion bill had been amended to require disclosure 14 days before contracting and to make Attorney General enforcement discretionary, which would eliminate the fiscal note, though some witnesses said the 14-day requirement could burden sellers in urgent situations. The hearing on HB 2517 was then closed, with no votes taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1148 relates to the licensing of attorneys for the practice of law by requiring that the
• Arizona Supreme Court itself do the licensing and not delegate that duty to any other organization and
• And although the bill allows the Supreme Court here to license attorneys, it mandates exactly how that
• bill that creates a new law prohibiting all public libraries in the state and their independent contractors
• Chairman and members, Senate Bill 1567 prohibits government entities and their contractors from exposing

Summary: The Rules Committee considered several Senate bills for constitutional and proper-form review. Senate Bill 1099, on defamation claims and internet publication limitations, drew concern from the Rules Office about possible anti-abrogation and First Amendment issues, but it was still recommended by a 4-2 vote. Senate Bill 1148, governing attorney licensure and bar membership, was flagged for separation-of-powers concerns because it would direct how the Arizona Supreme Court licenses attorneys and conflict with Supreme Court Rule 32, yet it was also recommended by a 4-2 vote. The committee then reviewed Senate Bill 1435 and Senate Bill 1567, both dealing with sexually explicit materials and minors in schools, libraries, and government settings. The Rules Office said both bills raised vagueness and First Amendment concerns, especially around the term “facilitate” and broad definitions of sexually explicit material, but noted those issues could likely be addressed by amendment. Members asked about the state’s interest in protecting minors and whether narrowing language could cure the constitutional problems. SB 1435 was recommended by a 4-2 vote, and SB 1567 was recommended by a 5-2 vote. After correcting the recorded vote on SB 1099, the committee took up a mass motion covering many additional Senate bills. The Rules Office said each measure in the motion was constitutional and in proper form, and the committee approved the mass motion by a 7-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rebecca May, on behalf of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
• Allowing a contractor to certify their own work complies with code standards is risky.
• is not the same contractor or affiliated with the same contractor who performed the work would effectively
• I like the fact that they have to have a specialty license in that particular area.
• I like the fact that they have to have a specialty license in that particular area.

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and operated briefly as a subcommittee while the chair outlined public comment procedures and the consent calendar. The first major item was AB 1751, a townhome/homeownership measure by Assembly Members Quirk-Silva and Wicks. The author accepted amendments to strike the bill’s wage provision and to limit unit size and project size, but declined other proposed amendments on downzoning, demolition protections, and site restrictions. Supporters, including the New California Coalition and California Conference of Carpenters, argued the bill would expand attainable homeownership and create more townhome sites; opponents and “opposed unless amended” witnesses raised concerns about renter protections, demolition/displacement, density impacts, and local control. Several labor groups and local government representatives were neutral or supportive of the amended bill, while the committee members discussed the tension between housing production and worker protections. The committee ultimately passed AB 1751 as amended to the Senate Committee on Local Government on a roll call vote, with the bill held on call for absent members. The committee then heard AB 750, which expands HCD’s Portfolio Reinvestment Program to more at-risk affordable housing developments needing rehabilitation. The author and supporters from the California Housing Consortium and California Housing Partnership said the bill would help preserve deed-restricted housing facing expiring affordability restrictions and disrepair, especially when paired with anticipated bond funding. Members asked about the program’s prior funding and how it works to keep units affordable through rehabilitation rather than state takeover; the author emphasized the goal was preservation of existing affordable housing stock. AB 750 passed to the Senate Appropriations Committee on a roll call vote and was held on call for absent senators. The consent calendar was also approved on call. Next, the committee heard AB 306, which would create a more workable statewide appeals and code-interpretation process at the California Building Standards Commission for local building code decisions. The author and supporters from AIA California and the Housing Action Coalition said the bill would reduce inconsistent interpretations across 540 jurisdictions, improve transparency, and support housing innovation while preserving local authority over local matters. Members discussed how the bill would interact with local amendments and alternative methods and means, and the committee moved the bill to the Senate Committee on Local Government on a roll call vote. AB 2612, directing HCD and the Building Standards Commission to develop standards for plug-in photovoltaic systems in new construction, also advanced to Appropriations after supportive testimony and brief questions about safety standards and stakeholder consultation. AB 1070, which orders a study on allowing 3- to 10-unit missing-middle housing under the Residential Code and requires a one-time report on code-related cost pressures, passed to Appropriations after building officials removed opposition. Later, AB 2181, a narrow bill concerning hotel and motel valuation and density bonus potential, passed to Local Government after testimony from Unite Here and others about protecting hospitality jobs and preventing speculative appraisals. Finally, AB 1237, clarifying safety rules for private in-unit pools in hotels and condominiums, passed to Health after the author described added safety measures such as pool covers, alarms, emergency devices, certified operators, and AEDs.

Transcript Highlights:

• to reimburse the contractors for the cost of their certifications.
• </c><00:08:24.240><c> to</c> aggregate to approve contractors to aggregate to approve contractors to
• ><c> the</c><00:08:26.240><c> cost</c> reimburse the contractors for the cost reimburse the contractors
• acting on behalf of an insurer or licensed entity.
• To Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations, Senate Bill 145 and House Bill 628.

Keywords: 958, all

Bills: HR207 , SB2595 , SB3199 , SB3132 , SB2591 , SB2089 , SB2108 , SB2970 , SB2530 , SB2442 , SB3076 , SB2532 , SB2721 , SB2055 , SB2312 , SB2152 , SB2438 , SB2982 , SB2528 , SB2919 , SB2446 , SB2315 , SB2544 , SB2060 , SB2069 , SB3011 , SB2342 , SB2075 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2835 , SB3084 , SB3322 , SB3053 , SB888 , SB709

Keywords: Dr. David Lassner, higher education, community engagement, university leadership, innovation, Hawaii education system, agribusiness, leasing, agriculture, Hawaii, food innovation, Department of Education, mental health, emerging therapies, psychedelic treatment, task force, clinical trials, trauma recovery, MDMA, psilocybin

Bills: HR207 , SB2595 , SB3199 , SB3132 , SB2591 , SB2089 , SB2108 , SB2970 , SB2530 , SB2442 , SB3076 , SB2532 , SB2721 , SB2055 , SB2312 , SB2152 , SB2438 , SB2982 , SB2528 , SB2919 , SB2446 , SB2315 , SB2544 , SB2060 , SB2069 , SB3011 , SB2342 , SB2075 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2835 , SB3084 , SB3322 , SB3053 , SB888 , SB709

Keywords: Dr. David Lassner, higher education, community engagement, university leadership, innovation, Hawaii education system, agribusiness, leasing, agriculture, Hawaii, food innovation, Department of Education, mental health, emerging therapies, psychedelic treatment, task force, clinical trials, trauma recovery, MDMA, psilocybin

Bills: SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: body-worn camera, public records, law enforcement transparency, recording disclosure, civil rights, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities, historic property

Transcript Highlights:

• And the contractor is Max Cooney on this project.
• So the potential for limited contractor resources is also a potential risk.
• And knowing full well the Spokane Corridor, it's not like in Puget Sound, where you have a contractor
• It... ...to a Department of Licensing office.
• Costs of one time to the Department of Licensing of $89,000 for the work group.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for work sessions, public hearings, and executive action. In the work session, WSDOT briefed the committee on the U.S. 12 corridor near Walla Walla and the North Spokane Corridor. Brian White said U.S. 12 is an eight-phase project with seven phases complete, and phase eight would finish the corridor, improve freight mobility and safety, and include a jurisdictional transfer of the old highway back to Walla Walla County. He said the project remains short of full funding, including a gap between the $350 million corridor cost and the $110 million federal Rural Surface Transportation grant, but WSDOT hopes to build smaller independent-utility pieces and begin construction in summer 2027. Charlene K. then reported that the North Spokane Corridor is seven of eight highway miles open, with major remaining work on the I-90 connection and related interchanges, bridges, and trail segments. She described the project as on track for design completion in 2027 and construction completion around 2030, while noting risks tied to federal approval, tight construction space, labor and contractor availability, utilities, and community impacts. The committee also heard from Karen Messmer of the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council, who summarized the council’s 2025 report and 2026 priorities. She emphasized that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remain unacceptably high and urged a safe-system approach focused on safer speeds, roads, road users, vehicles, land use, and post-crash care. She highlighted recommendations including safety-based performance measures, better speed management, more local safety planning support, improved driver education, attention to micromobility and large vehicles, and faster toxicology and crash-data processing. In public hearings, the committee heard Senate Bill 6131, which would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority, designate it as a public health authority for limited access to health information, and create a confidential fatality review committee. The sponsor and Traffic Safety Commission said the bill would help identify common contributing factors in all fatal crashes while protecting confidential information; a media representative testified that the bill preserves public access to records already open and supports the goal of improving safety. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6155, which would extend disability parking placard renewal from every five years to every 20 years and remove the need for a health care practitioner’s signature at renewal; supporters said this would reduce burdens on permanently disabled people, while opponents warned it could increase fraud and misuse of placards. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6238, which would raise the minimum tug escort horsepower for oil tankers in restricted waters to 3,000 horsepower or 5% of tanker deadweight, whichever is greater; the sponsor and Board of Pilotage said the change would align statute with current practice and newly adopted rules. Testimony was mixed, and the hearing closed with two people signed in pro and two con. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed Senate Bill 5746 on EV charging infrastructure property crime, Senate Bill 5824 on fifth wheel travel trailer length, Senate Bill 6110 on e-bikes and e-motos, Senate Bill 5839 on county ferry district passenger-only service, and Senate Bill 6148 on regional transit authority bond terms, all with due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee. An amendment to SB 6110 adding several state agency leaders to the e-moto work group was rejected. The committee adjourned after signing committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• than within the effective time period of the covenant for those individuals and for independent contractors
• or cooperative from representing more than three producer licenses.
• Next, House Bill 1526 relates to the snack bar liquor license.
• Lastly, engrossed substitute House Bill 2476 relates to the spirits, beer, and wine theater license.
• The bill allows LCB to issue the license to a theater that has up to 200 seats per screen rather than

Summary: The Labor and Commerce committee held its final executive session and took action on several House bills. On ESHB 1155, concerning noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements, the committee adopted the Stanford striking amendment and then advanced the bill to Rules on a two-pass recommendation; the King amendments on goodwill/ownership interests and specified executives were withdrawn. The committee also advanced SHB 1570, giving non-academic student employees at Western Washington University collective bargaining rights, to Ways and Means, and ESHB 2303, banning employer requests or coercion for employee microchipping, to Rules. SHB 2405, creating a PTSD workers’ compensation treatment pilot program, was sent to Rules, and 2SHB 2479, creating a wage recovery program and account to help advance unpaid wages to low-wage workers, was sent to Ways and Means. The committee also adopted amendments and moved forward several liquor and cannabis-related bills. EHB 1941, dealing with cannabis producer agricultural cooperatives, was amended with the Saldana striking amendment and sent to Rules. HB 1526, allowing snack bar liquor license holders to sell wine by the glass, was amended with a Saldana striking amendment and sent to Rules. ESHB 2476, expanding the theater liquor license to larger theaters and requiring alcohol control plans when minors are allowed, was also sent to Rules. In each case, members noted the bills’ policy goals and, where relevant, the need for further fiscal review or referral to the appropriate committee. During the session, members briefly discussed the policy rationale for the bills, including worker protections, faster recovery of unpaid wages, PTSD treatment access, and support for business investments in theaters. The committee also took a moment at the end of the meeting to thank staff for their work and heard remarks from Senator Conway reflecting on his long service on the committee and the importance of bipartisan labor-management problem solving. All bills reported out were approved subject to signatures, with referrals either to Rules or Ways and Means as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

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• . >> That's one contractor. >> That's one out of eight.
• can apply for a limited license to work for government agencies.
• </c> right in managing contractors right in managing contractors &gt;&gt; correct<02:42:05.680><c> this
• </c> implement those through the contractors implement those through the contractors or<02:42:21.040>

Bills: SB1 , SB4 , SB6 , SB9 , SB16 , SB17 , SB20 , SB22 , SB28 , SB29 , SB36 , SB41 , SB45 , SB77 , SB85 , SB87 , SB96 , SB98 , SB110 , SB126 , SB139 , SB143 , SB164 , SB167 , SB171 , SB186 , SB188 , SB195 , SB197 , SB198 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB217 , SB219 , SB220 , SB225 , SB231 , SB237 , SB238 , SB241 , SB244 , SB246 , SB247 , SB272 , SB294 , SB315 , SB346 , SB364 , SB366 , SB367 , SB386 , SB392 , SB403 , SB415 , SB427 , SB431 , SB437 , SB457 , SB459 , SB469 , SB471 , SB478 , SB484 , SB489 , SB502 , SB503 , SB507 , SB508 , SB510 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB521 , SB535 , SB543 , SB550 , SB564 , SB568 , SB570 , SB575 , SB577 , SB578 , SB590 , SB607 , SB616 , SB621 , SB634 , SB644 , SB647 , SB649 , SB652 , SB655 , SB656 , SB663

Keywords: agricultural lands, foreign ownership, state agriculture policy, real estate regulation, land conservation, SB4, Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, stewardship, Hawaiian affairs, cemetery, burial site, ancestral remains, cultural preservation, state land management, agency transfer