Transcript Highlights:

• Those in favor will rise and the monitors return the count. First division, 25.
• The voting stations.
• The voting stations of Representative Murphy of Weymouth and Representative Vieira of Falmouth are locked

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up two resolutions reported by the Committee on Rules: one commemorating the 100th birthday of Leona Dugas Barrett of Webster, and another commending the New England Hemophilia Association for recognizing March 2025 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions by voice vote. The chamber then considered House Bill 58, an amended fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The House first voted on and adopted the emergency preamble after a roll call, then reconsidered and adopted it again by a larger roll call vote. After that, a call of the yeas and nays was ordered on final passage. On final passage, House Bill 58 was passed to be enacted by a vote of 127 in favor and 23 opposed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commercial stations have their own coverage areas, and so if you are in Guymon, you will not see any
• Oklahoma City stations.
• You're going to see stations from Amarillo, or you're going to see stations from Kansas.
• The only station that covers all 77 is OETA.
• There are certain days of the week where we are the number one broadcast station in the country.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee’s Appropriations Subcommittee met to hear budget presentations from OETA, the Commissioners of the Land Office, and the Oklahoma Educational Quality and Accountability Commission (OEQA). The chair asked witnesses to stay focused on budget requests and agency operations rather than policy, unless policy affected the numbers. OETA reported no request for additional funding. Director Sean Black highlighted the agency’s 70th year of continuous broadcasting, completion of transmitter replacements, conversion to fiber, and lower electricity costs from more efficient equipment. He said OETA would offset the loss of federal CPB funding through donations, events, and partnerships, and described its statewide reach, educational programming, and multiple broadcast and streaming channels. Members asked about energy use and were told the new transmitters had reduced power costs. The Commissioners of the Land Office discussed record distributions to schools, a flat budget, and planned spending on invasive woody species, implementation of SB 951, IT modernization, and possible changes to mineral management and staffing. The secretary requested funding for a revenue compliance director, field services manager, internal auditor support, and other adjustments, while explaining the agency’s use of stabilization funds and carryover. Senators questioned orphan and abandoned wells, AI use, and staffing efficiency; the secretary said the agency was trying to work more closely with operators, use AI and in-house software where possible, and manage wells and land in ways that protect school revenue. OEQA presented its priorities for teacher quality, including Teach Forward apprenticeship pilots, dashboard expansion, accreditation review, statutory cleanups, and continued monitoring of cell phone-free zones. The agency described a small, stable budget, five unfilled positions, and a proposed $100,000 reduction for FY 2027 based on efficiencies. Members asked about Teach Forward applications, multilingual testing, and the broader quality of teacher preparation programs; OEQA said it had received three Teach Forward applications and that translating certification tests would raise cost and validity concerns. Senators urged OEQA to play a stronger role in connecting teacher preparation programs with classroom needs, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:35:04.040><c> are</c> oppos press the red voting stations are oppos press the red voting stations
• </c><01:40:11.560><c> are</c> oppos press the red voting stations are oppos press the red voting stations
• </c> severely damage the brain and central severely damage the brain and central nervous<04:30:16.560
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds.
• </c><06:50:26.240><c> are</c> press the red button voting stations are press the red button voting stations

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not able to count on any amount of rural aid when we create our budget.
• We are not able to count on any amount of rural aid when we create our budget.
• The BR Regional School District is home to over 5,600 students and counting.
• The first is a new fire station, a badly needed expense that I support, but nonetheless fear what this
• our commitment to fully fund school transportation, but in a systemic way, in a way that towns can count

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements. The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock. Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Approximately $270 million in bond funds was authorized to construct the central laboratory expansion
• <00:18:31.760><c> to</c><00:18:31.919><c> construct</c><00:18:32.240><c> the</c><00:18:32.480><c> central
• </c> bond funds to construct the central bond funds to construct the central laboratory<00:18:34.400>
• updates to mobile data terminals and updates to mobile data terminals and docking<00:20:38.880><c> stations
• </c> docking stations and the road cruisers. docking stations and the road cruisers.

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 500 Discussion 00:01:50 HB 500 Vote 00:38:40 HB 504 Discussion 00:41:45 HB 504 Vote 00:47:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunities, including extensive greenfield sites, the potential to develop real estate around stations
• We probably have 600 members a day working on this project in the Central Valley, which is providing
• And what was really interesting was to see the activity around each of the stations and how that was
• For the Central Valley and rural communities, this means shorter commutes to access flights.
• That, I think, is the central question that we're trying to achieve here today.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've experienced countless rejections and constantly been counted out by potential employers, presumably
• specifically for our diversity and inclusion initiative, where we invite applicants to come and set up a station
• Central theme that I heard was Well, is that you know folks really have those goals for their community

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I count on my colleague from Santa Cruz to bolster me up, but not this morning, not this morning, yeah
• My wife left her career for a duty station move that was canceled.
• Parts of the Central Valley, as you may or may not know, have very high maternal and infant mortality

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills covering travel consumer protections, cannabis commerce with tribes, medical record integrity, pest control licensing, pawn and gold-buying regulation, pharmacy discipline, land surveying, and expedited licensing for veterans separated under a federal transgender military policy. Members also later heard AB 1973, which would expand the ability of advanced practice clinicians to provide abortion care, with supporters arguing it would improve access and opponents warning about safety and scope-of-practice concerns. Several bills were presented before quorum was reached, and the chair repeatedly urged absent members to arrive so the committee could vote. Testimony on the bills was largely in support. Authors and witnesses said AB 1758 would raise the seller-of-travel assessment cap to keep the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund solvent; AB 2506 would allow state cannabis licensees to sell products from tribal licensees while respecting tribal sovereignty; AB 1637 would prevent non-physicians from altering physician-authored medical notes; AB 2477 would create a short provisional period for pest control workers awaiting licensure; AB 2633 would close a loophole involving remote gold-buying events and stolen property reporting; AB 2141 would let the Board of Pharmacy resolve some cases through stipulated settlements before formal accusations; and AB 1933 would make technical clarifications to land surveying law. AB 1775 drew emotional testimony from transgender service members and advocates describing the impact of federal separation policies and the need for California licensing and support. Once quorum was established, the committee voted out the consent calendar and each of the heard bills, generally on party-line or near-unanimous votes. AB 1637, AB 1758, AB 1775, AB 1933, AB 2141, AB 2477, AB 2506, and AB 2633 all passed out of committee, most to Appropriations or another policy committee as noted. AB 1973 also passed, despite a no vote from some members and an opposition witness from the California Family Council. The committee later took vote changes and additional roll calls for absent members before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I count on my colleague from Santa Cruz to bolster me up, but not this morning, not this morning.
• My wife left her career for a duty station move that was canceled.
• Parts of the Central Valley, as you may or may not know, have very high maternal and infant mortality

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That means that our officers are stationed within the unit.
• In all our discussions about crime over the last couple of years, it seems that the central focus of
• Alright, so we're going to count on you to be there shortly and get back.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> negotiated contracts impact to central negotiated contracts impact to central office<00:30:34.960
• that you may have to cut not count that you may have to cut not knowing<00:53:05.799><c> I</c><00:53
• You know, John Deg Grot again, uh, Christian, Minnesota Central Minnesota Christian School.
• Minnesota Christian they like Central Minnesota Christian they operate<01:29:31.920><c> with</c><01:
• We hope that they come in sooner than later because we are counting down our days, and we don't want

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 16 and January 21 minutes. Members then heard testimony focused on the impact of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and the proposed paid family and medical leave program on Minnesota school districts, with the chair framing the hearing as an opportunity to hear from major employers and school leaders about costs and operational effects. Kimberly Lewis, speaking for the Minnesota School Boards Association and related school administrator groups, said districts generally already provide generous, locally negotiated sick leave and had initially adapted to ESST by separating vacation, sick time, and ESST into different buckets. She argued that a 2024 law effectively converted previously bargained sick leave into ESST, which she said undermines contracts, creates large unfunded costs, and may raise constitutional contract-clause concerns. Lewis cited large accumulated leave banks in some districts, increased sick leave use, and estimated significant costs from paid leave, including a reported $2.5 million impact for one large district. She urged flexibility such as prorating ESST for midyear hires and part-time staff and exempting coaches, short-term substitutes, and similar employees from ESST. Superintendent Anarie Fuco of St. Michael-Albertville said her district expects about $400,000 in added fiscal 2026 costs from ESST and paid leave, plus indirect costs from substitute coverage and increased absenteeism. She said schools already have generous bargaining agreements, but the new laws reduce verification and require districts to track leave for temporary staff, creating what she described as a need for “substitutes for our substitutes.” Fuco said the district would face more than $211,000 in direct payroll costs from paid leave alone and asked for flexibility or exceptions for districts already offering comparable benefits. Members asked follow-up questions about how substitute teachers accrue leave and how many districts may be cutting budgets; Lewis and Fuco said many districts are making cuts and that substitute and staffing burdens are growing. A third testifier began by Zoom, but the transcript cuts off before her full testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think about this as weights and measures for electric vehicle charging stations.
• Think about this as weights and measures for electric vehicle charging stations.
• I think what you're getting at is, if you go to a gas station, it's a cost per gallon.
• I think what you're getting at is, if you go to a gas station, it's a cost per gallon.
• </c> they pull up to that charging station they pull up to that charging station they're<00:31:03.720

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Launch Complex 36 is out at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
• Launch Complex 36 is out at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
• the customer terminals, or the CTs, I'll talk about a little bit, and then our gateway or ground stations
• And then finally, the third component of our network is our ground gateways or ground stations.
• We pioneered 3D printing on the International Space Station, which has helped the astronauts do their

Summary: The committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard a series of presentations focused on Florida’s space and aerospace industry. Blue Origin’s Anna Spencer described the company’s Florida operations at Rocket Park, including New Glenn manufacturing and launch activities, Blue Moon lunar lander work, workforce development, and recent booster recovery and launch milestones. Amazon’s Beth Cooley presented an update on Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), outlining the satellite broadband network, customer terminals, dark skies mitigation efforts, Florida facilities and jobs, and launch plans; members asked about RV/mobile applications, satellite counts, and the role of fiber, but no action was taken. Starcatcher Industries CEO Andrew Rush then described his company’s effort to create an orbital energy grid that beams power to satellites to extend mission life and increase available power, citing demonstrations in Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace sector, citing billions in private investment, hundreds of projects in the pipeline, the leverage of state spaceport funding, workforce and university programs, and the need for additional tools and infrastructure to keep Florida competitive. He emphasized growth in launch activity, manufacturing, research, and military support infrastructure, and said Space Florida would bring forward legislative proposals. Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro delivered the strongest policy message of the meeting, warning that KSC’s aging infrastructure and relatively smaller NASA budget share could cause Florida to lose aerospace leadership to states like Texas unless the state strengthens its partnership, research investment, and infrastructure support. Members questioned her about federal restrictions on commercial investment in common-use infrastructure, the need for more state-federal alignment, and how Florida can preserve its role as the launch capital of the world. After the presentations and questions, Senator Burgess moved to adjourn, there was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see a lot of village centers that have commuter rail stations and would have smaller house size, smaller
• might work on implementing MBTA communities we see a lot of village centers that have commuter rail station
• There's a lot of people who build homes, at least in Central Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts,
• All of this makes it central to allow residents, either directly or through their elected representatives
• counselors who are elected to serve as the legislative and zoning authority all of this makes it a central

Bills: H5009

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: collective bargaining, worker rights, labor relations, public counsel services, state employees, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in Logan and and it into South Station in Logan and and it when<00:39:38.400><c> it</c><00:39:38.640
• So, um the the other thing it station.
• I count 11 in favor, none opposed. Representative Almy: No. Representative Southworth: No.
• I count 11 in favor, none opposed. The vote being 11 to nine, the motion of interim study passes.
• </c> I count 11 in favor, none opposed. I count 11 in favor, none opposed.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am representing Bryan College Station Habitat for Humanity.
• I helped manage a nonprofit in Bryan College Station for a number of years.
• investments without raising tax rates, especially critical in fast-growing districts like mine in Central
• In fact, the central squares of many Texas towns are lined with single-stair buildings, the classic retail
• concern was obviously the military installation in Corpus Christi, the long heritage with Naval Air Station

Bills: SB208 , SB628 , SB777 , SB1042 , SB2354 , SB2477 , SB2521 , SB2523 , SB2608 , SB2703 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2965 , SB2367 , SB3044

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: workforce housing, capital investment fund, affordable housing, housing development, Texas housing laws, loan programs, community development, Texas housing, zero-interest loans, low-income housing, nonprofit organizations, construction, economic stability, housing affordability, capital investment, Texas housing policy, county fire code, fire marshal, local government code, interlocal agreement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum at the start, adopted a two-minute limit for public testimony, and heard a series of housing, local government, fire code, and district-governance bills. Several measures were laid out with committee substitutes, including SB 628 on county fire code administration through interlocal agreements with emergency service districts; SB 208 creating a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund for zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders; SB 2835 allowing cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in certain cities. Other bills addressed ESD spending thresholds (SB 2778), hospital district updates (SB 1042), subdivision/platting issues (SB 1708), public housing tax credit eligibility (SB 2608), groundwater district representation for Marfa and Presidio (SB 3044), park board authority in Waller County (SB 2367), ETJ removal procedures (SB 2523), and reporting death certificates to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead issues (SB 2521). Testimony was largely supportive on the housing bills. Supporters of SB 208, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, Texans for Housing, and an educator, said the revolving fund would help nonprofit builders finance land, infrastructure, and development costs for affordable homes, especially for families earning 30% to 80% of area median income. SB 2835 drew support from architects, planners, and housing advocates who argued that single-stair buildings can be safe, more efficient, and better suited to missing-middle housing, though the Texas APA registered qualified opposition, saying the proposal bypasses the usual code-development process and may not be sufficiently studied. SB 2477 also received broad support from housing groups and policy organizations, who said office conversions could help address vacancy and housing shortages, though Corpus Christi raised a concern about fee recovery and local cost reimbursement. The committee also heard support for SB 628 from a county fire marshal and an ESD representative, who said the bill would reduce duplicate fire-code enforcement and costs. SB 2778 was backed by a Bexar County ESD fire chief, who said the current $2,000 expenditure approval threshold is outdated and slows emergency purchases and repairs. SB 2608 was supported by the El Paso housing authority, which said adding certain Section 8 projects to the at-risk LIHTC set-aside would help renovate aging subsidized housing. SB 3044 was presented as a way to give Marfa and Presidio representation on the groundwater district board while preserving permitting authority. Each bill heard public testimony was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee recessed to reconvene after the Senate adjourns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:12.639><c> High</c> Jesse Frzy from Fountain Central High Jesse Frzy from Fountain Central
• While stationed on the front lines in While stationed on the front lines in September<00:35:24.320><c
• </c> and security assistance to central and security assistance to central government<03:18:56.080><c
• This is a 15-minute vote. recorded vote will rise and be counted. recorded vote will rise and be counted
• Proud to count myself as part of that.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or a district, um, that means that, you know, the part of the levy that would go on if you were counting
• the levy that would go on if you part of the levy that would go on if you were<00:03:54.480><c> counting
• <c> the</c><00:03:55.240><c> increment</c><00:03:55.720><c> in</c><00:03:55.800><c> the</c> were counting
• the increment in the were counting the increment in the adjusted<00:03:56.280><c> net</c><00:03:56.440
• </c> the green line station at Blake Road. the green line station at Blake Road.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, 14.4% of Strong Workforce students in the Central Valley, or Mother Lode, are in information
• Continue realizing data to build your programs, and having that central to anything that you do will
• The Central Valley agriculture is going to be number one.
• We certainly do fire station visits. Career opportunities, as Dr.
• This is the continuing education that occurs at fire stations every day.

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• the whole tab for new growth. ...protect against stranded assets, ensure grid reliability, that we count
• We have a new city hall, a new police station, a new public service building, a new library, improvements
• recognizing the symbiotic relationship, it risks inadvertently harming the economic viability of Central
• If not, we're buying additional RECs and allowances at the same time, creating kind of a double-counting

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2343, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain CAFO or individual discharge permit coverage for its game farms, and to treat game farms with at least 5,000 birds as large CAFOs. The prime sponsor and local officials from Centralia said the WDFW pheasant farm has contributed to nitrate contamination in a critical aquifer, affecting drinking water and public health, and argued the state should be held to the same standards as private operators. WDFW testified that it has already voluntarily secured the permit the bill would require and is working with Ecology and local partners. Testimony from county health and residents largely supported the bill, citing elevated nitrate levels and health risks, especially for infants and pregnant people. The committee then heard House Bill 2301, which expands Washington’s paint stewardship program to cover additional paint-related products, aerosol paints, and certain non-industrial coatings. The sponsor and industry supporters said the existing paint recycling program is working well and should be broadened to keep more materials out of landfills and reduce local hazardous waste costs. Local government witnesses supported the expansion but asked for changes on convenience standards, packaging coverage, and reimbursement for local collection costs. Ecology supported the overall concept but raised implementation concerns, including the need for uniform standards, full reporting, and more time for rulemaking. A wood preservatives industry representative opposed including wood preservatives, saying they are not paint and have different handling requirements. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2515, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, defined mainly as large data centers and virtual currency mining facilities. The bill would require utilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts, demand response or curtailment provisions, reporting on energy and water use, and new clean energy targets for these facilities, while also changing how no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act are allocated and creating an annual fee for the facilities. Supporters, including environmental groups, community action agencies, some utilities, and labor and tribal representatives, said the bill would protect ratepayers, improve transparency, and keep Washington on track for climate goals. Opponents, including data center and business groups, some ports, and several labor organizations, argued the bill is too prescriptive, could raise costs or discourage investment, may affect existing contracts and other large industrial loads, and could reduce construction jobs. No votes or final actions were taken in the transcript.