Transcript Highlights:

• How a state structures its consumer finance statute determines how consistently the framework operates
• But the way we have it right now, the way Arizona has done it, again, has been a blended rate structure
• However, the way it's structured now, as Senator Cavanaugh saw, this is a good thing for people who take
• James, they do it under rule right now. What's that? They can do it by rule. It is. Thank you, Mr.
• We're updating rules. We're updating verbiage that is already currently existing in the rules.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee considered a lengthy agenda of bills covering consumer lending, insurance coverage, professional scope of practice, property tax administration, digital assets, and aviation tax policy. The committee first approved prior committee amendments, then heard SB 1689 on consumer loan thresholds and rates. After sponsor testimony that the bill modernizes outdated lending caps and lowers rates on larger loans, the committee adopted an amendment but the bill failed on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Epstein arguing the structure would shift costs onto smaller borrowers. The committee then passed several health-related measures. SB 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, was amended and passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and cancer survivors; Senator Epstein opposed the religious-employer definition. SB 1165, eliminating cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, passed 5-1 after testimony from Senator Angus and Susan G. Komen, with supporters saying it would reduce barriers to follow-up screening. SB 1212, barring insurers from reimbursing providers differently based on vaccination status, also passed 4-2 despite concerns that it could undermine vaccination incentive programs. Other bills advanced or failed after similar debate. SB 1206, addressing contractor and public adjuster conduct after property losses, passed 5-1 with an amendment and support from State Farm. SB 1291, limiting county reassessment and inspections of agricultural property for four years after a successful appeal, passed 5-1 over assessor opposition and farm group support. SB 1649, creating a digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed 4-2 after debate over civil asset forfeiture and whether crypto should be treated as a strategic reserve. SB 1516, expanding an aviation-related tax exemption to aircraft maintenance and repair property, passed 4-1 amid sharp disagreement over whether it was economic development or a tax break for private jets. SB 1554, changing chiropractic statutory language from x-rays to diagnostic imaging, initially failed 3-3 but was reconsidered and later passed 3-2 after additional discussion about its practical effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think this would benefit rules."
• </c> The sandbag structure was what is allowed under current rules and restrictions.
• </c><03:06:48.680><c> has</c> that's drawn from the admin rules has that's drawn from the admin rules
• Mahalo. structured reading teaching can change structured reading teaching can change everything. everything
• </c><05:28:47.760><c> teacher</c> and without explicit structured teacher and without explicit structured

Bills: HB2459 , HB1616 , HB1799 , HB1604 , HB1732 , HB1736 , HB1931 , HB772 , HB2153 , HB2122 , HB2009 , HB2012 , HB1779 , HB2296 , HB2397 , HB2398 , HB1596 , HB2233 , HB1976 , HB1563 , HB815 , HB1655 , HB1851 , HB1941 , HB2037 , HB1635 , HB2201 , HB1943 , HB1163 , HB2452 , HB2429 , HB2148 , HB2306 , HB2007 , HB2049 , HB2616

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Weakening these rules creates unnecessary danger. Rules exist for order, not oppression.
• protect lives you know<00:26:34.200><c> weakening</c><00:26:34.760><c> these</c><00:26:34.960><c> rules
• </c><00:26:35.520><c> create</c> know weakening these rules create know weakening these rules create
• The fine structure continues beyond this excerpt. the Senate commit committee on Judiciary the Senate
• </c> Citation is issued, the fine structure should be as such: $50 for a first violation, $100 for a

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale. The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to clause 13 of rule one, the journal of the last day's proceedings is approved.
• Sir, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2H of rule 2 of the rules of the U.S.
• ><c> rules</c><00:07:57.440><c> of</c><00:07:57.520><c> the</c><00:07:57.680><c> US</c><00:07:57.919>
• <c> House</c><00:07:58.160><c> of</c> 2 of the rules of the US House of 2 of the rules of the US House
• Pursuant to clause 13 of rule 1, the House stands adjourned until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Bills: HR504 , HR131

Keywords: committee removal, federal indictment, ethics, congressional conduct, representative McIver, Committee on Ethics, expenses, Congress, funding, government oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 397.
• I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 122.
• Members, I'd like to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 72.
• I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 60.
• The chair hears none and the rules are suspended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trained social scientists will lead structure-focused groups that will inform participants about SRM
• Trained social scientists will lead structure-focused groups that will inform participants about SRM
• 60 days of the general effective date and to adopt rules within six months of the general effective
• Under the proposed amendment, ADEQ has six months to adopt these rules.
• Under the proposed amendment, ADEQ has six months to adopt these rules.

Bills: SB1005 , SB1202 , SB1278 , SB1279 , SB1280 , SB1287

Committees: Senate Natural Resources , Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Keywords: cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that is why we are opposed to the new regulatory structure when the data is it.
• And so that is why we are opposed to the new regulatory structure when the data is it.
• So I want to make sure that we're not just creating rules, but that we're also creating the incentives
• I want to make sure that we're not just creating rules, but that we're also creating the incentives to
• So I want to make sure that we're not just creating rules, but that we're also creating the incentives

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear several bills, beginning with a consent calendar that included AB 665 and AB 866, both adopted on a do pass basis and referred to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 801, which would create a California Community Reinvestment Act to require covered financial institutions, including state-chartered banks, credit unions, residential mortgage lenders, and money transmitters, to meet the financial needs of low- and moderate-income communities and communities of color. The author and supporters argued the bill would close gaps left by the federal CRA, address redlining and discriminatory lending, and expand investment in housing, small business, and community development. Support came from community groups, CDFIs, labor, and housing advocates, while opposition from mortgage bankers and credit unions argued the bill would impose costly new reporting and regulatory burdens, especially on institutions they said already serve underserved borrowers well. Committee members discussed the scope of the bill, the experience of other states with state CRA laws, and possible carve-outs or tiered treatment for smaller credit unions. AB 801 was passed as amended and referred to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later completed; one member voted no and others were not voting or voted aye as the roll was finalized. The committee also heard AB 743, which would require licensing and surety bonds for commercial lawsuit financing and bring those transactions under DFPI oversight. The author said the bill was aimed at a largely unregulated, multi-billion-dollar industry and was intended to increase transparency and address concerns about foreign interests, fraud, and abusive litigation funding practices, while not affecting consumer legal funding. Supporters, including Unified Patents, the Civil Justice Association of California, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Trucking Association, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said the bill was an important first step toward disclosure and regulation. There was no opposition testimony. AB 743 passed unanimously as amended and was referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open briefly for absent members before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motor vehicle account provides funding to enforce the rules and regulations of the Vehicle Code and
• But when I was the county supervisor in the County of Ventura, as I began, they had a structural deficit
• Does the administration have a long-term plan to help solve the structural deficit in the motor vehicle
• Certainly right now, everybody is concerned about cost of living, et cetera, but that shouldn't rule
• Those structural deficits are coming and coming fast.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on transportation agency budget proposals and did not take any votes. The first major discussion focused on the Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and a proposed one-time $166 million transfer from the Air Pollution Control Fund and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to offset California Air Resources Board mobile source costs. Department of Finance and the LAO described the account’s long-running structural deficit, driven largely by employee compensation growth and REAL ID-related workload, while members criticized the use of Proposition 4, GGRF, and other one-time or redirected funds as backfills and urged a longer-term solution that addresses both revenues and expenditures. The committee then heard Caltrans’ request for $25 million in General Fund support to create a Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program. Caltrans said the program would build on the prior Clean California effort by funding local litter and graffiti cleanup, community engagement, and workforce pathways for vulnerable populations. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that local litter abatement is not a core state responsibility and that one-time funding is unlikely to solve persistent local cleanup needs. Several members echoed those concerns, while public commenters split between support for the cleanup/employment model and calls to instead restore funding to the Active Transportation Program and transit operations. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requested that California administratively recognize Tahoe’s federally designated population figure for state formula-based transportation funding, which would raise the population count used in formulas from 40,000 to 145,000. The agency said the change would not request new money but would better align state formulas with federal law and support a shared regional funding framework; members appeared generally supportive, though they noted the need to phase in the change to reduce impacts on other regions. The final presentation was on High-Speed Rail. The LAO reviewed the authority’s project update report, noting that it did not fully meet statutory requirements and that key details are still pending in a supplemental report expected later in the summer. The LAO said the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment still shows an estimated roughly $7 billion funding gap, with no specific plan to close it, and highlighted risks from federal review, inflation, and uncertain GGRF revenues. High-Speed Rail Authority staff said they are conducting a bottom-up review of scope, schedule, ridership, and costs, expect to provide updated information by late summer, and are exploring public-private partnerships and other financing strategies. Members stressed that no further funding commitments should be made until the updated analysis is available.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:13.240><c> and</c> decided to return to the structure and decided to return to the structure
• </c><00:53:11.800><c> So,</c> structure benefits both sides. So, structure benefits both sides.
• </c> just wipe out the uh the two-hour rule just wipe out the uh the two-hour rule and<01:02:53.520><
• me, these are the rules that we play by.
• By allowing that's rules in a sandbox.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 1.1. No objection, such shall be the order.
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 56, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Privacy
• I move to suspend Assembly Rules 96 and 63 to withdraw ACA 20, Gabriel, from the Rules Committee and
• We have an available housing crisis because the rules, regulations housing crisis.
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 97, I request unanimous consent to re-refer file item...

Transcript Highlights:

• Things like the COPPA rule that protects children's privacy.
• But you wouldn't rule out a 66% cut in NSF funding?
• So my question for you is, can you commit to voting against implementing the two proposed rules?
• FTC has a particular structure in terms of its leadership.
• structure and that type of bipartisan nature of FTC. Thank you, Senator.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you know like structural stories.
• </c> structural stories. structural stories.
• Second, I'm a big fan of structural rules.
• </c> Second, I'm a big fan of structural Second, I'm a big fan of structural rules.<00:25:04.320><c>
• So, there's this great piece of rules.

Bills: HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But we do have rules. They're not always being enforced. They need to be stronger.
• You max out the credit card of California, we have a structural deficit.
• Last ruling, and I'm certainly not opposing that.
• Last ruling, and I'm certainly not opposing that.
• The Senate Rules Committee will be meeting in the O Street Building, Room 2200, at 1:30.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Railroad Commission of Texas requested this bill to modernize its permitting fee structure
• It's important to know that much of the Railroad Commission's funding structure is largely fee-based.
• The Railroad Commission promulgated rules in our...
• Rule 78.16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 3 Rule 78 Part N established a surcharge of 150 percent.
• What you were receiving in general revenue with this fee structure, so that you have an even fee across

Bills: SB2122 , SB2050 , HB16

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• way rch is structured right now is that way rch is structured right now is that it<00:24:24.559><c> prioritizes
• Again, that's something probably would have to address in administrative rules.
• right now it's there is no minimum rules right now it's there is no minimum requirement<00:38:16.560
• What about just a priority structure in that low-interest financing for this type of land?
• now as a rule we're requirements right now as a rule we're happy<00:47:03.960><c> when</c><00:47:04.119

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a series of housing bills. HB 1432 and HB 1428 drew support from HHFDC, and HB 1428 also received testimony from Hawaiian Community Assets, which said housing counseling funding is needed to meet demand for financial education tied to affordable housing, and that such counseling can help reduce evictions, prevent foreclosure, and stabilize households. HB 833 on community land trusts received broad support from HHFDC, county housing officials, community land trust representatives, and a local developer; testimony emphasized keeping housing affordable in perpetuity, but also asked for clearer access to financing, longer repayment terms, and inclusion of additional land trusts in the bill. Peter Savio argued that community land trusts are the best way to control demand and keep housing tied to local incomes. The committee also heard HB 19 on the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, which HHFDC said should be made permanent because the pilot has been successful, with 81 units in the program and $7.4 million of the $10 million allocation already committed. HHFDC said the fund helps stalled for-sale projects by providing state equity that revolved back when homes are sold. HB 529 and HB 432 were also heard; HB 432 would create a subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund for projects above 60% AMI, and HHFDC said this would help finance housing for households at 65% and 80% AMI. The bill drew support from several housing, business, and industry groups. Several other housing measures were discussed with mixed testimony. HB 419 had HHFDC support, Limby Hawaiʻi opposition, and support from the Grassroot Institute and others; members asked about whether councils approve these projects in one or multiple readings. HB 527 and HB 416 also drew a mix of support and opposition, with questions focused on county approval timelines and whether state-financed projects would still go through normal local review. HB 417 on the rental housing revolving fund prompted questions about how it differs from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund and whether it should be more flexible for mixed rental and for-sale projects. HB 418’s proposed working group was noted as potentially unnecessary because HHFDC said a public working group was already being formed. HB 1411 on housing preference raised questions about what happens if a recipient changes jobs, and HB 374 drew an Attorney General’s Office recommendation to remove a duration requirement to avoid possible constitutional travel issues. HB 373 and HB 1492 were also heard, with strong testimony from Peter Savio in favor of a broader trust-based model for affordable housing. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Rule 7, uh, of the rules, uh, which was recounted by uh Chair Mhler, establishes a standard of proof
• Uh, Rule 7, uh, of the rules, uh, which was recounted by uh Chair Mhler, establishes a standard of proof
• Uh, Rule 7, uh, of the rules, uh, which was recounted by uh Chair Mhler, establishes a standard of proof
• Uh, Rule 7, uh, of the rules, uh, which was recounted by uh Chair Mhler, establishes a standard of proof
• </c> the committee is bound by the rules the committee is bound by the rules established<00:30:32.320

Committee: House Ethics

Transcript Highlights:

• It will set the ground rules.
• This is based on the law and the rules that were in effect when we bought our property, when we filed
• It could also have an unconstitutional retroactive impact on Black Mountain by changing the rules in
• Structures that are 18 months old. Yes, sir. I'm aware of it. We're not big fans of this.
• Structures that are 18 months old. Yes, sir, 431 I'm, I'm aware of it.

Bills: SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1898 , SB2050

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House. The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending. The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Rules Chair Pasadomo, you're recognized.
• Rules Chair Pasadamo, you're recognized.
• Rules Chair Pasadamo moves the bill be read a third time.
• . ...and its force structure.
• It must also provide a history note for rule reviews, even if the rule is unchanged or only a technical

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing visiting groups, including FSU students and officials, Catholic lay leaders, Broward County school officials and students, and veterans-related guests. The chamber then took up a series of bills, with several routine reviser measures passing unanimously: SB 36 adopting the 2025 Florida Statutes, SB 38 changing a division name in the statutes, SB 40 deleting repealed provisions, and SB 42 cleaning up obsolete language and cross-references. SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience was amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub’s role and passed 39-0 after debate about mangroves, oyster reefs, living shorelines, and hybrid green-gray infrastructure. SB 116, a major veterans bill, passed 39-0 after extensive discussion of veteran benefits awareness, mental health training, coordination with federal agencies, adult day health care, and the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions and debate over state preemption of local zoning and related regulation, and SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids passed 39-0 to expand access for adults after licensed evaluation. The Senate also passed SB 150, as amended, to conform to the House by changing the bill’s wording from “animals” to “dogs” in the natural-disaster abandonment context. SB 294 passed 38-0 to limit collaborative pharmacy practice from being expanded to certain serious cardiac conditions. Senate Memorial 314 was adopted by voice vote, urging Congress to seek a larger Florida National Guard force structure. SB 322 passed 39-0 creating a nonjudicial process for commercial property owners to have unauthorized occupants removed by the sheriff. SB 348 passed 39-0, making it an ethics violation to falsely claim a military rank for material gain and allowing delinquent ethics fines to be withheld from public paychecks. SB 7012 on child welfare passed 39-0 and would recruit former public safety workers into CPI/case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and improve data collection and services for commercially sexually exploited children. Later, the Senate returned to SB 108 on administrative procedures, which passed 39-0 after debate over a five-year review cycle for agency rules, reporting requirements, and greater transparency in rulemaking. SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services and discussion of easing pathways into the CPA profession while maintaining standards. SB 110 on rural communities passed after an amendment package and extensive debate, with provisions described as creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and road funding, school support, and health care investments for rural areas. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and received additional announcements before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee rules are the identical previous rules that we've used this whole time.
• At this time, Ken, I have a motion, please, to adopt the proposed committee rules dated 9/15/2025.
• I move that we adopt the rules. Thank you. Thank you very much. Sean, can you call the roll?
• Okay, at this time, the rules do pass. Thank you. Okay, at this time, the rules do pass.
• The age of the structure alone makes it critical to replace the existing structure.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill's referred to the Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 35A, pending its entry
• >> Madam Speaker, I make a motion to suspend rules in order to take up House Bill 932 off the notice
• >> Madam Speaker, I make a motion to suspend rules in order to take up Senate Bill 325 off the notice
• The bill was referred to a committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of suspend rules in order
• </c><00:17:18.280><c> to</c> do have it, and have suspended rules to do have it, and have suspended rules