Transcript Highlights:

• Claim sharks often charge veterans the equivalent of $5 to $10 per month of their future disability payments
• member in the American Legion, serving as a district vice for the 3rd District, the DAV, serving as Chapter
• , that aligns with the Plus Act, which we're working on in Congress, that is in the 119th Congress, HR

Transcript Highlights:

• Tab 5, SB 1710, prohibitions and limitations on diversity, equity, and inclusion and requirements for
• And so regardless if it's an HR issue or whether it's an opinion of a state agency, I think it's inappropriate
• This is the position of White Coats for Black Lives, a medical trainee organization with active chapters
• This is the position of White Coats for Black Lives, a medical trainee organization with active chapters
• This bill also moves the date for Open Government Sunset Review up one year for the Chapter 119 provision

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions. After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're replacing some funding that was defunded by HR 1, which is a federal bill.
• , and it is true that most of the effective dates in HR 1 aren't until 2027, 2028, or 2029.
• But on the $5 million for public television, do we know, Madam Chair and Mr.
• Okay, and then how is on page 5 line 29, how's that 10 million dollar different?
• So we have a shortfall under other funds for a variety of reasons under Section 5, Item 8.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:15.360> system looking at some kind of um HR system looking at some kind of um HR system
• /c> could complete that search within 5 could complete that search within 5 minutes. minutes. minutes
• for deer uh for HR issues and whatnot. for deer uh for HR issues and whatnot. um<01:24:03.440>
• Finally, $5 well as the Mountain West.
• So about $5 that would be the average.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not the typical job that you go to 8 to 5 Monday through Friday and then go home to your family.
• They can staff with this group of 5 supervisors that's on a rotating basis.
• Where a 16-year-old molests a 14-year-old or 14-year-old molests a 5-year-old.
• Secretary: Madam Chair, Senator Tobiasson, to date we've had 5 complete the training.
• Over on page 21, one of the most important findings from this chapter is that quality matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ayes 46, noes 5. The measure passes. The measure passes. That brings us to file item number 132.
• Okay, that brings us to file item number 158, HR 39 by Assembly Member Papin. Clerk will read.
• Our last item on the daily file is file item number 159, HR 41 by Assembly Member Harabedian.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 5 by Assembly Member Hinn relative to A.O.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 5. 66-0. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 80. 66-0.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long Daily File with several major policy bills and multiple commemorative resolutions. The most debated measure was AB 379 on human trafficking and child exploitation. The bill was presented as a stronger, more comprehensive version that increases penalties for adults soliciting minors, adds a loitering offense tied to purchasing commercial sex, raises fines for businesses that facilitate trafficking, creates a Survivor Support Fund, and establishes grants for victim services and vertical prosecution. Several members spoke in support, while Assemblymember Sharp-Collins raised concerns that the loitering provision could be vague and disproportionately enforced against Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ people. The bill passed after debate, with the clerk reporting 72 noes and the measure still passing. The Assembly also passed AB 1415, which expands the Office of Health Care Affordability’s authority to review more health systems, private equity and hedge fund acquisitions, and managed service organizations in order to better track cost drivers and medical debt. Other policy bills approved included AB 711 on coordinating court reporters for motion hearings, AB 1142 on horse event entry fees, AB 309 on preserving access to sterile syringes for HIV and hepatitis prevention, AB 358 on allowing victims to consent to searches of hidden surveillance devices like AirTags and spy cameras, AB 592 on outdoor dining for restaurants, AB 1341 on clarifying contractor licensing violations, AB 752 on easing child care center siting, AB 1166 on extending debt-settlement rules to commercial financing, AB 806 on mobile home resident cooling rights, AB 972 on explicit sex discrimination protections in higher education, AB 416 on emergency room 5150 authority, AB 632 on expedited collection of penalties for serious local code violations, AB 672 on PERB notification and intervention rights, AB 876 on CRNA scope of practice, and AB 760 on temporary mobile home housing after disasters. Most of these measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though AB 672 drew sharp opposition from Assemblymember DeMaio over concerns about PERB and state bureaucracy. The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing May observances and public service groups. These included ACR 63 designating May as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month, ACR 69 for California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month, ACR 76 for California Small Business Month, ACR 77 for Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month, HR 36 for Lung Cancer Action Week, HR 39 for National Public Works Week, and HR 41 for National Hospital Week. Members used the resolutions to highlight local institutions, public health, and community services, and each was adopted after co-author rolls and voice votes. The session ended after the Assembly completed the day’s file and moved through a series of routine procedural motions and adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The joke in the family was we occupy many chapters in DSM.
• days a week it 30 minutes a day 5 days a week it includes<00:20:20.080> family<00:20:20.400>
• something like that same thing with HR something like that same thing with HR and<01:22:14.400><
• You know, your typical school board member has a 9-to-5 job.
• Please support HR 9. Thank you so much for your consideration. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment in Section 5, actually I will deal with Section 5, the amendment in there.
• Section 6 is this $5 million from the Community Health Trust Fund.
• The amendment in Section 5, actually I will deal with Section 5, the amendment in there.
• Section 6 is this $5 million from the community health health care.
• Section 6 is this $5 million from the Community Health Trust Fund.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened in the afternoon and took up only Senate Bill 2015, the Department of Corrections budget. Representative Steeman explained that the budget reflected major changes from the Senate version because bed contracts with Grand Forks and Burleigh-Morton were still unresolved when the Senate acted. He described rising inmate populations, added county/regional jail payments, deferred maintenance and repair funding, planning money for a new Missouri River Correctional Center, software and equipment upgrades, victims of crime grants, and a one-time diversion/deflection center grant for Fargo funded through the Community Health Trust Fund. He also outlined funding for body cameras, tasers, and protective vests, and a Native American reentry program/report provision, along with a legislative management study on sentencing, corrections, and parole oversight. Members asked about the possibility of private or design-build alternatives for the new Missouri River Correctional Center. After discussion, the committee adopted language directing the steering committee to oversee design and construction and to explore other options. There was also discussion of the importance of maintaining North Dakota’s correctional rehabilitation culture, the cost and availability of out-of-state placements, and the current number of inmates housed in regional, county, and interstate facilities. The committee adopted the amendment to engrossed Senate Bill 2015 and then approved the bill as amended on a 21-0 vote, with two members absent and not voting. Representative Steeman was designated as the carrier. The chair then thanked members for their work and announced the committee would reconvene the next morning to continue with remaining bills and budget work before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in HR personnel induction might include the HR director or the CFO.
• Senator Gaetz, how many high schools Joe have out in Okaloosa for 5, 5, you know, leases gas could get
• 5 years ago I didn't know what a superintendent job was in our one.
• Number 5 in the state.
• They they've been doing this 5 years.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• officer, Jennifer Muroka, our HR lead. officer, Jennifer Muroka, our HR lead.
• I believe— >> Table 9. >> Or Table 5. I think, yeah, in Table 5.
• So, what is that 5%? >> No, they take 5% of whatever donation. >> Of every gift, right?
• No, they take 5% of what is that 5%?
• you guys 5%. you guys 5%.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we've seen studies show that tenants who are not represented in eviction court, some only about 1 to 5%
• ><00:13:01.040> tenants<00:13:01.600> are<00:13:01.959> represented about 1 to 5%
• of tenants are represented about 1 to 5% of tenants are represented and<00:13:03.040> the<00:
• chapter 667.
• <01:45:18.639> did procedure in HRS chapter 667 um we did procedure in HRS chapter 667 um

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we do have is every employee that is hired at the department through our HR section is provided
• ><00:40:11.440> section<00:40:12.000> is<00:40:12.240> provided uh through our HR
• uh section is provided uh through our HR uh section is provided with<00:40:12.880> onboard<00
• So again, I'm not sure if those island chapters in HTA are looking at these numbers, but I'm sure they
• So again, I'm not sure if those island chapters in HTA are looking at these numbers, but I'm sure they

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were moved to like 5 times in the last 5 years, and we finally got a good place to stay.
• So, when I look at the percentages of those 5 to 600...
• So, we increased by 3 and not by 5.
• We have uh 4 or 5. Do we have 5 actual evaluators at the moment? 70.
• You know, start that HR process now. They can still alert DHS.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:32.240> 3556, HR 3556, HR 3556, which<00:09:34.080> will<00:09:34.240> rename
• Tribal perspectives is a standalone chapter and then a piece of each chapter as well, as a missed targets
• But each chapter includes targets to get closer to our goals within that chapter.
• So this chapter of the framework.
• , particularly in the buildings chapter, particularly in the buildings chapter, but<01:12:16.880>

Bills: HF3556

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony. Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota. Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the current 5 year cycle due to end in October 2025, Mexico is over 1 million acre feet of water
• We're based down in McAllen, actually Mission, and we're in, in favor of, uh, HR 7777.
• It's one of the things that is kind of misconstruing is that people think it's every 5 years.
• It's not a calendar 5 years.
• It's once it fills up that starts a new 5 year treaty or a 5 year cycle, and so it has been filled up

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on Zoom, American Academy of Pediatrics Hawaiʻi chapter, please proceed.
• 5.
• /c> judicial pres HS 5-5 Al Al you know judicial pres HS 5-5 Al Al you know Spirit<01:45:46.440> law
• This is my 5-year-old daughter, Sophia. I’m here because I oppose HB 1118. I grew up here.
• year-old<03:14:23.640> daughter<03:14:24.479> Sophia 5-year-old daughter Sophia 5-year-old

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:21:46.480> down to be reconvening it at 5:00 p.m. down to be reconvening it at 5:00 p.m
• >> Uh, so we're in the middle of chapter 91. The board approved us to go to public hearing.
• Uh, so we're in the middle of<01:43:04.880> chapter<01:43:05.280> 91.
• The board uh approved us of chapter 91.
• <02:28:01.840> section be promulgated pursuant to HRS section be promulgated pursuant to HRS

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3019, which would cap ticket resale prices at face value for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to enforce violations. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill and said it preferred a ticket transparency approach focused on upfront disclosure of fees, while supporters argued the measure would curb scalping, bots, and extreme markups. Testimony from the National Independent Venue Association and a concert promoter emphasized that resale does not add inventory and said the bill would protect consumers; committee members questioned DCCA about enforcement and cited examples of very high resale prices for local concerts. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair said the measure would be moved along for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate Bill 3311, which would create the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within DLNR to fund fire-mitigation grants for residential property owners. DLNR supported the bill, saying the need is immediate and that the program is modeled on successful mainland efforts, though the department said it ultimately belongs under the State Fire Marshal once that office has capacity. DCCA’s Insurance Division submitted written comments only. The measure was received without further action in the excerpt. Senate Bill 2979, authorizing DLNR and community-based organizations to enter community co-management agreements for state lands, drew broad support from OHA, community groups, and several individuals, who said the bill would formalize partnerships, strengthen shared responsibility, and help community stewardship efforts. Testifiers clarified that the bill does not require 65-year agreements and said the term should be left to DLNR’s discretion. The committee then moved on without questions or a vote shown in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2351 on the state park special fund, which would allow DLNR to use fund monies for environmental protection programs. DLNR’s state parks administrator opposed the bill, saying the special fund is already fully committed to urgent maintenance and infrastructure needs across an aging park system, and warned that diverting money would weaken the fund’s ability to support parks. The Tax Foundation also submitted written testimony, and a community witness opposed the measure for similar reasons. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Senate Bill 2918, which would require HCDA to establish a community action center in Chinatown; HCDA’s executive director expressed concern about jurisdiction and said the city and county should continue leading that work.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Hard of Hearing; Renee Banjuri, Community Engagement Coordinator, ACDHH; Ron Tallman, Arizona Chapter
• reading of bills: HB 2969, Behavioral Health Crisis — Judiciary; HB 2982, appropriation, Claggoth Chapter
• , capital improvement — Government and Appropriations; HB 2983, appropriation, Help Chapter, capital
• I moved out when the committee of the whole rise of report it recommends that HR 2004 receives a due
• House Bill 2008, amending Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. Members also introduced numerous guests and Capitol Day visitors, including the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, and organizations serving deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind Arizonans. A proclamation was read designating September 4 as Taekwondo Day in Arizona. The chamber then processed a large number of bills through first reading, second reading, and Committee of the Whole. Measures receiving due-pass recommendations included HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, HR 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, HB 2395, HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. Several bills drew substantive debate, including HB 2051 and HB 2072 on lactation services and consultant certification for Medicaid reimbursement, HB 2203 on eliminating duplicative reporting requirements, HB 2395 on a voluntary mental health-related measure, and HB 2043, which sparked a sharp partisan exchange over whether it was a cleanup to felony-murder statutes or an anti-abortion/personhood measure. On third reading, HB 2008, dealing with school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25 after debate over whether it would help keep ideology out of schools or further weaken library support. House Resolution 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Chris Mays’ public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive floor debate over her comments, her record on law enforcement and consumer protection, and whether the resolution was appropriate. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred the passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2075, amending Title 15, Chapter 5, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 15-503.01 relating
• House Bill 2098, amending Section 45-1901, A.R.S., by adding Section 11, Chapter 5, relating to the County
• Thank you very much. ...by adding Section 11, Chapter 5, A.R.S., relating to the County Water Augmentation
• House Bill 2756, amending Title 30, Chapter 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Title 40, Chapter 2, Article
• 20-22 and 20-48, and Title 41, Chapter 10, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 41

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House met with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Members also recognized Doctor of the Day Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum and welcomed visitors for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, along with Judge Kaluli from Veterans Treatment Court. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first readings before taking up a long third-reading calendar. The floor debate centered on a wide range of bills, especially water, education, elections, public utilities, labor, and criminal justice measures. Members discussed tax administration, groundwater and water-rights issues, superintendent contract transparency, mining reclamation, school employee disclosure, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, probation, veterans and military employment protections, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, real estate licensing, and several education-related appropriations for ESA administration. There were also resolutions and memorials on voting centers and precincts, student athletics, Route 66, and recognizing Judea and Samaria. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing transparency, consumer protection, public safety, and administrative cleanup, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, cost, overreach, lack of accountability, and impacts on schools, elections, and local control. Most measures passed, often along party-line or near party-line votes, and several emergency measures were adopted with the required two-thirds vote. Notable votes included HB 2016, HB 2026, HB 2028, HB 2049, HB 2075, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2094, HB 2098, HB 2111, HB 2113, HB 2114, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2179, HB 2192, HB 2228, HB 2256, HB 2260, HB 2262, HB 2265, HB 2278, HB 2328, HB 2351, HB 2381, HB 2409, HB 2410, HB 2411, HB 2425, HB 2451, HB 2476, HB 2499, HB 2500, HB 2584, HB 2662, HB 2663, HB 2666, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2804, HB 2812, HB 2827, HB 2877, HB 2908, HB 2932, HB 2933, HB 2943, HB 2953, HB 2966, and HB 2985, along with HCM 2007 and HCRs 2003, 2016, and 2047 and HR 2002 and 2003. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 80% are under age 5.
• Under age 1 or under age 5.
• Since 2022, we had guardianships represent 5% of all exits from care.
• I mean, what we really saw through shutdown and with some of the HR...
• Given HR impacts, I mean, there is a risk to...

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy update on Washington child welfare from Casey Family Programs and DCYF. Dr. David Sanders said Washington has sharply reduced out-of-home care and increased kinship placements, but he flagged concerns about low screening-in rates, long stays in foster care for many children, and a recent rise in repeat maltreatment and child fatalities, especially among infants. He urged more focus on infants and young children, better coordination among child protection, health care, and law enforcement, and more proactive review and investigation practices. Members asked for disaggregated data on children lingering in care, fatalities, and causes such as fentanyl exposure. DCYF said it has increased relative placements and guardianships, but also reported a concerning rise in 2025 critical incidents, mostly near-fatalities involving children age three and under, many opioid-related. The department described responses including safe child consults for opioid cases, more training, hotspot analysis, and proposed investments in peer support, public health nurses, community referrals, and an updated safety framework. Members also discussed whether a broader commission on child abuse prevention would be useful, and DCYF said it was open to that idea. The committee then received a DSHS reorganization update from Secretary Angela Ramirez, who described the “Reimagined” plan to consolidate four administrations into three new ones, with the stated goals of reducing silos, improving customer experience, and making transitions between services smoother. She said the agency is seeking statutory changes and CMS approval to align the new structure, and members asked about preparing for federal HR1 impacts, especially SNAP. Ramirez said DSHS is monitoring those impacts closely and emphasized the need for accurate data and cross-agency coordination. Finally, DSHS’s Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration updated the committee on residential habilitation centers and implementation of Substitute Senate Bill 5393, which phases out Rainier School by June 30, 2027 and limits new admissions. Officials reported current census and staffing levels at the state’s RHCs, said Rainier has had some residents transition to supported living or adult family homes, and explained that emergency and permanent rulemaking was needed to implement the law. They also said Rainier was recently cited by federal surveyors for not meeting the active treatment requirement for two residents, and that the facility has 90 days to return to compliance before possible payment penalties or further remedies. Members pressed for details on the citation, the meaning of active treatment, the assessment process for admissions, and whether Rainier could be repurposed for other services; DSHS said it is working on corrective action and will follow up in writing.