Video & Transcript : 'nonreverting balance' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:32 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- But right now, the November 2025 balance was at 13, and they think it's getting invested.
- But right now, the November 2025 balance was at 13, and they think it's getting invested.
- The risk fund is projected to have a negative fund balance of about 30 million to end this fiscal year
- way, the public school insurance authority doesn't have to raise rates in order to build up fund balances
- The projected ending fund balance in fiscal year 26 is negative 26.3 million.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And there’s a number of major transportation accounts, and every two years we are trying to balance among
- So this is a place where sometimes balancing transfers have been brought in.
- Our balance through 2027-29.
- If people crash into each other and then also hit the guardrail, the car damage eats up the balance of
- So that would be fantastic. the car damage eats up the balance of that liability limit so that would
Summary:
The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital needs, current fleet status, and long-range funding outlook. Staff described the current service pattern, ridership recovery since the pandemic, the aging fleet, and the state’s plan to add three new hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels under the 2025 budget, with delivery expected around 2030-2032. Members also heard that the fleet is operating with no reserve vessel, that preservation time is below the desired level, and that terminal electrification and vessel conversion plans face timing, cost, and procurement risks. Questions focused on ridership trends, biofuel supply, design-risk allocation in vessel contracts, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessel delivery, and the cost and feasibility of restoring international Sidney service, which would require a SOLAS-certified vessel.
Staff then outlined ferry capital funding, saying recent spending and programmed needs are far above regular ferry-specific revenues and that the system relies on a mix of dedicated accounts, transportation package money, federal grants, and transfers. They said the near-term budget is balanced through 2027-29, but the longer-term capital outlook shows a shortfall of roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with broader unmet needs much higher. The presentation estimated costs for future vessels, life extensions, terminal electrification, and additional Jumbo Mark II conversions, and noted that the current enacted plan does not fully fund fleet replacement, full electrification, or life extension of older vessels. Members asked for follow-up information on terminal seismic/environmental issues, contract options for additional vessels, and the timing and cost of alternative vessel designs.
The committee then shifted to WSDOT maintenance and preservation. Pascoe Focktich described maintenance operations, including winter response, guardrail repair, facilities, equipment, and the effects of underfunding and inflation. He said most of the maintenance budget is fixed cost and labor, that material prices have risen sharply, and that many facilities are in poor condition with asbestos issues and deferred upkeep. He also noted growing guardrail damage, increasing pavement claims, and the burden of maintaining aging bridges and facilities. Members asked about prior planning for these needs, the role of asbestos, and whether more proactive sequencing could help budget decisions.
Troy Suing then presented the highway preservation program, saying WSDOT is in the early stages of critical failure and has stretched preservation dollars as far as possible. He explained the distinction between pavement, bridge, and other highway asset preservation, said the department is largely reactive, and estimated that delaying work can make it three to five times more expensive later. He said about 40% of roadways are currently due or overdue for preservation, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the department’s 10-year preservation need is about $8 billion. Members asked about the cost of deferring work, whether the department could do more if funded, how priorities are set, and whether other states face similar problems.
Finally, Evan Grimm and Mike Fay briefed the committee on bridge strikes by overheight vehicles. They described recent incidents on I-90 near Cle Elum and SR 410 near White River, the damage and closures caused, and possible countermeasures such as public outreach, improved trip-planning tools, and a pilot warning system with sensors and flashing beacons. Fay explained the state’s financial recovery process for third-party damage, saying WSDOT recovers roughly $20 million per biennium and about 78% to 80% of billed damages, with money going to the motor vehicle fund. Members asked about prevention, insurance recovery, and whether the state uses claim data to inform future design or safety changes.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So how do we balance those concerns?
- We have to balance that. Is this still creating the right quality of life?
- Well, I really appreciate the balance you guys have thought. Would you please introduce yourself?
- Like I was saying, I just appreciate the balance that you're...
- The average balance isn't a lot, but it's around $7,000.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (11/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's a lot of check and balances as well as continuing on with treatment.
- So, it's a lot of like check and<00:05:40.639><c> balances</c><00:05:41.199><c> as</c><00:05:41.440><
- c> well</c><00:05:41.600><c> as</c><00:05:41.840><c> continuing</c><00:05:42.320><c> on</c> and balances
- as well as continuing on and balances as well as continuing on with<00:05:42.800><c> treatment.
- because if they're not doing the balance because if they're not doing the right<00:06:18.800><c> things
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its October 3 meeting unanimously. It then reviewed follow-up status on prior performance audits, beginning with the Department of Corrections’ sex offender treatment program. DOC said all audit items from the 2016 review were resolved except one related to tracking benchmarks, progress, and recidivism. Officials explained that a new offender management system, Chorus, was recently implemented but has had rollout problems affecting operations, including restitution checks, and that they hope the system will be stable enough within about six months to begin tracking the needed metrics. Members asked about treatment inside prison and after release; DOC described in-prison treatment, parole aftercare, probation and parole oversight, administrative restrictions, and reassessment if conditions are not met.
The committee next heard from OPLC on the Real Estate Commission audit. OPLC reported that all but one finding is substantially or fully resolved, with the remaining issue involving review of applicants’ adverse financial history and liabilities. The delay is tied to ongoing rulemaking, and OPLC said the commission is amending its criteria and integrating universal application procedures into board rules. The office estimated substantive completion by March 2027, with rule filing expected sooner. The committee then took up the Board of Pharmacy audit, where OPLC said most findings remain partially resolved because the board is in the middle of a major rule overhaul and a new licensing software project. Officials described a shift toward a compliance bureau and more routine, risk-informed inspections, rather than inspections driven only by complaints, and said updated manuals and forms will follow the new rules and technology.
Finally, the Legislative Budget Assistant reported on ongoing audits. For special education, staff said they are writing the report, have 25 completed observations, and have expanded to 70 identified observations, with a full draft expected in the first quarter of 2026 and a final report by summer 2026. For education freedom accounts, 40 observations have been identified, 15 finalized, and a draft is expected by midspring with a fiscal committee presentation in summer. For the Doorway program, the audit plan was finalized with DHHS help, financial activity was isolated, fieldwork is expected to finish by Thanksgiving, and a draft report is planned for January or February 2026, with a final report by March or April 2026. The committee discussed scheduling its next meeting for February 6 at 10 a.m. and emphasized the value of follow-up on older audits; the meeting adjourned after members agreed the follow-up process should continue.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- growth went down from that incredibly high number of near 15% to about 5% per year, because it's balanced
- growth went down from that incredibly high number of near 15% to about 5% per year, because it's balanced
- And this is part of the discussion I want to have today because all of this is a balance.
- I've got some real concerns about Senate Bill 9 and making certain we strike a balance between allowing
- So the city manager proposed a budget at the voter approval rate, a balanced budget that didn't include
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding.
Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed.
Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I am prepared to support this bill today, but I do think we really need to strike a balance here.
- But I am concerned about the liability piece, and I think it's striking a balance on what exactly the
- And I think, again, your policy is striking a balance here. So thank you for bringing it forward.
- And I think, again, your policy is striking a balance here. So thank you for bringing it forward.
- This bill, though well-intended, undermines a long-standing balanced public policy.
Summary:
The committee heard several insurance-related bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would lower uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for rideshare companies from the current $1 million level to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, with added transparency and data-reporting provisions. Uber, Lyft, and several business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce fares and improve affordability, while consumer attorneys, labor groups, and others opposed it as a major cut in protection for injured passengers and drivers. Committee members raised concerns about whether savings would actually reach riders and drivers, but the bill was approved on a do-pass vote to the next committee, with one member not voting.
SB 487 by Senator Grayson would change how settlement or judgment proceeds are distributed when peace officers or firefighters are injured by a third party, ensuring they receive at least two-thirds of the at-fault party’s liability insurance limits in certain cases. Supporters, including public safety unions and an injured deputy sheriff, said current law can leave injured first responders with little or no recovery after employer reimbursement, while opponents representing cities, counties, and public agencies argued the bill would reduce recovery of taxpayer-funded workers’ compensation costs and lacked sufficient data. The committee members who spoke largely supported the bill, and it passed on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with one member not voting.
SB 616 by Senator Rubio would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to develop statewide wildfire mitigation recommendations and a post-catastrophe reporting process. The Department of Insurance, local governments, consumer groups, and fire-related organizations supported the measure as a way to improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while water agencies opposed provisions touching water infrastructure and warned of litigation and ratepayer impacts. The bill advanced on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with some members not voting and one member voting no. The committee also heard SB 547 by Senator Perez, coauthored by Senator Rubio, which would extend wildfire-related insurance cancellation/nonrenewal moratoriums to commercial properties; insurers removed their opposition after amendments, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- to work with all interested parties to adopt regulations in a manner that seeks... to achieve this balance
- I understand the efforts that the Assembly put in to help negotiate and balance SB 54.
- Moving to 2024-2025, which is our current year, we're looking at ending with a balance of $455 million
- We're committed to getting all of those incentive dollars out, which will reduce the balance.
- : does DTSC or the Department of Finance expect a need to take action regarding the negative fund balance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I caution the legislature against sort of assuming that our huge carryover balance will continue and
- And so how do you, Balance that equity.
- I mean, it falls on many of your industry members, uh, to, to have to make up for that balance.
- Well, I think it could be a good balance if we work it out.
- You thoughtfully go through things in a bipartisan way and you balance these different interests out,
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Funding Disability Services / Regulating Artificial Intelligence / Senate Media Service’s Upgrade Feb 23rd, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This week on Senate Spotlight: balancing the budget to avoid a deficit means changes will have to be
- So the challenge is how do we find a way to make it work and still balance the budget, given, in my mind
- disagreements on where to find savings disagreements on where to find savings to<00:14:35.480><c> balance
- the</c><00:14:35.959><c> budget</c><00:14:36.560><c> senator</c><00:14:37.079><c> rasmuson</c> to balance
- the budget senator rasmuson to balance the budget senator rasmuson says<00:14:38.120><c> he</c><00:14
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: New Bill Adds Metachromatic Leukodystrophy to Newborn Screening List - 2/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Gavin eventually started walking, but he always seemed to be a little off balance.
- explained what happened on the trampoline, expressed our concerns about his walking and his poor balance
- 17.079><c> behind</c><00:04:17.320><c> his</c><00:04:17.519><c> peers</c><00:04:17.840><c> at</c> balance
- Gavin was behind his peers at balance Gavin was behind his peers at daycare<00:04:19.840><c> when</c
- </c> about his walking and his poor balance about his walking and his poor balance and<00:05:11.120><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:14:57.120><c> budget</c><00:14:58.040><c> within</c><00:14:58.279><c> the</c> passing a balanced
- budget within the passing a balanced budget within the regular<00:14:58.759><c> session</c><00:14:59.440
- If they had to decide on this, that balance would be off.
- </c><00:24:04.080><c> on</c><00:24:04.320><c> this</c><00:24:05.200><c> that</c><00:24:05.440><c> balance
- </c> they had to decide on this that balance they had to decide on this that balance would<00:24:06.000
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 5, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and I yield back the balance of my time. and I yield back the balance of my time.
- I reserve the balance of my time.
- I reserve the balance of my time.
- I reserve the balance of my time.
- </c> yield back the balance of my time. yield back the balance of my time.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But I do think that there should be balance.
- But, Senators, balance is not what we have right now.
- I think this amendment balances a lot of different interests.
- I think this amendment balances. Thank you.
- I think this amendment balances a lot of different interests.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0.
The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process.
Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It is not balanced for every child, and that's okay.
- It would also have a better work-life balance.
- The bill attempts to acknowledge the steps to find that balance.
- I've heard things about balance here, creating a balance, and I do appreciate what is attempted to happen
- here, but this is still not a balance.
Keywords:
school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/16/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If the MPCA determines that the installation will not be effective, the balance of the appropriation
- ><c> the</c><00:01:59.200><c> appropriation</c><00:01:59.840><c> will</c><00:02:00.000><c> go</c> balance
- of the appropriation will go balance of the appropriation will go back<00:02:00.400><c> to</c><00:02
- </c> there's no balance this is it. there's no balance this is it.
- </c><01:16:58.200><c> government</c> continue to have balanced government continue to have balanced government
Keywords:
air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't want to have the outcome of debanking our local governments, so it brings balance.
- We don't want to have the outcome of debanking our local governments, so it brings balance.
- The balancing test.
- I want to be balanced in what I'm saying. So when a local government, ...White people.
- I want to be balanced in what I'm saying.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all narrowed eligibility to certain properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, added environmental and zoning criteria, and included exemptions for agricultural land, parks, military-adjacent land, and other areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill was reported favorably 8-0. The committee then heard SB 212 on sexual offenders and predators, as amended to add public swimming pools and related child-centered locations to residency and presence restrictions. Testimony was sharply divided, with supporters emphasizing child safety and opponents arguing the bill lacked empirical support and would worsen homelessness and impose retroactive burdens. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably 8-1.
Members next approved SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after adopting an amendment allowing certain enclaves adjacent to interstate highways to be developed for commercial, industrial, or single-family residential uses while clarifying protections for critical areas, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and military installations. The bill drew opposition from a county Republican committee representative who argued it would weaken zoning and comprehensive planning and encourage urban sprawl, while homebuilders and industry groups supported it. The committee also reported favorably SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, a Florida Bar-backed update intended to modernize and harmonize nonprofit corporate law, and SB 1338 on charitable giving, which would create donor remedies for endowment restrictions and limit state reporting burdens on certain charitable organizations; members noted the latter would need further work on cy pres and related issues.
The committee then approved SB 532 on court fees after a strike-all that would let clerks retain all collections above revenue projections rather than splitting excess with general revenue, with clerks’ groups supporting the change and members citing long-standing funding shortfalls. SB 218 on land use regulations was also reported favorably; it would restore normal land-use authority to counties unaffected by the 2024 hurricanes while keeping SB 180 protections in place for damaged areas. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability passed 9-2 after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption was retroactive; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks and reduce class-action litigation, while opponents wanted stronger compliance requirements. Finally, SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended and passed unanimously as a process-reform measure allowing licensed professionals to conduct pre-application reviews, and SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools was reported favorably 8-3 after extensive testimony and debate over whether it would protect free expression or invite coercion and litigation. The committee also began consideration of SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor framing it as historical accuracy and opponents arguing it erased Palestinian identity; the transcript cuts off during that item.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I dumped the balance of the money into the general fund.
- I dumped the balance of the money into the general fund.
- I dumped the balance of the money into the general fund.
- I dumped the balance of the money into the general fund.
- </c><01:09:36.960><c> the</c> balance and we need to balance the balance and we need to balance the industries
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The gentleman yields yield the balance.
- Chairman, I will reserve the balance.
- Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
- </c> balance of my time. balance of my time.
- <03:50:33.199><c> against</c><03:50:33.520><c> traditional</c> balanced against traditional balanced
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That balance and that fine line between how do we ensure additional protections through technology, but
- A lot of folks see that as maybe the best kind of balance, where, particularly AB 744, for example, it
- which we need to focus on to support a robust and healthy telehealth system and also finding that balance
- Yeah, it's a difficult balance, and I think it's evolving as we all get more and more experience with
- At the same time, we want to ensure that the focus is not only on telehealth access, but also balancing
Summary:
The committee held an outcomes review hearing on AB 744 and AB 32, two telehealth bills authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. Members and witnesses discussed how AB 744 established payment parity for telehealth in the commercial market, while AB 32 expanded Medi-Cal access to audio-only telehealth and helped make telehealth a more permanent part of California’s health care system. The chair and author emphasized that the hearing was meant to assess implementation, identify remaining gaps, and consider future policy changes.
First-panel testimony from policy experts described telehealth’s growth before and after COVID-19, noting strong patient satisfaction, continued higher utilization than pre-pandemic levels, and particular value for behavioral health, chronic care, rural communities, older adults, and patients facing transportation, work, child care, broadband, or language barriers. Witnesses said audio-only remains especially important for patients without reliable internet, but gaps remain in asynchronous care, FQHC/RHC billing, remote-only provider participation, and public data availability beyond 2022. Committee members asked about reimbursement, clinical safeguards, disparities, data collection, e-consults, commercialization concerns, and cross-state licensure.
The second panel featured providers and advocates who said the laws have improved access in practice. A family physician described telehealth as useful for established patients, follow-up care, mental health, and rapid triage, while Planned Parenthood said AB 744 and AB 32 support confidential reproductive health care and that Medi-Cal should allow more asynchronous care and new-patient access. A rural behavioral health clinician said telehealth has been essential for low-income and geographically isolated patients, though broadband and device access remain barriers. Public comment largely supported telehealth expansion while urging the Legislature to close remaining Medi-Cal gaps, modernize licensure, and preserve timely in-person care. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with members and the author thanking witnesses and saying the review would inform future legislation.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 26th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this strikes a better balance. I would like to support the underlying bill.
- I do think we need to think about the balance of interest here and make sure we're including minimum
- I think it strikes a slightly better balance, asking for your support.
- I think this strikes a better balance. I would like to support the underlying bill.
- And had young children with me and was trying to balance everything.
Bills:
SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB6190, SB5574, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5943, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6256, HB2155, HB2304, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005
Keywords:
criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development