Transcript Highlights:

• actually seized and taken and so forth, it's about a $500 penalty and roughly a 30-day closure for modification
• present AB 1382, which would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals where the genetic modification
• These genetic modifications run the risk of prioritizing aesthetics over the well-being of the animal
• These genetic modifications run the risk of prioritizing aesthetics over the well-being of the animal
• I'd also emphasize that they may be more medically complex because of the modifications that are occurring

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard three bills ahead of the house-of-origin deadline. AB 762 by Assemblymember Irwin would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vapes in California, with committee amendments to align implementation dates and allow a sell-through period. The author and supporters, including waste agencies, firefighters, local governments, and public health groups, argued the devices create lithium-ion battery fire risks in waste facilities and burden ratepayers and first responders. Opponents, including cannabis industry and retail groups, argued the bill would not meaningfully reduce battery waste because most problematic products are already illicit, and warned it could worsen the illegal market and reduce consumer access to legal products. After extensive debate, the committee passed AB 762 as amended to Appropriations on a vote with some members not voting or on call. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals created for cosmetic purposes. Supporters said the bill would prevent novelty pet breeding, reduce pressure on already overcrowded shelters, and avoid ethical concerns about modifying animals for appearance alone, while preserving medical and scientific research. Opponents, including the pet industry, argued the measure was unnecessary because regulated products such as glowfish already undergo scientific review and that the bill could create ambiguity and harm lawful commerce. The committee clarified that glowfish and scientific research were exempt, and AB 1382 passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 739 by Assemblymember Jackson would require managing agents in common interest developments to provide homeowners and HOA boards a summary of fees charged for management services. Realtors supported the bill as a transparency measure, while community managers and the Community Associations Institute said they could accept it once promised amendments were adopted to narrow the disclosure and avoid blanket mailings that could raise costs. The author said amendments would be taken in the Housing and Community Development Committee and committed to further consultation. AB 739 passed to Housing and Community Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• actually seized and taken and so forth, it's about a $500 penalty and roughly a 30-day closure for modification
• present AB 1382, which would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals where the genetic modification
• These genetic modifications run the risk of prioritizing aesthetics over the well-being of the animal
• These genetic modifications run the risk of prioritizing aesthetics over the well-being of the animal
• I'd also emphasize that they may be more medically complex because of the modifications that are occurring

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 86 of this legislation, it says any modification or alteration of an appliance, operating procedure
• :09:03.360><c> any</c> 86 of this legislation, it says any 86 of this legislation, it says any modification
• 04.080><c> or</c><00:09:04.320><c> alteration</c><00:09:04.720><c> of</c><00:09:04.880><c> an</c> modification
• or alteration of an modification or alteration of an appliance,<00:09:05.600><c> operating</c><00:09

Bills: SB197, SB84, SB197, SB84

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, SB84, agricultural nonprofit, farm bureau, nonprofit agricultural organization, health benefits, member benefits, family coverage, health insurance exemption, insurance regulation, Title 27, Alabama insurance code, risk transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• The litigant, the petitioner filed a modification.
• And actually won The modification and they modified the child support.
• can be, it can represent a material and substantial change in circumstances for the purposes of modification
• Particularly like the fact because to, to prove a modification to change custody, to alter visitation

Transcript Highlights:

• I think every time there is a rate case, there is a modification.
• We made multiple modifications to both cases that we saw last fall.
• There are elements in which the company is asking for that we do approve, but there are certain modifications
• There are certain modifications that we make after we litigate and after we hear the case.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of them urges us to pass HALT fentanyl without modification or delay.
• District Attorneys Association, and others have urged us to pass the bill immediately and without modification
• colleagues to vote against all of the amendments and to pass this legislation without further modification
• have been quoted over a period of two or three years about voting for repeal or voting for some modification

Bills: SB331

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, S-331, Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, fentanyl crisis, public testimony, drug legislation, bipartisan support

Summary: In this committee meeting, the focus was primarily on S-331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. The bill's key components include making permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, confirming existing sentencing penalties, and easing registration requirements for scientific research on Schedule I substances. Numerous parents shared heartbreaking testimonies about their losses due to fentanyl, which fueled an urgent call to pass the legislation without alterations. The committee members engaged in passionate discussions highlighting the urgency of the situation as overdoses continue to claim American lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• taxable income, it starts with the federal adjusted gross income, or AGI, and incorporates several modifications
• These modifications are made for capital gains and losses and for deductions of other taxes that were
• My husband is a general contractor, and we own a small contracting business.

Summary: House Finance held a public hearing on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax beginning in 2028 on Washington taxable income over $1 million for individuals, with related rules for residents, nonresidents, pass-through entities, estimated payments, penalties, credits, and revenue distribution. Staff explained that the bill would also fund several tax changes, including an expanded Working Families Tax Credit, sales tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, higher small business B&O credits, an early end to the B&O surcharge on very large businesses, and repeal of most retail services sales tax changes from last session. The fiscal note projected about $2.53 billion in additional state revenue in FY 2029 and $3.21 billion in FY 2030, with local revenue losses and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The chair also announced concerns about apparent fraud and duplicate records in the public sign-in system and set testimony rules limiting questions and shortening testimony time as the hearing progressed. The prime sponsor, Senator Jamie Peterson, said the bill was intended to make Washington’s tax system less regressive and to raise revenue for schools, health care, higher education, and other public needs while reducing the burden on lower- and middle-income residents. Supporters from labor, education, health care, child care, housing, poverty-reduction, and social service organizations argued that the bill would help fund essential services, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and improve fairness by asking the wealthiest households to contribute more. Several individual supporters, including business owners and workers, said they were willing to pay more and described the need for better-funded schools, health care, child care, and public defense. Opponents, including former Attorney General Rob McKenna, business groups, construction and real estate representatives, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as an unconstitutional income tax, would be unstable and likely expanded over time, and would harm small businesses organized as pass-through entities. They said the bill would reduce investment, discourage entrepreneurship, and could drive businesses and high earners out of Washington. Some local government representatives supported the public defense funding but asked for more dedicated revenue and protection against local revenue losses from the bill’s sales tax exemptions. No committee vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there are a few modifications that we've made, many to address the concerns that we dealt with
• However, there are a few modifications that we've made, many to address the concerns that we dealt with
• happened to the underlying bill within the amendment is the removal of certain provisions such as OBGYN contracts

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders. The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals. Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're asked to make some modifications to it.
• We're asked to make some modifications to it.
• Uh there was a some modifications to it.
• Um, it might cost them more to litigate than the contract was originally worth.
• Um, it might cost them more to litigate than the contract was originally worth.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 27FN, which would change how improvements to dwellings over water are handled and align those projects more closely with the state building code. The bill was presented by Trisha Milo on behalf of Senator Lang, and attorney John Cronin explained that it arose from a specific New Hampshire Supreme Court case involving the Newcombs’ lakeside property, but that it could affect a small number of older waterfront homes statewide. He said the intent was to give the Department of Environmental Services (DES) limited waiver authority for improvements that do not harm water quality, plant life, or fish, while still requiring DES review and local permits. Committee members asked several questions about the scope of the bill, including whether it was tied to one case, how many properties might be affected, what counts as “living space,” and whether the language could allow larger decks or other expansions. Cronin said the bill was meant to be narrow, focused on access and egress and not on creating new living space, and that DES would still be able to deny unreasonable requests. He also described the Newcombs’ project as a rehabilitation of an older structure that had been approved locally and later challenged by DES, leading to the current dispute. Darlene Forst, the Wetlands Bureau administrator at DES, testified in opposition. She said the department was surprised the bill was being heard because it believed the Senate had sent it to interim study, and she argued the language was unclear and could have broader statewide effects than intended. Forst also said the underlying case was still active and should not be effectively re-litigated through this bill. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A retroactive contract after a job is done, just because the intent of the bill may say that...
• And just so that we're all on the same page, the neutrality agreement is a voluntary contract that the
• a removal of that language of the Attorney General's involvement or if it's just going to be a modification
• stores to verify user ages, requires verifiable parental consent for minors, prohibits enforcement of contracts
• There's no contract that can be entered without affirmative parental consent on any app.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor. The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Large energy users closing before contract terms puts ratepayers at risk of footing the bill for their
• and Indiana, have already taken steps to protect their ratepayers, varying from exit fees, minimum contract
• Large energy users closing before contract terms puts ratepayers at risk of footing the bill for their
• The date for implementation of this bill is not adequate in that they may not have a contract in place
• I appreciate that, with respect to the assessment provisions and the modification in the language dealing

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right, through the city, but this is who they contract with, is what we're getting at.
• It says they have to contract with the management organization. It may be the same one.
• Well, the city's contract with these organizations. Well, I applaud.
• We represent the neighborhood in contracting with vendors for trash pickup.
• And this is some modification. Great.

Bills: HB22, SB250, SB375, SB536, SB845, SB1633, SB1944, SB1957, SB2081, SB2137, SB2262, SB2299, SB2419, SB2452, SB2522, SB2549, SB2594, SB2605, SB2631, SB2639, SB2675, SB3029, SJR60, HB22, HB1392, HB2525

Keywords: emergency communication, broadband, funding, natural disasters, technology, HB 22, Texas broadband development office, comptroller, emergency communications, early warning systems, disaster alerts, natural disaster notifications, interoperable communications, interoperable emergency radio, public safety communications, 9-1-1, next generation 9-1-1, NG911, broadband grants, low-interest loans

Transcript Highlights:

• And then administration of the, of, of the contracts to the, to the general contractors.
• What they do is they then will, uh, they'll convince the veteran to sign a contract.
• But then they'll have to pay up to 33% depending on the fee charge that they negotiate in the contract
• Uh, on the physical care side, we contract with licensed nursing home operators to make sure that we
• Um, I am also a contract paralegal and I only do prisoner cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:31.360><c> because</c> be in violation of that contract because be in violation of that contract
• </c><00:34:07.279><c> for</c> the department will either contract for the department will either contract
• Contracts are going to be delayed.
• And there are contract of this sort.
• </c><02:37:15.200><c> to</c> 2026, the cost of modification to 2026, the cost of modification to PELB's

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Smith and Taggart Representatives Smith and Taggart concerning<00:20:35.640><c> modifications
• </c><00:20:36.240><c> to</c><00:20:36.360><c> certain</c> concerning modifications to certain concerning
• modifications to certain statutes<00:20:37.000><c> relating</c><00:20:37.360><c> to</c><00:20:37.480
• Lukens Bacon and<00:20:48.400><c> Lukens</c><00:20:48.720><c> concerning</c><00:20:49.160><c> modifications
• </c><00:20:49.800><c> to</c> and Lukens concerning modifications to and Lukens concerning modifications

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to allow any resident to petition for modifications to an established EAL.
• More importantly, it also provides for a process for residents to petition for any modification of the
• More importantly, it also provides a process for residents to petition for any modification of the EALs
• More importantly, it also provides for a process for residents to petition for any modification of the
• of the eals and this is modification of the eals and this is really<00:38:10.000><c> important</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as this industry changes and new technologies come about, there may be modifications that are needed
• So as this industry changes and new technologies come about, there may be modifications that are needed
• So as this industry changes and new technologies come about, there may be modifications that are needed
• Is that notice that employees have bargained for in contracts in the past?
• Just curious if contracts in the past?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not that the carriers aren't willing to contract with those people.
• It's not that the carriers aren't willing to contract.
• It's that aren't willing to contract.
• Providers are required under our contracts to send us updated information.
• Because remember, insurance is a contract. You make a contract that insurance car.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fifth component of review is potential modifications.
• When appropriate, the evaluation will suggest potential modifications to increase the effectiveness of
• </c><00:48:54.079><c> when</c> review is potential modifications when review is potential modifications
• to increase the potential modifications to increase the effectiveness<00:48:58.839><c> of</c><00:48:
• A few of the provisions have special Minnesota treatment, such as modifications.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and that's a slight modification of the existing language just to sort of give the employer the benefit
• </c><00:05:19.680><c> of</c> Um and that's a slight modification of Um and that's a slight modification
• Um, repealing the requirement that vehicle financing loan contracts have successive periodic payments
• <00:12:24.880><c> have</c><00:12:25.040><c> successive</c><00:12:25.600><c> periodic</c> contracts have
• </c><01:58:52.320><c> under</c> investment or investment contract under investment or investment contract

Keywords: 1191, senate, all