Transcript Highlights:

• She would say, 'Hey, I just got back from Hawaii. How are you doing? I know it's tough out there.'

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call and proceeded with routine business, including approval of the previous day’s journal, procedural suspensions, and several file items. Most second-reading, concurrence, veto, and reconsideration items were passed, retained, or continued without debate. The main floor action was on House Resolution 75, authored by Assembly Member Pellerin, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pellerin and several members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing survivor-led advocacy, the prevalence of trafficking in California, risks tied to major events and vulnerable populations, and the need for better prevention, data collection, and victim services. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 64 co-authors were added. Assembly Member Avila Farias’s AB 768, relating to mobile home park rent control and affordable housing, also passed with a 60-1 vote. The Assembly then held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for Joy Atkinson, a longtime Los Angeles civic leader and mentor to Black women in public service, with members recounting her work in government, political organizing, and the La P.I.E. leadership institute. Later, Assembly Member Haney offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy and philanthropy. The House adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• She would say, 'Hey, I just got back from Hawaii. How are you doing? I know it's tough out there.'

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a junior at Vashon Island High School. For the record, my name is Emma Champagne.
• This tool helps us mitigate harm on the island.
• I'm chair of the board of Island County Commissioners and a member of the Island County Board of Health
• This bill was initially developed because the Island County Board desired to appoint Dr.
• Sean Morris, and I serve as the public health director for Island County.

Bills: SB5904 , SB5915 , SB6025 , SB5933 , SB5990 , SB5981

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a junior at Vashon Island High School. For the record, my name is Emma Champagne.
• Vashon Island is such an interestingly rural community of about 10,000 people.
• This tool helps us mitigate harm on the island.
• I'm chair of the board of Island County Commissioners and a member of the Island County Board of Health
• Sean Morris, and I serve as the public health director for Island County.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a hearing on several bills. SB 5904 would prohibit non-human entities from using nursing titles; the sponsor and nursing groups said it is meant to increase transparency around AI and ensure patients know when they are interacting with a real nurse. SB 5915 would change Health Technology Assessment Program review criteria and timelines, with supporters arguing it would better account for Medicare coverage and national guidelines, especially for rare and life-threatening conditions. SB 6025 would update the definition of fetal death to allow gestational age to be determined by the best clinically accurate method rather than last menstrual period, and medical professionals and the sponsor said this would reduce emotional, financial, and legal burdens on grieving families. SB 5933 would require near real-time sharing of overdose data into ODMAP; public health, local government, and recovery advocates said it would improve overdose response, while one witness asked that poison center data be included and clarified separately. SB 5990 would allow APRNs and physician assistants to serve as local health officers in counties under 100,000 population; rural county officials supported the added flexibility, while public health groups and naturopathic physicians raised concerns about qualifications and asked that naturopathic doctors be included as well. SB 5981 would restrict drug manufacturers from limiting 340B drug access through contract pharmacies or requiring data as a condition of discounts; safety-net hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, and patients said it protects access and reinvestment in care, while manufacturers, employer groups, and industry representatives argued it increases costs, lacks transparency, and may not ensure savings reach patients. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript; each bill was heard and testimony was closed. Sign-in counts were reported for several bills, including strong pro support for SB 5904, SB 5915, SB 5933, and SB 5981, and mixed or substantial opposition on SB 6025 and SB 5990.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we spoke about when you visited I want to talk about some Rhode Island issues because Rhode Island
• Rhode Island has been on the losing end of that distortion for years and I am sick of it.
• It's probably a 25-minute ride from Our trio of world-class hospitals, Rhode Island, Hasbro Pediatric
• It is wrong and it is really dislocating health care in Rhode Island.
• Virgin Islands and in 2024 they recovered 1.4 billion dollars in fraud.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the first case in this area came from Rhode Island, and it was a case where there were four apartments
• I'm the island housing planner for the Martha's Vineyard Commission, which is the regional planning agency
• the municipal housing trust and then that pooled year-round housing trust fund, which is what the island
• towns are planning on creating together for the island towns.
• The Cape and Islands district has the most home rule petitions of any district in the Commonwealth, so

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held its 12th hearing of the session, chaired by Representative Richard Haggerty and Senator Julian Cyr, and heard testimony on two bills: H. 5317, concerning condominium conversion of co-owned two-unit buildings, and H. 5447, a home rule petition for an affordable housing trust fund in West Tisbury. The chair outlined a hybrid hearing format, three-minute testimony limits for individuals, and a July 31 deadline for written testimony. Peter Harrington testified in support of H. 5317, arguing that the partition law is outdated and should be updated so courts can use the condominium statute when dividing co-owned property. He said the change would help preserve middle-class housing, especially two-family homes that might otherwise be sold, torn down, or redeveloped into more expensive housing. Committee members asked about how common the issue is and whether it is more case-specific; Harrington said it arises at the lower end of Chapter 241 cases but is not unusual. Laura Silber testified in support of H. 5447 on behalf of West Tisbury’s Affordable Housing Committee and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. She said the bill would let the town’s affordable housing trust serve households up to 180% of area median income and better support seasonal communities tools, including housing for essential public-sector workers and acquisition of year-round deed restrictions. Senator Cyr questioned whether the home rule petition was necessary if technical fixes to the seasonal communities law are enacted, and Silber said the petition was a short-term measure while the towns await statutory changes and work toward a pooled year-round housing trust. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• me today is Commissioner Tara Goraya on behalf of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
• Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across California.
• We serve as a bridge between the governor, the legislature,... and Pacific Islanders across California
• I just lastly really want to thank the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, CARE
• I just lastly, really want to thank the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, CARE

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• Virgin Islands and worked for the Virgin Islands Energy Office. I was raised in the U.S.
• Today, the Virgin Islands territorial parks and protected areas, the Virgin Islands National Park, and
• Virgin Islands have many things in common: small communities that work together, and conservation that
• But other countries have done this, and you heard from the Virgin Islands, all of the reasons that have
• this, and you heard from the Virgin Islands as well.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• If you met one person from Lummi Island, they know all the rest.
• It transports island residents, visitors, and many service providers such as law enforcement.
• Every day, about 1,000 residents of Lummi Island rely on it to get to work, attend school.
• Residents of Lummi Island rely on it to get to work, attend school, access medical care, and respond
• This ferry is the only access, the only road to that island.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on transportation planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Western Washington. April Putney of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee described the event as a statewide, 39-day tournament with six Seattle group-stage matches, additional possible matches, fan zones across the state, and major transportation impacts centered in the Seattle area, including street closures, increased I-5 traffic, and heavy use of transit, shuttles, ferries, and active transportation. She said the goal is safe, seamless mobility with 80% of stadium attendees arriving by non-personal vehicle, and noted coordination with federal agencies on border crossings and security. WSDOT’s Travis Phelps outlined roughly $25.65 million in World Cup-related funding for tunnel maintenance, traffic operations, signage and digital messaging, public transit support, ferries, and related staffing and training, emphasizing use of existing staff, overtime, and current fleets rather than new hires or vehicles. Senators asked about border staffing and ferry capacity, and WSDOT said it would follow up on ferry staffing concerns. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 5839 would remove the “passenger only” limitation for county ferry districts, allowing them to support vehicle ferries; supporters from Whatcom County and the Association of Counties said the change would help aging ferry systems, improve funding flexibility, and support essential island access, while some testimony was opposed. SB 6032 would amend the secure-your-load law to allow vehicles with mud, rocks, or debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before being towed on paved highways; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would save time and water for construction equipment operators, and the hearing closed with strong support and little opposition. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, allowing up to 46 feet measured from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer; RV industry, dealer, and business groups supported it as a safety-neutral clarification that would align Washington with other states and improve competitiveness, and the hearing closed with overwhelming support. Finally, SB 5864 would create an online motor vehicle insurance verification system at the Department of Licensing, require insurers to provide policy data, and use the system at registration renewal beginning in 2029 after a pilot period. The sponsor and supporters from insurers and law enforcement said the bill would reduce uninsured driving, improve roadside verification, and lower costs shifted to insured drivers, while county auditors and vehicle subagents supported the policy but warned that implementation must be technically reliable and adequately funded so renewals are not slowed. The public hearing closed with substantial support and some operational concerns raised, and the committee adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This person actually went to other islands, or the next island over, and found some there.
• This person actually went to other islands, or the next island over, and found some there, not as many
• This person actually went to other islands or the next island over and found some there, not as many.
• That small red dot is around the Whiskey Island area.
• So Whiskey Island, we've got a half mile to a 1.5 mile.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 886 by Rep. Orgeron, which would make seasonal catch totals and related reporting for the commercial menhaden fishery publicly available by carving out an exception to confidentiality rules. The author said the bill was intended to align with the original intent of prior reporting legislation and to ensure the public can see how much menhaden is being taken from Louisiana waters. Supporters, including Louisiana Wildlife Federation, CCA, charter captains, and recreational anglers, argued the fishery uses a public resource and that transparency is needed for policymaking. Opponents said they did not object to transparency in principle, but one speaker asked that size-sampling data be removed, arguing it has no scientific value and is already handled through NOAA and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Council processes. The committee reported HB 886 favorably without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 855, also by Rep. Orgeron, which would establish a 22-foot depth requirement for the commercial use of purse seines in the menhaden fishery. The author said the bill was based on a state-funded bycatch study showing red drum bycatch rises sharply in shallow water and that the current quarter-mile buffer is insufficient, especially in nearshore areas where recreational fishing and sensitive habitats are concentrated. Supporters emphasized the public trust nature of menhaden, the economic value of recreational fishing, and concerns about bycatch, beach fouling, and localized depletion. Several speakers cited the bycatch study, public comments opposing the recent reduction from a half-mile to a quarter-mile buffer, and the belief that deeper-water fishing would reduce impacts on redfish and other species. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff and the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Scott Rayburn, answered questions about the current buffer rules, enforcement, and the science behind the 22-foot threshold. They explained that the recent reduction to a quarter-mile buffer came from a commission directive and that the department had investigated complaints but found no violations. Dr. Rayburn said the 22-foot figure came from modeling red drum bycatch as a function of depth and that the study focused on red drum because of its economic and social importance, while not analyzing every species in the same way. Opponents of the bill, including West Bank Fishing and Ocean Harvesters representatives, said the rule of three is a standard confidentiality concept, argued the bill should not be framed as anti-transparency, and urged removal of the size-sampling provisions. The committee heard extensive testimony but no final action on HB 855 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am of the Squaxin Island Tribe, and I'm from Squaxin.
• Before the Squaxins were put on an island, we were bands of people who lived all over South Puget Sound
• Thank you, Chair Peters, for your warm welcome, and thanks again to the Squaxin Island Tribe for being
• The speaker is pleased to introduce from the Squaxin Island Tribe Councilmember Vicki Kruger, community
• I do one more time want to thank Chair Peters and the members of the Squaxin Island Tribe for welcoming

Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome from Squaxin Island Tribe member Chris Peters and other tribal leaders. Justice Mary Yu administered the oath of office to Representatives Hall, Obras, Thomas, Salahuddin, and Zahn. The Speaker also recognized the service of Justice Yu, the late Senator Bill Ramos, the late Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding. The Speaker and Republican leader Stokesbary delivered opening remarks focused on the session’s priorities and challenges, including affordability, taxes, housing, public safety, and the impact of federal policy on Washington. The House adopted several organizational resolutions and motions. House Resolution 4665, notifying the Governor that the House was organized and ready to do business, passed. House Concurrent Resolution 4406, setting the Governor’s address to the Legislature, and House Concurrent Resolution 4407, returning bills and resolutions to the normal process for consideration, both passed. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session, also passed. The House suspended rules to move various measures, referred introduced bills to committees, and approved House Resolution 4667 adopting the permanent House rules. The Speaker announced committee assignment changes, including new appointments for Representatives Engel, Hall, Parshley, and Zahn, and reminded members of pink slip deadlines. A House delegation then reported back from the Governor’s office, saying he welcomed the Legislature and was ready for the session. The House adjourned until the next day, with a pro forma session and the Governor’s State of the State address scheduled for the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am of the Squaxin Island Tribe, and I'm from Squaxin.
• Before the Squaxins were put on an island, we were bands of people who lived all over South Puget Sound
• Thank you, Chair Peters, for your warm welcome, and thanks again to the Squaxin Island Tribe for being
• The speaker is pleased to introduce, from the Squaxin Island Tribe, Councilmember Vicki Kruger, Community
• I do one more time want to thank Chair Peters and the members of the Squaxin Island Tribe for welcoming

Summary: The House convened for the opening day of the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature, with 96 members present. The session included the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, a prayer, and a tribal welcome and blessing from Squaxin Island Tribe members, followed by the swearing-in of several representatives by retired Justice Mary Yu. The Speaker also recognized the deaths of Senator Bill Ramos, Speaker Emeritus Frank Chopp, and Trooper Tara Marissa Gooding with a moment of silence. In opening remarks, the Speaker emphasized the impacts of federal actions on Washington, including tariffs, H.R. 1, health care costs, Medicaid and food assistance losses, climate and clean energy funding threats, immigration and civil rights concerns, and the need to protect food, health, shelter, and affordability. Representative Stokesbary responded for House Republicans, focusing on Washington’s high cost of living, opposing an income tax, and urging action on affordability, housing, and crime. Both sides framed the session as a difficult but important period for budget and policy decisions. The House adopted House Resolution 4665 to notify the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and adopted House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407 to receive the governor’s address and establish the session’s cutoff dates. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407, adopted permanent House rules, and approved several committee reassignments and appointments. A House delegation then reported back from a visit with Governor Ferguson, and the House adjourned until the next day, when it was scheduled to meet in pro forma session before the joint session for the governor’s State of the State address.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was contacted just yesterday by a law firm out of Rhode Island.
• I was contacted just yesterday by a law firm out of Rhode Island.
• I was contacted just yesterday by a law firm out of Rhode Island.
• I was contacted just yesterday by a law firm out of Rhode Island.
• I was contacted just yesterday by a law firm out of Rhode Island.

Transcript Highlights:

• You look at California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island in the top six.
• You look at California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island in the top six.
• William Stewart Mitchell III of Fleming Island, Florida, marks his 100th birthday, a century defined

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, I first want to begin by thanking my good friend from the Cape and the Islands, Senator
• Commonwealth, if not the whole nation, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Senator from the Cape and Islands
• for the work that's been done thus far on this bill, from the gentleman from the other Cape and the Islands
• The Senator from the Cape and Islands rises to oppose Amendment 11, which will allow, you know, this
• The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Senator Searle.

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students. A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted. The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually went to college late in life, Rhode Island College.
• So we represent all the cities and towns on Cape Cod and, of course, the islands, but we have had visitors
• here, Cape Cod and, of course, the islands, but we have had visitors here, especially Cabo Verde, but
• be said about visiting existing cultural institutions that are either in Massachusetts or in Rhode Island
• to make them, you know, one in Boston, one in the South Shore, and then maybe one on the Cape and Islands

Summary: The Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission met with quorum, opened with roll call, and welcomed several new commissioners from across Massachusetts, including community leaders, scholars, elected officials, and representatives from Cape Verdean organizations. Chair Miranda and the facilitators described the commission’s purpose: to study and recommend a path toward a Cape Verdean cultural center in Boston, including its organizational structure, location, programming, and feasibility study. Miranda emphasized the long effort behind the commission and said the goal is to produce a report that could support a future center with features such as an auditorium, library, recording studio, and restaurant. Commissioners discussed how to gather public input, with suggestions including visits to existing cultural institutions, traditional listening sessions in communities such as Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Taunton, Fall River, the Cape, and the Islands, and collecting feedback at festivals and other Cape Verdean events. Members also raised the importance of involving youth, elders, artists, and local historical societies, and of correcting myths and gaps in the historical record about Cape Verdean communities in Massachusetts. Funding was discussed briefly: short-term support may come through earmarks, while larger support would likely need to be pursued through a bond bill. The group agreed to continue sharing ideas by email and through a future repository or shared platform, with meeting minutes to be circulated the following week. A motion was made and seconded to approve the February 2 meeting minutes, and the commission voted to adjourn. The next meeting was tentatively planned for early April, with a Doodle poll to be sent out to members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the A3 amendment reflects the House and Prairie Island agreement on this bill.
• It was always the intention of the chair that we had to have Prairie Island and Xcel on board.
• It was always the intention of the chair that we had to have Prairie Island and Xcel on board.
• </c> to say thanks to the Prairie Island to say thanks to the Prairie Island Indian<01:06:49.040><c>
• to have Prairie Island and Xcel on<01:06:56.440><c> board.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• Several islands. the County of Maui by population. Okay. the County of Maui by population. Okay.
• Several<00:13:07.960><c> islands.</c> Okay, back to the top of the agenda.
• It's HB 2104 HD2 SD1, relating to island burial councils.
• HD2<00:16:13.959><c> SD1</c><00:16:14.720><c> relating</c><00:16:15.200><c> to</c><00:16:15.440><c> island
• </c><00:16:15.800><c> burial</c> HD2 SD1 relating to island burial HD2 SD1 relating to island burial

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise as Vice Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander AAPI Legislative Caucus to present Senate
• for me and reflects the significant contributions Korean Americans and Asian American and Pacific Islander
• In my district, I'm fortunate to represent a large Asian Pacific Islander community made up of Koreans
• and community for the New Year has remained an important part of our Asian American and Pacific Islander
• family and community for the New Year has remained an important part of our Asian American Pacific Islander

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote. At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Virgin Islands officially has flown seven flags over 500 years.
• Since 1917, the American Stars and Stripes have proudly flown over our islands.
• Virgin Islands officially has flown seven flags over 500 years.
• </c> Americans raised in the Virgin Islands Americans raised in the Virgin Islands to<00:12:42.519><c
• </c> other businesses in the Virgin Islands other businesses in the Virgin Islands we<00:13:52.720><c