Transcript Highlights:

• So our depredation prevention research started in 2021, and we are using several conflict mitigation
• So our depredation prevention research started in 2021, and we are using several conflict mitigation
• So I think it is fair to say that ranchers should be doing something in the realm of non-lethal deterrence
• North America: one in Alaska in 2010 and one in Canada in 2005.
• In every case I have seen, non-lethal mitigation benefits all stakeholders.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in blue, in the Puget Sound shown in yellow, and the rest of Washington State shown in black on this
• in blue, in the Puget Sound shown in yellow, and the rest of Washington State shown in black on this
• So in 2022, we had 315, and then in 2023, we had 300, and then in 2024, we had 281.
• And in closing here, our commitment to Washington's role remains committed to fair, unbiased, and professional
• The JTC's participation in the WTP process in June of 20th... In the WTP process.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the frustration that the department, in my estimation, and in our estimation, and in our...
• And finally, in conclusion, if you like wolves, you need to be seriously fair-minded and support this
• In '25, we detected another walleye in Lake Sammamish.
• in the ladder in the late '90s, early 2000s.
• . the property in fee back in 2018.

Bills: SB5838, SB5960, SB6097

Keywords: tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability, Indian tribes, conservation futures program, federal recognition, environmental protection, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in 2024.
• Washington's public funds sit in big banks earning next to zero in returns.
• initiative in 2026.
• It destroyed a lot of residences in that city back in 2011.
• Previously, in my current profession in Washington State, I worked in real estate, architecture, and

Bills: SB5754

Keywords: public bank, state bank, finance, banking regulations, economic development, state investment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was appointed back in June.
• Lands covered by water refers to work either in the water or in wetlands.
• Then projects as they come in are reviewed to determine if they meet the planned action, and mitigation
• of that in 2023.
• In addition, In addition, there are many critical resources that must be protected in this small 12-square-mile

Summary: The Local Government Committee met in work session and heard a series of presentations on SEPA, permitting reforms, and building code implementation. Department of Ecology staff gave an overview of the State Environmental Policy Act, explaining its role in state and local decision-making, common exemptions, planned actions, and recent housing-related statutory changes such as transit-oriented development exemptions and SEPA appeals protections for certain local ordinances. Committee members asked about repeated SEPA reviews, cultural and historic resource review, and how SEPA relates to NEPA; Ecology responded that repeated reviews usually occur when proposals change and that programmatic EISs can help front-load analysis. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections described how recent SEPA exemptions reduced residential review volume and supported more housing permits, and said the city is considering raising thresholds further. The State Building Code Council provided an update on code adoption timelines and legislative tasks tied to the 2024 codes, including single-stair housing, multiplex housing, dwelling unit size, and temporary emergency shelter standards. Council staff said the content of the codes is largely set, but administrative timelines have been delayed, prompting a motion to postpone final adoption while pursuing ways to preserve the planned implementation schedule. Members asked about the timing of code changes and the impact on housing costs, and staff said the legislative topics remain on track for inclusion in the 2024 code package. Committee staff then reviewed recent permitting legislation, including SB 5290’s permit decision deadlines and fee-refund provisions, later bills limiting pre-application meetings and clarifying that building permits are excluded from those timelines, and project-specific changes affecting middle housing, ADUs, lot splits, passive house projects, self-certification, transit-oriented development, and parking requirements. Commerce’s Dave Anderson reported on SB 5290 implementation, including guidance on permit fees, studies on staffing and statewide permitting systems, grants to local governments, and the first annual performance report, which showed mixed results and highlighted the importance of digital tools, clear checklists, staff training, and coordination across departments. Local officials from Issaquah and Kitsap County described their own process improvements, including code updates, optional pre-application meetings, new staffing, reporting systems, and a phased “Two by Six” review model in Kitsap, while also noting challenges from staffing shortages, agency coordination, and the burden of implementing multiple new mandates.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's currently costing us already $750,000 in unbudgeted cost to mitigate that pipe.
• Um, and in all fairness, they did give us a fair estimate for a one-year project.
• </c> focus in on mitigating hotspot issues. focus in on mitigating hotspot issues.
• [laughter] But when we do put in these speed mitigations, you can go that speed limit.
• we do put in these speed mitigations,<03:13:33.279><c> you</c><03:13:33.600><c> can</c><03:13:33.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:41.440><c> is</c> all be found in in this detail or is all be found in in this detail or is
• </c><00:43:15.839><c> in</c> way so to the three ic's in four in way so to the three ic's in four in
• I think it's fair, and I think that because we have flexibility in some of these programs, they really
• </c> that's just um put in in reserve in case that's just um put in in reserve in case of<02:59:46.200
• exercise programs, support them in healthy diet programs so that we can help mitigate the impact of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's that we didn't just put in place best... ...in my approach, ensuring that we didn't just put in
• In all of their mitigation, are they talking anything in the action plan?
• I mean, in fact, in essence, in my opinion, this district probably isn’t in one of the highest risks
• in baseball.
• To mitigate some of that, we are pushing back $7 million starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:18.800><c> at</c> in in general fund appropriation at in in general fund appropriation at
• </c><00:15:35.639><c> his</c><00:15:35.839><c> in</c> discussion for Senator Dibble in his in discussion
• </c><00:15:42.600><c> in</c> what basically becomes a temporary in in what basically becomes a temporary
• </c><00:55:32.200><c> neighborhood</c> in private wells in this neighborhood in private wells in this
• </c> 75% um were in the in Greater Minnesota 75% um were in the in Greater Minnesota and<01:31:34.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in in that we do grant processes.
• /c> that might be more in in the realm of that might be more in in the realm of needing<00:23:57.280>
• </c><00:35:03.440><c> I</c> in weighing in on on this or that. I in weighing in on on this or that.
• Um, in addition, for stepping in.
• </c><01:36:52.000><c> well</c> please think in in this manner as well please think in in this manner

Bills: HF4072, HF3691, HF4613

Keywords: workforce development, journalism, local news, internships, media training, emergency management, essential employees, public safety, law enforcement, workforce, economic development, appropriation, Twin Cities Marathon, Explore Minnesota, grants, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone who has woken up in the middle of the night to find Anyone who has woken up in the middle of the
• None of these feel optional when your child is in pain, but unfortunately in these economic times, families
• And just to put that in real terms, what you're looking at is, in a Milliman study, they referenced for
• If there's any other kind of limiters you're looking at in future amendments to try and mitigate costs
• analysis estimates that this would result in approximately less than 1% increase in the commercial large

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on January 13, 2026, and heard several two-year bills, with AB 634 (Gonzalez) and AB 298 (Bonta) receiving the most discussion. The chair also announced consent items AB 96 (Jackson), AB 1126 (Patterson), and AB 1366 (Flora), all with motions to do pass to Appropriations. Committee procedures, witness limits, and conduct rules were reviewed at the start of the hearing. AB 634 would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, or sale of tianeptine in California. Assembly Member Gonzalez described the drug as a dangerous substance sold in retail settings and said the bill had been amended to shift penalties from criminal to civil, narrow its scope so employees without authority over sales would not be targeted, allow cost recovery, and avoid a Commerce Clause issue. The California Narcotic Officers Association supported the bill, and there was no recorded opposition. The committee voted the bill out on a do pass to Judiciary motion. AB 298 would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for children’s health care services in large group commercial plans. Bonta argued that deductibles, copays, and coinsurance deter care and create financial strain for families, while noting the bill would not change provider reimbursement and that he would pursue cost-saving amendments in Appropriations, especially for CalPERS. Support came from Health Access California, Family Voices of California, and several medical and pediatric organizations, while the Chamber of Commerce and health plan groups opposed it, warning of premium increases and possible employer shifts to self-insured coverage. The committee advanced the bill on a do pass to Appropriations vote, and the chair later noted the bill was on call before final add-on votes were completed. The consent calendar items were also approved, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It puts it right in front of Rep. Lopez. I needed it in arms and like... I know.
• Vice Chair, do we have anybody signed in? No, ma'am. Nobody signed in. Don't be silly.
• Vice Chair, is there anybody here in person signed in to speak?
• So that's my goal in this committee.
• The reality is that we have another committee in... ...in rural Arizona.

Summary: The Committee on Rural Economic Development convened, adopted its committee rules, and briefly introduced members and staff. The chair noted a hard stop time and moved quickly through the agenda. The committee also heard a general discussion that future meetings would likely include a mix of rural housing, broadband, transportation, and economic development measures. The committee passed HB 2258, which adds La Paz County to Area 4 for representation on the Tourism Advisory Council, on a 7-0 vote. It then considered several Apache Junction and Pinal County-related appropriation bills. HB 2065 would appropriate $9.5 million for housing infrastructure, rehabilitation, and blight abatement in Apache Junction; HB 2066 would appropriate $8 million for broadband and fiber expansion there; and HB 2071 would appropriate $15.5 million for a rural business and workforce hub, infrastructure revitalization, and a rural health/community services facility. Members and the sponsor emphasized rural housing shortages, broadband gaps, and the need to bring Apache Junction and other rural areas up to parity with larger cities. The committee also passed HB 2106 on a 7-0 vote. That bill would direct undistributed or non-refunded revenues from a county transportation excise tax, collected before April 10, 2026, to ADOT for county transportation projects, with the sponsor explaining it as a way to use remaining Pinal County tax proceeds for roads after litigation and refunds. Several members discussed the need for broader rural investment, including possible amendments to include the Navajo Nation and other rural communities, and one bill was held over for the next agenda due to time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing in the requirements under the limit in emergency shelters or emergency housing in a way where
• The need is so great in our community in South King.
• The need is so great in our community in South King.
• We need the state to step in and set a fair standard, and we urge your support.
• And we just simply want to provide housing in the way that is fair to our residents.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on several measures and two gubernatorial appointments. At the start, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for Substitute House Bill 2354, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, and Second Substitute House Bill 2590. The committee also heard public testimony on House Bill 1859, which would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold needed to qualify for a density bonus. Supporters, including the sponsor, faith leaders, and local officials, said the current 100% affordability requirement has made projects difficult to finance and that the bill would better unlock underused church land for housing. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, which would further standardize where and how permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and shelters can be sited, while limiting local barriers and allowing some negotiated conditions near schools or when local governments provide significant support. The sponsor and supporters from King County, housing providers, the Attorney General’s office, disability advocates, medical professionals, and others argued the bill would reduce discriminatory or inconsistent local siting rules and expand needed housing. Some local government representatives supported the bill but asked for additional amendments to preserve local flexibility, require on-site contacts, and clarify how operating conditions and funding agreements would work. The committee also heard House Bill 2590, which would revise rules for limited equity cooperatives so they can better function as a long-term affordable homeownership model and remain exempt from certain Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act requirements. Supporters said the bill would help preserve manufactured housing communities and other cooperative housing while maintaining affordability and oversight. House Bill 2354, a trailer bill to WACOIA, would make technical changes affecting common interest communities, including EV charging and heat pump cost responsibility, reserve studies, and audit thresholds; the Washington State Community Association’s Institute testified in support. In executive session, the committee confirmed gubernatorial appointments Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone and voted do-pass recommendations for EHB 1687, SHB 2269, and HB 2304, all subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all this does, in simplicity, is create a more fair payment methodology to ASCs, allows patients in
• So all this does, in simplicity, is create a more fair payment methodology to ASCs, allows patients in
• All I want is some level of fairness in this system.
• All I want is fairness in this system. We cannot hide behind the darkness anymore.
• All I want is some level of fairness in this system.

Bills: HB62, HB124, HB182, HB193, HB198, HB203, HB223, HB237, HB469, HB486, HB574, HB779, HB796, HB919, SCR2, SB4, SB36, SB38, SB109, SB152, SB168, SB195, SB216, SB221, SB236, SB404

Keywords: Louisiana Women's Policy, gender equality, policy research, commission membership, women's representation, Domestic Violence, judicial experience, legislation, criminal law, family law, HB182, sexual assault, rape kit, forensic examination, forensic medical exam, sexual assault survivor, sexual assault nurse examiner, SANE, emergency department, hospital staffing

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the House is now in session. The clerk will call the roll.
• this present moment, not only here in this place but in the place of Our very lives.
• Your fingerprint, not just in this place, not only in your district, but perhaps especially in your home
• We are so thankful for the moments we have shared in his unique and very special investment in all of
• Linda Lapak is in the stands over here in the gallery.

Bills: HB4139, HB4143, HB4144, HB3974, HB3303, HB3790, HB3697, HB3262, HB4226, HB2936, HB3322, HB4296, HB3278, HB4202, HB3648, HB3500, HB3037, HB3428, HB3257, HB3432, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940

Keywords: home warranty, service contracts, transparency, insurance regulation, consumer protection, motor vehicles, traffic collisions, car accident, auto accident, crash report, collision report, property damage threshold, Department of Public Safety, DPS, law enforcement reports, insurance claims, financial responsibility, uninsured motorist, private property accidents, public roadway

Transcript Highlights:

• Consider what the Lord might have for us to do in this present moment, not only here in this place, but
• in the place of our very lives.
• this place, not only in your district, but perhaps especially in your home, is extremely important.
• We are so thankful for the moments we have shared in his unique and very special investment in all of
• Linda Lepak is in the stands over here in the gallery.

Bills: HB4139, HB4143, HB4144, HB3974, HB3303, HB3790, HB3697, HB3262, HB4226, HB2936, HB3322, HB4296, HB3278, HB4202, HB3648, HB3500, HB3037, HB3428, HB3257, HB3432, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940

Keywords: home warranty, service contracts, transparency, insurance regulation, consumer protection, motor vehicles, traffic collisions, car accident, auto accident, crash report, collision report, property damage threshold, Department of Public Safety, DPS, law enforcement reports, insurance claims, financial responsibility, uninsured motorist, private property accidents, public roadway

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with opening formalities including an invocation by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chaplain’s message focused on valuing each person’s unique contribution, making the most of each opportunity, and remembering members and families who have experienced loss, including a tribute to Harvey. The House also briefly stood at ease for announcements and administrative matters, including reassignment of measures and scheduling notices. A special floor presentation honored law enforcement officers and first responders involved in a dangerous May 30 pursuit in Atoka County. Representative Eves described how officers from the Atoka Police Department, Stringtown Police Department, and the county sheriff’s office responded to a theft, pursued an armed suspect, and risked their lives to protect a trapped family of five and other citizens. Members gave the officers a standing ovation in recognition of their courage and service. Additional announcements included a reminder about the Civil Judicial Area Committee meeting, introductions of guests in the gallery, birthday wishes for Representative Hasenbeck’s daughter, and notice of a Veterans Military Caucus/committee. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on in the portion provided. The House then adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may be in a second. We'll see if Senator. Hughes has got to stop. All right. Fair enough.
• And if you have interest in sinking, it stays as INS, aka debt.
• In statute elsewhere or is this still kind of open to interpretation in this bill?
• motion that says if this case has no basis in fact or in law, you're out of here.
• Now that's a long-term debate of what's in that other bill of M&O versus INS.

Bills: SB3038, SB3045, SB3065, SB3069, SB3071, HB2025, HB2149, HB3370, HB4205, HB4506, HB5424, HB5652, HB24, HB3687, HB24

Keywords: Fort Bend County, Municipal Utility District, MUD, special district, Rosenberg, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, ad valorem tax, bond issuance, assessments, fees, taxes, eminent domain, road district, storm drainage, infrastructure financing, development agreement, municipal consent, temporary directors, public utility district

Transcript Highlights:

• If the residents opt in. Okay, this is electronic zoning changes if the residents opt in.
• I mean, I'm going to go park in it.
• You said in honor and I didn't even know you had a parking place in the same mud area.
• It doesn't say in honor, it just says reserved. Wow!
• Hold on, we have one issue that we have in the meantime.

Bills: HB24, SB3038, SB3045, SB3065, SB3069, SB3071, HB2025, HB2149, HB3370, HB4205, HB4506, HB5424, HB5652, HB24, HB3687

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, Fort Bend County, Municipal Utility District, MUD, special district, Rosenberg, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, ad valorem tax, bond issuance, assessments, fees, taxes, eminent domain, road district, storm drainage

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the bill language, I believe you received a million dollars in appropriations in 2018, and so how
• ><c> if</c> February alone so in in perspectives if February alone so in in perspectives if you<00:36
• </c><00:36:34.599><c> the</c> gallons in each tank we have lost in the gallons in each tank we have lost
• Chisholm, another 25 in Buhl, and also out in the townships.
• </c><01:12:48.400><c> long</c> these streets in this city in the long these streets in this city in the

Bills: HF220, HF230, HF240, HF241, HF295, HF429, HF490, HF505, HF574, HF576, HF581, HF865, HF918, HF1085, HF1449, HF1452, HF1454, HF602

Keywords: HF220, Minnesota transportation, highway user tax distribution fund, trunk highway fund, Minnesota Department of Transportation, MnDOT, transportation finance, dedicated funds, funding restrictions, arts in transportation, cultural strategies, transportation project planning, project design, project construction, placemaking, public art, infrastructure spending, state statutes 161.045, HF230, Wyoming

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, it also provides funding for the cyanobacteria mitigation fund.
• In addition, it also provides funding for the cyanobacteria mitigation fund.
• in? in?
• </c> in 1969. in 1969.
• in their trash in fire that started in their trash in 2022. 2022. 2022.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all