Transcript Highlights:

• LITERALLY HAVING OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY PLATFORM THAT DOUBLES AS A OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE FACILITY.
• WE STEPPED ASIDE FOR COVID AND THEY WERE COMMUNICATING BACK AND FORTH ONLINE AND THEY DEVELOPED A PLATFORM
• THE USED COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN TO MAKE THE CONCEPT PLATFORM SEVERAL STORIES.
• THE USED COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN TO MAKE THE CONCEPT PLATFORM SEVERAL STORIES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So building, uh, having a licensing theory, it kind of sets the platform to better our industry and make
• So building, uh, having a licensing theory, it kind of sets the platform to better our industry and make
• So building, uh, having a licensing theory, it kind of sets the platform to better our industry and make
• So building, uh, having a licensing theory, it kind of sets the platform to better our industry and make
• Thank you. ...having a licensing theory, it kind of sets the platform to better our industry and make

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically requires driver's ed schools to teach at least three hours about vulnerable road users.
• It basically requires driver's ed schools to teach at least three hours about vulnerable road users,
• And I guess the other question I would have is the road user.
• And Madam Chair, Senator, just to add, the definition of vulnerable road user that we use in the bill
• One is it's a user fee. If you don't drive, you don't pay it. And it's a closed system.

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• You look at the cost per user for AI; that could be a click-through agreement at some point.
• so that's $200,000 a year if we applied that for all users, right? So that's more than $20,000.
• You're looking at maybe a constituency of five, ten, or fewer users, right?
• And then you have 500 users all of a sudden, and it was only supposed to be five users.
• So. 500 users all of a sudden, it was only supposed to be five users. Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the public improvement architect engineering Users of the public improvement architect engineering
• so that's $200,000 a year if we applied that for all users, right? So that's more than $20,000.
• You're looking at maybe a constituency of five, ten, or less users, right?
• And then you have 500 users all of a sudden, and it was only supposed to be five users.
• So. 500 users all of a sudden, it was only supposed to be five users. Mr.

Summary: The task force approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, striking language about contracting with a security vendor. Members then reviewed a draft bill on concessions procurement (LC 27.0161), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, update language for vending and merchandising machines, and clarify where concession proceeds are deposited. OMB explained the bill and said it was open to further changes, including language to address artificial fragmentation, clarify which government entities are covered, and possibly set contract-length limits. Members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to school districts, park districts, airports, and other political subdivisions, and about whether concession agreements could direct proceeds to nonprofits or other secondary recipients; OMB said the statute is intended to require proceeds to go to the government entity’s operating fund or general fund. OMB also reported on other survey suggestions. It said a proposed general authority for agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is best limited to high-volume agencies. On legal notices, OMB said it had made progress with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernizing online notices, improving ADA compliance, and discussing rate and definition changes. On click-through agreements, OMB and the Attorney General’s office concluded no statutory change was needed after revising internal guidance; the $20,000 threshold was described as a practical cutoff for adhesive, nonnegotiable software terms. OMB also said issues raised by the Center for Distance Education on alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures had been resolved through policy clarification. The University System gave a brief update on its collaboration with OMB and said it was continuing to review concessions, surplus property, and capital project statutes with all institutions involved. The task force then discussed a draft bill on requirements for new or expanded spending, intended to require agencies to identify program purpose, needs, alternatives, success measures, and budget details, and to report on outcomes over time. Members and staff debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how much should be real-time versus periodic, and whether the bill should include full implementation costs for pilot programs. Legislative Council staff said the new program evaluation division is still being built out, that staffing remains limited, and that the office plans to continue working with OMB and the executive branch to refine the proposal before the next meeting. No final action was taken on the draft bills beyond directing further work and follow-up for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are again looking for users to do that.
• Uh, this would impact irrigators, other users of water.
• irrigators, other other users of water. irrigators, other other users of water.
• wells or any of the other uh water users in<00:53:34.240> the<00:53:34.559> vicinity.
• the water is and where they can avoid water conflicts with other users.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a mix of tribal gaming, commercial gaming, brick-and-mortar operations, digital platforms, and the
• also create real financial crime risks, including the risk of money laundering and the use of these platforms
• of them are coming from people who are unknowingly participating in these illegal online gaming platforms
• this still very new market, and to working with businesses to responsibly bring new products and platforms
• For instance, if somebody is complaining to a sports betting platform about a payout, I'll have to check

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Commerce Committee of Reference heard sunset reviews and a performance audit presentation for the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Racing Commission, the Boxing and MMA Commission, and later the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The Auditor General reported that the Department of Gaming and the commissions generally met some statutory duties, but identified several problems: the department did not consistently obtain and review independent audits for event wagering and fantasy sports operators; the department and commissions had gaps in conflict-of-interest disclosures; the department and Boxing and MMA Commission lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes; the department was late distributing some compact trust fund payments; and there were additional issues involving IT security, horse-racing license checks, fee reviews, public records practices, and licensing compliance. The Auditor General said the department agreed to implement all 36 recommendations, the Racing Commission agreed to six recommendations, and the Boxing and MMA Commission agreed to 13 recommendations. The department director said many fixes were already underway, including updated guidance, complaint tracking improvements, and a historical look-back on operator reporting, and she also discussed efforts to combat illegal gambling and educate minors and families about gambling risks. Committee members questioned the department about third-party audits, penalties for underpayments, public records handling, conflict-of-interest screening, and the department’s position on prediction markets and suitability standards for licensees. The director said the department would review past reports, could assess fines if violations were found, and would generally wait for final adjudication or final action in other jurisdictions before taking Arizona licensing action. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the Department of Gaming be continued for two years until July 1, 2028, the Racing Commission for six years until July 1, 2032, and the Boxing and MMA Commission for six years until July 1, 2032. The Department of Gaming motion passed 7-4, the Racing Commission motion passed 10-1, and the Boxing and MMA Commission motion passed unanimously. The committee then heard the Auditor General’s report on the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The audit found the board timely processed many licenses and complaints and had adopted curriculum rules, but it inconsistently applied its disciplinary guidelines, sometimes issuing different sanctions for similar violations without documenting the reasons for deviation. The report also found problems with reciprocity education requirements, application review controls, inspections, and compliance with open meeting, public records, and conflict-of-interest requirements, and it suggested possible statutory changes on aesthetics scope of practice, cease-and-desist authority, and training standards for I-LEST technicians. The board agreed with the findings and said it had already updated disciplinary parameters and documentation policies, with more recommendations in progress; committee members asked about discretion in discipline, audit funding, and service efficiency, and the board highlighted its licensing volume, call response, inspections, and complaint handling performance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a major provider of education platforms using ECHO, which is unique to UNM, and we use it to improve
• going to allow us to provide learning and real-time planning of radiation at the same time as a platform
• Because, as you'll hear me throughout this talk, I will note that our educational platform, which is
• We started phase two, which is, and that started today, the renovation of the old operating room platform
• This platform allows us to grow. This program is nationally recognized.

Transcript Highlights:

• Canvas is a platform that we use, and so it's an online platform. enrollment classes that are connected
• time throughout the day for again education through that Canvas what is a Canvas course Canvas is a platform
• that we use and so it's an online platform Canvas is a platform that we use, and so it's an online platform
• The Canvas course itself, or the platform, has tools that allow you to monitor who has used it, the progress

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill simply requires that our driver's education schools teach about vulnerable road users for at
• So they would be very vulnerable road users.
• Road users, because they literally have to pull off the roads, get as close to those ditches or fences
• We brought MVD in to talk about what could be done to educate drivers about vulnerable road users.
• But the truth is, vulnerable users are, and there's a lot of vulnerable users around the state.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The panel is currently using two software platforms to perform case review: SharePoint and REDCap.
• REDCap, the second platform, is used by DCBS and panel staff for entering case information to provide
• > to<00:25:37.440> perform<00:25:37.919> case two software platforms to perform
• Redcap, the second platform, for review.
• statewide communications platform statewide communications platform designed<00:54:24.319> and

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a new user were to come to the system, they would need to get a slice of the pie, too.
• , you can imagine if we had two users, you can imagine if we had two users, they<00:18:56.400>
• If a new user in time, first in right.
• a permit to a large water user? a permit to a large water user?
• So we leave it up to the user situation.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• surveillance price gouging schemes and they're quietly integrating the strategy into online retail platforms
• retail pro platforms but as Google<00:04:51.840> announced<00:04:52.320> to<00:04:52.560
• Earlier this year, Google announced its move to integrate its AI platform Gemini into retail, including
• Earlier this year, Google announced its move to integrate its AI platform Gemini into retail, including
• Earlier this year, Google announced its move to integrate its AI platform Gemini into retail, including

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3794, as amended by the A4 amendment, was heard in committee. Representative Greenman described the bill as a ban on surveillance-based pricing and wage discrimination, with a disclosure requirement for companies using automated data to set individualized prices or wages. The A4 amendment was adopted; Greenman said it updated language based on attorney general and stakeholder feedback and added a burden-shifting provision that would let consumers or workers establish a presumption, which companies could then rebut with data. Greenman and supporters argued the bill would stop companies from using personal data and AI tools to charge different prices to different people, while still allowing ordinary market-based discounts and clearly offered group discounts such as those for veterans, students, or teachers. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Farmers Union, a neighborhood bookstore owner, Consumer Reports, and a small business owner. They said surveillance pricing undermines fairness, transparency, and competition, and cited examples such as different online prices based on location, browser history, or loyalty-program data. Testifiers also warned that AI-driven pricing and discounting can be opaque and discriminatory, and that small businesses cannot compete with large firms that control more data. Consumer Reports said consumers should not have to use workarounds like VPNs to compare prices and noted that some discounts based on personal data may also need sunlight and guardrails. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Progress. They argued the bill’s definitions are too broad and could sweep in ordinary business analytics, loyalty programs, targeted promotions, inventory tools, and even spreadsheets, creating compliance risk and discouraging innovation and investment. They also warned the bill could burden small businesses and interfere with workplace management and compensation decisions. During member discussion, several legislators voiced support for the bill as a transparency and fairness measure, while one member noted that the most egregious examples appear to be in e-commerce and said the committee was laying the bill over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• durability of this mirrors some of the work that we did last session in creating a data-sharing platform
• , or the framework for a data-sharing platform, among state agencies.
• , or the framework for a data-sharing platform, among state agencies.
• I think we all know that the need for workforce... consolidating data to maybe a platform consolidating
• data to maybe a platform that<00:32:38.640> it's<00:32:38.880> like<00:32:38.960> a

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, yes, one of our big accomplishments was we've got several deals through our IT platforms that we
• They are very specific to the program, so they're not general off-the-shelf type platforms and can't
• lot of them are very antiquated, and one of the worst ones we had was our operator certification platform
• That platform was constantly crashing and giving us a very difficult time, getting those applications
• in designing and putting together, and we just launched last week that new operator certification platform

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also engaging, you know, that the platform is engaging for students in very interactive.
• And the commi go platform has many, many safety, strong safeguards in place to keep students in places
• You know, those vendor partners tell us this platform needs to be used 90 minutes a week, 60 minutes
• software dashboard to really show what your students are learning when they're spending time on that platform
• school and you know, down to the student level, we can see how long they've been engaging with the platform

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're about 73, 74% at user fees.
• Are you getting user feedback?
• Are you getting user feedback?
• So there are a lot of different ways users can get to somewhere.
• There are a lot of different ways users can get somewhere.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• short, those agencies that are listed and already have statutory authority are really high-volume users
• so that's $200,000 a year if we applied that for all users, right? So that's more than $20,000.
• You're looking at maybe a constituency of five, ten, or less users, right?
• And then you have 500 users all of a sudden, and it was only supposed to be five users.
• So. 500 users all of a sudden, it was only supposed to be five users. Mr.

Summary: The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion. OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated. The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still among the largest users of fossil petroleum and gas in the world.
• In fact, The New York Times recently reported that large energy users often did not pay the full cost
• In fact, The New York Times recently reported that large energy users often did not pay the full cost
• In fact, The New York Times recently reported that large energy users often did not pay the full cost
• shifts onto ratepayers, given the cheaper rates higher energy users are often given.

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:

• And talking with water users and tribes across the state, we're already learning about the anticipated
• Bureau of Reclamation announced in early April that water users with a proratable type of water right
• the Yakima reservoirs were dry last October, leading to a basin-wide curtailment of surface water users
• Reservoirs ran dry last October, leading to a basin-wide curtailment of surface water users to protect
• Reservoirs ran dry last October, leading to a basin-wide curtailment of surface water users to protect

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first elected Rep. Reeves as chair and Rep. Dent as vice chair for the coming year by unanimous voice vote. Rep. Reeves then continued chairing the meeting after noting he would need to leave early, and the committee moved to its regular agenda on drought conditions in Washington. The first major presentation came from the state climatology office and the Department of Ecology on the 2026 statewide drought declaration. They described an unusually warm winter, low spring snowpack, and forecast above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for parts of the summer. Ecology said the declaration was based on Washington’s statutory drought criteria of reduced water supply and expected hardship, and that impacts were already being seen or anticipated for agriculture, fish, and some drinking water systems, especially in the Yakima Basin. Ecology also noted the drought response grant account had $3 million available, and that the declaration allows expedited water transfer processing and emergency response grants. Committee members asked about funding, preparedness, and longer-term drought planning. Rep. Dent and others urged Ecology to work with the Legislature on broader mitigation strategies, including possible future legislative tools, funding needs, and reservoir or storage solutions. Ecology staff said they were open to continued collaboration and noted recurring drought has highlighted the need for more preparedness funding and resilience planning. Dr. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington then gave a contrasting presentation, arguing that Washington was not in a drought emergency because reservoirs were full, precipitation was near or above normal in many areas, soil moisture was adequate, and agriculture was performing well. He said the low snowpack would not create a serious water shortage this year and urged the state to drop the drought emergency declaration. Committee members questioned him about reservoir capacity, state drought definitions, and forecast uncertainty. The meeting ended with several members thanking outgoing chair Sen. Warnick for her service and reflecting on future drought meetings and water issues in the state.