Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Lumer, on behalf of the Ramamuchad Tribe of the San Francisco Peninsula, the Environmental Defense
• Good morning, Alex Lumer on behalf of the Ramamuchad tribe of San Francisco Peninsula. So, uh...
• Alex Lumer on behalf of the Ramamuja tribe of San Francisco Peninsula, the Environmental Defense Fund

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 2218, which would declare state policy to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting California Native American tribes and require several state agencies to incorporate that policy into water-related decisions. The author and tribal witnesses said the bill would codify a seat at the table for tribes and build on existing consultation and equity commitments, while supporters from environmental and tribal organizations backed the measure. Opponents from municipal utilities, water agencies, cities, counties, agriculture, and business groups argued the bill was too vague, could create uncertainty for water supply and project approvals, and might invite litigation. The chair signaled support, and the author said the bill was intended as a consultation measure rather than one that would usurp agency authority. The committee then took up AB 1795, a wildfire smoke-damage bill that would establish statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating smoke-damaged homes and create clearer insurance claim handling rules. The Department of Insurance supported the bill, saying it would bring consistency and accountability after major urban-interface fires, while wildfire survivors and advocates said current insurer practices leave families unable to safely return home. Insurance and local government groups opposed unless amended, warning about cost, implementation uncertainty, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed unresolved issues, including how the bill would interact with a separate wildfire health-and-safety bill, whether it would apply to existing policies, and how presumptions and testing standards should work. The committee voted AB 1795 out on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 1642, another wildfire-related bill, was also heard and focused on setting science-based testing and clearance standards for homes, schools, and businesses after urban and wildland-urban interface fires. The author and a Caltech scientist described contamination from lead and other heavy metals in fire-affected homes and argued for a presumption that certain contaminants found after a fire came from the wildfire, to reduce costly disputes. Survivors and many advocacy groups supported the bill, while insurers and other industry groups opposed, saying the testing regime was too broad, the geographic scope was unclear, and the presumptions could function like strict liability and raise insurance costs. Senators pressed both sides on how AB 1642 would overlap with the CDI smoke-claims task force and with AB 1795, and the author said the two bills were intended to be complementary and would continue to be reconciled. The committee also briefly heard AB 1976, which would create a CEQA exemption for pedestrian malls and limit certain local procedural delays for pedestrian and traffic-calming projects. Supporters said it would make it easier to create safer, more walkable, and more livable streets, and there was no opposition testimony. The chair described it as a narrow CEQA exemption for active transportation-related projects and indicated support. The committee then moved on to AB 2026, a groundwater recharge permitting bill, with the author explaining that it would streamline permitting so more recharge projects can capture floodwater and store it for drought years; testimony on that bill began as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Services, Long Beach and Orange County, Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 21, 2025, with 86 bills on the agenda. The committee first approved two consent motions covering a group of bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. Several bills were then heard individually, with authors and supporters emphasizing that many had no or minimal state costs and were aimed at climate, health, or regulatory improvements. Among the bills discussed were AB 39 on local planning for electrification and EV charging infrastructure; AB 1129 allowing local health jurisdictions to opt into reporting birth defects and early-life health conditions; AB 1332 to allow narrow direct shipment of medicinal cannabis to seriously ill patients; AB 1056 phasing out transfer of certain gillnet permits except for a one-time family transfer; AB 408 creating a new Medical Board health and wellness program for physicians; AB 546 requiring health plans to cover portable HEPA air purifiers for vulnerable people during wildfire emergencies; AB 942 revising rooftop solar subsidy rules to reduce costs for non-solar ratepayers; and AB 967 expediting licensure for out-of-state physicians. Supporters generally framed these bills as improving access, equity, public health, or affordability, while opponents on AB 942 and AB 967 raised concerns about implementation, workload, contract issues, and impacts on existing programs. The committee took action on each bill after testimony and questions. AB 39, AB 1129, AB 1332, AB 1056, AB 408, AB 546, AB 942, and AB 967 were all moved out of committee on roll call votes, with some members voting no or not voting on certain measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the committee opened general public comment, where speakers voiced support for bills including AB 715, AB 1138, AB 782, AB 98, AB 53, AB 258, AB 330, AB 650, AB 649, AB 1048, and AB 425. The meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE WERE OVER A 47 CONFIRMED TORNADOES THAT OCCUR THROUGHOUT THE STATE SPECIFICALLY IN THE PENINSULA

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• always say if you want to see the difference between socialism and freedom, just look at the Korean peninsula
• has led to disaster, starvation, imprisonment, and the death of over 100 million people worldwide. peninsula
• at night. peninsula at night.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, November 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One in particular, Peninsula, just had to close a campus. Thank you.
• One in particular, Peninsula, just had to close a campus.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on a separate note, on behalf of Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District, we respectfully request
• And on a separate note, on behalf of Mid Peninsula, regional open space district, we respectfully request

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy opened its first hearing with remarks from the chair and members emphasizing climate change, resiliency, clean energy, natural resources, and the need to make careful budget choices in a constrained fiscal environment. The Legislative Analyst’s Office presented an overview of the natural resources and environmental protection budget, warning that although current revenues are strong, the state faces significant out-year deficits and should apply a high bar to new ongoing spending, use special funds and fees carefully, and focus on critical health and safety needs. The LAO said the Governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan was generally reasonable and consistent with bond requirements, but urged legislative oversight and reporting, especially where bond funds interact with General Fund proposals. Secretary Wade Crowfoot then described the Natural Resources Agency’s recent accomplishments and priorities, including wildfire resilience, water reliability, coastal protection, outdoor access, biodiversity, tribal partnerships, and streamlining project delivery. He highlighted major investments in climate and resilience, the role of Proposition 4 in continuing those efforts, and the need to modernize water infrastructure, including Delta conveyance and other regional conveyance projects. Members asked about Delta conveyance, invasive species, permitting delays, and the impact of federal staffing cuts; Crowfoot said the administration is pushing projects forward, supports a beneficiary-pays approach for conveyance, and is filling gaps left by federal reductions where necessary. The committee then heard from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Director Armando Quintero reviewed the state park system, outdoor access programs, tribal agreements, wildfire and forest resilience work, and deferred maintenance funded by the climate bond. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed ongoing General Fund transfer for the California State Parks Library Pass program, saying it did not meet the high bar for new spending, while several members strongly supported the program as a low-cost, high-value access tool. Members also pressed Parks on reservation system problems and no-show vacancies; staff said new rules and enforcement will take effect July 1 and that vacancies are being opened up sooner. The department also presented low-cost accommodation projects, which the LAO supported. Finally, the Department of Fish and Wildlife introduced its new director, Megan Hurdle, who outlined the department’s mission, staffing, service-based budgeting, and Proposition 4 proposals for salmon tagging, hatchery improvements, and public access lands. She emphasized the department’s role in biodiversity conservation, permitting streamlining, law enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict outreach, and said the agency is working to close a service gap identified in its budgeting analysis. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on a separate note, on behalf of Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District, we respectfully request
• And on a separate note, on behalf of Mid Peninsula, regional open space district, we respectfully request

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first hearing on resources, environmental protection, and energy with remarks from the chair and Senator Choi emphasizing climate change, resiliency, and the need to make thoughtful budget decisions in a constrained fiscal environment. The Legislative Analyst’s Office then presented an overview of the budget outlook, warning that despite strong current revenues, the state faces significant out-year deficits and should be cautious about new ongoing commitments, even from special funds. The LAO also outlined a framework for evaluating proposals, urging a high bar for new spending, consideration of fees or lower funding levels, and careful oversight of Proposition 4 spending. No votes were taken at the hearing. Secretary Wade Crowfoot followed with an overview of the Natural Resources Agency’s work and priorities, highlighting recent climate-related disasters, major investments in wildfire resilience, water, coastal protection, biodiversity, outdoor access, and tribal partnerships. He said the administration is focused on completing major projects, streamlining permitting, advancing nature-based solutions, and implementing Proposition 4, which he described as key to continuing the state’s climate and natural resources work. Members asked about Delta conveyance, water reliability, invasive species, federal staffing cuts affecting state response, and permitting delays; Crowfoot said the Delta tunnel remains a beneficiary-pays project moving through the State Water Resources Control Board process, and that the state is filling federal gaps where necessary. The Department of Parks and Recreation then presented its budget and program overview, describing the state park system, expanded outdoor access programs, tribal agreements, wildfire and forest resilience work, and deferred maintenance needs. The committee discussed the State Parks Library Pass program, with the director and members strongly supportive of its public benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the ongoing General Fund transfer because it did not meet the high bar for new spending in a deficit environment. Members also pressed Parks on reservation system problems and no-show vacancies; staff said fixes are being implemented, including stricter no-show rules effective July 1 and better real-time release of unused sites. The department also outlined low-cost accommodation projects, which the LAO said had no concerns. Finally, the new director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife gave an introductory overview of the department, its mission, staffing, service-based budgeting process, and Proposition 4 requests, including funding for salmon genetic tagging, hatchery improvements, and public access projects. She emphasized the department’s role in biodiversity conservation, permitting streamlining, law enforcement, and human-wildlife conflict outreach, and noted that the department is still updating its service-based budgeting analysis to identify gaps and priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lori Johnson, on behalf of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, and its 92,000 ratepayers
• Because as you know, when High-Speed Rail comes up the peninsula, my district, those are very tight quarters

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it is the only academic institution on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Bills: SGA9314, SGA9282, SGA9288, SGA9296, SGA9232, SGA9233, SGA9235, SGA9236, SGA9237

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first waived the five-day notice rule and heard Substitute House Bill 2525, which would establish a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University. Staff explained that the substitute version would require WSU to maintain a registry of heritage orchards and a list of rare and lost apple varieties, and would include a null and void clause. Representative Gloria Mendoza testified in support, describing the bill as a way to preserve Washington’s apple heritage and protect rare varieties still found on family farms. Members asked questions about how the program would identify old or “lost” trees, and no vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then held public hearings on several gubernatorial appointments. Representative Deborah Intiman, Bryce W. McKibben, former Senator David Frockt, and former Senator Christine Rolfes each testified in support of their nominations to higher education governing boards, emphasizing their backgrounds in community colleges, student advocacy, public service, and higher education policy. Committee members asked about meeting attendance and how each appointee would contribute to board work and communicate with the legislature. The appointees generally said they would make attendance a priority and help bridge institutional needs with legislative realities. The committee also received a work session presentation from Central Washington University on its geothermal and decarbonization efforts. University staff described a long-term plan to reduce campus carbon emissions through an open-loop geothermal system, new geo-eco plants, building conversions, and expanded solar and battery storage, with the North Academic Commons serving as a demonstration and learning laboratory. Members asked about the system’s water use, whether it was closed-loop, and how it compared with geothermal projects elsewhere; staff said the system is non-consumptive and that Central is the first public university in Washington to implement this approach. In executive session, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of gubernatorial appointments 9232, 9233, 9235, 9236, 9288, 9296, and 9314, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so, uh, in my district and the surrounding districts, a big issue is the leases on Waiawa Peninsula
• So, uh, in my district and the surrounding districts, a big issue is the leases on Waiawa Peninsula and
• Yeah, I'm just asking, is it correct that the leases that are being processed in Waiawa Peninsula and
• Yeah, I'm just asking, is it correct that the leases that are being processed in Waiawa Peninsula and
• Yeah, I'm just asking, is it correct that the leases that are being processed in Waiawa Peninsula and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alpha Fraternity, the Salvation Army Board of Directors, and the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alpha Fraternity, the Salvation Army Board of Directors, and the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and handled a number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for adjournments in memory and guest introductions, rescinding prior action on SB 493, and re-referring several Senate bills to different committees. Members also recognized guests on the floor, including family members, interns, firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team, which was honored for its historic championship season. The main floor action was on AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage and set clearer insurance claim practices. Supporters said the bill would help wildfire survivors return home safely and urged science-based standards and a rebuttable presumption that contamination after a wildfire was caused by the fire; opponents warned the bill could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed on a 54-6 vote, including the urgency clause. Members also adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with remarks praising her role in advancing gender equality and equal rights. The resolution was adopted after 65 co-authors were added and then approved by voice vote. The consent calendar, including SJR 11, was adopted 71-0. A large portion of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory, including tributes to Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel. The Assembly also honored departing Member James Gallagher, who gave extended farewell remarks before leaving for Congress. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next example is the Elwha-Dungeness on the Olympic Peninsula.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next example is the Elwha-Dungeness on the Olympic Peninsula.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first elected Rep. Reeves as chair and Rep. Dent as vice chair for the coming year, with the vote appearing unanimous. After a brief discussion about who would chair the rest of the meeting, the committee proceeded to its regular agenda focused on the 2026 drought situation in Washington. The Washington state climatologist, Karen Mbacca, and Department of Ecology drought staff presented data showing a statewide drought declaration issued April 8 due to very low snowpack, warm winter temperatures, and resulting water supply concerns. They described the state’s statutory drought criteria, current reservoir and streamflow conditions, Yakima Basin water supply forecasts, likely summer temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the possibility of an El Niño developing later in the year. Ecology said the declaration makes $3 million in drought response grants available and allows expedited water transfer processing, and staff said they are already hearing concerns about impacts to agriculture, fish, and drinking water systems. Committee members discussed the need for longer-term drought preparedness, possible legislative tools, and whether additional funding or reservoir/storage strategies should be considered. Rep. Dent and others asked about available grant money and future mitigation planning, while Ecology said it is open to working with the legislature and stakeholders on resilience measures. The committee then heard a contrasting presentation from Dr. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington, who argued there is no current drought emergency because reservoirs are full, precipitation and soil moisture are near or above normal in many areas, and agriculture is performing well; he said the state’s drought declaration is not justified by current conditions. Members questioned him about reservoir capacity, drought definitions, and forecasts, and the meeting ended with several members thanking departing legislators and noting the importance of continued water planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The final round, they went from the Olympic Peninsula to Whitman County.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in welcoming the annual Palis Ferdys Peninsula Unified School District, Capital Convoy

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and pledge that reflected on Japanese American incarceration during World War II and recent storm-related losses in California. The chamber then handled routine procedural matters, guest introductions, and several consent and file items before moving to floor debate on a series of resolutions and budget measures. The main policy item was HR 82, declaring February 19, 2026, a day of remembrance for the incarceration of Japanese Americans. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the importance of remembering civil liberties failures, and the need to guard against similar abuses today. The resolution drew some criticism of its rhetoric toward federal law enforcement, but after debate the Assembly added 72 coauthors and adopted HR 82 by voice vote. The chamber also adopted ACR 128, a resolution recognizing solidarity with Ukraine, and later passed ACA 7, a constitutional amendment related to government preferences, after a partisan debate over whether it would restore or prohibit discrimination. The Assembly also took up two budget-related concurrence items. AB 107, described as technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and adjustments related to Proposition 4 projects, passed concurrence 59-3 and was sent immediately to the Governor. AB 117 authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow up to $590 million from already awarded transit capital funds to support operating costs for BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; supporters called it a bridge loan to stabilize transit, while opponents called it a bailout lacking accountability. The measure passed concurrence 52-16 and was also transmitted to the Governor. The session ended with adjournments in memory of former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, with members praising his leadership in city government, energy policy, and clean energy development. The Speaker then announced the bill introduction deadline and the next floor session date before adjourning the Assembly until Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in welcoming the annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Capital Convoy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by guest introductions and routine procedural motions. The chamber heard a reflection on Japanese American incarceration and a moment of silence for storm-related deaths in California. Members also recognized guests including family members, the Winters High School football team, students from Lincoln High School, and advocates for Angelman syndrome. The main floor action centered on H.R. 82, which designates February 19, 2026, as a day of remembrance for the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the historical injustice, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against racial targeting and erosion of due process. One member criticized the resolution’s rhetoric toward federal law enforcement but still supported the measure. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 72 co-authors were added. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 107, a budget cleanup bill making technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act, including provisions related to Proposition 4 projects and updated federal funding allocations. Debate focused on accountability and the need for expedited funding; the measure passed 59-3 and was sent to the Governor. The Assembly then concurred in Senate amendments to AB 117, allowing the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow up to $590 million from transit capital funds for operating costs at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; supporters framed it as a bridge loan, while opponents called it a bailout and raised concerns about repayment and oversight. That measure passed 52-16 and was also sent to the Governor. Later, the Assembly adopted ACR 128, a consent-calendar resolution for a day of solidarity with Ukraine, and HR 85, recognizing Angelman syndrome awareness, both with 65-0 votes. The body then passed ACA 7, a constitutional amendment related to government preferences and the state’s anti-discrimination provisions, by a 54-14 vote after debate over whether it would restore or permit racial discrimination. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, with members highlighting his work in public service, energy policy, and clean energy, and the House adjourned until Monday, February 23 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it is the only academic institution on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first waived the five-day notice rule and held a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2525, which would establish a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University. Staff explained the bill was narrowed from the original version and would require WSU to maintain a registry of heritage orchards and a list of rare and lost apple varieties, with a null and void clause and fiscal note available. Representative Gloria Mendoza testified in support, describing Washington’s apple history and the effort to identify and preserve old apple trees still found on farms and trails around the state. Members asked questions about how the program would locate trees and preserve historic varieties, but no vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard several gubernatorial appointments to higher education boards. Representative Deborah Inteman was nominated to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Bryce W. McKibben to the Pierce College Board of Trustees, former Senator David Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and former Senator Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Each appointee described their background in higher education, public service, and community college or university advocacy, and members asked about attendance, board service, and how they would help bridge legislative and institutional priorities. The committee also held a work session on Central Washington University’s geothermal and decarbonization efforts, with staff explaining the university’s open-loop geothermal system, planned geo-eco plants, and climate action goals tied to state clean building and decarbonization mandates. CWU officials said the project is intended to reduce emissions, support campus heating and cooling, and serve as a living laboratory for students. In executive session, the committee moved to report a panel of gubernatorial appointments, including the higher education appointments heard that day, with a recommendation that they be confirmed. The motion passed by voice vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, Peninsula

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard two measures: AB 107, a budget bill junior making largely technical changes to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budget acts, and AB 117, a trailer bill authorizing a $590 million loan structure to support four Bay Area transit agencies through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission using unallocated Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds. Finance explained AB 107 included technical fixes such as extending encumbrance periods, updating federal authority, correcting fiscal language, moving $20 million for California travel promotion from Visit California to GoBiz, and adding an APA exemption for implementation of already-approved climate bond programs. AB 117 was described as a cost-neutral regional solution with a 12-year loan term, two years interest-only, and repayment secured through existing state transit funding streams, with oversight by CalSTA, CTC, and MTC to limit impacts on other projects. Members raised concerns about transparency, competitive bidding, and whether APA exemptions and no-bid or emergency processes could reduce oversight, while supporters argued the exemptions were needed to get voter-approved climate and wildfire-related funds out the door. On AB 117, senators questioned whether the loan could become a de facto bailout if a Bay Area sales tax measure fails, whether post-pandemic ridership declines and safety/fare-evasion issues are temporary or structural, and whether the loan could jeopardize TIRCP-funded capital projects such as BART Phase 2. Transit agencies and local representatives testified in support, saying ridership is recovering, the loan is critical to avoid service cuts, and the Bay Area economy depends on transit stability. The committee first passed AB 107 on a 9-4 vote and AB 117 on a 9-4 vote, then held both bills on call. After recess, absent members returned and both measures were lifted from call and passed with 11 votes each. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the Peninsula

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Committee heard two bills: AB 107, a budget bill junior making largely technical changes to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budget acts, and AB 117, a trailer bill authorizing a $590 million loan to Bay Area transit agencies through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. Finance explained that AB 107 mainly extends encumbrance periods, updates federal authority, makes climate bond-related adjustments, adds an APA exemption for implementing already-approved climate bond programs, and moves $20 million for tourism promotion from Visit California to GoBiz. AB 117 would route TIRCP funds through CalSTA and MTC to support BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit, with a 12-year loan term, two years interest-only, and repayment tied to existing transit funding streams; Finance said the arrangement is cost-neutral to the state and intended to avoid impacts to other projects. Committee discussion focused on transparency, oversight, and whether the APA exemption in AB 107 and the transit loan in AB 117 were appropriate. Several senators questioned the use of no-bid or expedited processes, the need for labor standards on orphan well work, and whether the transit loan could become a de facto bailout if a Bay Area sales tax measure fails. Finance and LAO representatives responded that the loan has repayment protections, monitoring by CalSTA and CTC, and is separate from the ballot measure, though members raised concerns about ridership declines, fare evasion, safety, and long-term transit finances. Public comment largely supported both bills, with transit agencies and local governments backing AB 117 and water, parks, and conservation groups supporting the APA exemption in AB 107; San Jose urged safeguards to protect BART Phase 2 TCEP funds. Both bills initially received 9-4 votes and were placed on call, then later were lifted and passed with 11 votes each after absent members returned. The committee adjourned after both AB 107 and AB 117 were reported out.