Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation Local Programs Project 220 Corridor Completion, and that increases the Move Ahead Washington
• Transportation Local Programs Project 220 Corridor Completion, and that increases the Move Ahead Washington
• account. ...between the Public Works Assistance Account and the Move Ahead Washington account such that
• It establishes the Preserve Washington Account in the motor vehicle fund as an appropriated account to
• It also creates the Washington Wildlife Corridor Account and the Washington Wildlife Crossings Account

Bills: HB2306, HB2711

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• , Connecting Washington, Nickel, and TPA construction projects.
• In particular, the projects in Southwest Washington along the line.
• Dennis Eagle, with the Washington Federation of State Employees.
• I'm Stephen Ellis with the Association of Washington Cities.
• supporting the Washington tax base.

Bills: HB2306, HB2711

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're learning together.
• We learn from each other, and we are able to collaborate on our knowledge.
• And last but not least... ...and practices for Washington to make our roads safer.
• I'm here representing the news media in Washington State.
• I'm here representing the news media in Washington State.

Bills: SB6131, SB6155, SB6238, SB5824, SB6110, SB5839, SB6032, SB6148

Keywords: traffic safety, roadway fatalities, Washington traffic safety commission, policy update, road safety, accident prevention, disability, parking privileges, accessibility, special parking, local government, oil tankers, restricted waters, environmental safety, maritime regulations, state law, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held work sessions on two major WSDOT corridor projects. Brian White updated members on the U.S. 12 Walla Walla corridor, saying seven of eight phases are complete and phase 8 would finish the 11-mile project by adding a separated four-lane facility, new interchange work near Italia, and a jurisdictional transfer of the old highway back to Walla Walla County. He said the project has a large funding gap, but the state, local partners, and a $110 million federal Rural Surface Transportation grant are being used to try to piece together a buildable segment for 2027. Shar Kay then briefed the committee on the North Spokane Corridor, describing seven of eight highway miles open, major recent and ongoing construction, and the remaining I-90 connection work. She said the project is on track for design completion in 2027 and final completion around 2030, but faces risks from tight construction space, labor and consultant constraints, utility issues, and federal review of revised access plans. Committee members praised both projects and the community engagement around them. The committee also heard a presentation from the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council. Karen Mesmer summarized the council’s 2025 report and 2026 priorities, emphasizing that pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remain too high and that the council is using a safe system approach to recommend changes in speed management, road design, land use, vehicle size, micromobility policy, driver education, and post-crash care. She highlighted concerns about toxicology delays, data quality, and the need for more targeted recommendations next year. In public hearings, the committee heard Senate Bill 6131, which would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review work by designating it a public health authority, allowing limited access to health information for traffic safety research, and creating a confidential fatality review committee. Supporters said the bill would help identify common contributing factors in roadway deaths while protecting sensitive information; a media representative said the bill preserved public access limits and was negotiated to avoid closing records that are currently open. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6155, which would extend disability parking privilege renewals from every five years to every 20 years and remove the need for a new health care practitioner signature at renewal; supporters said this would reduce burdens on people with permanent disabilities, while one testifier warned it could increase fraud. Senate Bill 6238, on oil tanker escort requirements in restricted waters, would set tug escort horsepower at 3,000 or 5% of tanker deadweight tonnage, whichever is greater; the Board of Pilotage said the change would align statute with existing practice and rulemaking. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed SB 5746 on EV charging infrastructure property crime, SB 5824 on fifth wheel travel trailer length, SB 6110 on e-bikes and e-motos after rejecting an amendment to add several agencies to the work group, SB 5839 on county ferry district authority, and SB 6148 on extending regional transit authority bond terms up to 75 years, despite one member calling it a bad idea. The committee then adjourned after signing committee reports.

Bills: HB1542, HB2452, HB2664

Keywords: senior housing, independent living, 55 and older, older adults, elderly, retirement housing, retirement community, resident rights, tenant protections, consumer protection act, unfair or deceptive practices, housing discrimination, assisted living distinction, Department of Commerce, Washington RCW, housing provider, community living, security cameras, resident meetings, anonymous complaints

Summary: The Housing Committee met on January 29 and reviewed three bills. House Bill 1542 would establish minimum rights for senior independent housing residents and allow enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act. Staff described three proposed amendments: one to narrow the definition of senior independent housing, one to replace Consumer Protection Act enforcement with Attorney General enforcement and civil penalties, and one to remove a Commerce Department reporting requirement. The committee rejected the first two amendments, adopted the reporting-repeal amendment, and then passed a second substitute version of the bill out of committee on a 10-7 vote with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2664 would remove the certified mail requirement for unlawful detainer notices and other related notices, allowing first-class mail and other existing service methods instead. The bill sponsor said the prior certified-mail requirement had caused many notices to be returned undeliverable and created practical problems for housing providers and tenants. The committee passed the bill out of committee by voice vote with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2452 would change how rent increase notices are served. The committee adopted an amendment that removed the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act portion of the bill, leaving only changes under the Manufactured Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act. Members said this would restore the prior notice process for manufactured housing and align with stakeholder preferences. The committee then passed the substitute bill out of committee unanimously, with 17 ayes and a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third change is the removal of the recommendation that the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority
• The final change is to make the Washington State Tourism Marketing Authority the state agency responsible
• And then we also have the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority that will be the official oversight,
• She said it will bring great economic opportunity to the state of Washington via tourism.
• She said, "I love Washington.

Bills: HB2325, HB2481, HB2503, HB2397, HB2278, HB2417

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met in executive session and considered six bills. House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program for statewide tourism promotion, was amended to add certain large restaurants and retailers to the assessment, adjust enforcement language, remove a report-reference requirement, and make the Washington State Tourism Marketing Authority the governing agency. The committee adopted Amendment WAIL 264 and then voted 12-0, with one excused, to report the substitute bill out with a do pass recommendation. Members supporting the bill emphasized tourism’s economic benefits, local flexibility, and the need to increase statewide marketing. House Bill 2481, addressing surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail goods, was discussed with a proposed substitute and several amendments, but Representative Kloba withdrew the substitute proposal before action, leaving the bill as written. Members debated fairness in grocery pricing, with supporters arguing consumers should pay the same price regardless of personal data and opponents expressing concern about the bill’s mechanics and impact on retailers. The committee voted 8-4, with one excused, to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2503, concerning documentation of data used to train AI and generative AI systems, was amended to require posting additional documentation describing efforts to remove child sexual abuse material from training datasets. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 8-4, with one excused, to pass the substitute bill out of committee. House Bill 2397, on reimbursements under the State Fire Services Mobilization Plan, was amended so the 60-day reimbursement clock begins when complete documentation is received; it then passed 12-0, with one excused. The committee also unanimously approved House Bill 2278 on tourism promotion areas and House Bill 2417 on victim protections under the Washington Code of Military Justice, each by 12-0 votes with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for Washington, we had to estimate that because the state of Washington approves, as you know, a
• However, for Washington, it has not.
• Washington, meaning the state ferry program.
• This is true in Washington.
• Highway Safety Office Washington.

Bills: HB2109, HB2139, HB2192

Keywords: vehicle loads, public highways, transportation, road safety, infrastructure, HB2139, snowmobile registration, snowmobile fee, vehicle license fee, registration fee, Department of Licensing, RCW, vehicle registration, winter recreation, off-road vehicle, moped, motorcycle, trailer, recreational vehicle, vintage snowmobile

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session featuring a National Conference of State Legislatures briefing on declining gas tax revenues and alternative transportation funding tools. Doug Schenkel and Lexi Elio described trends in state motor fuel tax revenue, rising construction costs, and the growing impact of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. They reviewed state responses such as indexed gas taxes, electric vehicle and hybrid fees, road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour charges on non-residential EV charging. Members asked follow-up questions about Virginia’s mileage-based fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes when adopting road usage charges; the presenters said they would follow up with more information. The committee then heard a staff presentation comparing Washington’s transportation budget and system with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, highlighting Washington’s large ferry system, fish passage obligations, and unusually high debt service. Members asked about the Climate Commitment Act’s effect on fuel taxes, debt service interest, and whether Washington’s roadwork costs differ from other states, and staff said they could provide additional detail later. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2109, which would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use a covering to contain mud, rocks, or other debris instead of requiring the vehicle tracks or undercarriage to be cleaned first. Staff said the bill would not affect the existing six-inch freeboard rule for loads and noted modest fiscal impacts for the State Patrol and WSDOT. Representative Dent and a constituent testified in support, explaining that tracked construction equipment is difficult and time-consuming to clean before transport. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill was left at public hearing. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2139, a request bill from State Parks to raise snowmobile registration fees from $50 to $75 and vintage snowmobile fees from $12 to $18. Supporters, including State Parks, DNR, a county commissioner, and several recreation advocates, said the increase was needed to maintain snow parks, grooming, sanitation, and safety, and that the program had seen declining registrations and rising costs. Opponents argued that many snowmobiles are unregistered, enforcement is weak, and the fee increase could further reduce compliance; they also questioned why sales tax revenue and administrative costs were not being redirected differently. State Parks said it had already reduced services at some snow parks, was exploring more targeted enforcement, and had surveyed users, with a majority favoring a fee increase. The committee then received a briefing on House Bill 2192, which would update the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s role by formally authorizing it to function as a public health authority, collect and analyze health care and crash data, convene a confidential fatality review committee, and review a broad range of records related to traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Staff said the commission already performs similar work and reported no fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing is I took the square footage of the state of Washington and planet Earth, and Washington
• The Speaker believes in lifelong learning and is still learning how to correctly preside over this chamber
• The other thing is I took the square footage of the state of Washington and planet Earth, and Washington
• The speaker believes in lifelong learning and is still learning how to correctly preside over this chamber
• But as you know, Washington is growing.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2360, HB2471, HB2478, HB2525, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1710, HB1750, HB1903, HB1941, HB1974, HB1982, HB1983, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2215, HB2223, HB2239, HB2247, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2334, HB2338, HB2345, HB2348, HB2350, HB2353, HB2355, HB2363, HB2367, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2420, HB2428, HB2441, HB2462, HB2464, HB2467, HB2495, HB2505, HB2534, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2557, HB2575, HB2577, HB2588, HB2594, HB2604, HB2636, HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House took up second reading and final passage on several bills. House Bill 2575, relating to reducing certain environmental reporting obligations, was amended to direct savings from reduced utility reporting toward low-income electricity assistance, then passed 95-0. House Bill 2334, on cash transaction rounding for the loss of pennies, passed 89-6 after debate over common-sense rounding, tax treatment, and concerns about moving away from cash. House Bill 2714, updating caseload forecasting for food and nutrition assistance programs including SNAP, passed 95-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2557, concerning parental access to special education evaluation meetings and timelines, passed 95-0 after a technical amendment clarifying terminology and discussion about giving parents more time to prepare for meetings. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2594, which codifies protections for unhoused students and aligns state law with federal McKinney-Vento protections; supporters described the bill as ensuring continued educational access for homeless youth, and it passed 94-1. House Bill 2348, updating timber sale process efficiencies, including electronic notice and appraisal/approval requirements for certain land sales, passed 95-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, dealing with Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations for fuels, drew extensive debate over market fairness, fuel prices, rural impacts, and Ecology’s authority; after adopting a striking amendment and rejecting several others, it passed 57-38. The House then considered House Bill 1710, a Washington Voting Rights Act compliance bill creating a new chapter in Title 29A RCW. Members debated numerous amendments focused on preclearance standards, lookback periods, fee shifting, rulemaking authority, settlement treatment, and the use of citizen voting-age population. Some technical amendments were adopted, while many substantive amendments were rejected. The transcript ends during continued amendment debate on the bill, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Being enacted by the Legislature of the state of Washington. Section 1. Last line?
• This comes from the Washington Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association.
• This is about the Washington Community Protection Program.
• Yet, in Washington State, the state that I've grown up That.
• We, the state of Washington, held up our end of the bargain.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2360, HB2471, HB2478, HB2525, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1710, HB1750, HB1903, HB1941, HB1974, HB1982, HB1983, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2215, HB2223, HB2239, HB2247, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2334, HB2338, HB2345, HB2348, HB2350, HB2353, HB2355, HB2363, HB2367, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2420, HB2428, HB2441, HB2462, HB2464, HB2467, HB2495, HB2505, HB2534, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2557, HB2575, HB2577, HB2588, HB2594, HB2604, HB2636, HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House took up several bills on second and third reading, beginning with House Bill 2360 on expanding access to albuterol in public and private schools. A motion to recommit the bill to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee failed on a roll call vote, 38 yeas to 56 nays. Supporters said the bill would help school nurses respond to students in respiratory distress and reflected input from nurses, OSPI, and the Department of Health. Opponents raised concerns about training, drug interactions, follow-up care, costs to districts, and schools making medical decisions without a diagnosis. The bill then passed 60-34. House Bill 2467, clarifying measurement rules for fifth-wheel travel trailers, passed 94-0 after sponsors said it would help Washington dealers and consumers. House Bill 1983, relating to timberland tax treatment when land is sold to DNR, passed 68-26 amid debate over whether it would help forest management or make it easier for DNR to acquire timberland. House Bill 2531, updating ambulance transport fund quality assurance rules to align with federal regulations and preserve matching funds, passed unanimously 94-0. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 1390, which phases out the Community Protection Program for certain developmentally disabled individuals with high-risk histories and transfers participants to other waiver programs. Supporters said the program was overly restrictive, out of compliance with federal law, and had trapped people in long-term confinement-like conditions; opponents argued it would weaken public safety and move dangerous individuals into community settings without adequate safeguards. The bill passed 52-44. House Bill 2367, eliminating a preferential treatment related to the former TransAlta coal plant in Centralia, passed 63-33 after supporters framed it as closing the book on coal and opponents warned about energy reliability, jobs, and an emergency clause. Substitute House Bill 2133, making a property tax exemption for certain senior centers permanent, passed 96-0. Substitute House Bill 2355, establishing labor protections for domestic workers, passed 57-39 after supporters emphasized dignity and long-standing worker abuse concerns, while opponents cited fiscal impacts. The House then passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2534, with a technical amendment, to improve educational stability for children in military families; it passed 96-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974, creating a land banking framework to support affordable housing, passed 59-37 after an amendment reduced fiscal impact by striking some tax preference sections. House Bill 2223, allowing certain irrigation district board service by farmers with spouses employed by the district, passed 93-3. Substitute House Bill 2239, allowing family burial grounds on private property, passed 96-0 after supporters cited rural needs, cultural traditions, and personal family stories. The session also included a brief congratulatory recognition for Representative David Stuebe after his first bill passed the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• freedom, birthed from blood, For 250 years of freedom, birthed from blood and tears, and lessons learned
• The low-income home weatherization program that we have here in Washington State has been very successful
• I think it's going to be good for the state of Washington and good for projects across the state.
• Washington is the leading apple producer in the nation.
• I'm on the Washington Hardwood Commission, and we had a situation where there were some alder clones

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2360, HB2471, HB2478, HB2525, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1710, HB1750, HB1903, HB1941, HB1974, HB1982, HB1983, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2215, HB2223, HB2239, HB2247, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2334, HB2338, HB2345, HB2348, HB2350, HB2353, HB2355, HB2363, HB2367, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2420, HB2428, HB2441, HB2462, HB2464, HB2467, HB2495, HB2505, HB2534, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2557, HB2575, HB2577, HB2588, HB2594, HB2604, HB2636, HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer before approving the previous day’s minutes and taking caucus breaks. Members were reminded that the three-minute rule for debate had begun and would remain in effect through House of Origin cutoff. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading action on a series of bills, mostly on capital, consumer, labor, and professional licensure topics. Several bills were advanced and passed with broad or unanimous support. House Bill 2338 would expand low-income weatherization work to community-scale and multifamily projects; House Bill 2353 raises the threshold for requiring pre-design on public projects; Substitute House Bill 2363 allows music therapy students to practice under supervision while exam scores are pending; Substitute House Bill 2525 creates a Heritage Orchard Program to preserve rare apple varieties; Substitute House Bill 2420 increases small works roster thresholds; Substitute House Bill 2428 prevents unintended lapses in life insurance by allowing a third-party designee to help maintain coverage; House Bill 2604 allows electronic signatures for transferring a vehicle to an insurer; and Substitute House Bill 2107 makes permanent a requirement that L&I provide written notice to employers/contractors when hazards are identified. Each of these bills passed by large margins, generally 94 yeas and no nays, except HB 2338, which passed 93-1. The House also adopted Amendment 1517 to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2247, a striker that revised the veterinary client-patient relationship bill to require annual veterinarian visits for certain animal production, commercial, and breeding operations and to align the measure with federal law. Supporters said it would allow veterinarians to use telehealth between physical exam visits and improve access for rural and agricultural communities. After the amendment, the bill passed 94-0. The session ended with more caucus announcements and the House at ease.

Transcript Highlights:

• freedom, birthed from blood, For 250 years of freedom, birthed from blood and tears, and lessons learned
• The low-income home weatherization program that we have here in Washington State has been very successful
• I think it's going to be good for the state of Washington and good for projects across the state.
• Washington is the leading apple producer in the nation.
• I'm on the Washington Hardwood Commission, and we had a situation where there were some alder clones

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2360, HB2471, HB2478, HB2525, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1710, HB1750, HB1903, HB1941, HB1974, HB1982, HB1983, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2215, HB2223, HB2239, HB2247, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2334, HB2338, HB2345, HB2348, HB2350, HB2353, HB2355, HB2363, HB2367, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2420, HB2428, HB2441, HB2462, HB2464, HB2467, HB2495, HB2505, HB2534, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2557, HB2575, HB2577, HB2588, HB2594, HB2604, HB2636, HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the chamber approved the previous day’s minutes. Members then caucused briefly before moving into second reading and third reading action on several bills, with the day also marking the start of the three-minute debate rule through House of Origin cutoff. The House passed House Bill 2338, which expands the low-income home weatherization program to support community-scale weatherization projects, especially for multifamily housing. It also passed House Bill 2353, raising the threshold for requiring predesign work on public projects from $10 million to $15 million, and Substitute House Bill 2363, a trailer bill allowing music therapy students to practice under supervision while exam scores are pending. Members described these as efficiency measures and consumer or workforce improvements. The chamber also approved Substitute House Bill 2525 to establish the Heritage Orchard Program and a registry at Washington State University to preserve rare and heritage apple varieties, with sponsors emphasizing the importance of Washington’s apple industry and agricultural history. Additional bills passed unanimously included Substitute House Bill 2420 on increasing small works roster thresholds, Substitute House Bill 2428 on preventing unintended lapses in life insurance by allowing third-party designees, House Bill 2604 allowing electronic signatures for transferring salvage vehicles to insurers, and Substitute House Bill 2107 making permanent a pilot requiring Labor and Industries to notify employers of identified job-site hazards within 10 days. Finally, the House adopted Amendment 1517 and passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2247, which updates veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules to allow telehealth between required physical visits and requires annual veterinarian oversight for certain animal production, commercial, and breeding operations. All of the listed bills received overwhelming support, with each final passage vote recorded at 94 yeas and 0 nays, except House Bill 2338, which passed 93-1.

Bills: SB6134

Keywords: unemployment insurance, UI benefits, striking workers, strike, labor dispute, retroactive wages, overpayment assessment, overpayment recovery, Employment Security Department, ESD, claimant notice, benefit recoupment, Washington unemployment law, worker notice, federal unemployment tax credit, state unemployment fund, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Washington State Department of Transportation may grant a franchise to a utility to place its facilities
• removing culverts blocking or impeding fish passage in the Puget Sound and Chehalis River basins in Washington
• I'm here for the Washington PUD Association in support of the legislation.
• Washington culvert decision, 35th District, 24th District, Grays Harbor County, etc.
• I'm Ian Cope, representing the Grays Harbor Public Utility District in Aberdeen, Washington, and we're

Bills: SB6148

Keywords: regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was referred from the Early Learning and K-12 Committee.
• This bill was referred from the Early Learning and K-12 Committee.
• This bill prohibits early learning providers, school districts, health care facilities, adult family
• The bill also prohibits early learning providers.
• The bill prohibits early learning providers and school districts from collecting information or documents

Bills: SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on several bills, beginning with Substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, with limits on requiring mixed-use or ground-floor retail and some height flexibility where such requirements are imposed. Committee staff described the bill as governor-request legislation with a fiscal note for Department of Commerce implementation and local zoning updates. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck testified in strong support, calling it a major housing bill that would add needed capacity without burdening housing with retail requirements. The committee then suspended the hearing and moved to other bills on the agenda. Senate Bill 6294 drew extensive testimony. Staff said it would expand local fiscal tools in eight parts, including broader uses for certain REET revenues, a new option for cities to impose the affordable housing REET with voter approval, a county utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded uses for existing housing sales tax revenues, possible standalone county veterans and behavioral health levies, longer voter-authorized levy lid lifts, and expanded uses for rental car tax revenue. Supporters from cities, counties, housing, and public health groups said the bill would provide needed flexibility for housing, child care, public health clinics, and county budgets. Opponents, including wireless, water and sewer, auto dealer, realtor, and energy industry representatives, objected to the county utility tax, the new sales tax, or the REET provisions, citing regressivity, higher costs, and housing affordability concerns. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a Department of Commerce grant program funded by a surcharge on covered tech platforms, with revenue also supporting the Murrow Journalism Fellowship at Washington State University. News organizations, civic groups, and journalism advocates testified that local news is in decline and that the bill would help preserve reporting jobs and community accountability, while technology industry representatives warned of legal risks and argued the bill unfairly targets online platforms. Other bills heard included SB 6211, which would let voluntarily planning GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; SB 5650, which would authorize local cannabis excise taxes, drawing support from local governments and opposition from cannabis businesses that said the industry is already overtaxed; SB 6033, which would waive penalties and interest for certain taxpayers who failed to collect new retail sales tax on services, supported by small business advocates; SB 6297, which would exempt temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities from sales tax, supported by behavioral health providers; and SB 6343, which would extend and expand tax relief for property damaged by natural disasters, with support from local officials in flood-affected communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Landlord-Tenant Act, the state of Washington will provide legal coverage.
• So if you get sued by this private right of action, then the state of Washington should at least furnish
• This bill simply impedes the initiative process and subverts the will of the people of Washington State
• We're talking about a 38-cent differential between men and women's pay in the state of Washington in
• But we have seen some very serious things happen here in the United States and here in Washington.

Bills: SB5973, SB5892, SB6081, SB5842, SB5827, SB5968, SB6034, SB6035, SB5888, SB6123, SB5853

Keywords: initiative, referendum, ballot measure, petition, signature gathering, circulator, per-signature pay, paid circulator, election integrity, voter fraud, ballot title, Secretary of State, Code Reviser, direct democracy, citizen lawsuit, civil penalties, Washington elections, initiative process, referendum process, grassroots petition

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 23, 2026, first in executive session on several election- and government-related bills, then in public hearing on three measures. In executive action, the committee held SB 6035 and SB 5842 for the following week, then considered SB 5973 on initiative and referendum signature-gathering rules, SB 5892 on voter registration database disclosure, SB 6081 on protecting sex designation information in vital records and licensing records, SB 5877 on veterans’ civil service preference, SB 5968 on permitting/licensing deadlines and reporting, and SB 6034 on codifying the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. The committee rejected a series of amendments to SB 5973, including proposals to remove or weaken the 1,000-signature prefiling requirement, change or narrow citizen enforcement provisions, add ID and training requirements, and alter penalties. The committee then advanced the proposed substitutes or bills for SB 5973, SB 5892, SB 6081, SB 5877, SB 5968, and SB 6034 to the Rules Committee or the next committee, with do-pass recommendations as applicable. During the SB 5973 debate, supporters said the bill was intended to curb pay-per-signature practices and fraud in the initiative process, while opponents argued it would burden constitutional initiative rights and create barriers to participation. Several amendments were offered by Senators Fortunato and Wilson to reduce or eliminate the prefiling signature threshold, add disclosure or training requirements, narrow enforcement, and reduce penalties; all were rejected or, in one case, withdrawn. The committee then approved the proposed substitute and sent the measure forward. SB 5892 and SB 6081 drew no amendments in executive session and were advanced without controversy, while SB 5877 and SB 5968 were also moved forward with proposed substitutes. SB 6034, which would formally establish the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet agency and require annual reporting, was likewise advanced. In public hearing, the committee heard SB 5888, which would remove Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women’s Commission. Senator Wellman said the change would align the commission with similar bodies and correct an inconsistency; the commission’s representative supported the bill, noting the governor would retain appointment authority and that the current process had created delays. The committee then heard SB 6123, expanding a public-records exemption for voluntarily supplied personal demographic information to local government employees. A Pierce County HR director testified in support, saying the exemption would build trust while preserving aggregate reporting and compliance obligations; the bill drew extensive support and opposition sign-ins. Finally, the committee heard SB 5853, Senator Wilson’s proposal to create a statewide emergency public official notification system for targeted threats. Wilson said the bill was meant as a non-privileged safety and awareness tool; the Secretary of State’s office said it supported the concept but preferred the Military Department to operate the system rather than VoteWA. The hearing closed with 192 people signed in in support and none opposed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have learned about their power.
• They have learned about their ability to advocate for a safer workforce.
• This bill would add preclearance requirements to the Washington Voting Rights Act.
• Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Washington.
• Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Washington.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate received messages from the House transmitting several signed bills, then moved through a series of second- and third-reading actions on multiple measures. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the scope and authority of the Office of Independent Investigations, was advanced to final passage without objection and passed 44-4. Senators supporting it described it as a technical housekeeping bill aligning statute with current practice, while noting it had broad support from law enforcement groups and the ACLU; opponents raised concerns about overlapping investigations and authority. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, which dedicates a share of sales tax revenue from the stadium area to the South Downtown/Pioneer Square community preservation and development authority, was amended by a Ways and Means striking amendment declaring an emergency and then passed 47-1. Supporters said it would fund earthquake reinforcement, preservation, and community development in a historic district, with reporting and sunset provisions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, dealing with resale certificates for common interest communities and homeowners associations, was amended to clarify disclosure and litigation provisions and passed 39-9. Substitute House Bill 1570, allowing collective bargaining for certain employees enrolled in academic programs at public institutions, failed an amendment to remove the emergency clause and then passed 29-19; supporters framed it as recognition of student workers’ organizing rights, while opponents warned it blurred student and employee roles. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 1390, repealing the Community Protection Program and directing participants into other developmental disability services, after rejecting a series of amendments that sought to preserve sex-offender-related restrictions, add assessments, damages, or prosecutorial review. The bill passed 29-20 amid sharp debate over whether the program was coercive and outdated or necessary to protect vulnerable people and communities. Other bills passed included Substitute House Bill 2114 on defective license plates, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining if the NLRB is unavailable, House Bill 1069 on bargaining over supplemental retirement contributions for Department of Corrections employees, House Bill 2441 expanding medical premium reimbursements for surviving spouses of line-of-duty deaths, and Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710 adding preclearance requirements under the Washington Voting Rights Act; the voting rights bill drew opposition over local control and litigation concerns. The transcript ends during the roll call on final passage of Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas for more than 15 years, Yolanda Cortinas Trout Manuel operated a bilingual early learning
• And whereas Yolanda Cortinas Trout Manuel's lifelong commitment to service began in early learning and
• And whereas for more than 15 years, Yolanda Cortinas, Trout, Manuel operated a bilingual early learning
• Manuel's significant contributions as a business owner, early learning advocate, and public servant,
• An act relating to early learning program licensing requirements and amending RCW 43.216.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It received a House message that the House had passed second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5010, and then took up Senate Resolution 8700 honoring Yolanda Cortinas Trout Manuel for her community service, business leadership, and public service. Senator Fortunato sponsored the resolution and spoke warmly in support, and the Senate adopted it by voice vote and recognized the guest in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9142, Maria Seguyenza to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, after supportive remarks from Senators Bateman and Wilson-Clair. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 2248, described as a technical cleanup bill for Secretary of State corporate filings, and House Bill 2309, which removes postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2348 passed as a Department of Natural Resources efficiency measure allowing smaller land sales to be posted online and clarifying fair-market-value requirements. The Senate deferred Second Substitute House Bill 1128 at first, then later adopted a striking amendment and passed the bill as amended. The bill creates a child care workforce standards board to study workforce conditions and make recommendations; several proposed amendments by Senator King to add child-safety training language, add an expiration date, and narrow the board’s scope were rejected. Supporters said the board would professionalize child care work and improve wages and standards, while opponents argued it would add government and costs without solving affordability. The Senate also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2523 on the Community Reinvestment Program, with supporters emphasizing accountability, periodic review, and an independent study, and passed Substitute House Bill 2428 to prevent unintentional lapses in life insurance policies by allowing third-party notices. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 2340, expanding the CARES substance use disorder recovery program to nursing assistants, and Engrossed House Bill 2317, which streamlines licensing for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program sites in certain educational settings. Most bills passed by wide margins, though Second Substitute House Bill 1128 passed with a narrower 28-19 vote. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have learned about their power.
• They have learned about their ability to advocate for a safer workforce.
• I know I'm standing here from Washington State. I mentioned the federal Supreme Court.
• Washington Conservation Action is pro on this. A Vista, for God's sakes, is pro on this.
• We are taking one bold step forward in Washington State today, and I encourage our support.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate took up a series of House bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to final passage after brief debate. Messages from the House reported signed bills being transmitted, and the Senate later signed several measures in open session. The chamber also excused a few members from voting on specific bills. Among the first major actions, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the scope and authority of the Office of Independent Investigations, passed 44-4 after supporters described it as a technical housekeeping bill and opponents raised concerns about overlapping investigations. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, which dedicates 20% of sales tax revenue from the two large stadiums to a community preservation and development authority in South Downtown/Pioneer Square/Chinatown International District, passed 47-1 after supporters emphasized reinvestment in historic buildings and neighborhood safety. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, requiring more complete resale certificates for common interest communities and homeowners associations, passed 39-9 after a successful amendment clarifying litigation language. Substitute House Bill 1570, allowing collective bargaining for certain student employees at public institutions, failed an amendment to remove the emergency clause and then passed 29-19 despite objections that it blurs student and employee roles. The chamber then debated Substitute House Bill 1390, which repeals the Community Protection Program and directs DSHS to transition participants into other developmental disability services. Numerous amendments sought to preserve restrictions, add assessments, or create liability protections, but most were rejected; the committee striking amendment updating agency names and dates was adopted. The bill passed 29-20 after a lengthy, emotional debate over whether the program protects public safety or unfairly restricts people with developmental disabilities, with supporters citing civil rights concerns and opponents warning about risks to vulnerable residents and the lack of a detailed transition plan. Other measures passed with broad support, including Substitute House Bill 2114 on defective license plates (48-0), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining if the NLRB loses authority (31-18), House Bill 1069 on bargaining over supplemental retirement contributions for Department of Corrections employees (31-18), House Bill 2441 expanding medical premium reimbursements for surviving spouses of line-of-duty deaths (49-0), and Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710 adding preclearance requirements under the Washington Voting Rights Act, which drew debate over local control and litigation but had not yet reached a final vote by the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a great day to talk about the historical history of Washington State and our Washington tribes
• and the three tribes that have treaty rights within Washington Territory.
• The agreements that have been made between the Washington tribes and Washington State in preserving the
• There's a lot to learn about.
• of learning.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1795, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2471, HB2478, HB2605, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1903, HB1941, HB1982, HB2006, HB2034, HB2105, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2303, HB2322, HB2329, HB2345, HB2350, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2418, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2539, HB2544, HB2551, HB2554, HB2588, HB2636, HB1128, HB1408, HB1570, HB1742, HB1823, HB2089, HB2104, HB2114, HB2172, HB2192, HB2207, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2294, HB2298, HB2319, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2354, HB2374, HB2401, HB2405, HB2429, HB2431, HB2442, HB2451, HB2479, HB2496, HB2515, HB2523, HB2540, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, heard a prayer, and received a Senate message that the Senate had passed second substitute Senate Bill 5061. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading action on several bills, with debate centered on salmon treaty history, cannabis cooperative rules, inmate commissary and legal financial obligations, collective bargaining protections, and school restraint/isolation policy. Members also took up a bill to adjust Paid Family and Medical Leave funding to address a projected $30 million tax liability, and later reconsidered one education bill after initial passage. House Bill 2554, dealing with repeal of RCW 77.110 and salmon-related history and tribal treaty issues, saw a proposed striking amendment from Representative Walsh that was rejected on a voice vote. The bill then passed 64-28. Engrossed House Bill 1941, authorizing cannabis producer cooperatives, adopted an amendment limiting any one entity to 30% market share in a co-op; a second amendment adding guardrails was rejected. The bill passed 66-27. Substitute House Bill 2539, raising the indigency commissary threshold from $25 to $100 for incarcerated people, passed 57-36 after debate over inmate needs versus victim and child-support concerns. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471, a trigger bill creating state collective bargaining protections if the federal NLRB is weakened, adopted an amendment clarifying agricultural coverage and then passed 58-35. The most extensive debate was on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1795, which would phase out isolation and restrict certain restraint practices in schools. Members adopted amendments adding professional development intent language, expanding reporting to authorized entities and out-of-state placements, and clarifying positive behavior intervention planning; several other amendments on parental consent, property damage, and isolation-room definitions were rejected. Supporters emphasized student safety, trauma reduction, and de-escalation, while opponents argued the bill removed useful tools from educators and was premature without broader training. The bill initially passed 58-36, then the House reconsidered it and passed it again 57-37. Second Substitute House Bill 2345, which reallocated Paid Family and Medical Leave premium shares to avoid a $30 million tax cost, passed unanimously 94-0. The House then recessed for caucus after placing additional bills on the second-reading calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been learning quite a bit and speaking about capital investment right now.
• I've been learning quite a bit and speaking about capital investment right now.
• Representative Pérez-Vega continued: I've been learning quite a bit and speaking about capital investment
• It's been interesting, and I've learned a lot more again on my third year.

Bills: HF719, HF2484, HF2486

Keywords: safety, school transportation, infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, library construction, education funding, early childhood, child protection, funding, bonds, education facilities, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As a Washington state voter, I love voting by mail.
• We are a member of the Washington Voting Justice Coalition.
• in Vancouver, Washington.
• These programs include the Washington World Fellows Program, Boundless Washington, and Compassion Scholars
• I'm here from Central Washington.

Bills: SB6084, SB6137, SCR8406, SB5892, SB5863

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility