Transcript Highlights:

• I currently have seven kennel techs that work under me.
• Thank you, members, for working with us on this bill.
• If someone advanced that receivable into the cash account that day for working capital to go forward
• with and then is now sucked out, they are no longer having working capital.
• We are good people doing good work.

Bills: HB12, HB149, SB229, SB1361, SB1749, SB1897, SB2113, SB2566, SB2677, SB1652, SB2327, SB2344, SB2696, HB12, HB149

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing

Transcript Highlights:

• I know... ...these opportunities to work on.
• So, my desire would be to get them out and have work continue before they get to the floor.
• How many people do you know that can work on an outboard motor?
• Thank you for working with me on this amendment. I appreciate it.
• I look forward to working...

Bills: HB352, HB366, SB272, SB296

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> needs to be uh absolute uh it's worked needs to be uh absolute uh it's worked it<00:10:52.680><c
• </c><00:23:00.000><c> uh</c> one thing uh that uh seems to work uh one thing uh that uh seems to work
• </c> WPS on the Hicks um as we keep working WPS on the Hicks um as we keep working on<00:31:32.080><c
• There is more work to be done, and we are excited to do the work.
• There is more work to be done, and we are excited to do the work.

Bills: HF1, HF1384

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this issue that we've both been working this issue that we've both been working on.<00:19:03.720
• </c> I, like many of my peers, work I, like many of my peers, work diligently<00:21:37.200><c> to</c>
• Representative Norris for working Representative Norris for working collaboratively<00:23:51.160><c>
• We're working across communities.
• We're working across resources.

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh to carries because I seen the work uh to carries because I seen the work that<00:04:13.599><c
• I know you all do amazing work.
• </c> in the summer and so as we're working in the summer and so as we're working these<00:21:04.440><
• </c> our young Generations we are working our young Generations we are working together<00:25:28.679>
• can believe it, and in great health, working and showing up for work every day.

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• I do appreciate the work that has been put into this bill in this short session.
• It needed some work on it, and I did say short session.
• I would like to see us continue to work on it, and so I'm going to be a no this time, but I think the
• Initially, it was obviously more of a pilot project to see whether it would work and all the things.
• It worked wonderfully.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

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 and passed several House bills after adopting committee striking amendments and, in one case, a floor amendment. On HB 2624, relating to consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions for public purposes, the Senate adopted a Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee striking amendment and then passed the bill 30-18, with supporters saying it would ease appraisal timing for public entities, tribes, and nonprofits, while Senator Dozier opposed it as still needing work. HB 2104, which makes aviation assurance funding for wildland fire response permanent by removing a sunset clause, passed 47-0 with two excused, with Senator Short citing the value of aircraft resources in wildfire suppression. The Senate also passed Substitute HB 2334, which addresses cash transactions and the elimination of pennies. The chamber adopted a committee striking amendment and then a floor amendment by Senator McEwen clarifying that customers with exact change may still pay exact change. Supporters said the bill would give businesses flexibility to round cash transactions when exact change is unavailable, and it passed 45-2 with two excused. HB 2436, concerning requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters, passed 46-1 with two excused after Senator Lovick explained it was a technical clarification to align statute with current tugboat and pilot practices. Finally, Engrossed HB 2575, reducing certain reporting obligations under environmental or energy laws, passed 47-0 with two excused. Senator Schumake described it as a government efficiency measure that would save administrative costs for the Department of Commerce and utilities, with savings potentially redirected to low-income energy assistance. After the final vote, the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that that's been well worked in the bill.
• President, we have been working and working and working on this bill.
• And working and working on this bill, and this amendment just provides some additional clarifying language
• It might work, Mr. Majority Floor Leader, if you move to... It might work, Mr.
• And we've worked with our agencies to make sure that And we've worked with our agencies to make sure

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

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 several House bills and advanced or passed them after suspending the rules on third reading. Substitute House Bill 2475, which would require the Office of Equity to develop uniform guidelines for language-accessible state programs and reporting by agencies, passed 30-17. Substitute House Bill 2452, updating how rent increase notices are served for manufactured/mobile home tenants, passed 48-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1795, dealing with restraint and isolation of students in public schools, was amended on the floor, including rejection of an amendment to remove the prohibition on isolation rooms and adoption of a clarifying amendment, then passed 28-20. House Bill 1796, expanding school district financing options for construction through non-voted debt with a Ways and Means striker, passed 30-18. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security coordination strategy led by the Department of Agriculture, passed 45-3. House Bill 2091, requiring public employers to provide employee information to bargaining representatives, passed 44-4. House Bill 2510, concerning supervision of certain individuals sentenced to community custody, was amended to focus on stalking cases involving risk to reoffend against the same victim and then passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2442, giving local governments additional tax flexibility and new revenue tools, passed 26-22. House Bill 2431, increasing the annual fundraising days for nonprofit public assembly halls, passed 48-0. The chamber also debated Second Substitute House Bill 2105, which would require employers to notify workers after federal I-9 inspections and create enforcement mechanisms. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to narrow the private right of action, limit who could sue, address conflicts involving nonprofit legal aid, and make the bill contingent on funding. Supporters said the bill protects vulnerable immigrant workers and provides needed notice and remedies; opponents argued it would burden employers, create litigation risk, and add costs. The Ways and Means striking amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced to final passage, with floor debate continuing in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, that the greatest innovation is scaling what works, and Habitat works.
• , that has not been my work.
• But this just says, no, you can just come, you can work, you can't control how long you work.
• But small works rosters work like this: you have a limited amount of how much that product is worth,
• Right now, for the public works roster, the small works roster, that limit has been capped at $350,000

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624, SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2353, HB2431, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB2104, HB2624, HB2510, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2436, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675

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, a color guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and received committee, gubernatorial, and House messages. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 8697 honoring the 40th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity in Seattle, King, and Kittitas Counties, with several senators speaking in support of its work on affordable homeownership, volunteer service, and community stability. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Rosendo Alvarado to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees, Donna Ponopinto to the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees, and Bryce W. McKibben to the Pierce College Board of Trustees. During the day, Senator Braun also rose for a personal point of privilege to apologize for offensive remarks made during debate on House Bill 1390. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155, which prohibits noncompetition agreements and clarifies non-solicitation agreements. Several proposed amendments were rejected, including changes affecting ownership thresholds, senior executives, damages, and enforcement language; the committee striking amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 30-19. The chamber next passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2451 on local tax increment financing, which was described as adding dispute-resolution procedures and guardrails for local development financing. Substitute House Bill 2405 also passed unanimously, creating a pilot program for PTSD treatment and research in workers’ compensation. Additional bills passed included Substitute House Bill 2411 expanding shared leave to cover victims of hate crimes and immigration enforcement-related absences, despite concerns about verification and scope; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards and review of mergers and affiliations, after debate over filing fees and the Attorney General’s role; and Substitute House Bill 2339 making clarifications to nursing regulation. The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 2354 on HOA/common interest community rules for EV chargers and heat pumps, Substitute House Bill 2505 exempting certain former foster care providers from adult family home licensure, Substitute House Bill 2420 raising small works roster contract limits, Substitute House Bill 2525 establishing a heritage orchard program at Washington State University, and House Bill 2664 changing service requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. The session ended with the Senate standing at ease for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been working for over 23 years.
• So this has been working for over 23 years.
• This is a process that is working well.
• Youth Behavioral Health Work Group established.
• work group to use the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan to guide their work.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, 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 considered and passed several House bills, often after suspending the rules to move them directly to final passage. Substitute House Bill 2152, “Ryan’s Law,” was described as allowing limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; senators emphasized palliative care and quality-of-life benefits, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails under federal PREA standards, drew debate over proposed amendments that would have required medical professionals or religious accommodations for staff; both amendments failed, and the bill passed 30-19. Second Substitute House Bill 1906, on transparency and consumer protection in water system rates, passed unanimously after a Ways and Means striking amendment was adopted. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, allowing certain registered nurses to staff inter-facility specialty care ambulance transports under specified conditions, also passed unanimously after a clarifying striker was adopted. Second Substitute House Bill 2429, supporting children and youth behavioral health and extending the work group, passed 49-0 after a Human Services striking amendment was adopted despite concerns about added government costs. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after amendments adjusted its effective date and related provisions. The Senate also debated Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 on voter registration challenges and voter list management. An amendment to broaden who could challenge registrations statewide was rejected, with supporters arguing it would preserve free speech and allow valid challenges anywhere in the state, and opponents warning it would open the door to excessive challenges and burden election officials. The underlying bill, which tightens challenge procedures, allows more discretion for county auditors, and aims to reduce administrative burdens, then passed 30-19. Throughout the debate, supporters said the bill would improve confidence in voter rolls and help auditors manage an increase in challenges, while opponents argued the current system already works and that the bill could create more litigation and unnecessary restrictions on voter engagement. At the end of the session, Senator Lovick offered a personal privilege remark praising legislative interns and noting a student’s acceptance to West Point. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, after a brief caucus announcement and no objection to adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a huge amount of work. The tribes are very involved in that.
• I've worked with the sponsor of this amendment for a little bit.
• I wanted to thank Senator Wagner for his work on creating the striking amendment.
• He worked with the process. Senator Wagner for his work on creating the striking amendment.
• orders if there's unlicensed work.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, 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 considered and passed several bills. Engrossed House Bill 2294, which prohibits restrictive covenants that block replacement food or pharmacy uses on real property, drew support from senators citing food deserts and community access concerns, while one senator objected to state preemption of local control; it passed 35-14. House Bill 2554, updating state law to recognize tribal treaty fishing rights and state-tribal co-management of salmon, trout, and steelhead, passed 47-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2557, requiring parents to receive special education evaluation reports within a set timeline, passed unanimously 49-0. House Bill 2632, modernizing state terminology from “alien” to “non-citizen” with limited federal-law exceptions, passed 31-18 after a failed amendment that would have added a sunset clause. The Senate also passed Substitute Senate Bill 6355 to create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority to improve grid reliability and transmission buildout. Supporters emphasized jobs, affordability, clean energy, and reliability; opponents raised concerns about eminent domain, accountability, wildfire risk, and duplication of existing efforts. Two amendments aimed at limiting eminent domain and narrowing the bill’s structure were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19. Other bills approved included Substitute House Bill 2539, raising the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100 and indexing it to inflation, which passed 30-18; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165, creating a separate offense for false identification as a peace officer, which passed 30-18; House Bill 2543, updating county clerk fees, which passed 33-15; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476, expanding theater liquor licensing to larger theaters, which passed 38-10; and Substitute House Bill 2472, adding enforcement tools for licensed fire sprinkler work, which passed 45-3. Additional measures passed with broad support, including Senate Bill 6006 exempting food banks from retail sales tax on certain services, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 prohibiting employers from requiring microchip implantation in employees, Substitute House Bill 2363 allowing temporary supervised practice for music therapy licensure applicants, House Bill 2417 adding victim rights protections under the Washington Code of Military Justice, and House Bill 1526 allowing snack bar liquor licensees to serve wine in addition to beer and hard cider. The chamber also adopted a striking amendment to House Bill 2539 and a committee striking amendment to House Bill 1526, while rejecting amendments to House Bill 2632 and Substitute Senate Bill 6355. The Senate then took up House messages on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5998 and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, voted not to concur in the House amendments, and appointed conferees for both bills before standing at ease for dinner.

Transcript Highlights:

• That sensitivity, it just can't work in Skagit County.
• You know, we work with our health departments. We work. Ecology already has said what we must do.
• And I think, I think, again, tremendous work and a shout-out to all who have worked on this here and
• I can tell you both models can and do work in our state.
• I can tell you both models can and do work in our state.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, 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 ceremonial business, approved the journal, and then took up a resolution recognizing Nowruz, the Persian New Year and spring celebration. Senator Saldaña sponsored the resolution and described its cultural significance and the importance of solidarity with Washington’s Middle Eastern and Central Asian communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks from several senators. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Michael Charles to the Gambling Commission and Deborah J. Entenman to the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Both confirmations passed by roll call with strong bipartisan support. The Senate also considered and passed Substitute House Bill 2088, joining the Dietitian Licensure Compact, with supporters citing workforce shortages and easier licensure for military spouses. Members then debated Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2219 on child care provider operations, including a failed amendment and a successful committee striker. The bill passed, expanding flexibility for child care settings and clarifying related rules. The Senate also passed House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski area and winter sports terminology, and Engrossed House Bill 1345, which allows detached accessory dwelling units in rural areas; several amendments on water metering and rural/frontier county exemptions were offered but rejected before final passage. Later, the Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 6351, providing targeted sales tax relief for schools, before-and-after school care, and arts and cultural programs, and Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6354, which advances transportation electrification by allowing direct sales of certain electric vehicles under a compromise with dealers. Finally, Senate Bill 6297 passed to exempt temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities from retail sales tax. The Senate then moved at ease for rules and lunch after announcing further floor action would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this has been working for over 23 years.
• So I'm going to ask for no vote because it's working well.
• President, this is a process that is working well.
• It works well. And I had the pleasure in committee, Mr.
• It extends the Children and Youth Behavioral Work Group by two years, and it also requires the work group

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, 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 considered and passed several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, would allow limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; supporters said it would improve quality of life, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails and codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act-related standards, drew debate over whether amendments were needed and whether the bill would burden or protect staff and inmates; two amendments were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19. Second Substitute House Bill 1906, as amended, increased transparency and consumer protections for water system rates, especially for older or smaller systems, and passed unanimously 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 tightened voter registration challenge procedures and gave county auditors more discretion in handling challenges; an amendment to broaden who could challenge voters statewide was rejected, and the bill passed 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, as amended, allowed registered nurses without EMT certification to staff certain inter-facility ambulance transports under specified conditions to reduce delays, and it also passed 49-0. The Senate also passed Second Substitute House Bill 2429, which extends and updates the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and aligns agency planning with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan; a committee striker was adopted despite concerns about added government structure, and the bill passed 49-0. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Office of Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after the chamber rejected the committee striker and adopted a revised striking amendment. The session ended with a point of personal privilege from Senator Lovick and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until March 4, 2026.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, 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 convened, approved the previous day’s journal without objection, and then handled routine committee and referral business. Committee reports included Senate Bill 6354 on electric vehicles and Senate Bill 5808, both referred as designated. The chamber also received House-passed House Bill 268-1 and House-passed Substitute Senate Bill 5874. In introductions and referrals, Gross Substitute House Bill 2711 was introduced and sent to the Senate Transportation Committee. Members then agreed to move the Senate at ease for the purpose of later fiscal committee reports, and the chamber briefly stood at ease. After returning, the Senate reverted to first order business, processed the supplemental standing committee report, and referred the listed measure(s) as designated. No substantive debate or votes on bill content occurred; all actions were procedural and taken without objection. The Senate then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• To allow those dollars to be available for capital needs, Mr.
• This works the same way.
• Well, I do appreciate you working on it, but I think that there's a lot of things that need to be worked
• Oh, I agree that the bill does need some work.
• I would certainly ask for a yes vote so we can continue to work on this.

Bills: HB1590, HB1242, HB3818, HB4305

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the bill does need a little bit of work, sir.
• Well, I do appreciate you working on it, but I think that there's a lot of things that need to be worked
• as I'm not going to work with you or have other ideas.
• I agree that the bill does need some work.
• I would certainly ask for a yes vote so we continue to work on this.

Bills: HB1590, HB1242, HB3818, HB4305

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Summary: The committee first considered and unanimously approved the nomination of Keith Ventress to the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority and then to the Oklahoma Industrial Finance Authority. Members noted his banking background and asked a brief question about the reference to old congressional district boundaries in the nomination materials, but there was no substantive opposition and both nominations advanced to the Senate. House Bill 1590, by Senator Daniels, would create an Oklahoma education infrastructure linked deposit program to provide reduced-interest loans for charter schools and nonprofit private schools for capital and building needs. Supporters said it would use existing state linked-deposit structures already used for agriculture and affordable housing, while opponents raised concerns about using taxpayer-backed funds for private schools, the bill’s broad nonprofit language, and whether it could lead to more state oversight of private education. The bill passed 9-2. House Bill 1242, which would add survey day to the list of agricultural sales tax exemption items, was discussed briefly but received no motion for a do pass recommendation and remained in committee. House Bill 3818, by Senator Coleman, would create tax-advantaged insurance loss savings accounts for homes and vehicles; members expressed concern about missing definitions, contribution limits, and the potential for abuse, but agreed the concept had promise and the bill passed 9-2 after the enacting clause was stricken for further work. House Bill 4305, as amended, clarified how affordable housing properties are assessed for ad valorem tax purposes by excluding certain income-based subsidies from valuation; after questions about prior court cases and assessment practices, it passed 6-5.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> work that's envisioned under the bill. work that's envisioned under the bill.
• </c> this work in progress? this work in progress?
• We work in against construction.
• </c><00:08:55.120><c> for</c> industry, more projects, more work for industry, more projects, more work
• This is a companion to working group.

Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• see the effects their work... ...begin the work set before them today.
• is working?
• There's a lot of work that needs to be done. I've been working with DOT.
• I've said this before, but one of the greatest joys in this place is working on the capital budget.
• We actually got to fully capitalize Washington Bills, which will be a way to keep CCA at work.

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 met on February 23, 2026, opened with the usual roll call, pledge, prayer, and approval of the previous journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 8698 recognizing piano teachers, with several senators sharing personal remarks about their own teachers and the role of music education in families and communities. Guests from the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then moved into budget debate, considering a series of amendments to the operating budget. Several proposals focused on housing costs, local planning, utility rates, and state spending restraint. Amendment 0772, which would have created a housing-related task force and increased funding, was rejected after debate over housing affordability and regulatory costs. Amendment 0785, restoring growth management planning funding for local governments, was also rejected. Amendment 0791, directing the Department of Commerce to study the effects of climate and clean energy laws on utility costs, and Amendment 0769, related to grid capacity and clean energy investments, were both adopted. Other amendments drew sharper partisan debate. Amendment 0798, which would have reduced the Supreme Court from nine justices to five and redirected savings to public defense, failed. Amendments 0794 and 0795, seeking funding for ballot measure costs tied to initiatives, also failed. Amendment 0799, intended to redirect Pacific Tower lease savings to developmental disability services, was rejected after discussion of the building’s current public uses. Amendment 0773, capping state spending growth and tying it to median wage growth, failed on a roll call vote, while Amendment 0777, addressing concurrent use of paid family and medical leave and sick leave by state employees, also failed after extended debate. Later, Amendment 0776 on tort liability reporting was adopted, as were Amendment 0758 creating a DSHS work group on community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Amendment 0786 was introduced to reduce cash and food assistance work-related funding, with debate beginning before the transcript ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• see the effects their work begin the work set before them today.
• We have a cap that isn't working. We lead by example. We have a cap that isn't working.
• is working?
• There's a lot of work that needs to be done. I've been working with DOT.
• , working across the aisle.

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:

• The OSBI can go to work and have their report back to us by the time session ends.
• How will it work whenever I'm assuming the board's only going to have one account set up?
• The next three bills are a result of the incentive Evaluation Commission work.
• I know if the work Well, it's a work's performed in Canada.
• Oklahoma companies in Oklahoma with people that are working here in Oklahoma.

Bills: SB1280, SB1392, SB1393, SB1395, SB1400, SB1405, SB1832, SB1839, SB1989, SB2001, SB2143

Keywords: excise tax, oil tax, natural gas tax, state revenue, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, income tax, tax credit, aerospace sector, employment, economic development, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, urban renewal, economic impact, program, housing, revitalization, urban development, income tax credit, manufacturing

Transcript Highlights:

• :19:01.039><c> we</c> If it does pass out of committee, we would ask for additional time so we can work
• Okay, moving on to HB 2469 relating to a regular session review working group.
• We have the state working group.
• And very last bill, HB 2469 relating to a regular session review working group.
• HB 2469 relates to a regular session review working group.

Bills: HB1805, HB2110, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469

Keywords: child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality

Summary: The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments. HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.