Bills: HR776 , HR43 , HR226 , HR42 , HR835

Keywords: Coptic Christians, human rights, Egypt, religious freedom, US-Egypt relations, minority rights, violence prevention, inauguration, Congress, House attendance, ceremony, legislative session, inaugural ceremony, House of Representatives, President, Vice President, adjournment, aviation, transportation, centennial

Transcript Highlights:

• would foreclose teaching about the Abrahamic religions from that perspective. region, Judaism, Christianity
• A student in my Middle Eastern music class learned about his own Coptic Christian identity.
• That is one of the oldest Christian churches founded in the 2nd century, thereby validating his understanding
• of cultural heritage. a sense of belonging to his Coptic heritage and as a citizen of the U.S.

Bills: HB2476 , HB2893 , HB4848 , HB5062 , SB37 , SB60 , HB2860 , HB4930 , SB646 , SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I rise to shed light on the discrimination faced by Coptic Christians in Egypt.
• Speaker, I rise to shed light on the discrimination faced by Coptic Christians in Egypt.
• </c> discrimination faced by Coptic discrimination faced by Coptic Christians<00:20:33.120><c> in</c>
• </c><00:20:34.559><c> Coptic</c><00:20:35.120><c> Christians</c> Christians in Egypt.
• Coptic Christians Christians in Egypt.

Bills: HB6504 , HB6500 , HB2683 , SB269 , HB6732 , HB6715 , HB6719 , SB3424 , HR909

Keywords: Haiti, duty-free imports, economic recovery, trade, Caribbean Basin, tariff, apparel, remote access, national security, export controls, cloud computing, foreign policy, international relations, improper payments, deceased, social security, federal coordination, state agencies, coercion, minors

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Nagwa Haddad, and I'm an Orthodox Christian from Alexandria, Egypt, and I came to the states
• And I came here because I want to be able to see and hear my story because I am a Coptic Christian.
• :34.080><c> a</c> to see and hear my story because I am a to see and hear my story because I am a Coptic
• <00:57:34.640><c> Christian.
• </c><00:57:35.320><c> I</c><00:57:35.520><c> am</c> Coptic Christian. I am Coptic Christian.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to honor 21 Christian men who were murdered for their faith in 2015.
• Twenty of these men were Coptic Christians from Egypt, just trying to earn a living for their families
• Twenty of these men were Coptic Christians from Egypt, just trying to earn a living for their families
• Twenty of these men were Coptic Christians from Egypt, just trying to earn a living for their families
• </c> unshakable faith looks like the Coptic unshakable faith looks like the Coptic and<07:06:55.718><

Bills: HJR35 , HR695 , HR469 , HR250

Keywords: environment, EPA, waste emissions, petroleum, natural gas, environmental protection, methane, regulatory disapproval, Charlie Kirk, political assassination, free speech, First Amendment, public safety, official photography, House of Representatives, session, government transparency, public engagement, payment system, Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair. Again, I'm... Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator Christian. Any other conversation or discussion? Thank you, Senator Christian.
• Thank you, Senator Christian. Any other conversation or discussion? Thank you, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much Senator Christian.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5977, which would require DCYF to publish child near-fatality review reports within 180 days and post them publicly, with confidential information redacted as allowed by law. Senator Nikki Torres said the bill is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and child protection. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6184, an Office of Homeless Youth request bill sponsored by the chair. The bill makes technical and policy updates to OHY programs, including replacing the term “street youth” with “unaccompanied homeless youth,” allowing certain flexible funds to go directly to youth or vendors, renaming and making permanent the H-Sync program, expanding eligibility and housing options in the Independent Youth Housing Program, and clarifying shelter and reporting provisions. Testifiers from Commerce, advocates, school support organizations, and a youth advocate all supported the bill, emphasizing that the changes would improve access, consistency, and housing stability for unhoused youth. The hearing was then closed. The committee moved into executive session on seven bills. SB 5681, concerning intellectual and developmental disability services at age 20, had Amendment A1 fail and the proposed substitute was adopted and sent to Ways and Means. SB 5917, regarding abortion medication in DOC, saw one amendment adopted and multiple Christian amendments rejected before the bill was sent to Rules. SB 5942, renaming the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and revising its duties, had only Amendment C16 adopted; the amended bill passed to Rules. SB 6024, on duplicative audits for community residential providers, passed without amendment. SB 6036, concerning adult family homes and foster care licensees, had Amendment D1 adopted and the bill passed to Rules. SB 6085, on the DOC institutional welfare account, had Amendment E1 adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means after several other amendments failed. In each case, the committee voted to advance the bill after considering amendments, with most of the proposed changes from Senator Christian failing except where noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Christian, Senator Christian. Unfortunately, I'm asking a no on this amendment.

Bills: SB5873 , SB5895 , SB5911 , SB5940 , SB5942 , SB5945 , SB5957 , SB5966

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: incarcerated individuals, escorted leaves, criminal justice, rehabilitation, state law, healthcare, incarcerated, extraordinary medical placement, criminal justice reform, medical care, children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Christian? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Christian, Senator Christian. Unfortunately, I'm asking a no on this amendment.
• And there is an amendment labeled B1, Christian. I move adoption of Amendment B1, Christian.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met in executive session to review several bills, with one bill on the DCYF Oversight Board (SB 5942) held until the following week so additional stakeholder input could be incorporated. Staff briefed bills on escorted leaves for incarcerated individuals (SB 5873), extraordinary medical placements (SB 5895), financial stability for youth in DCYF care receiving Social Security benefits (SB 5911), an extended foster care housing pilot (SB 5940), changes to the persistent offender definition and resentencing (SB 5945), adding positions to the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee (SB 5957), and medically tailored meals for Apple Health enrollees (SB 5966). Several of these bills had multiple proposed amendments, many offered by Senator Christian, addressing eligibility limits, monitoring, location restrictions, time limits, liability, victim notification, and funding contingencies. In executive action, the committee adopted only the chair’s technical amendment to SB 5873 and rejected the other proposed amendments, then advanced the bill as a proposed substitute to the Rules Committee. SB 5895 also moved forward as a proposed substitute after most amendments were rejected and one was withdrawn; the committee sent it to Ways and Means. SB 5911’s amendment clarifying protected accounts for youth benefits was adopted, and the bill was advanced to Ways and Means. SB 5940 was also advanced to Ways and Means after adoption of the substitute. SB 5945’s proposed substitute was adopted and the bill was sent forward, while SB 5957 and SB 5966 were briefly discussed in briefing but not acted on during the portion of the meeting captured here. The chair noted that any remaining executive bills not completed would be taken up at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christian, Senator Christian, would you like to speak to your amendment?
• Senator Christian. Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian and then Senator Orwell will speak to the bill. Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian and then Senator Orwall will speak to the bill. Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian. Senator Christian, would you like to speak to your amendment?

Bills: SB6062 , SB6080 , SB6184 , SB6224 , SB6255 , SB6286 , SB6308 , SB6319 , SB5977 , SB5979 , SB6249 , SGA9299

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, contracts, jails, federal custody, municipal agreements, incarceration, law enforcement, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Christian. Any other conversation or discussion? Thank you, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much Senator Christian.

Bills: SB5977 , SB6184 , SB5681 , SB5917 , SB5942 , SB6024 , SB6036 , SB6080 , SB6085

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: child safety, near fatalities, public reporting, child welfare, transparency, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, employment services, community inclusion, age limitations, disability services, home and community living, abortion medications, reproductive health, mifepristone, misoprostol, abortion access

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Christian. Senator Christian, would you like to speak to your amendment?
• Senator Christian?

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 24 to executive a large docket of bills and one gubernatorial appointment. The committee first heard and then moved several bills in two packets. Topics included the Community Protection Program (SHB 1390), jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals (EHB 1604), medically tailored meals (EHB 2211), limits on DSHS reviews of community residential service providers (SHB 2230), and a children and youth behavioral health coordination bill (2SHB 2429). Later, the committee also considered bills on foster care licensing and adult family homes (SHB 2505), DOC supervision of stalking convictions (HB 2510), inmate funds and indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), and transparency for residential habilitation centers (SHB 2350), along with the reappointment of Corey McNally to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Most of the debate centered on SHB 1390 and EHB 1604, where Senator Christian offered numerous amendments aimed at adding restrictions, notifications, assessments, and delays; most of those amendments failed on party-line votes. On SHB 1390, the committee adopted only a technical amendment updating agency names and references, then advanced the bill to Rules. On EHB 1604, all proposed amendments failed and the bill was sent to Rules. On EHB 2211, an amendment to add a competitive bidding credit for nonprofit and small-business meal vendors failed, and the bill advanced. SHB 2230 moved forward without amendment, and 2SHB 2429 was amended with a striking amendment and referred to Ways and Means because of its fiscal impact. In the second packet, SHB 2505 and HB 2510 were both moved out of committee without amendment. On SHB 2539, the committee rejected an amendment to lower the indigency threshold to $50, adopted an amendment allowing the threshold to be at least $100 and adjustable, and then advanced the bill as amended. On SHB 2350, the committee adopted a negotiated amendment requiring notices about residential habilitation center noncompliance to be emailed to relevant legislative committees, withdrew a second notice amendment, and passed the bill. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of Corey McNally’s appointment to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Several bills were reported out subject to signatures, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks so much, Senator Christian. I ask for a yes on A5. Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian?

Bills: HB2510 , SGA9305

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Christian. B1.
• Christian, Senator Christian, would you like to speak to your amendment?
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian. Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian and then Senator Orwall will speak to the bill. Senator Christian.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee first held a public hearing on the gubernatorial appointment of Angela Ramirez to serve as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. Ramirez described her background in public service and said her priorities would include improving technology, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening relationships with labor, tribes, and community organizations, and protecting DSHS programs and clients during uncertain budget and federal conditions. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck also spoke in support of her confirmation, and members raised questions about needed improvements at DSHS. The committee then moved into executive session on six bills. On SB 6062, dealing with juvenile rehabilitation, midpoint reviews, bed capacity, and transfers between DCYF and DOC facilities, all six proposed Christian amendments failed and the committee advanced the Wilson substitute to Ways and Means. On SB 6308, concerning shelter care conditions for children under five in dependency cases, the committee rejected four Christian amendments and adopted a Wilson amendment clarifying that the bill does not supersede the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act; the bill then advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6319, addressing community-based referrals for high-risk families with children under four and parental opioid use, the committee rejected three Christian amendments and adopted a technical Wilson amendment; the substitute then advanced to Ways and Means. The committee also considered SB 6286, which would authorize Department of Health inspections of private detention facilities and create a repair account funded by fines for inspection violations. All Christian amendments and one Warnick amendment failed, and the proposed substitute was advanced to Ways and Means. On SB 6080, regarding contracts and conditions for jails holding people in federal custody, all Christian amendments failed and the substitute was advanced to Rules. Finally, on SB 6184, an agency-request bill making technical and program updates, the committee adopted the bill with one amendment and sent it forward subject to signatures. The committee recessed partway through the agenda, returned to vote on the first six bills, and announced that remaining bills and the gubernatorial appointment would be taken up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Thanks so much, Senator Christian. I, um...” “Thank you so much, Senator Christian.
• I'm sorry, Senator Christian. Yes, Senator, okay, I'm sorry, Senator Christian. That's okay.
• Thank you, Senator Christian.
• There is an amendment labeled F1, Christian. Senator Christian, oh, excuse me, Vice Chair.
• Thanks, Senator Christian.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5917, which would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure would remove pricing restrictions, allow the medications to be donated or sold more flexibly to health care providers, and help avoid expiration of existing supplies. Supporters, including the Washington State Women’s Commission, the governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, physicians, and Pro-Choice Washington, said the bill would improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care, especially for people facing barriers. Opponents argued it would expand state involvement in abortion, shift costs to taxpayers, and raise safety concerns. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing portion shown. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6080, which would require written contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody and would prohibit some out-of-state transfers absent a valid judicial warrant. Senator Cleveland said the bill was prompted by a situation in Clark County and was intended to provide clarity, reimbursement, and accountability for local governments. Supporters from the Latino Community Fund, the Association of Counties, and the City of Vancouver said it would protect taxpayers and local discretion. The sheriffs’ association supported some of the bill’s goals but raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and wanted more clarification. The hearing on SB 6080 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6085, which would revise the Institutional Welfare Account, formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund, to require more input from incarcerated people and their families on how the funds are spent and to change some allowable uses. The sponsor said the bill would ensure the account reflects current needs and supports family contact, reentry, and institutional safety. Testimony was mixed: the Washington State Reentry Council supported the concept but objected to requiring legislative appropriations and to using the funds for reentry services; a Department of Corrections representative supported the intent but raised concerns about removing law library funding without replacement. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and considered several bills and amendments, including SB 5940, SB 5945, SB 5957, and SB 5966. Multiple amendments were offered and mostly failed on SB 5940 and SB 5945, while one amendment on SB 5945 passed. The committee advanced SB 5940, SB 5957, and SB 5966 with due-pass recommendations, and the transcript ends with the committee adjourning after the final action on SB 5966.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is by Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian moved adoption of Amendment C2. Senator Christian: Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian moved Amendment C3.
• Senator Christian moved Amendment C5. Senator Christian: Oh, thank you.
• Senator Christian moved Amendment C6. Senator Christian: Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HB2464

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: detention facilities, law enforcement, reporting requirements, incidents, private detention

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks so much, Senator Christian. I, um... Thank you, Senator Christian.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian. I, um, Thank you, so much, Senator Christian.
• Thank you, Senator Christian.
• Thanks, Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian. Oh, if we could just clarify that Senator Wilson. Senator Christian.

Bills: SB5917 , SB6080 , SB6085 , SB5940 , SB5945 , SB5957 , SB5966

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: abortion medications, reproductive health, mifepristone, misoprostol, abortion access, medication abortion, early pregnancy loss, miscarriage management, Department of Corrections, Department of Health, health care providers, health care entities, Indian health care providers, pharmacy distribution, wholesale distribution, reproductive rights, women's health, emergency clause, immediate effect, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Christian, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thanks so much, Senator Christian.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: SB6339 , SB6184 , SB6224 , SB6255 , SB5977 , SB5979 , SB6249 , SB6007 , SB6186 , SGA9299

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: alternative placements, individual ownership, restrictive policies, healthcare, operational control, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction, intergenerational poverty, WorkFirst, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, self-sufficiency, economic justice

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up in Evangelical conservative Christianity.
• </c> and that root is Christian and that root is Christian nationalism<00:14:53.880><c> um</c><00:14:
• </c><00:14:59.160><c> I</c> Evangelical conservative Christianity I Evangelical conservative Christianity
• </c><00:15:32.720><c> nationalism</c> I mean when I say Christian nationalism I mean when I say Christian
• </c><00:17:39.080><c> onto</c> driven by conservative Christianity onto driven by conservative Christianity

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Christian, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day and first completed executive action on several bills. Members advanced Senate Bill 6224 on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to Ways and Means, Senate Bill 6255 on the poverty task force/council changes to Rules, Senate Bill 5977 on DCYF near-fatality reports to Rules, Senate Bill 5979 on in-home dependency procedures to Rules, Senate Bill 6249 on DOC supervision of stalking convictions to Rules, and Senate Bill 6007 on WISIP’s evaluation of child welfare screening tools to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. Several proposed amendments were debated, mostly offered by Senator Christian, but most failed; one technical amendment to SB 6184 was adopted, and an amendment to SB 6007 removing the risk-assessment portion of the study was adopted before the bill advanced. The committee also moved to waive the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6339 so it could be heard that day. The public hearing on Senate Bill 6339 focused on a proposed requirement that a less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement for sexually violent predators be owned and operated by the same individuals. Senator Torres and Senator Banke argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, citing a proposed Kennewick placement near schools and children. Supporters from the city of Kennewick and community members said the current process lacked transparency and that owner-operators should have a direct stake in safe operation. Opponents, including DSHS, the Washington Defender Association, the Office of Public Defense, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making community placement unattainable. Committee members asked about liability, supervision, and the difference between LRA placements and unconditional release, and the chair said more work was needed on the issue. No final action was taken on SB 6339 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after noting the committee was at cutoff and that further discussion would continue later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reverend, when you say that this bill is not Christian, are you saying I'm not Christian?
• Reverend, when you say that this bill is not Christian, are you saying I'm not Christian?
• It isn't about what the Christian thing to do is. It isn't about what the Christian thing to do is.
• As a Christian, I believe in what you said, and that this bill is not Christian, doesn't have Christian
• , on our Christian faiths.

Summary: The committee first approved the February 9, 2026 minutes and then took up SB 1618, which restructures the Military Affairs Commission to add governor-appointed defense and industry experts, expand advisory participation, require more frequent meetings and reporting, and create a commission fund. The sponsor and a witness from the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center said the bill would modernize Arizona’s approach to retaining and attracting military missions and defense-related business. After adopting a Gowan amendment, the committee voted 6-1 to give SB 1618 a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard SB 1047, the “Defend the Guard” bill, which would bar deployment of the Arizona National Guard into active combat without a congressional declaration of war. Supporters, including veterans and activists, argued it would restore constitutional limits and protect Guard members from unauthorized foreign wars. Opponents, including a retired National Guard officer, warned it could harm readiness, create tension with the Pentagon, and risk federal funding or missions. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1047 a do pass recommendation. Next was SB 1474, which preempts state and local restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, requires immigration-enforcement training, and, under amendment, requires county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE by January 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill would improve cooperation and enforcement consistency, while opponents—religious leaders, public servants, and others—argued it would expand federal immigration enforcement, increase fear in communities, and burden local agencies with an unfunded mandate. After a lengthy and contentious debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1474 a do pass recommendation as amended. Finally, the committee considered SB 1620, which changes Arizona Space Commission membership by reducing governor appointments, adding the lieutenant governor as chair, and making legislative and executive leaders nonvoting advisory members. The commission chair said the changes would align Arizona with other states and improve structure and continuity. The bill passed 5-1 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1365, a strike-everything amendment removing the income cap for disabled veterans’ property tax exemption on a primary residence; members discussed whether very high-income veterans should still qualify, but agreed the bill would help disabled veterans. The committee adopted both amendments and gave SB 1365 a do pass recommendation.