Bills: HR11, HB1872, HB2171, HB2161, HB2416, HB2518, HB2617, HB2159, HB2606, HB2362, HB2385, HB2476, HB1923, HB2444, HB1608, HB1967, HB1968, HB2502, HB1782, HB2357, HB2445, HB1870, HB1838, HB2137, HB2208, HB2458, HB1972, HB2007, HB2160, HB2343, HB2315, HB2505, HB1857, HB469, HB1452, HB814, HB1621, HB1880, HB1831, HB1572, HB2119, HB2139, HB2459, HB2194, HB2561, HB2017, HB1931, HB1700, HB1719, HB1726, HB1737, HB1742, HB2049, HB2383, HB2116, HB2446, HB2249, HB2255, HB2320, HB2360, HB2581, HB2443, HB1531, HB2622, HB9, HB2290, HB2291, HB2235, HB2263, HB2498, HB1579, HB1728, HB1900

Keywords: 808 Elite, youth football, American Youth Football National Championships, AYF, Hawaii football, youth athletics, sports recognition, commendation, House resolution, student-athletes, sportsmanship, teamwork, state pride, Hawaii youth sports, national championship, early learning, apprenticeship, child care, education funding, workforce development

Bills: HB2020, HB2032, HB2033, HB2249, HB2313, HB2318, HB2378, HCR2003

Keywords: interference, disruption, educational institutions, public order, conduct rules, statewide assessment, student testing, academic standards, third grade reading, reading retention, promotion and retention, school accountability, assessment window, testing window, test scores, school report cards, nontest data, graduation rates, dropout rates, education data privacy

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426, 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 considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use a portion of its overfunded assets for other state purposes if approved. During debate, senators offered several amendments addressing the funding threshold, member distributions, and transfers to transportation or the budget stabilization account. An amendment to raise the funding floor from 110% to 120% failed, as did proposals to direct funds to retirees, transportation, or the rainy day fund. A technical amendment was adopted, and an amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language was also adopted. Another amendment related to a future distribution after a merger of LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 was rejected, and an amendment concerning local government health care obligations for retirees also failed. Supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by experts, and would allow use of excess funds for one-time needs; opponents warned it risked pension security, shortchanged cities and counties, and set a bad precedent for raiding pension assets. After adopting the Ways and Means striking amendment as amended, the Senate advanced the bill to final passage. The final vote was 25 yeas and 22 nays, with one absent and one excused, and the bill passed. The Senate then moved to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on a 39-9 vote after brief remarks and a few excusal motions. The chamber then adjourned until the following Monday morning.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426, 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 considered and passed several House bills and memorials, often after adopting or rejecting committee striking amendments and a few floor amendments. Engrossed House Bill 2588 on county ferry district authority was amended to broaden ferry funding authority beyond Whatcom County, with supporters saying it would help replace an aging ferry serving an island community and opponents arguing countywide taxes should go to voters; it passed 30-17. Engrossed House Bill 2247 on veterinary telemedicine and client-patient relationships was amended to clarify livestock and prescription-drug provisions, with supporters citing veterinarian shortages and access to care and opponents warning about moving too quickly before a related study; it passed 30-18. Substitute House Bill 2296 on distributed energy resources was narrowed by amendment to focus on agreed-upon energy opportunities, especially benefits for renters and utility flexibility, and passed 45-3. Engrossed House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals was amended to prioritize Washington-based suppliers and nonprofit/small providers while preserving local sourcing preferences; supporters emphasized nutrition support for Apple Health enrollees and opponents objected to limiting competition, and it passed 46-2. House Bill 2338 on community-scaled weatherization projects passed unanimously, with broad support for neighborhood-scale efficiency upgrades and low-income weatherization. House Bill 1376 on prepayment of capital gains tax passed 48-0 after a Ways and Means striking amendment, with supporters calling it a simple taxpayer option and a way to realize a federal benefit. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903 establishing a statewide low-income energy assistance program passed 35-13 after amendments clarifying funding and duration, with supporters saying it would help fill a federal funding gap and critics concerned about added bureaucracy and utility impacts. Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001 honoring Russ Blount passed 43-4, despite one senator objecting to inconsistent naming processes for memorials. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1980 authorizing certain private employer transportation services in transit lanes passed 48-0, with supporters citing commuter buses for major employers and opponents not prevailing. The Senate also set Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034 as a special order of business later that day. In the second half of the session, the Senate passed Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a court unification task force after adopting amendments to add district court representation and reject a virtual-meetings amendment that would have removed reimbursement; supporters framed it as an access-to-justice study, while opponents questioned the process and cost, and it passed 30-18. Engrossed House Bill 2445 on ending probates for profit was reshaped by a striking amendment separating legitimate heir-finder services from predatory third-party probate administrators; supporters said it would protect grieving families and preserve a legitimate industry, and it passed 47-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act revenue allocation was amended to clarify how revenues are split among the operating, capital, and transportation budgets, with supporters emphasizing predictability and emissions-reduction goals and critics concerned about budget impacts; it passed 34-14. Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences for clean energy projects saw failed amendments over project labor/community workforce agreements, with supporters arguing for local job standards and opponents seeking more private-sector flexibility; it passed 28-20. The Senate then moved to additional second-reading bills, including Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1295 on evidence-based literacy instruction, which was amended to require curriculum considerations such as phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and teacher training costs; supporters said it would improve reading outcomes and it passed 47-1. House Bill 2426 on speeding Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals passed 48-0, with supporters saying it would help projects move faster. House Bill 2264 on unemployment eligibility for workers in employer-initiated layoffs passed 48-0, allowing benefits for workers who participate in planned reductions in force. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of additional bills, including another climate-related measure.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, SB5808, SB5949, HB1347, HB1759, HB1983, HB2120, HB2264, HB2338, HB2385, HB2495, HB2521, HB2604, HB2610, HB2675, HB2426, 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 convened with all members present, approved the previous day’s journal, received House messages on several bills, and referred Substitute House Bill 2688 to Ways and Means. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Kristen L. Frazier to the Board of Tax Appeals, Sharmila Swenson to the Highline College Board of Trustees, and Robert A. Battles to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Each confirmation passed by roll call, with one or two dissenting votes on the latter two appointments. Senators also excused several absent members during the proceedings. The Senate then took up a series of bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to final passage. House Bill 1983, concerning the real estate excise tax treatment of timberland transferred to government entities, passed despite opposition from senators who argued it could reduce timber harvests and affect land management. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act, passed after debate over changes to board qualifications, including removal of a citizenship requirement. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2192, expanding the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s ability to use sensitive medical information in fatality reviews with privacy safeguards, also passed. Other measures approved included Substitute House Bill 2410 creating a commercial truck safety and education council funded by a self-assessed fee; House Bill 2610 protecting nonprofit housing providers’ property tax exemption when property is temporarily used for other nonprofit purposes; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2274 revising the Commercial Electronic Mail Act and consumer protections for misleading email subject lines; House Bill 2495 extending vehicle-removal authority to streetcars; Substitute House Bill 2323 establishing a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops involving people with communication challenges; and House Bill 2604 allowing electronic transfer of totaled vehicles to insurers. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots after adopting one amendment and rejecting another, with supporters emphasizing child safety and opponents warning about scope and industry impacts. The chamber also passed Second Substitute House Bill 1923, creating a framework for local passenger-only ferries, after adopting amendments related to whale protections and revenue clarifications; and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, addressing Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations and closing loopholes, after rejecting an amendment concerning propane distributors. Several bills drew brief floor debate over fiscal impacts, consumer protections, environmental concerns, and transportation policy, but most ultimately advanced with bipartisan support. The Senate later recessed for caucuses and lunch.

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.

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.

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.

Bills: 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 considered and passed several House bills. HB 2624, relating to consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions for public purposes, was amended with a striking amendment from the Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and then passed 30-18, with Senator Dozier voting no and saying the bill still needed work. HB 2104, which makes permanent aviation assurance funding for wildfire response by removing a sunset clause, passed 47-0 with two excused after Senator Short urged support based on its wildfire-fighting value. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Substitute HB 2334, which addresses cash transactions and rounding to eliminate the need for pennies, adding language that customers with exact change must be able to pay exact change. The bill passed 45-2, with Senator Frame describing it as permissive guidance for businesses and Senator Dozier supporting it humorously; Senator Gainer voted no. HB 2436, concerning requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters and clarifying tugboat horsepower standards to match current practice, passed 46-1 after support from Senator Lovelett and Senator King. Finally, Engrossed HB 2575, reducing certain reporting obligations under environmental or energy laws, passed 47-0 with two excused. Senator Schumaker said it would save administrative costs for the Department of Commerce and utilities and free up money for low-income energy assistance. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: HB2675, HB2249, HB2120, HB1069, HB1983, HB2431, SB6006, SB6297, SB6351, SB6353, HB2521, HB2091, HB2104, SB6355, HB2254, HB2385, SB5808, HB1796, HB1376, SB6260, HB2353

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 2, 2026, and took up two large groups of bills. In the first group, members heard briefings on measures dealing with state accounts, immigrant worker protections, Washington Voting Rights Act compliance, AI content provenance notices, an AI grant program, public official security, civil service coverage for WOTEC officers, JLARC work plans, LEOFF Plan 1 termination and restatement, supplemental retirement bargaining, PERS membership for certain port workers, local government tax flexibility, wildfire mitigation financing, timberland tax treatment, and related fiscal notes and amendments. In the second group, the committee heard bills on affordable housing tax remittance, alternative jet fuel incentives, renewable energy tax incentives and grants, nonprofit property tax exemptions, food bank and school sales tax exemptions, behavioral health staffing tax relief, children and youth behavioral health, Working Connections Child Care, language access guidelines, unpaid wage recovery, firearms background check fees, public employer information-sharing, and Office of Independent Investigations jurisdiction. The committee then voted on the bills and several amendments. It adopted amendments to HB 2675, HB 2105, HB 1710, HB 1170, HB 233, HB 2034, HB 1069, HB 2179, HB 2442, HB 1960, HB 6351, HB 6353, HB 2091, and HB 2508, while rejecting several other proposed amendments, including multiple changes to the immigrant worker, voting rights, and LEOFF bills. Members debated issues such as employer notice timing and private rights of action in the immigrant worker bill, the scope and enforcement of the voting rights preclearance bill, AI content regulation and exemptions for governments and video games, and the structure and fiscal effects of the LEOFF Plan 1 restatement, including a proposed transfer to the Climate Commitment Act and local government medical cost responsibilities. In the first group, the committee gave due pass recommendations to HB 2675, HB 2105, HB 1710, HB 1170, HB 233, HB 2249, HB 2120, HB 2034, HB 1069, HB 2179, HB 2442, HB 2089, and HB 1983, all subject to signatures. In the second group, it advanced HB 1717, HB 1960, HB 2431, SB 606, HB 2451, SB 6297, SB 6351, HB 2429, SB 6353, HB 2475, HB 2479, HB 2521, HB 2091, and HB 2508, also subject to signatures. The committee also received briefings on additional Group 3 bills, including low-income energy assistance, cap-and-invest fuel compliance, food security, aviation insurance for wildland fire response, waste-to-energy allowances, and other climate- and agriculture-related measures, but the transcript ends before final action on that 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 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.

Bills: HB2521, HB2249, HB1796

Keywords: firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearms background checks. Staff said the bill would remove the $18 cap on Washington State Patrol background-check fees and allow fees to be adjusted to actual program costs, which were estimated at roughly $33 to $35 per check. Supporters from the State Patrol said the current fee no longer covers costs and that without flexibility the program could face layoffs and longer delays; opponents argued the bill would create an unconstitutional tax or barrier to firearm ownership and disproportionately burden low-income residents. No vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would require the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, work on solutions to the interpreter and translator shortage, and require agency implementation reports. Testimony was generally supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent language access for limited-English-proficient residents and families. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery account and allow advance partial payments to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship while increasing some wage-violation penalties. Labor, business, and worker advocates largely supported the bill as a bipartisan response to wage theft, and staff noted the bill’s fiscal impacts would be funded through penalties rather than the general fund. Members next heard Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax treatment, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new renewable energy excise tax, local grant program, and tribal climate capacity grants. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the concept but asked for amendments and clarification on rates, eligibility, and treatment of existing projects. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the start date and duration of existing tax incentives; supporters said it would provide needed certainty for investment, while one refinery asked for a broader county threshold. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, which would direct Agriculture to coordinate food-security planning and report on regulatory costs; food, farm, and anti-hunger groups supported the bill as a way to improve coordination and affordability. The hearing also included Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903 on a statewide low-income energy assistance program, with supporters calling it a needed supplement to existing utility aid and opponents warning it did not address underlying rate increases, and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, which drew support from Spokane officials, labor, and environmental groups as a negotiated compromise to reduce ratepayer impacts while funding decarbonization planning. The final bill heard was Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities, especially data centers, which would require utility tariffs, sustainability reporting, renewable-energy sourcing targets, labor standards, and a sales tax exemption for certain eastern Washington data centers; tribal witnesses supported consumer and salmon protections, while utility representatives said the bill would help prevent cost shifts and provide clearer rules for growth.

Bills: HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2798, HB 107, HB1587, HB3684, HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB609, HB630, HB420, HB767, HB1708, HB1404, HB2457, HB140, HB227, HB913, HB2198, HB2763, HB 1261, HB 1135, HB1318, HB2358, HB2765, HB2735, HB3307, HB 1242, HB2842, HB333, HB201, HB694, HB2415, HB155, HB272, HB405, HB519, HB 1136, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1868, HB1888, HB1990, HB2286, HB2523, HB3129, HB3251, HB3354, HB3479, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3887, HB4163, HB4238, HB 1240, HB1842, HB2029, HB2622, HB3255, HB654, HB4643, HB4945, HB3611, HB3724, HB3623, HB3810, HB4127, HCR78, HCR12, SB767

Keywords: HB 388, HB388, coordination of benefits, COB questionnaire, health benefit plan, health insurance, insurance commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, uniform form, primary payer, secondary payer, multiple coverage, dual coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, HMO, small employer health plan, school district health coverage, self-funded plan