Video & Transcript Research : 'University of Washington'

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Higher Education & Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • the University of Washington, said, you know what, this is a chronic problem of underfunding higher
  • It was not influenced, of course, or requested by the University of Washington, the institution.
  • It was not influenced, of course, or requested by University of Washington, the institution.
  • I will also note Of course, are requested by the University of Washington, the institution.
  • For background, Washington State has two public medical schools, one at the University of Washington
Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEA) Oversight Board, hearing from Jane Broome of Microsoft Philanthropies and Joel Anderson of WASAC. They reviewed the history and purpose of the WEA account, emphasizing that it was created as a dedicated, non-supplanting source to expand higher education and workforce investments, especially high-demand fields and financial aid. Broome and Anderson said the board has improved with WASAC staffing and better data, but they raised strong concerns that recent budget actions, especially shifting $400 million in University of Washington general-fund support to WEA, violated the original partnership and undermined trust. Senators asked about AI-related workforce needs, data transparency, and how to define “supplanting,” and the presenters said the board wants to stop supplanting and preserve WEA for its intended purposes. The committee then held public hearings on three bills. SB 6251 would require public medical schools to use letter grades or a tiered grading system; the sponsor said it was intended to standardize grading, but both WSU and UW opposed it, arguing that pass-fail and competency-based systems better support collaboration, mental health, and residency placement, and that only a small share of U.S. medical schools use letter grades. SB 6259 would make students who are found by a court to have caused major damage to a public higher education institution ineligible for state aid and require repayment of aid; the sponsor framed it as accountability for serious vandalism, while the lone testifier from WSU student government opposed it as unfair to lower-income students and potentially chilling to free expression. The final hearing was on SB 6235, which would reverse the “fund split” approach and require the state to fully fund compensation and central services for higher education rather than relying on tuition to cover those costs, while also directing a study on essential student services. Nearly all testimony was in support, from university and community college leaders, faculty, and labor representatives, who said the current system has led to hidden cuts, reduced COLAs, layoffs, program closures, larger class sizes, and reduced student services. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and adopted proposed substitutes and passed SB 5978, SB 6209, SB 6217, and SB 6227 to the Ways and Means Committee; SB 6235 was not acted on. The committee then adjourned.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • sustainability of Western Washington University.
  • I'm the president of United Faculty of Washington State, and I've worked at Western Washington University
  • I'm the president of United Faculty of Washington State, and I've worked at Western Washington University
  • But next year, at the University of Washington, 42% of that will be paid for by the state of Washington
  • That’s a University of Washington choice. You could make That’s a University of Washington choice.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:00 am

Environment, Energy & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2019 and 2020, respectively, the University of Washington and the King County Department of Public
  • Turning to the proposed substitute before you, it requires the University of Washington Department of
  • And it turned out the University of Washington had been doing work in different airports, including LAX
  • Well, that's another place that University of Washington, they are looking right at the biofuels and
  • These are some of the best jobs in the state of Washington.
Bills: SB6124, SB5652
Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5652, which would require the University of Washington to study aviation-related health and environmental impacts near Sea-Tac, convene a Commerce-led work group, direct King County Public Health to pilot mitigation strategies, create a grant program for implementation, and require a state auditor review of failed airport noise insulation “port packages.” The sponsor and supporters from airport-impacted communities described long-standing noise and air-quality harms, asthma and cancer concerns, and the need for accountability and compensation. Local officials from Des Moines and SeaTac supported the bill, while the Washington Public Ports Association and the Port of Seattle opposed it, arguing it would impose new processes and costs without adequately involving the port in program design and could conflict with federal constraints. Testimony on the bill was then suspended and later reopened for additional public comment. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6124, which directs the Department of Commerce to study an Appliance Affordability Index that would consider repairability, maintenance, expected lifespan, recyclability, and related factors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give consumers better information about lifetime costs and repairability, drawing on family experience with durable appliances. Supporters from WashPIRG and Zero Waste Washington said the index would help consumers choose longer-lasting, repairable products and encourage better product design, while manufacturers and the Consumer Technology Association opposed it, warning that a Washington-specific scoring system would create a patchwork of state rules, confuse consumers, and burden industry. The hearing closed after testimony, with the committee noting a large number of people signed in but did not testify. Finally, the committee heard a proposed second substitute for Senate Bill 5466, aimed at improving reliability and capacity of Washington’s electric transmission system. The bill would create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority with powers to support transmission development, identify high-priority corridors, coordinate tribal clean energy participation, and provide a SEPA categorical exemption for certain upgrades to existing high-voltage lines, subject to consultation and resource-protection steps. Supporters from environmental groups, labor, clean energy advocates, Commerce, and public utility districts said transmission is a major bottleneck for clean energy, reliability, and economic development, and praised the bill’s labor standards and reconductoring provisions. Some supporters and others urged adding bonding or other financing authority and refining the exemption language, while opponents and some utilities argued the state should focus more on permitting and coordination rather than owning or building transmission infrastructure, and warned about ratepayer risk and added process. The hearing on 5466 then closed after extensive testimony.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • As some background, the leadership board is a designated trustee for the state of Washington with the
  • The leadership board is a designated trustee for the state of Washington with the purpose of providing
  • I'm the executive director of the Washington State Leadership Board, and I'm here today, as you heard
  • Our in-person testifier is Stacey Dim from the Arc of Washington State.
  • I'm the Executive Director of a 90-year-old organization called the Arc of Washington State that advocates
Summary: The State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee held its first hearing of the 2006 session and heard five measures. The first, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session, adding members and extending reporting deadlines. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Mazzal testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan problem-solving. The chair noted 20 signed in pro and 53 con, but there was no vote at the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5825, which would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments to support youth leadership and civic engagement programs. Sponsor Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the bill would help diversify funding and preserve programs such as World Fellows, Compassion Scholars, and Boundless. Testifiers described the programs’ impact on students and said the board expected to raise less than $50,000 in the first year; the chair asked about donor policy and reporting safeguards. Sign-in totals were reported as four in favor and one against, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in a legislative office from the prohibition on using public resources for political campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify that historical or commemorative campaign items are allowed, but members raised questions about how to define “previous campaign” and whether items tied to a current officeholder’s past race would qualify. The bill drew one pro and ten con sign-ins, and the sponsor indicated openness to clarifying amendments. Senate Bill 5863, concerning preservation of Lakeland Village historical records, would bar destruction of identified records and artifacts until fiscal year 2030 and allow archival inspection after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and multiple disability advocates and family members strongly supported it as a matter of dignity, history, and accountability. The final bill, Senate Bill 5840, would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require committees to indicate whether they expect to participate in an election year. The PDC and treasurers supported clearer, more timely disclosure, but some witnesses objected to monthly zero reports and the burden on dormant committees; the chair and sponsor discussed a forthcoming substitute to address those concerns. The hearing ended with the chair noting all five bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned the meeting.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

State Government & Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • is that you could, somebody could give out the entire voter database of the state of Washington to somebody
  • is that you could somebody could give out the entire voter database of the state of Washington to somebody
  • In 2024, legislation directed state archives to work with the University of Washington Institute on Human
  • In 2024, legislation directed state archives to work with the University of Washington Institute on Human
  • One is authored by the University of Washington through the Institute of Human Development and Disability
Bills: SCR8406, SB5892, SB5863
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am

State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've run it through the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for comment and feedback.
  • I'm here today on behalf of the Cosmetologists of Washington United in support of Senate Bill 5968.
  • I'm the executive director of Climate Jobs Washington. Climate Jobs Washington is a nonprofit.
  • thousands of construction workers across the state of Washington.
  • For the record, Emily Whitman, with the Association of Washington Business...
Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before hearing two bills. It advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, which reestablishes the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, with no amendments. It also advanced Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, after adopting a technical substitute amendment that removed references to an expired program. Senate Bill 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records through fiscal year 2030 and allowing certain archived records to be opened after 75 years, also received a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to allow a certification option for some January-June filers with low activity and to move the effective date to January 1, 2028, then was advanced as amended. All four bills were sent to the Rules Committee, with the chair ruling each passed subject to signatures. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification, rather than waiting for a DD Form 214, to claim civil service veterans’ preference before separation from service. Staff explained the bill would require follow-up discharge papers within 30 days and agency procedures to verify service details. Prime sponsor Senator Chris Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not secure preference points before retirement; the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs was supportive, and the proposed substitute reflected OFM feedback. Testimony in support came from Jerry Fuzik of the Veterans Legislative Coalition, and staff noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishnadasan, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines. Staff said the bill would require cabinet agencies to report credential data annually, publish processing deadlines for all credentials on a phased schedule reaching 100% by 2030, and refund application fees if deadlines are missed. Senator Krishnadasan described delays that cost a constituent a job and argued the bill would make timelines more predictable and enforceable. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, business groups, labor organizations, ports, the Department of Health, and others, who emphasized job creation, transparency, and faster licensing; the Department of Health reported substantial reductions in processing times for several professions and said it lacked refund authority under current law. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in on the bill, including 23 in favor, four opposed, and three others.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 19th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Isaac Castam, on behalf of Clean & Prosperous Washington.
  • I'm here with Washington Conservation Action, speaking in support of House Bill 2251.
  • By way of background, Seattle Children's Hospital, in affiliation with the University of Washington,
  • I'm a professor at the University of Washington, director of the PAL programs with Seattle Children's
  • 31 of the prior year by a percentage of corresponding Medicare rates. ...of December 31 of the prior
Bills: HB2251, HB2254, HB2385
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on three bills. For House Bill 2251, staff explained that the bill would restructure Climate Commitment Act revenue accounts by repealing the Climate Investment Account, Natural Climate Solutions Account, and Climate Commitment Account and replacing them with new operating and capital accounts, while changing revenue distribution formulas, adding some allowable uses, capping Ecology administrative costs, broadening tribal support language, and moving some reporting from annual to every two years. Representative Fitzgibbon said the goal was to simplify budgeting and provide more clarity and predictability, especially if auction revenues decline. Testimony was mixed: Clean & Prosperous Washington, Washington Conservation Action, and The Nature Conservancy supported the bill as a streamlining measure, while a citizen witness and Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center criticized the reduced reporting frequency and said the bill would weaken accountability and evaluation of CCA spending. House Bill 2254 would adjust the funding model for the Partnership Access Line programs by allowing the cost of the third-party administrator that calculates and administers the carrier assessment to be included in the assessment itself rather than paid from general funds. Staff said this would shift most of the administrative cost to the telebehavioral health access account and produce general fund savings over four years. Representative Callan and agency and stakeholder witnesses from the Health Care Authority, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children’s supported the bill as a small technical fix that would stabilize the programs and save money. House Bill 2385 would extend deadlines and dates in the Medicaid access program law after federal HR1 prevented implementation of the provider-tax-based financing structure created last session. Staff said the bill would push out CMS submission deadlines, update the rate formula reference date, and extend the act’s expiration date, with no net general fund impact. Representative Macri and the Washington State Medical Association supported the bill as necessary to preserve the option of revisiting the program in the future. No votes were taken on any of the bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am

State Government & Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Washington, sports wagering is only permitted on the premises of a tribal gaming facility of a federally
  • Chair and members of the committee, I'm Morgan Hickle with the University of Washington, signed in other
  • We are a member of the Washington Voting Justice Coalition.
  • I'm here in support of SB 608. I am a lifelong resident of Washington State.
  • Last month, Division 2 of the Washington Court of Appeals held that an election for purposes of this
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> the universities for that. the universities for that. of<00:52:15.839><c> of</c><00:52:16.079><c
  • </c> University of Louisville uh medical University of Louisville uh medical sciences<01:04:19.839><c
  • <c> of</c> uh University of Kentucky College of uh University of Kentucky College of Medicine<01:23:27.360
  • </c><01:23:45.120><c> of</c> uh working with uh the University of uh working with uh the University of
  • at the University of of colleagues at the University of of Kentucky.<01:48:11.840><c> Um</c><01:48:12.320
Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 28th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Briefly, by way of background, both the Washington State Investment Board and the University of Washington
  • Briefly, by way of background, both the Washington State Investment Board and the University of Washington
  • The CEF at the University of Washington has had an annualized return of about 7% net of fees, and an
  • expense fee of about 0.9%, a portion of which is directed to the University of Washington Advancement
  • University of Washington.
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee heard House Bill 2565, which would require the University of Washington to place gifts and endowment funds with the Washington State Investment Board instead of managing them through UW’s own investment office. Staff and the prime sponsor argued the state board could achieve higher returns at lower fees, while UW testified in opposition, saying its investment company is self-sustaining, transparent, and manages funds with different legal and liquidity constraints. No questions were raised during the hearing, and the bill was not advanced at that point. The committee then took up amendments and executive action on several bills. For Third Substitute House Bill 1607 on beverage container recycling and waste reduction, members debated and rejected amendments that would have changed redemption-site locations, redirected unredeemed deposits to the Working Families Tax Credit and litter programs, added accountability requirements for grants, or created a supplemental SNAP benefit. The committee adopted only a technical amendment and then approved the bill on a 17-13 vote. For Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1622 on public employers bargaining over artificial intelligence use, the committee adopted one amendment refining the AI definition and rejected amendments that would have narrowed bargaining triggers further; the bill then passed 19-11. The committee also advanced House Bill 2254 on the Partnership Access Line assessment, House Bill 2385 extending timelines for the Medicaid Access Program after federal changes, House Bill 2531 adjusting a quality assurance fee for ground transportation/ambulance reimbursement, and House Bill 2543 allowing county clerks to raise fees to cover required court-related changes. Each of those bills was reported out with a do pass recommendation after brief discussion and recorded roll-call votes.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 13th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • human life, the protection of the vulnerable, as well as our tenacity in the face of adversity. of great
  • Those of you who were here, you'll remember some of the best speeches.
  • at the back of mine.
  • of silence.
  • General Ramirez then went on to serve as the 45th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Care & Wellness Jan 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Health Care & Wellness

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good afternoon, Chair Bernalski, members of the committee, on behalf of the Washington State Medical
  • Prior to that, I received my PhD in computer science from the University of Washington.
  • I'm here on behalf of the Association of Washington Health Care Plans, or AWHP, as we are called.
  • Jim Freeberg then testified in favor of House Bill 2564 on behalf of the Patient Coalition in Washington
  • of Washington, in respectful opposition to House Bill 2564.
Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on House Bill 2564, concerning the health benefit exchange, and House Bill 2599, concerning the use of AI in therapy services. HB 2564 would let the exchange adopt annual market-factor certification criteria to address access and affordability issues, including requiring more meaningful plan differences, broader county participation, and availability of lower-premium options. Supporters, including the exchange, former Sen. Karen Kaiser, consumer advocates, rural and tribal representatives, and some brokers, said the bill could help prevent bare counties, improve affordability, and reduce confusing plan duplication. Opponents, including carrier groups, insurers, the hospital association, and insurance producers, warned it could reduce carrier participation, create uncertainty, overlap with OIC authority, and raise provider costs. HB 2599 would restrict licensed therapy providers from using AI to make independent therapeutic decisions, directly interact with clients, generate treatment plans without review, or advertise AI as therapy; supporters said it was needed to prevent deceptive or dangerous chatbot therapy, while several professional groups and Teladoc supported the intent but asked for narrower definitions and clearer carveouts for routine clinician-supervised tools. The committee also heard testimony on the bills’ details and possible amendments, but took no public-hearing votes on either bill. In executive session, the committee considered five bills. HB 1784, on certified medical assistants entering and activating orders, passed with a proposed substitute that added standing written protocols, annual review requirements, and a 24-hour countersignature deadline; it was reported out 18-0. HB 2242, on preventive services and immunization recommendations, had three amendments considered: two were rejected and one JLARC study amendment was adopted, after which the substitute bill passed 11-7. HB 2384, on actuarial reviews for continuing care retirement communities, passed as a substitute after technical changes and was reported out 16-2. HB 2505, creating an exemption from adult family home licensure for certain foster family situations, adopted an amendment adding disqualifying conditions and then passed 18-0. The committee deferred action on HB 1809 and HB 2261, and adjourned after completing its work.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> on behalf of the university, of course. on behalf of the university, of course.
  • </c><00:41:56.000><c> university</c> clear, are collectors of university clear, are collectors of university
  • But we've got a copy of the letter that went to one of the universities.
  • </c> went to one of the universities. went to one of the universities.
  • </c> on behalf of the universities? on behalf of the universities?
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the September 17 meeting, and heard a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education staff on SEEK school funding and KDE on-behalf payments. KDE explained recent SEEK changes, including the guaranteed base per-pupil amount, attendance-based calculations, second-month and January growth, the 2022 change funding kindergarten at 100% instead of 50%, and the existing add-ons for at-risk students, exceptional children, limited English learners, home/hospital instruction, and transportation. Staff also reviewed tier one funding, noting the 2024 increase from 15% to 17.5% and explaining that eligibility depends on local tax effort and property wealth. They also described Senate Bill 6 from the 2025 session as a reporting proposal to include on-behalf costs in education spending totals. KDE staff then outlined on-behalf payments made for districts, including roughly $458 million for Teachers Retirement System contributions, $942 million for health insurance, about $12 million for technology costs, and additional SFCC debt service outside KDE’s appropriation, for a total of about $1.5 billion. Members asked how a future Senate Bill 6 would affect local contributions and whether folding on-behalf payments into SEEK would shift costs among districts. KDE and Senator Gibbons clarified that the bill was intended only as a reporting mechanism and would not change local contribution or district payments; it would simply present a broader total of state education investment. The discussion also noted that Kentucky’s reported SEEK amount alone does not capture all state education spending. Members raised questions about home and hospital instruction data, saying local concerns suggest growth in some communities even if statewide numbers appear stable. KDE said the statewide figure has been relatively consistent but offered to provide district-level trend data. Co-Chair Petrie also asked about the accuracy of SEEK projections and on-behalf calculations, referencing prior concerns from the Office of Education Accountability. KDE responded that it works with the state budget director’s office in a consensus forecasting process and has been reviewing demographic and property-assessment data, including exceptional child counts, to improve forecast accuracy.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • And of course, I don't think I'll be reading the whole thing to you, because I think we kind of got it
  • All those in favor of voting Senate Bill 6046 out of committee, please say...
  • All those in favor of voting Senate Bill 6046 out of committee, please say aye. Aye.
  • I can't think of a more succinct policy bill to come out of this committee as our last vote.
  • I can't think of a more succinct policy bill to come out of this committee as our last vote.
Bills: SB6046
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • Prior to this, I received my PhD in Computer Science from the University of Washington.
  • Previously, I was a lecturer at the University of Washington. I taught classes on AI and AI ethics.
  • commander of the Washington Army National Guard.
  • and the people of the state of Washington.
  • He is the commander of the Washington Civil Air Patrol.
Bills: SB6046
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • May those gathered here be mindful of the weight and responsibility of their calling.
  • Empower them to serve not for personal gain, but for the well-being of the people of this state.
  • Fourth order of business.
  • Eighth order of business.
  • Eighth order of business.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 26th, 2026

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • May those gathered here be mindful of the weight and responsibility of their calling.
  • Empower them to serve not for personal gain, but for the well-being of the people of this state.
  • Fourth order of business.
  • Eighth order of business.
  • Eighth order of business.
Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Kayla Garza of Stone Church in Yakima offered the opening prayer, asking for wisdom, patience, humility, and cooperation in public service. The Speaker approved the prior day’s minutes by consent and recognized guests in the chamber, including Roger Jacob and students and faculty from Wapato School District, who had been honored in House Resolution 4679, as well as a fourth-grade class from Log Church Christian School in Brewster. The Democratic caucus was announced immediately, and the Republican caucus was scheduled for five minutes later, with the House briefly at ease. Under the fourth order of business, the House agreed by consent to treat bills, memorials, and resolutions on the introduction sheet as first reading items and refer them to the designated committees. Under the eighth order, Senate Bill 6132 was re-referred from the Transportation Committee to the Rules Committee. No objections were raised to these actions. The House then adjourned by consent until 9:55 a.m. on Friday, February 27, the 47th legislative day.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sir of Justice in the Mercy, father of history and keeper of Senator Justice and Mercy, author of history
  • Dreams that survived the hold of ships and the weight of chains.
  • Integrity instead of expedience, service instead of self, courage instead of calculation.
  • With the consent of the House, the minutes of the preceding day will stand approved.
  • Eighth Order of Business.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 30th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Environment, Energy & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • As background, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, or WSDA, samples, tests, and enforces
  • Hundreds of thousands of Washington families are in urgent need of the services.
  • Hundreds of thousands of Washington families are in urgent need of the services that the Weatherization
  • We need to build things in the state of Washington.
  • We need to build things in the state of Washington. This continues that effort.
Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on SB 6269, which would update Washington’s Motor Fuel Quality Act by broadening the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous fuels and electricity used to propel vehicles, and by removing the separate definition of alternative fuel. Staff and testifiers from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and Douglas County PUD said the change would give WSDA authority to inspect and test hydrogen fueling stations and other newer fuel types, with no fiscal impact expected. The bill was well supported in testimony, and the hearing closed without questions. The committee then heard SB 6223, which would authorize community-scale weatherization projects under the low-income weatherization program. The bill would let Commerce fund projects serving multiple dwelling units in the same area, prioritize low-income households, and adopt rules to implement the program. Supporters from community action, clean energy, Commerce, and environmental groups said the bill would help scale weatherization, improve health and safety, reduce energy costs, and better reach rural, mobile home, and disadvantaged communities; Commerce noted a fiscal impact tied to rulemaking and administration. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It adopted proposed substitutes and gave due pass recommendations to SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 5965, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652, sending most to Rules and SB 5652 to Ways and Means. On SB 5965, amendment C2 was adopted while C1 and C3 failed. On SB 6010, amendments E1 and E2 failed. On SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652, the committee approved the proposed substitutes and reported the bills out subject to signatures.