Transcript Highlights:

• Nine and ten of those students are from Washington.
• We should be providing the Washington College Grant to all students in Washington, regardless of use
• We should be providing the Washington College Grant to all students in Washington, regardless of use
• Then I learned about the Washington College Grant.
• I'm a low-income resident of Redmond, Washington.

Bills: HB2689, SB5420, SB5868, SB5877

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held public hearings on Substitute Senate Bill 5828 and Substitute Senate Bill 5911, then later took executive action on several bills. SSB 5828 would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award formulas for private, not-for-profit four-year institutions, reversing part of last year’s reductions; staff said the bill would increase awards relative to the prior changes and carry a fiscal impact of about $3.3 million in FY 2027 and $18.6 million over four years, with the Senate budget fully funding it. Testimony was split: private college leaders, school counselors, students, and the Independent Colleges of Washington supported the bill as restoring promised aid and preserving student choice, while some student representatives from public institutions argued the state should first restore public higher education funding and that the bill favored private schools. The committee later adopted an amendment adding certain Washington-affiliated out-of-state institutions, and then deferred action on the bill from the first executive session run. SSB 5911 would stop DCYF from using benefits or funds belonging to youth in extended foster care to reimburse the state for care costs, require help for eligible youth to receive benefits directly, and allow protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff said the bill would have a net fiscal impact of about $608,000 in FY 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter, with the Senate operating budget funding it. Testimony in support emphasized that youth with disabilities should receive SSI benefits they are entitled to and that the state should end the practice of withholding those funds. In the later executive session, the committee also heard an amendment specifying that any contracted entity managing representative payee accounts must be a regulated bank or bonded and insured nonprofit, with no expected fiscal change. In executive session, the committee advanced several other bills. It adopted an amendment to HB 2689 on child care that required a 65% provider response rate for market rate surveys, then reported the bill out with a do pass recommendation after debate over child care costs, rural access, and regulatory burdens. It also adopted amendments and reported out E2SSB 5395 on prior authorization, SSB 5420 on veteran benefits and preferences, and E2SSB 5496 on limits on corporate ownership of single-family homes. Additional amendment briefings covered bills on wrongful conviction compensation, workers’ compensation medical care, 340B drug pricing, residential development in commercial zones, clean fuel tax exemption reporting, homeless youth housing stability, and Health Benefit Exchange market criteria. Several bills, including the two heard that morning, were deferred from action in that executive session run.

Transcript Highlights:

• DCYF is also encouraged to reach 50% participation from providers on the market rate survey.
• I'm testifying in support of this bill on behalf of the Washington State Hospital Association.
• WFSE represents unionized interpreters across DSHS, DCYF, HCA, and, most recently, L&I.
• My office is responsible for the licensure and regulation of OTPs here in Washington State.
• I'm the government affairs director for the Washington...

Bills: HB2689, SB5832, SB5922, SB5944, SB5988, SB6151

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 2689 on Working Connections Child Care. Staff explained that the proposed substitute would keep current income eligibility at 60% of state median income, cancel scheduled expansions to 75% and 85%, reduce provider reimbursement from the 85th to the 75th percentile of market rates beginning in 2027, eliminate enhanced regional rates, and replace attendance-based and prospective payment rules with a modified attendance policy. Testifiers from MomsRising praised removal of a proposed cap on the program but opposed the cuts to future eligibility and provider reimbursement; a representative of Puget Sound ESD warned the attendance-based payment changes would create budget problems for providers, including Head Start and E-CAP programs. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124 on Medicaid network adequacy for post-acute care, with staff describing standards for nursing homes and inpatient rehabilitation facilities and testimony from hospitals supporting the bill as a way to reduce discharge delays and reliance on single-case agreements. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5832 to raise the new motor vehicle arbitration fee from $3 to $6; the Attorney General’s Office and auto dealers supported the increase as necessary to sustain the Lemon Law arbitration program. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 5862, which would provide a one-time 3% COLA for certain PERS and TRS Plan 1 retirees; retirees testified in strong support, while the Association of Washington Cities raised concerns about added costs for local employers. The committee next heard Senate Bill 5922, allowing school districts to transfer money from the Transportation Vehicle Fund to another fund if they reduce their fleet and receive OSPI approval; staff said the bill would add flexibility for districts and require only a small administrative cost. Substitute Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital on Fidalgo Island to qualify as a critical access hospital if federally certified, enabling cost-based reimbursement; Island Health leaders and community members testified that the hospital serves a rural, high-government-payer population and needs the designation to sustain services. Senate Bill 5944 would make missed or canceled appointment payments for language access providers a mandatory subject of bargaining and clarify that collective bargaining agreements prevail over agency policies but not statutes; WFSE supported the bill as ensuring interpreters at L&I can bargain on the same terms as other agency interpreters. Substitute Senate Bill 5972 would extend binding interest arbitration to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of county population; labor representatives supported the change as a retention tool, while cities and counties opposed it, warning of higher costs and urging ability-to-pay protections if the bill moves forward. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5988, which would give the Department of Health statutory authority to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and to charge accreditation fees; DOH said the bill would let it maintain a critical service and eventually cover costs through fees. Senate Bill 6151 would move Ecology fee revenue for landfill methane emissions and laboratory accreditation into dedicated accounts rather than the general fund; Ecology supported the change as improving transparency and ensuring fees are reinvested in the programs. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6194 would allow Astria Toppenish Hospital, a rural hospital on a federally recognized Indian reservation, to be paid at 150% of the fee-for-service Medicaid rate; hospital leaders and community members said the hospital serves a largely public-payer population and faces unsustainable losses, while lawmakers asked about why the hospital needed special treatment. Finally, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302 would require L&I to investigate certain public works projects for possible misclassification of independent contractors performing finishing work, with referrals from public entities, contractors, labor organizations, or workers; labor and business representatives both supported the bill as a negotiated enforcement measure against the underground economy. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair announced amendment deadlines before adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• been a certification from another state, from the state of Washington.
• We have some in eastern Washington.
• We have some in eastern Washington.
• Let's stay focused here on Washington and Washington policy. On Washington and Washington policy.
• Right now, all sheriffs in Washington are currently certified.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, a bill modernizing and strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, law enforcement volunteers, youth cadets, specially commissioned officers, and related matters. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly shifts authority away from elected sheriffs to appointed bodies, creates unfunded mandates for counties, and overreaches in regulating volunteers, youth cadets, and information handling. Supporters of the bill argued it standardizes qualifications and eligibility, improves accountability, and clarifies roles for local agencies; opponents repeatedly framed it as a threat to local control, voter authority, and constitutional protections for elected sheriffs. The House first rejected Amendment 2343, which would have added intent language emphasizing sheriffs as elected constitutional officers accountable directly to the electorate. Members supporting it argued the bill would effectively decertify sheriffs through unelected boards and undermine voter choice; opponents said the amendment omitted other countywide elected offices and misstated the bill’s effect. The roll call on 2343 was 41 yeas and 56 nays, so it was not adopted. The House then rejected Amendment 2373, which would have shifted the cost of background checks to the state through the Washington State Patrol; supporters called it a fix for an unfunded mandate, while opponents said current practice already places the cost on appointing agencies. That amendment also failed, 44 yeas to 53 nays. The House next rejected Amendment 2374, which would have exempted private security firm personnel working for local jurisdictions from the bill’s background-check requirements. Supporters said it would clarify overly broad language and reflect existing courthouse and school security practices; opponents said the bill already allows flexibility through specially commissioned officers and that the amendment was unnecessary. The vote was 41 yeas and 56 nays. Amendment 2369, aimed at clarifying rules for volunteers and youth cadets and preserving local training and liability structures, also failed on a 41-56 vote after debate over whether volunteers should be allowed to carry firearms or perform law-enforcement-like functions. Amendment 2371, which would have limited surveillance-related restrictions to situations requiring a warrant, was likewise defeated, 42 yeas to 55 nays. Amendment 2372, which would have limited information-sharing restrictions to non-public information, was also rejected, 41 yeas to 56 nays. Finally, Amendment 2370, which would have aligned the bill’s definition of volunteer law enforcement officers with existing state standards, was defeated 42 yeas to 55 nays. After these votes, the House moved to Amendment 2352, which would prevent the bill’s new decertification rules from applying to currently elected sheriffs and was presented as a protection against changing the rules midstream for offices already filled by voters. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, so no final action on it is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• That exists for all students in the state of Washington.
• Washington needs to build a million homes in the next 20 years.
• Washington needs to build a million homes in the next 20 years.
• From the state of Washington. There are no amendments.
• Speaker, and in mine and all over Washington State, these Grange Halls serve rural communities.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House received several Senate messages, including passage of Substitute House Bill 2239 and signed Senate bills, then took up a series of second-reading measures and advanced them to final passage. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, dealing with misclassification in the finishing trades, passed 92-4 after supporters said it would level the playing field for legitimate contractors and reduce fiscal leakage. Senate Bill 5420, expanding access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, military families, and spouses, passed unanimously after a cleanup amendment was adopted. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969, aimed at reducing duplication between high school special education transition planning and the online high school-and-beyond plan, also passed unanimously after committee amendments were adopted. The House then passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would ease certain ground-floor retail requirements in commercial and mixed-use development to support housing production; supporters described it as a compromise to remove barriers to housing, while opponents raised concerns about local control, and it passed 69-27. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, a memorial to the President and federal officials urging changes to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, passed 64-32. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5252, which removes an acreage limit affecting Grange Hall property tax exemptions, passed 96-0 with bipartisan support emphasizing rural community use. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5975, addressing consumer access to safe cookware and lead exposure, was amended on the floor and passed 86-10. Supporters said the bill balances consumer safety with industry concerns by tightening lead standards while allowing safe products to remain available. After caucuses, the House returned to consider Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002 on driver privacy protection. The bill drew extensive debate over automatic license plate readers, with supporters emphasizing privacy guardrails and opponents split between wanting stronger limits and wanting broader law-enforcement use. After adopting a striker and two clarifying amendments, the bill passed 84-0 with 10 excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• We trust you as we trust them with the state of Washington in Jesus' name. Amen.
• This amendment clarifies a section in the underlying bill by striking out the statement that the DCYF
• We have not been able to audit DCYF in four years because we're missing some information.
• DCYF is going to be... ...able to audit DCYF in four years because we're missing some information.
• DCYF is going to be in charge of these accounts.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s minutes, and recognized guests honored by House Resolution 4693. It then received several Senate messages, including passage of House Bills 2215 and 2254 and the President’s signature on engrossed House Bill 1345 and Senate bills 5 and 681. The chamber also agreed to consider several bills on second reading and later suspended the rules to advance measures to third reading. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6027, which concerns expanding allowable uses for certain local sales and use tax revenues for affordable housing and related services, Representative DeFoe’s transparency amendment was ruled beyond the scope of the bill. Amendment 2407, offered by Representative Orcutt to remove rental assistance from eligible uses, was debated at length; supporters argued funds should prioritize homeownership and housing supply, while opponents said rental assistance is part of the housing ecosystem and can support eventual homeownership. The amendment failed, the Finance Committee amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 61-34. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5845, dealing with timely payment of clean claims under insurance law, received a technical amendment requested by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and passed unanimously, 95-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which addresses financial stability for youth in state care and the handling of Social Security benefits, was amended to clarify DCYF fiduciary responsibility and passed 93-2 after supporters emphasized protecting vulnerable youth and ensuring benefits return to them. Senate Bill 5868, adding an additional superior court judge for Skagit and Yakima counties, passed 95-0 after members cited local caseload pressures, access to justice, and county funding commitments.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Washington State, we have a ton of requirements whenever we develop a piece of property.
• In Washington State, we are on a fault line.
• Madam Speaker, this hasn't been tested in Washington State before.
• This is a pending reality for us here in Washington and Western Washington particularly, but the whole
• Please vote for this Washington Travel Insurance Act.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House received a Senate message that Substitute House Bill 1570 had passed the Senate, then moved several bills from Rules to the second reading calendar, including Substitute Senate Bill 5242 on anaphylaxis medications in schools and Senate Bill 6132 on Inland Port District debt. The chamber then took up several bills, beginning with Senate Bill 5988 on Department of Health accreditation fee authority for opioid treatment programs. Amendment 2336 to cap the fee at $17,000 was debated at length but rejected, and a separate amendment to add safe-injection-site language was ruled out of scope. Senate Bill 5988 then passed 62-34. Substitute Senate Bill 6309 on enhanced municipal permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects drew multiple amendments focused on Sound Transit’s authority. Amendments to require written consent from abutting property owners, to add flood-zone and seismic/critical-area protections, and to address public-records issues were either rejected or ruled beyond scope, though the local government committee amendment was adopted. The bill passed 56-38. The House also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5886 on digital personality rights and Senate Bill 6136 on transparency in workers’ compensation rate-setting, both with strong bipartisan support. Later, the House passed a series of additional bills: Substitute Senate Bill 6034 codifying the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs; Gross Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization reform, with remarks emphasizing limits on AI in health care decisions; Substitute Senate Bill 6248 creating the Washington Travel Insurance Act; Substitute Senate Bill 5720 establishing uniform consumer debt default judgment procedures; Senate Bill 5995 on port modernization funding and labor considerations; Senate Bill 6103 affecting rural hospitals; Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6110 creating a work group on e-motorcycles; Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5156 allowing smaller elevators to support accessible, more affordable housing; Substitute Senate Bill 6269 updating motor fuel definitions to include hydrogen; Substitute Senate Bill 6189 giving Thurston County more time to pursue an aquatics public facilities district; and Senate Bill 6134 requiring unemployment applicants to acknowledge repayment obligations if retroactive union pay is received. Most of these bills passed with large margins, and the House adjourned after completing final passage votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitution, Washington State Constitution, or the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
• , rural northeast Washington.
• Washington.
• It allows the Washington State Constitution, the Washington law against discrimination, the Washington
• He can focus in Washington, on Washington people and Washington businesses.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up a series of Senate bills and moved most of them quickly to third reading and final passage, often suspending the rules and adopting committee amendments without objection. Early action included Senate Bill 5944, which addresses compensation for interpreters working for L&I when appointments are canceled or missed; it passed 86-10. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5837, dealing with guardianship and supported decision-making, drew debate over a new right to counsel in guardianship cases and concerns about expanding civil legal obligations, but it passed 73-23. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6197, a plumbers enforcement/discipline measure tied to task force work on wages and the underground economy, passed unanimously. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6019, fixing a loophole in home care worker parity law, also passed unanimously, as did Senate Bill 6011, which extends authority for Court of Appeals bailiffs to assess threats against judges and staff, though members noted concerns about access to non-conviction data. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6058, aimed at improving Labor and Industries’ ability to address wage theft complaints and backlog, passed 96-0 after House amendments. Substitute Senate Bill 5923, allowing an island hospital in Skagit County to become a critical access hospital, passed 96-0 amid support for rural health care. Senate Bill 5994, which changes how timber tax revenue is distributed so school districts are not penalized when levies fail, also passed 96-0. Substitute Senate Bill 6076, streamlining public utility district procurement and raising spending thresholds, passed 95-1 after a capital budget amendment. The House then moved to second reading of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5925, a major bill expanding the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands in constitutional and discrimination-related matters. The bill prompted extensive debate over civil liberties, due process, and the potential for government overreach. Amendment 2160, which would have required clear and convincing evidence before a CID could issue, was rejected 38-48. Amendment 2149, creating a right to cure before a CID, was also rejected. Amendment 2150, requiring assistant attorney general approval and a reasonable suspicion standard, failed 38-48. Amendment 2151, requiring the Attorney General personally to approve CIDs in writing, failed as well. However, several narrowing amendments were adopted, including limits on scope and relevance (2288), a prohibition on CIDs to federal agencies (2289), a ban on sharing CID-derived information for criminal law enforcement purposes (2290), and a requirement that the Attorney General’s office consult with other agencies in certain overlapping investigations (2154 was rejected, but later amendments continued). Other proposed protections, such as fee-shifting for successful CID challenges and reimbursement when a CID produces no action, were debated at length but not adopted in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It houses Washington State University. Whitman County is an important county in my district.
• It houses Washington State University. working county in my district.
• That's what's happening in eastern Washington.
• We're being depopulated by... ...in eastern Washington.
• To be honest, most of Washington State is a child care desert. And we made not enough.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer from Tammy Stamphley, a Presbyterian minister and hospital chaplain. After approving the previous day’s minutes and receiving a Senate message, the chamber moved to second and third reading of several bills, with multiple measures advanced under suspended rules. The first major vote was on Engrossed Senate Bill 5872, which establishes a pre-K-related account to support up to 10,000 additional early learning slots for three- and four-year-olds. Supporters emphasized the Balmer Group’s private funding commitment and the value of early learning and family support; the bill passed 97-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5834, a Department of Retirement Systems request bill changing the fund source for legal, medical, administrative, and fraud-prevention expenses using interest earnings from pension funds, also passed 97-0. Substitute House Bill 2689, dealing with the Working Connections Child Care program, drew the most debate. Supporters said it aligned attendance policy with federal rules, adjusted reimbursement rates, and helped balance the budget while preserving child care resources. Opponents argued it cut support in rural and underserved counties, would worsen child care deserts, and placed budget savings on the child care industry; it passed 53-44. The House then passed Senate Bill 5922, allowing school districts to transfer vehicle depreciation funds with OSPI approval, by 59-38, and Senate Bill 6065, a narrower bill for districts under enhanced financial oversight such as Prescott, by 97-0. The session ended with announcements that both caucuses would meet later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Washington State, we are on a fault line.
• This is a pending reality for us here in Washington and Western Washington particularly, but the whole
• This is a pending reality for us here in Washington and Western Washington particularly, but the whole
• Washington.
• So please vote for this Washington Travel Insurance Act.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House received a Senate message announcing passage of Substitute House Bill 1570 and then moved several bills from Rules to the second reading calendar, including Substitute Senate Bill 5242 on anaphylaxis medications in schools and Senate Bill 6132 on Inland Port District debt. The chamber then took up a series of bills, beginning with Senate Bill 5988 on Department of Health accreditation fee authority for opioid treatment programs. An amendment to cap the fee at $17,000 was debated at length but failed, and a separate amendment was ruled beyond the scope of the bill. Senate Bill 5988 then passed 62-34. The House next considered Substitute Senate Bill 6309 on enhanced municipal permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects. Several amendments were offered to require written consent from abutting property owners, preserve setback and seismic/critical-area protections, and add transparency provisions, but the scope challenge to the transparency amendment was sustained and the other amendments failed. Supporters argued the bill would streamline permitting for Sound Transit and reduce taxpayer costs; opponents said it gave a large transit authority too much discretion and weakened property-rights and land-use protections. The bill passed 56-38. The House also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5886 on personality rights and digital likeness protections, and Senate Bill 6136 on workers’ compensation transparency, both with strong bipartisan support. After caucuses and a rule suspension to work past 10 p.m., the House took up additional second-reading bills. It passed Substitute Senate Bill 6034 to codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Gross Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization and AI in health care, Substitute Senate Bill 6248 creating the Washington Travel Insurance Act, Substitute Senate Bill 5720 on uniform consumer debt default judgments, Senate Bill 5995 on port modernization funding with labor-related concerns, and Senate Bill 6103 affecting rural hospitals and enrollment status subject to appropriation. Later, the House passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6110 on e-motorcycle regulation, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5156 allowing smaller elevators in some housing, Substitute Senate Bill 6269 updating motor fuel definitions to include hydrogen, Substitute Senate Bill 6189 extending time for Thurston County to pursue an aquatics public facilities district, and Senate Bill 6134 requiring unemployment applicants to acknowledge repayment if retroactive union pay is received. Most bills passed with large majorities, though some drew dissent over labor, property rights, transit governance, or regulatory scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the entire state of Washington.
• Speaker: We often talk about our Washington compared to the other Washington.
• Our Washington State courts, in particular, our Washington State Supreme Court, has jammed up election
• That is fully legal in Washington State.
• That helps students go to Washington colleges with financial aid. Mr.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House received several Senate messages announcing passage of engrossed or substitute versions of House Bill 2294, House Bill 2472, Senate Bill 606, Substitute Senate Bill 6335, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6266, and engrossed substitute House Bill 3. The chamber then moved through second and third reading action on a series of measures, with most bills advancing after debate and roll-call votes. A major early item was Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, which would reauthorize the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health. An amendment to keep the committee at 12 members instead of expanding it to 16 was offered by Representative Walsh but failed. Supporters argued the committee helps build public trust, civility, and collaboration; opponents said it duplicated legislative work and risked becoming a proxy legislature. The resolution then passed 83-10. The House also passed engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6200 on portable cooling devices in rental housing, despite objections that it added burdens on landlords and could create conflict; it passed 65-28. Senate Bill 6084, clarifying the prohibition on voting in more than one state in the same election, passed unanimously 93-0. The House also passed second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5105, dealing with sexually explicit depictions and child sexual abuse material, with members emphasizing child protection and closing loopholes for altered or AI-generated images; it passed 93-0. Senate Bill 6046, allowing the Civil Air Patrol to be used by the governor in emergencies and for disaster response, passed 88-4 after debate over federal-state authority. Other measures passed included Substitute Senate Bill 6054 on HOA/common-interest community restrictions and wildfire hardening (87-5), Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on real estate broker transparency and access to listing information (92-1), Senate Bill 6291 on on-site wastewater inspection staffing and training timelines (93-0), Substitute Senate Bill 6081 creating a Public Records Act exemption for sex designation information to protect transgender people from doxxing and harassment (57-36), Senate Bill 5963 automatically enrolling certain foster youth, homeless minors, and unaccompanied minors in the Washington College Grant (92-1), Substitute Senate Bill 6226 on audiology scope of practice and clinical autonomy (90-3), Senate Bill 5915 on health technology assessment funding priorities (93-0), Engrossed Senate Bill 6106 on layoff notice and related privacy/tribal-government provisions after a scope ruling struck a seasonal-worker amendment (75-18), and Substitute Senate Bill 6014 on pregnancy accommodation cleanup and public-records handling for complaints, after an amendment to change “individuals” to “pregnant woman” failed (68-25). The House also considered Senate Bill 5820 on Growth Management Act and freight rail issues; multiple amendments sought to preserve freight rail, natural-resource transport, contract rights, and development certainty, but the transcript cuts off before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State has clear standards for our law enforcement's use of face coverings.
• Washington State has clear standards for our law enforcement's use of face coverings.
• Speaker, when I was a kid growing up here in Washington State, we didn’t see the time... ...here in Washington
• The Washington tort claim process.
• How do we message that that's not how we do it here in Washington State?

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House received several Senate messages announcing passage of House Bill 1345, Senate Bill 6297, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6354, and that the President had signed substitute Senate Bill 5874. The chamber then moved through second reading and final passage of a series of bills, often suspending the rules to advance them to third reading. Senate Bill 6025, described as an update to how fetal age/time of death is dated using more objective modern methods, passed 91-2. Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, dealing with penalties and protections related to sports officials and referees, was amended to restore separate treatment for students and lower penalties back to current law, then passed 92-2 after members described repeated assaults and harassment of referees. Substitute Senate Bill 5938, a foreclosure-related technical fix to the Foreclosure Fairness Act, passed 59-35 despite objections that it continued to impose fees on homeowners. Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which adds Cowlitz County to the rural county designation by setting a population cap, passed 93-1. Substitute Senate Bill 6183, requiring coverage of HIV antiviral medications without prior authorization or step therapy, passed 95-1. Senate Bill 5467, raising the surplus property threshold for water-sewer districts, passed unanimously 94-0. The House then took up substitute Senate Bill 5855, a bill concerning face coverings by law enforcement officers, and spent most of the remainder of the meeting debating a long series of amendments. Supporters of the bill argued it would improve transparency and public trust by limiting face coverings, while opponents and amendment sponsors sought broader exceptions for undercover work, warrants, plain-clothes assignments, religious coverings, health and safety needs, riots/civil unrest, criminal mischief, and other exigent circumstances. Several amendments were adopted, including one allowing religious head or face coverings and another allowing helmet use for transportation; many others were rejected, including proposed intent language and broader waiver/exemption provisions. The Speaker also ruled one proposed amendment outside the scope of the bill title. The transcript ends during debate on Amendment 2139, which would shift safety-rule authority to state labor and industries/DOSH, with opponents raising fiscal and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure that workers are safe from asbestos here in Washington, and so I urge your support
• Clerk will read: An act relating to authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board.
• This simply allows the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments so
• Speaker, as we both serve and represent our House caucus on this board, this Washington leadership board
• We've seen Washington State government impose numerous new restrictions on our rental housing providers

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House considered and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting committee amendments and suspending the rules to move bills to third reading. Senate Bill 6188, dealing with Department of Labor and Industries rules related to department-issued identification and asbestos-related worker safety, was amended to clarify that rules should address safety and health hazards; it then passed 61-33. Substitute Senate Bill 5185 created a pilot pathway for certain internationally trained physicians to pursue licensure to help address primary care shortages and passed 89-4. Substitute Senate Bill 5825 authorized the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit private gifts and grants; a transparency amendment failed, and the bill passed 85-8. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, aimed at improving voting access for military overseas and tribal communities, passed 57-36 after concerns were raised about an unfunded mandate for county auditors. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6087, clarifying liability and reuse rules for donated child-related items such as car seats, passed unanimously 93-0. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5552, which directs the Building Code Council to create codes for kit homes as a way to expand affordable housing, by a 93-0 vote. Senate Bill 6278, which codifies standards and review processes for teacher preparation and alternative route programs, passed 86-7 despite objections that it was unnecessary codification. Substitute Senate Bill 6268, requiring long-term retention of special education records and an online complaint/record system to support families and improve practice, passed unanimously 93-0. Substitute Senate Bill 6237, requiring rental property disclosures about flooding history and flood insurance, passed 65-28 amid debate over added paperwork for housing providers. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5937 addressed smart access systems in rental housing, requiring a traditional lock option for tenants who do not want app-based access, and passed 93-1. Substitute Senate Bill 6039 modernized Labor and Industries communications by allowing email notices with an opt-out for paper mail, and passed 94-0. After these votes, the House announced caucus times and went at ease.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the entire state of Washington.
• Speaker: We often talk about our Washington compared to the other Washington.
• Our Washington State courts, in particular, our Washington State Supreme Court, has jammed up election
• I understand the Washington military department. status.
• That is fully legal in Washington State.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House received several messages from the Senate announcing passage of engrossed or substitute versions of House Bill 2294, House Bill 2472, Senate Bill 606, Senate Bill 6335, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6266, and engrossed substitute House Bill 3. The chamber then moved through second and third reading on a series of measures, often suspending the rules to advance bills to final passage. A major floor debate centered on Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, which would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and expand its membership. Amendment 2131, offered to keep the committee at its current size rather than expanding it, was rejected after debate over fiscal restraint, committee scope, and whether the body functioned like a “proxy legislature.” The resolution then passed 83-10. The House also passed engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6200 on portable cooling devices for renters and mobile home occupants, Senate Bill 6084 on clarifying the prohibition on voting in more than one election, second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5105 on sexually explicit depictions involving minors, and Senate Bill 6046 authorizing the Civil Air Patrol to be used by the governor in emergencies; each drew debate over policy scope, enforcement, and state-federal authority, but all ultimately passed. The House next passed substitute Senate Bill 6054, limiting HOA and common-interest community restrictions that conflict with wildfire-hardening measures; substitute Senate Bill 6091, requiring greater transparency in real estate broker practices; Senate Bill 6291, giving more time to train and certify on-site wastewater inspectors; substitute Senate Bill 6081, creating a Public Records Act exemption for sex designation information to protect transgender people from doxxing and harassment; Senate Bill 5963, automatically enrolling certain vulnerable students in the Washington College Grant; and substitute Senate Bill 6226, addressing audiology scope-of-practice and telemedicine concerns. Most of these bills passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew dissent over added regulation, privacy, or scope-of-practice issues. The final portion of the transcript focused on Senate Bill 6106, which the Speaker ruled had an out-of-scope amendment related to agricultural seasonal workers; the bill itself passed 75-18 after debate over layoff notices and tribal sovereignty. Substitute Senate Bill 6014, dealing with pregnancy accommodations and related public records issues, saw a failed amendment to replace gender-neutral language with “pregnant woman” and then passed 68-25. The House also debated Senate Bill 5820, with multiple amendments concerning freight rail, greenhouse gas calculations, county planning, property rights, and rail safety; the excerpt ends amid that amendment debate before final action on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Seattle Seahawks organization; House Resolution 4705, celebrating the economic ties between Washington

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, SB5467, SB5820, SCR8406, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278, SB5831, SB5915, SB5963, SB6025, SB6046, SB6084, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, SB6188, SB6291, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House approved the prior day’s minutes without objection and adopted a series of resolutions honoring individuals, organizations, and observances, including Dean Brazel, Shadley Van Skulkwake, the Seattle Seahawks, Every Child Matters Day, several doctors and officials, economic ties with Mexico and Canada, the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The chamber received messages from the Senate announcing passage of Substitute House Bill 2230, Substitute Senate Bill 5647, and engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 61, and also noted that the President had signed a second engrossed House bill. The House then agreed to first-reading referral of bills and resolutions on the introduction sheet, with one exception: Substitute Senate Bill 6003 was suspended from the rules and placed on the second reading calendar. Later, the House referred bills listed in committee reports to the designated committees and relieved the Rules Committee of Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5107 and Substitute Senate Bill 6226, placing them on the second reading calendar. No recorded votes occurred, and the House adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.

Bills: HB585

Keywords: Washington County, circuit clerk, compensation, county government, local legislation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're essentially small businesses in the state of Washington.
• They're essentially small businesses in the state of Washington.
• and Western Washington.
• from Peru to the state of Washington.
• I work at Integris Architecture in Spokane, Washington.

Bills: HB2721, HB2616

Keywords: commercial interior designer, interior design licensure, registered interior designer, NCIDQ, Washington State Board for Architects, professional regulation, title protection, firm registration, seal and signature, continuing education, building code, nonstructural interior design, space planning, interior architecture, design profession, public safety, occupational licensing, architects, engineering scope, permit review

Summary: The Consumer Protection & Business Committee opened with a public hearing on House Bill 2616, described as a broad “state farm bill” framework covering agriculture, food security, labor, environmental exemptions, grants, studies, and cannabis licensing. Staff outlined provisions including state purchasing of Washington-grown food, temporary packaging and refrigerant exemptions, changes to Climate Commitment Act agricultural fuel treatment, an exception to mass layoff notice rules for agricultural and dairy workers, grant programs for equipment retrofits and crop residue alternatives, several studies on tax incentives, market access, workforce development, and overtime impacts, and a transfer of cannabis production, processing, and testing oversight to the Department of Agriculture. Representative Reeves said the bill was intended to start a state-level conversation about supporting farms as small businesses, citing farm losses, food security concerns, and farmer mental health, and said the bill would not move this session but would be developed further over the summer for a 2027 return. Testimony on HB 2616 was overwhelmingly supportive, with 366 pro and 75 con sign-ins. Supporters from the Tree Fruit Association, potato, onion, wheat, dairy, organic orchard, asparagus, and agricultural cooperative sectors said Washington farmers face low margins, high regulatory and labor costs, refrigeration and processing challenges, and international competition. Several speakers emphasized the need to avoid further harm to farms, preserve local processing and markets, and use state research and incentives to keep family farms viable. Committee members asked about stakeholder outreach, the role of Washington State University, the impact of federal versus state policy, and possible ways to help small farms navigate compliance and market access. The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 2721, which would create registration and regulation for commercial interior designers and rename the State Board of Architects to include registered commercial interior designers. Staff explained that the bill would establish education, examination, registration, seal, and enforcement requirements, create a license account, and exempt certain work such as residential structures, farm buildings, and small buildings up to 4,000 square feet. Proponents from interior design organizations said the bill reflects national model law standards, has been developed in collaboration with architects, and would recognize qualified designers already doing code-related work on public buildings, health care facilities, schools, and workplaces. They argued it would improve clarity, public safety, and business opportunities, especially for women-owned small firms. The chair noted the bill would not move this year and closed the hearing after taking limited testimony and member questions about scope, diversity, and the practical effects of delaying enactment.

Bills: HF656, HF655, HF633

Keywords: child care, childcare, day care, daycare, licensing, variance, licensed capacity, capacity limit, staff qualifications, staffing, child care center, family child care, provider flexibility, Minnesota career lattice, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, licensing rules, enrollment, indoor space, professional development

Transcript Highlights:

• The department struggled to fill those vacancies and eventually it moved back to Washington, D.C.
• I have been concerned about the effort to consolidate staff into Washington for a very long time throughout
• And so, I agree with the concern that we Do not want to have all of the staff in Washington.

Bills: SB298, SB300, SB371

Keywords: employee relocation, headquarters, Small Business Administration, Washington metropolitan area, telework, cost reduction, rural markets, geographic diversity, disaster loans, accountability, reporting, loan forgiveness, federal funding, SBA reforms, small business, disaster assistance, transparency, report publication, government accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would add preclearance requirements to the Washington Voting Rights Act.
• I know I'm standing here from Washington State. I mentioned the federal Supreme Court.
• Washington Conservation Action is pro on this. A Vista, for God's sakes, is pro on this.
• Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Washington.
• Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Washington.

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Tyndall, who is Capital Ministry State Ministry Leader in Washington State. Thank you.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the State of Washington recognize and honor Yolanda
• And be it further resolved that the Senate of the State of Washington acknowledge Yolanda...
• serves as a member of the Washington State Leadership Board since 2023.
• We have boards at DCYF... ...need this bill.

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.