Transcript Highlights:

• As these leaders continue to work for the health, safety, and thriving of all people who call Washington
• home, Safety and thriving of all people who call Washington home.
• The Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 59, Wednesday, March 11.
• The Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 59, Wednesday, March 11th.
• It's shiny day here in the legislature. Mr. President, I'm asking that we concur in this bill. Mr.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and received gubernatorial appointments and House messages. It also introduced Senate Bill 6362 and referred it to the Law and Justice Committee. After caucus, the President signed a number of bills in open session. The chamber then took up several House-amended measures. Substitute Senate Bill 6225, a transportation bonding bill, was concurred in and passed 49-0 after remarks that it was needed to support the six-year transportation budget and historic maintenance investments. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6354, allowing direct sales by electric vehicle manufacturers such as Rivian and Lucid, was also concurred in and passed 47-2 after supporters said the House changes lowered consumer fees while preserving the fiscal effect. Engrossed Senate Bill 6228, dealing with tax preferences and pharmacy-related provisions, passed 26-23 after concurrence; Engrossed Senate Bill 6347, concerning estate tax changes, passed 39-10 after concurrence; Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, which included changes to transitional kindergarten, National Board bonuses, alternative learning experience, Running Start, and electric bus depreciation, passed 26-23; and Substitute Senate Bill 6355, involving transmission authority governance, transparency, and eminent domain-related sideboards, passed 32-17. The Senate also resolved several House/Senate differences by receding or amending bills. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, funding the Seattle Community Development Authority, passed 49-0 after the Senate receded from its amendments. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1295, on literacy-related teacher standards and technical assistance, was returned to second reading, amended with a striking amendment, and then passed 48-1. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, concerning Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations for fuel supply, was similarly amended with a negotiated striking amendment to protect good-faith operators and then passed 49-0. The Senate then signed additional bills in open session and recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why does that matter here in Washington? Well, Mr.
• And whereas the Washington State Legislature will look back on Senator Conway's career as an example
• I first met Senator Conway when I was been in the legislature.
• And when I came into the legislature, Mr.
• When I first joined the legislature, I have to mention this.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• They make sure that we get work done every day for the people of Washington.
• Session of the 69th Legislature. Session of the 69th Legislature. Senator Ruchelli.
• Whereas the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature is drawing to a close...
• I move that the 2026 regular session of the 69th Legislature do now adjourn sine die.
• die. 26 regular session of the 69th Legislature do now adjourn sine die.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• State and Eastern Washington. ...deep, deep passion and a deep commitment for rural Washington State
• It unlocks your eligibility for the Washington College Grant.
• in 2008 from Washington State University.
• Additionally, Huey serves as a pharmacy preceptor for the University of Washington and Washington State
• Additionally, Huey serves as a pharmacy preceptor for the University of Washington and Washington State

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• As these leaders continue to work for the health, safety, and thriving of all people who call Washington
• home, Safety and thriving of all people who call Washington home.
• The Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 59, Wednesday, March 11.
• The Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 59, Wednesday, March 11th.
• It's shiny day here in the legislature. Mr. President, I'm asking that we concur in this bill. Mr.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State.
• And Mr.... ...in Washington State when kids had access to universal meals.
• , not listed in Washington as Red Cross or Washington.
• The deduction for Washington State nonprofits was criticized.
• For Washington State nonprofits was criticized.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate considered engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346, a major tax package creating a new income tax on high earners, providing tax reductions and credits, and funding various spending priorities. A point of order was raised that House amendments exceeded the bill’s scope under Senate Rule 66, focusing on new provisions affecting sales and use taxes and business and occupation taxes. The President ruled the amendments were within scope, finding they were tax reductions similar to those already in the Senate-passed bill, and the Senate then took up the motion to concur in the House amendments. Members debated the House changes at length. Supporters said the amendments improved the bill by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adding exemptions for diapers and over-the-counter medicines, bringing forward some tax relief, preserving business loss carryforwards, and adding funding or intent language for items such as Fair Start for Kids, K-12 investments, local government replacement funding, and universal school meals. Opponents argued the bill remained unconstitutional or unfair, criticized the income tax structure and inflation indexing changes, objected to the gambling-loss deduction and limits on charitable deductions, and said the bill’s promises on public defense, education, and other priorities were not secured in the body of the measure. On a roll call vote, the Senate concurred in the House amendments by a vote of 27-21, with one excused. The Senate then passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 as amended by the House by the same 27-21 vote, and the President signed the bill in open session. The chamber also received several messages from the House announcing signed bills, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I came to this legislature, I had a job where I recruited people to run for office.
• Some of the best legislation and best legislatures live in intersections.
• Business, Cattle Producers of Washington, and the Washington State Potato Commission, as well as Friend
• cars, which we never thought we'd have to do in Western Washington?
• It has been an absolute honor to serve in the Legislature. It's been almost 20 years.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care program. The chamber adopted a Ways and Means striking amendment, then passed the bill 33-16. Supporters said it would change provider payment to attendance-based reimbursement, require subsidy rates to reach at least the 75th percentile of market rates, update use of market rate surveys, and remove previously scheduled income-eligibility expansions. Opponents argued it would not treat all child care providers equally and could create unfair workarounds. The bill was immediately transmitted to the House. The Senate then passed Engrossed House Bill 2487, which clarifies how insurance companies and their affiliates are taxed, and Substitute House Bill 2089, which narrows a tax preference for certain financial institutions and dedicates the revenue to the Wildfire Mitigation Fund. HB 2487 drew criticism for applying the tax retroactively to 2019 despite prior court rulings, while HB 2089 was opposed on affordability grounds because it affects mortgage-related taxation. The chamber also passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising annual license fees for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers; opponents said the increase reflected broader budget pressures. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 8704 honoring Senator Rebecca Saldaña. Numerous senators from both parties praised her work on labor, environmental justice, child welfare, immigrant and worker rights, and her habit of centering marginalized communities and checking on colleagues personally. Saldaña responded with remarks about organizing, democracy, and the importance of collective action, saying she was grateful for the chamber and looking forward to the next chapter. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and members agreed to add all senators’ names as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8702 honoring Senator Judy Warnick, with speakers from both parties highlighting her long service, agricultural background, calm leadership, bipartisan approach, and work on rural economic development, children and families, and capital projects. Warnick thanked colleagues and said she looked forward to spending more time with her family, farm, and horses. The meeting also included routine motions to move between orders of business and a message from the House concurring in Senate amendments to several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is currently the director of the Washington State Office of Equity.
• Why does that matter here in Washington? Well, Mr.
• And whereas the Washington State Legislature will look back on Senator Conway's career as an example
• And when I came into the legislature, Mr.
• When I first joined the legislature, I have to mention this.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote. The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as a reminder, this bill was there was a group of I don't know, five or six folks in the legislature
• c><00:05:34.880> folks<00:05:35.199> in<00:05:35.360> the<00:05:35.520> legislature
• five or six uh folks in the legislature five or six uh folks in the legislature that<00:05:37.039
• Uh, as a reminder also, the two months after we got out of the legislature last year, the big beautiful
• to review how the wire transfer fee proceeds are distributed and to make recommendations to the legislature

Bills: HB585

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the Legislature for your investment in our office.
• So as a result, I requested more resources from the Legislature, which were granted in 2023.
• The Legislature has allowed us to increase to two additional antitrust attorneys, and it has increased
• The investment from the Legislature has been a big part of that. We're grateful to you.
• It modifies the Of an annual report from Minnesota Management and Budget to the legislature regarding

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the legislature for your investment in our office.
• I want to thank the legislature for your investment in our office.
• I want to thank the legislature for your investment in our office.
• I want to thank the legislature for your investment in our office.
• And those counties won, but the legislature had to then pay for the legal fees.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Washington the ability for collective bargaining.
• in 2006. ...and was later ratified by this legislature in 2006.
• This bill would add preclearance requirements to the Washington Voting Rights Act.
• 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...
• The importance of inclusive leadership that reflects and serves the diverse communities of Washington
• serves as a member of the Washington State Leadership Board since 2023.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Washington the ability for collective bargaining.
• state of Washington the ability for collective bargaining.
• 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.
• Before I served in this body and in the legislature, I served on the Olympia City Council.

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

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

Summary: The Senate took up a series of House bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to final passage after brief debate. Messages from the House reported signed bills being transmitted, and the Senate later signed several measures in open session. The chamber also excused a few members from voting on specific bills. Among the first major actions, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the scope and authority of the Office of Independent Investigations, passed 44-4 after supporters described it as a technical housekeeping bill and opponents raised concerns about overlapping investigations. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, which dedicates 20% of sales tax revenue from the two large stadiums to a community preservation and development authority in South Downtown/Pioneer Square/Chinatown International District, passed 47-1 after supporters emphasized reinvestment in historic buildings and neighborhood safety. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, requiring more complete resale certificates for common interest communities and homeowners associations, passed 39-9 after a successful amendment clarifying litigation language. Substitute House Bill 1570, allowing collective bargaining for certain student employees at public institutions, failed an amendment to remove the emergency clause and then passed 29-19 despite objections that it blurs student and employee roles. The chamber then debated Substitute House Bill 1390, which repeals the Community Protection Program and directs DSHS to transition participants into other developmental disability services. Numerous amendments sought to preserve restrictions, add assessments, or create liability protections, but most were rejected; the committee striking amendment updating agency names and dates was adopted. The bill passed 29-20 after a lengthy, emotional debate over whether the program protects public safety or unfairly restricts people with developmental disabilities, with supporters citing civil rights concerns and opponents warning about risks to vulnerable residents and the lack of a detailed transition plan. Other measures passed with broad support, including Substitute House Bill 2114 on defective license plates (48-0), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining if the NLRB loses authority (31-18), House Bill 1069 on bargaining over supplemental retirement contributions for Department of Corrections employees (31-18), House Bill 2441 expanding medical premium reimbursements for surviving spouses of line-of-duty deaths (49-0), and Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710 adding preclearance requirements under the Washington Voting Rights Act, which drew debate over local control and litigation but had not yet reached a final vote by the end of the transcript.

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:

• In the state of Washington.
• Speaker, that hospitals in Washington State are struggling.
• Speaker, that hospitals in Washington State are struggling.
• Washington is bound for court.
• Washington residents on the exchange.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, 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 and passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, which modifies the paid family and medical leave program. Supporters said the bill uses an actuarial model to set rates and establishes a four-month reserve to improve program stability. The bill advanced to third reading without amendments and passed 95-1. The House then considered Substitute Senate Bill 5841, related to completion of course and financial aid information. The House adopted Amendment 2140, which adds a financial aid calculator and requires follow-up when students indicate they have completed a financial aid form in their high school and beyond plan. After that amendment and the Education Committee amendment were adopted, the bill passed 92-4. Members supporting it said it would help students understand and access financial aid, while one opponent argued schools should not be inserted into family FAFSA decisions. The most extensive debate was on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981, concerning the 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. Numerous amendments were offered to limit the program’s expansion, direct more revenue to patient care or low-income patients, restrict contract pharmacies, add reporting, delay implementation pending court cases, or narrow participation by hospitals and PBMs; most were rejected, and one amendment was ruled beyond the scope of the bill. Supporters of the bill argued it would help safety-net providers, rural hospitals, and FQHCs, while opponents warned it would mainly benefit large hospital systems, create administrative burdens, and likely face litigation. The House adopted the Health Care and Wellness Committee amendment and then passed the bill 67-30. After those actions, the House received messages from the Senate, including passage of Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 and the Governor’s signing of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 252. The chamber then moved to House Bill 2487, a tax bill, where several amendments were withdrawn and additional amendments were debated, including one clarifying the definition of taxpayers and another creating a three-year repayment schedule and changes to the advanced computing surcharge.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lacking workforce in law enforcement in Washington State.
• In 2024, the Legislature received a report that we had asked for.
• This is a reasonable measure to take in the state of Washington.
• the Washington State Patrol toxicology lab.
• the Washington State Patrol toxicology lab.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, 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 messages that the Senate had passed House Bills 2104 and 19883, and that the President had signed Substitute House Bill 1570. It also referred committee reports without objection. A motion to relieve the Rules Committee of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 and Engrossed Senate Bill 6347 failed on a 48-38 vote after debate over the bills’ fiscal impact and constitutionality. The House then took up Engrossed Senate Bill 6246, dealing with emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries and the Climate Commitment Act. Several amendments were offered, including proposals to permanently exempt these industries or to limit Ecology’s authority over closed facilities, but those amendments were rejected. A striking amendment that reflected stakeholder negotiations and added reporting and other changes was adopted 56-31, and the bill then passed 57-38. The House also passed Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, narrowing the bill to certain corrections officers and deputy prosecutors and aligning state hiring rules with federal work authorization; it passed 62-33. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, concerning access to medical care and workers’ compensation, drew extensive amendment debate. The House adopted amendments creating a 25-mile provider-access standard, adding quarterly reporting to the Workers’ Comp Advisory Committee, and other changes, while rejecting a pilot-project amendment and a self-insurance amendment; a point of order was sustained against an amendment on legislative privilege as outside the bill’s scope. The bill then passed 67-28. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6194, which allows higher reimbursement for Astria Toppenish Hospital, and Senate Bill 6132, which supports rail funding for the Port of Moses Lake; both passed unanimously. Later, the House passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6113, a technical tax-law correction bill, by 92-4; Substitute Senate Bill 5520, creating a compensation process for the wrongly convicted, by 72-23 after rejecting a stricter “actual innocence” amendment; Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6162, reforming property tax exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, and some small businesses, by 93-2; and Senate Bill 6137, allowing in-state collegiate sports wagering with added athlete-protection provisions, by the required three-fifths margin of 70-26. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 on toxicology testing, with debate starting on an amendment to address discovery and subpoena requests.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, 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 was called to order, the roll was taken, and a quorum was announced present. The chamber then escorted the flags, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard an opening prayer focused on righteousness, revival, and guidance for the legislative body. The minutes of the previous day were approved without objection. After routine announcements, Representative Cortes stated that the Democrats would caucus immediately, and Representative Barto said the Republicans would caucus in five minutes. The House then went at ease for caucus. No bills, motions, or votes on legislation were taken in this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Finance Committee, who learned about model legislation from the National Conference of State Legislatures

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State is a very diverse state.
• Washington University.
• Washington University.
• It's not good for Washington. It's the wrong direction.
• and can be sold in Washington State.

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

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

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