Transcript Highlights:

• We will call to order today's meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee, Thursday, February 26,
• Subpart four corrects the spelling of a pilot project under the Department of Transportation's aviation
• state appropriation is provided solely for prepayment of Transportation Improvement Board outstanding
• Subpart four corrects the spelling of a pilot project under the Department of Transportation's aviation
• state appropriation is provided solely for prepayment of Transportation Improvement Board outstanding

Bills: SB6005, SB6225

Keywords: transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met in executive session to review three measures: the proposed substitute for Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget; Senate Bill 6225, authorizing additional transportation bonds; and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, relating to the Office of Independent Investigations. Staff briefed eight amendments to SB 6005, including technical corrections, funding and reporting changes, and several project-specific additions such as ferry operations, rail projects, and bridge or electrification work. The committee also heard a briefing on SB 6225, which would increase bond authorizations, including general transportation bonds, gas tax bonds for Move Ahead Washington projects, and SR 520 bonds, while repealing some older authorizations. During executive session, the committee adopted all eight amendments to SB 6005, then rolled them into the substitute bill and advanced it with a due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The committee also advanced SB 6225 with a due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. ESHB 2508 was moved without recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee. Members concluded by thanking staff for their work on the budget and bond legislation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department</c><00:03:50.560><c> of</c> operations of the Department of operations of the Department
• Um I'll for the department of commerce.
• </c><00:19:20.080><c> of</c> that go through the Department of that go through the Department of Commerce
• </c> the Department of Commerce in that time. the Department of Commerce in that time.
• </c><00:26:12.320><c> of</c> legislature asked the Department of legislature asked the Department of

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, this is by Great Place Institute and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which have both
• I should note that the state of Minnesota burns about 3.1 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
• and it's a regional asset that serves the state of Minnesota.
• This was a combination of a couple of bills that were introduced in the Transportation Committee, one
• In addition to the weight of the vehicles, the fee of $200 was agreed upon through the Transportation

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Analysis by Great Plains Institute and the Minnesota Department of Transportation have both clearly shown
• This method of transportation for them.
• state general fund support was not part of the deal.
• </c><00:21:48.400><c> Of</c><00:21:48.640><c> course</c> serves the state of Minnesota.
• Of course serves the state of Minnesota.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• She said this delay undermines accountability for the Department of Transportation.
• Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in our state.
• We have a department of transportation.
• We have a department<01:50:57.280><c> of</c> department of department of transportation.<01:50:59.440
• Um the Department<02:04:04.320><c> of</c><02:04:04.560><c> Transportation</c> Department of Transportation

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c> department of transportation, the department of transportation, the metropolitan<00:21:32.640
• Um, some of the divisions within Department of Public Safety as well as some of the activities of state
• in the department of proposed in the department of transportation<00:37:12.560><c> uh</c><00:37:12.920
• </c><00:43:51.760><c> of</c><00:43:52.160><c> Transportation</c> directs the Department of Transportation
• Department of Transportation report information.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 41, Monday, February 23, 2026.
• President of the Washington State Music Teachers Association; and Hannah Cho, Chair of the National
• citizens in the state of Washington.
• I was touring the Department of State Patrol's department where they prepare the cars.
• This is a request of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Tree Fruit

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate met on February 23, 2026, opened with the usual roll call, pledge, prayer, and approval of the previous journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 8698 recognizing piano teachers, with several senators sharing personal remarks about their own teachers and the role of music education in families and communities. Guests from the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then moved into budget debate, considering a series of amendments to the operating budget. Several proposals focused on housing costs, local planning, utility rates, and state spending restraint. Amendment 0772, which would have created a housing-related task force and increased funding, was rejected after debate over housing affordability and regulatory costs. Amendment 0785, restoring growth management planning funding for local governments, was also rejected. Amendment 0791, directing the Department of Commerce to study the effects of climate and clean energy laws on utility costs, and Amendment 0769, related to grid capacity and clean energy investments, were both adopted. Other amendments drew sharper partisan debate. Amendment 0798, which would have reduced the Supreme Court from nine justices to five and redirected savings to public defense, failed. Amendments 0794 and 0795, seeking funding for ballot measure costs tied to initiatives, also failed. Amendment 0799, intended to redirect Pacific Tower lease savings to developmental disability services, was rejected after discussion of the building’s current public uses. Amendment 0773, capping state spending growth and tying it to median wage growth, failed on a roll call vote, while Amendment 0777, addressing concurrent use of paid family and medical leave and sick leave by state employees, also failed after extended debate. Later, Amendment 0776 on tort liability reporting was adopted, as were Amendment 0758 creating a DSHS work group on community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Amendment 0786 was introduced to reduce cash and food assistance work-related funding, with debate beginning before the transcript ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 41, Monday, February 23, 2026.
• citizens in the state of Washington.
• I was touring the Department of State Patrol's department where they prepare the cars.
• This is a request of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Tree Fruit
• The state of Washington is.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Patrol, Department of Licensing, Department of Transportation, and the Traffic Safety Commission
• Department of Transportation.”
• by monies from the State Department of Transportation and the road fund.
• to the citizens of Washington State.
• given that one-third of counties in Washington have ferries through public transportation. ...state and

Bills: HB2604, HB2436, SB6354, SB6352

Keywords: vehicle ownership, insurance, title transfer, consumer protection, motor vehicle, oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment

Summary: The committee began in executive session with staff briefings on several measures that had already been heard in companion form, including bills on cash rounding to eliminate pennies, vehicle title transfers to insurers, a memorial naming the Ruston Blunt Memorial Bridge, BAT lane access for private employer transportation services, tugboat escort requirements for oil tankers, traffic safety commission authority and fatality review, fifth-wheel trailer length, vehicle debris covering requirements, and a transportation electrification bill expanding electric vehicle access and funding. The committee then took executive action and advanced each of those measures with due pass recommendations, adopting amendments on Substitute House Bill 2334, Senate Bill 6354, and Substitute House Bill 2109. Members noted some dissent or reservations on the penny-rounding bill, the EV fee distribution, and the vehicle-debris cover requirement, but the motions carried. The committee then moved into public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2323, which would create a Blue Envelope Program for neurodiverse drivers to improve communication during traffic stops. The sponsor described the program as a low-cost way to help officers and drivers exchange registration, insurance, and emergency contact information, and testimony was generally supportive. The committee also heard public testimony on Substitute House Bill 2203, which creates the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving around barricades at closed roads; a defense attorney group raised concerns about mandatory license suspensions, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to deter dangerous conduct during floods, fires, and other emergencies. The committee next heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2172 on route jurisdiction transfers and highway abandonment. Staff and the sponsor explained that the bill would require agreements or legislative review for longer abandonments or those involving bridges, add a pre-request conference, and improve reporting and criteria for transfers. Cities, counties, and the Transportation Commission testified in support, saying the bill creates a more transparent and equitable process, while counties noted concerns about maintenance costs. Public testimony also covered Substitute House Bill 2410, which would create a Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council funded by an increased commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee; the trucking industry and business groups supported it as a safety and training investment. Finally, the committee heard testimony on Engrossed House Bill 2588, which would expand county ferry district authority to include vehicle ferries and require voter approval for new taxes after the effective date; county officials and ferry users supported the bill as a way to preserve ferry service and secure matching funds, while one opponent criticized the tax authority and timing provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary will read to the Honorable Senate of the State of Washington.
• The Secretary will read to the Honorable Senate of the State of Washington.
• laws of the state of Washington.
• The Department of Commerce webpage is to say, come to Washington. We are a business-friendly state.
• need, it's affecting the revenue of the state of Washington.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231, SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and moved through gubernatorial appointments. Acacia Engram was confirmed to the Evergreen State College Board of Trustees, Ashland J. Tibbet to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, David S. Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees, each with strong floor support and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Senator Warnick also offered a personal tribute to a Colfax basketball coach who recently died of pancreatic cancer, and the Senate briefly recessed for caucus and lunch. The chamber then passed several bills dealing with transportation, health care, housing, and education. These included Substitute House Bill 2199 on derelict vessels; House Bill 2113 on supervision of radiologic technologists; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532 banning retail sales of nitrous oxide for misuse; House Bills 2531 and 2540 on ambulance/rural transport fees and EMT recertification; Second Substitute House Bill 1859 expanding affordable housing on religious property; Substitute House Bill 2151 adopting national standards for factory-built housing; Engrossed House Bill 1687 on social housing public development authorities; and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2534 to improve educational stability for military children. Most passed overwhelmingly, though HB 1859 drew one no vote and HB 1687 passed after debate over whether the bill should be limited to Seattle’s existing social housing authority. The Senate also considered more contentious election and energy measures. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1750, updating the Washington Voting Rights Act to address voter suppression and dilution claims, drew several failed amendments from Senators Fortunato and Wilson seeking higher evidentiary standards and narrower definitions; the bill ultimately passed 30-19. House Bill 2367, which removes preferential treatment related to coal-fired electric utilities, also passed after a failed amendment to preserve certain emissions-related allowances. House Bill 2606, concerning performance measures and reporting for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, passed unanimously and was described as a government efficiency and AI-related measure. The Senate also passed House Bill 2360 on stock albuterol in schools after adopting an amendment requiring parents to be notified when albuterol is administered. Later, the Senate debated Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on firearm manufacturing files used with 3D printers and CNC milling machines. Several amendments were offered: one to narrow the device language failed, one protecting bona fide gunsmiths and licensed dealers was adopted, and another was withdrawn. The underlying bill was then advanced toward final passage, with supporters saying it updates ghost-gun laws to keep pace with technology and opponents raising concerns about overbreadth and impacts on legitimate uses of 3D printing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying in support of this bill on behalf of the Washington State Hospital Association.
• I'm testifying in support of this bill on behalf of the Washington State Hospital Association.
• My name is Katie Durkin, here on behalf of the Washington Federation of State Employees in support of
• Paul Jewell, on behalf of the members of the Washington State Association of Counties, also opposed to
• State Department of Health.

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:

• I pledge allegiance, to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• Empower them to serve not for personal gain, but for the well-being of the people of this state.
• Fourth order of business.
• Eighth order of business.
• With the consent of the House, Senate Bill 6132 will be re-referred from the Transportation Committee

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Kayla Garza of Stone Church in Yakima delivered the opening prayer. The chamber then approved the previous day’s minutes without objection and recognized guests, including Roger Jacob and students and faculty from Wapato School District, who had been honored in House Resolution 4679, as well as a fourth-grade class from Log Church Christian School in Brewster. The House then moved through routine business. Democratic and Republican caucuses were announced, and the chamber was briefly at ease. Under the fourth order of business, the bills, memorials, and resolutions on the introduction sheet were accepted for first reading and referred to the appropriate committees without objection. Under the eighth order of business, Senate Bill 6132 was re-referred from the Transportation Committee to the Rules Committee without objection. No debate or recorded votes occurred. The House then adjourned until 9:55 a.m. on Friday, February 27.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're one of 28 clinics in the state of Washington supporting the primary care safety net, taking care
• profession in the state of Washington.
• profession in the state of Washington.
• I believe, as a champion of the housing innovation that Washington State has introduced to the rest of
• We do fear that this particular bill will interrupt the ability of renters in the state of Washington

Bills: SB5420, SB5877, SB5868, SB5109, SB5832, SB5922, SB5944, SB5988, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Summary: The committee heard a series of public hearings on bills affecting education, veterans’ benefits, health care, court staffing, traffic safety, climate policy, workers’ compensation, tribal relations, and state reporting requirements. Staff briefed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969 on integrating high school and beyond plans with IEP transition plans, and the committee heard no public testimony. The bill’s fiscal note was described as about $164,000 in FY 2027 for OSPI, with ongoing costs for IT updates and staff time. Members then heard Senate Bill 5420 on expanding veteran benefits to include Public Health Service and NOAA Corps members and extending some preferences to spouses of active-duty service members; supporters from military and veterans’ groups testified in favor, and the fiscal note was described as modest. Substitute Senate Bill 5827 would allow pre-discharge certification to establish eligibility for veterans’ civil service preference before discharge; it drew no public testimony, and OFM estimated about $174,000 annually to implement training and policy work. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5877, which would apply physician health program and Healwa surcharges to certified anesthesiology assistants and other Medical Commission licensees; the Washington Medical Commission and the new provider group supported it, with DOH estimating small revenue increases and about $31,000 in IT costs. The largest policy debate centered on the 340B drug pricing bill, gross Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981. Supporters, including hospitals, tribal representatives, and safety-net providers, said the bill would preserve access to discounted drugs and improve transparency, while opponents from manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would raise costs, reduce rebates, and create legal risk under federal preemption challenges. The Health Care Authority estimated about $608,000 per year to administer the reporting system, and a representative raised concerns about potential federal litigation and state liability. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties; county and court officials testified that caseloads and delays justify the additions, and the Senate budget was said to fully fund the state share. Engrossed Senate Bill 5890 would expand reckless driving to include extreme speeding and speeding in construction zones with workers present; staff said fiscal impacts were indeterminate, with possible local jail and licensing effects. Engrossed Senate Bill 6246 on Climate Commitment Act treatment of emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities drew support from industry and labor witnesses who praised the stakeholder process and the added leakage study, while staff said Ecology costs would be roughly $300,000 to $400,000 annually. The committee also heard Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847 on workers’ compensation medical treatment and claims management, where supporters said it would improve care and save money, while employers objected to expanded spending authority and the shift to allotment-based hiring; staff estimated substantial costs and potential savings, but no action was taken. Later, the committee heard Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which eliminates or modifies numerous agency reports, and Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which codifies the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency with Senate confirmation for the director; both had no public testimony. Finally, Second Substitute Senate Bill 5968 would create a statewide credential catalog and central repository, require agencies to publish processing information and deadlines, and in some cases refund fees for missed deadlines; staff began outlining the fiscal impacts across multiple agencies as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• all over the state of Washington.
• And this amendment puts the victims of crime in Washington State victims of crime in Washington State
• state of Washington.
• of the state of Washington.
• the people of Washington state.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then took up a series of transportation, election, energy, historical records, employer reporting, cannabis, and abortion-related bills. Members also announced caucuses and several bills were transmitted or received from the Senate. Throughout the day, debate centered on the policy and fiscal impacts of transportation preservation and ferry funding, election data security, clean energy compliance, historical record retention, employer reporting penalties, cannabis licensing fees, and access to abortion medications. The House first passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting technical amendments. Supporters emphasized preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, safety, and rural and statewide infrastructure projects; the bill passed 93-0 with five excused. The House then passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources measure, after adopting an amendment to repeal the aircraft tax and delay an RV tax change; supporters said it protected jobs and businesses, while opponents argued it favored certain industries. That bill passed 83-10. The House also passed Senate Bill 5892 on voter registration database protections after rejecting an amendment that would have reduced penalties and removed the emergency clause; supporters framed it as election security, while opponents said the felony penalty was too harsh. The bill passed 57-36. The House passed Substitute Senate Bill 5982 on consumer-owned utilities and clean energy after rejecting several amendments on carbon capture, blackout-triggered suspension, and broader exemptions, but adopting an exception for certain cogeneration facilities. Supporters said it closed loopholes while preserving some existing exemptions; opponents warned it could hinder new power supply and economic development. The bill passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, rejecting an amendment to extend retention indefinitely; supporters stressed the importance of preserving records from residential habilitation centers, and the bill passed 94-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Later, the House passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, which raises cannabis producer, processor, and retail license fees after adopting an amendment to remove an escalator tied to CPI; supporters said fees should cover regulation, while opponents argued the increases would further burden the industry. The bill passed 52-42. The House then began debate on Substitute Senate Bill 5917, relating to access to abortion medications, where multiple amendments offered by Representative Marshall sought to require appropriations, change terminology, limit distribution to Washingtonians, recover costs, and remove the emergency clause; opponents said the bill needed flexibility to respond to legal and health-care risks. The transcript ends during continued debate on that bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• all over the state of Washington.
• the state of Washington...
• state of Washington.
• of the state of Washington.
• the people of Washington State.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day. The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10. On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the entire state of Washington.
• decision of the Washington Court of Appeals in State v.
• The Department of Transportation must issue a determination whether the repeal will impact state-funded
• The Department of Transportation must issue a determination whether the repeal will impact state-funded
• Freight rail belongs and are assets of every citizen of the state of 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 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.
• , that this even will pass constitutional muster here in the state of Washington.
• I 100% agree that intimidation is not part of our local law enforcement here in the state of Washington
• I 100% agree that intimidation is not part of our local law enforcement here in the state of 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 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:

• This bill helps to address a critical shortage in our state of primary care physicians.
• Clerk will read: An act relating to authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board.
• So I think going outside of the state funds... Mr.
• So I think going outside of state funds... They have had their funding cuts.
• out all of this bulk mail unnecessarily, it does add a lot of cost to the 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 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.
• decision of the Washington Court of Appeals in State v.
• The Department of Transportation must issue a determination whether the repeal will impact state-funded
• The Department of Transportation must issue a determination whether the repeal will impact state-funded
• Freight rail belongs and are assets of every citizen of the state of 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 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:

• With consent of the House, the minutes of the preceding day will stand approved, hearing no objections
• Dean Brazel; House Resolution 4702, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United
• States of America; House Resolution 4703.
• Fourth order of business, with consent of the House...
• Eighth order of business, with the consent of the House, the Rules Committee is relieved of the following

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.