Transcript Highlights:

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

Bills: HB2721, HB2616

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

Transcript Highlights:

• engrossed third substitute House Bill 1710 relating to adding pre-clearance requirements to the Washington
• The next bill is House Bill 2417 relating to changing the Washington Code of Military Justice, so that
• The bill establishes the rights of a victim of an offense under the Washington Code of Military Justice
• The amendment requires all state and local government statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other
• The next bill is Substitute House Bill 2123 relating to foreign national participation in Washington

Bills: HB1759, HB2417, HB2632, HB2249, HB2574, HB2309, HB2235, SGA9066, SGA9246, SGA9268, SGA9267

Keywords: designation, commemoration, December 12, local observance, cultural significance, military justice, victims' rights, militia, Washington code, legal protections, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service

Summary: The State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 24, 2026, for its final regular meeting of the session. The committee first re-briefed a large slate of bills and gubernatorial appointments, then recessed briefly before returning to executive session. Members also noted that two bills, House Bills 2574 and 2637, would not be moved that day. The committee unanimously recommended confirmation of four gubernatorial appointments: Megan Matthews (9066), Reedy Mukapade (9246), Kiana Daniels (9268), and Gauri Shratria (9267). During discussion on Matthews’ appointment, senators raised issues of inclusivity, data disaggregation, and outreach to diverse communities, while several members praised her engagement with contractors and communities across the state. The committee advanced numerous bills, generally on unanimous votes, with several striking amendments adopted. Those included changes to the Washington Voting Rights Act bills (HB 1710, HB 1750, HB 1916, and HB 2123), voter registration challenge procedures, and election-related language. Other bills moved forward addressed military justice victim rights (HB 2417), replacing “alien” with “non-citizen” in state and local law (HB 2632, with the amendment withdrawn), shared leave for employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement (HB 2411), civil service coverage for certain Washington Technology Solutions employees (HB 2249), language-accessible public services (HB 2475), higher small works roster limits (HB 2420), removing postgraduate degree requirements as the sole qualification standard (HB 2309), public records exemptions for firearm-related records (HB 2235), and privacy protections for personal information in agency records (HB 2637, not moved). The chair closed by thanking staff and adjourned the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Bills: S0182, S1318, S1690

Keywords: education, Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, school choice, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, FTC scholarship, scholarship accounts, fund reversion, public school curriculum, cursive writing, handwriting, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, patriotic programs, In God We Trust, teacher mentoring, teacher training, new teacher support, classroom management

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was taken up without debate and passed on a favorable roll call vote. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690 by Senator Calatayud on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, clarifies terminology, and aims to avoid over-regulating before- and after-school programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying rulemaking authority, shifting it to the State Board of Education. Senator Berman questioned a provision related to information on leaving children in vehicles, and Senator Calatayud said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion, limited mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment funds. The amendment was adopted, supportive appearance forms were waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recognized committee staff and applauded Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, and senators later recorded additional affirmative votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, this is the bill that enacts the Washington Travel Insurance Act.
• This is the bill that establishes the Strength in Washington Homes Program to provide grants to retrofit
• Thank you for your great service to the people of the state of Washington. Good afternoon, members.
• Thank you for your great service to the people of the state of Washington. Good afternoon, members.
• Thank you for your great service to the people of the state of Washington. Good afternoon, members.

Bills: SB6178, SB5831

Keywords: SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling, consumer protection, void and unenforceable, Washington insurance code, chapter 48 RCW, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm speaking on behalf of the Washington Defender Association and the Washington Association of Criminal
• or western Washington?
• I represent the Washington Fire Commissioners Association.
• I'm the advocacy director for AARP here in Washington State.
• I'm the advocacy director for AARP here in Washington State.

Bills: SB6178, SB5831

Keywords: SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling, consumer protection, void and unenforceable, Washington insurance code, chapter 48 RCW, civil penalty

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several insurance and consumer protection bills. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928, staff and supporters described wildfire risk score and model disclosure requirements for homeowners whose policies are nonrenewed, canceled, or adversely affected by wildfire risk, along with insurer website disclosures about mitigation discounts and a process for consumers to request revised scores. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner, AARP, a mayor from Medical Lake, and a fire chief supported the bill as a transparency and consumer protection measure, while industry witnesses said the bill was heavily amended but still too regulatory and potentially costly, and some urged further technical changes. Members asked about how the bill interacts with mitigation efforts, the Fair Plan, and whether it would help consumers understand what actions could improve insurability. The committee also heard engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6031, which would create a standalone Class B felony for insurance fraud, expand the insurance commissioner’s fraud program, require reporting of certain suspected crimes affecting insurance, and address restitution in criminal cases. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner and AARP supported the bill as a response to organized fraud, but a criminal defense representative argued that part of the bill overlaps with existing misdemeanor insurance-claim fraud law and could create conflicting penalties and charging issues. Members asked about the 10-year statute of limitations and how it compares with other crimes. Substitute Senate Bill 6079, a wildfire mitigation grant program, was also heard. The bill would create the Strengthen Washington Homes Program to fund retrofits meeting IBHS wildfire-prepared standards and would bar insurers from using wildfire risk to disqualify properties that meet that standard. The OIC, fire commissioners, the prime sponsor, and AARP supported it as a way to reduce nonrenewals and help homeowners harden their homes, while insurance industry witnesses said they could support the grant program but wanted Section 7 removed because they believed it would interfere with underwriting. The committee also heard substitute Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, which would adopt a Washington Travel Insurance Act with licensing, disclosure, tax, and unfair trade practice provisions; the travel insurance industry supported it and said prior amendments had been incorporated. Finally, the committee took testimony on engrossed Senate Bill 5280, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks with daily transaction limits, fee caps, disclosures, receipts, and reporting requirements. The Department of Financial Institutions and the Attorney General’s Office supported the bill as a response to rising crypto-kiosk fraud, especially elder fraud, while some members questioned whether the limits were too restrictive for legitimate users and asked about enforcement, restitution, blockchain analytics, and whether stronger consumer protections should be added. Additional testimony from industry and consumer advocates was invited, but the hearing moved quickly because of the committee’s limited time.

Bills: SB6046

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, the Washington Medical Commission, or Commission, regulates the competency and
• The Washington Medical Commission, or Commission, regulates the competency and quality of professional
• He said relinquishment provides a solution that had not previously existed in Washington State.
• The Washington State Legislature has provided specific funding...
• My name is Jackie Kane, and I'm the president of AFT Washington.

Bills: SB6258, SB5963

Keywords: Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database, National Practitioner Data Bank, license renewal, license reinstatement, medical board, professional discipline, credential surrender, healthcare regulation, SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6258, which would authorize the Washington Medical Commission to create a non-disciplinary process for physicians and other licensees to voluntarily relinquish their licenses. Staff, the bill sponsor, and supporters from the Medical Commission and the Washington Physicians Health Program said the bill would give providers a dignified way to permanently give up a license when they are retiring or otherwise leaving practice, without triggering disciplinary reporting, while preserving patient safety by excluding anyone under investigation or discipline. Members asked about the practical purpose of the bill, including how it would help retired or inactive doctors avoid ongoing continuing education and administrative oversight. The committee then held a work session on part-time and contingent faculty in the community and technical college system. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges described the system’s enrollment, staffing, and bargaining structure, noting that faculty conditions and pay vary by college and that adjunct pay has historically lagged behind full-time faculty. A panel from AFT Washington argued that contingent faculty are underpaid and often lack guaranteed work, benefits, or compensation for duties such as office hours, advising, and committee work. They cited a 2024 SBCTC report finding contingent faculty pay averaged 61.5% of full-time faculty pay and said the state’s 85% pay-equity goal should be funded over time; members asked about bargaining, health benefits, workload, and comparisons to other teaching jobs. In executive session, the committee considered two bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5931, making administrative changes to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board, was reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation on a 14-1 vote. Senate Bill 5963, which would automatically make students eligible for the Passport to Careers program if they qualify for the Washington College Grant and align the financial-need formula with the federal formula, was also reported out with a do pass recommendation on a 15-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill amends the federal government code to include both current and former administrative law judges
• resolution is asking the federal government to move forward with... ...NASA's headquarters from Washington
• going to expire in 2028, and they've also expressed interest in moving the headquarters out of Washington
• It makes perfect sense for us to move this from Washington to Houston and have the entire operation there
• The current fee-for-service model within the code has led to. to fragmented billing and unpredictable

Bills: HCR141, SB438, SB1495, SB1964, HB 1225

Keywords: HCR 141, House Concurrent Resolution, NASA, Houston, Space City, Johnson Space Center, Mission Control, Apollo 11, moon landing, aerospace, commercial space, space exploration, Texas Space Commission, space policy, federal resolution, memorial resolution, Congress, Washington D.C., headquarters relocation, space industry

Bills: HB585

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

Transcript Highlights:

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

Bills: HB2070, HB2671, HB2617, SB6258

Keywords: funding, education, higher education, Western Washington University, state funding parity, financial aid, state funding, student support, educational reform, university procedures, academic policy, student success, Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive and policy director for the Washington Innocence Project.
• Yeah, not in Washington state.
• I am Washington State's first DNA exoneree.
• I would also take this opportunity to leave to residents in Washington.
• I would also take this opportunity to leave to resident in Washington.

Bills: SB5536, SB5868, SJM8006, SB6011

Keywords: divorce, dissolution, marriage, domestic partnership, property division, real property, community property, separate property, liabilities, family law, equitable distribution, court order, personal jurisdiction, absent spouse, absent domestic partner, creditors, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, home equity, family home

Summary: The committee heard Substitute Senate Bill 5520, which revises Washington’s wrongful conviction compensation law. Staff explained that the bill changes how claimants prove eligibility, extends the filing deadline from three to six years, adds a special deadline for certain Alford plea cases, expands compensation to include some civil detention time, provides an advance payment option, and changes attorney fee provisions. The prime sponsor and supporters from the Washington Innocence Project and exonerees testified that the bill would reduce confusing and costly relitigation, improve access to compensation, and help families, including by removing the age limit for tuition waivers for children of exonerees. One citizen testified in opposition, arguing the bill broadens eligibility and state costs and should be rejected. No vote was taken on this bill in the transcript. The committee then considered Senate Bill 5536 on property division in dissolution and legal separation cases. Staff said the bill directs courts to consider costs tied to selling real property, the risk of homelessness for a spouse and children when deciding whether to award the family home, and enforcement of real property orders against creditors. The sponsor said the measure is intended to make property division more equitable by accounting for mortgage affordability, sale costs, and related expenses that can leave the spouse with custody at risk of foreclosure or housing instability. There was little additional testimony, and the hearing concluded without a recorded vote. In executive session, the committee took up Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5925, authorizing the Attorney General to issue civil investigative demands. Members debated and voted on numerous amendments, with some adopted and others rejected. Adopted amendments included limiting CIDs from the Attorney General’s criminal justice division, requiring consultation with local law enforcement when criminal violations may be involved, and requiring county prosecutors to be able to investigate the Attorney General in certain circumstances; several proposed exemptions and procedural limits were rejected, including right-to-cure, a higher issuance standard, fee-shifting for successful CID challenges, and exemptions for small businesses, religious organizations, and nonprofits. The committee also rejected a striking amendment that would have replaced the bill with a special inquiry judge process. The bill was then reported out of committee on a 7-5 vote with a do pass as amended recommendation. The committee also considered Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002 on automated license plate readers. After adopting a striker and rejecting a line amendment, the committee approved a version that clarifies where ALPR data may not be collected, adds definitions for certain protected facilities, allows some parking-enforcement uses, and adjusts retention and deletion rules. Supporters said the bill fills a gap in state law and adds privacy guardrails while preserving public safety uses; some members supported the goals but remained concerned about privacy, retention, and scope. The bill was reported out on a 7-5 vote with a do pass as amended recommendation. The transcript then briefly shifted to public hearings on court security and judicial staffing bills, with testimony supporting expanded threat-assessment authority for court security personnel and noting rising threats against judges, but the discussion was cut off before any final action on those bills was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Troxel 1 was actually a Washington State Supreme Court case and went to the U.S.
• I'm a Washington father. I'm here in strong support of House Bill 2735.
• House Bill 2735 addresses a civil rights problem rooted in... ...the code.
• I did not vote for the Keep Washington Working Act, because under the U.S.
• I did not vote for the Keep Washington Working Act, because under the U.S.

Bills: HB2735, SB5868, SJM8006

Keywords: family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation Local Programs Project 220 Corridor Completion, and that increases the Move Ahead Washington
• Transportation Local Programs Project 220 Corridor Completion, and that increases the Move Ahead Washington
• account. ...between the Public Works Assistance Account and the Move Ahead Washington account such that
• It establishes the Preserve Washington Account in the motor vehicle fund as an appropriated account to
• It also creates the Washington Wildlife Corridor Account and the Washington Wildlife Crossings Account

Bills: HB2306, HB2711

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

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

Bills: SB298, SB300, SB371

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

Transcript Highlights:

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

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Tyndall, who is Capital Ministry State Ministry Leader in Washington State. Thank you.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate of the State of Washington recognize and honor Yolanda
• And be it further resolved that the Senate of the State of Washington acknowledge Yolanda...
• 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:

• to speak on this bill, and that's because I have the best job in the world, teaching at Western Washington
• Now, on one hand, we are being told that a program that the government, the state of Washington, put
• 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.
• We are taking one bold step forward in Washington State today, and I encourage our support.

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:

• You know, the University of Washington, I think, has 55,000 folks.
• It requires the owner of an ELOF in Washington to publish a sustainability report.
• plans to Washington State residents.
• The bill also exempt LECs from the Washington University. cooperative.
• Western Washington University the right to collectively bargain.

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

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

Bills: SB6134

Keywords: unemployment insurance, UI benefits, striking workers, strike, labor dispute, retroactive wages, overpayment assessment, overpayment recovery, Employment Security Department, ESD, claimant notice, benefit recoupment, Washington unemployment law, worker notice, federal unemployment tax credit, state unemployment fund, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

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

Bills: HB2689, SB5420, SB5868, SB5877

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