Transcript Highlights:

• The Washington College Grant is the state's largest financial aid program, providing grants to low-income
• My name is Santa Gerard, and I'm representing the Washington Student Association in support of Senate
• Allowing PTC students to auto-qualify for the Washington College Grant provides a sense of security in
• by auto-qualifying them for the maximum Washington College Grant award.
• Senator Nobles: Students who are income eligible can automatically qualify for the Washington College

Bills: SB5963

Keywords: SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development, apprenticeship, foster youth, homeless students, unaccompanied youth, low-income students, public assistance, state financial aid account, scholarships, Washington student grants, grant eligibility

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee held public hearings on two bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5931, a companion to House Bill 2311, would make administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, including extending co-chair terms from one to two years, allowing more than four meetings per year, requiring consultation with the Student Achievement Council when evaluating outcomes, and removing the requirement for a public data dashboard. Committee staff and Student Achievement Council testimony described the bill as technical, with no fiscal impact, and said the dashboard was never created and was later defunded. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Warnock, and the lone testifier supported it, and no opposition was presented in the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5963, the companion to House Bill 2586, which would change Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant rules so that students eligible for Passport to Careers—former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth—would automatically qualify as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. Staff explained that the bill also aligns the financial need formula with the federal student aid index and directs Passport to Careers funds into the state financial aid account. Testimony from the Student Achievement Council, Washington Student Association, and Western Washington University strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the barriers faced by foster and homeless youth, the high rates at which these students already receive maximum grant awards, and the bill’s role in streamlining access to aid. Senator Nobles said the measure would not increase costs and urged support. At the close of the hearing, the chair said the committee intended to executive both bills on Tuesday if a majority of members wanted that, with amendment requests due by Monday at 10 a.m. and amendments approved by 6 p.m. Monday. The committee also announced it would not meet on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• She said the 34 community and technical colleges serve about 307,000 students across Washington and described
• She said 55% of students are students of color, 48% receive need-based financial aid in eligible programs
• Collectively, our 34 community and technical colleges serve about 307,000 students across Washington.
• for the Washington College Grant, and aligns the Passport to Careers formula for determining financial
• College Grant.

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:

• Unlike K-12 education, Washington does not fund higher education using a per-student formula.
• Students across Washington are poorly served by inadequate funding for higher education.
• They are receiving the smallest state subsidy of any public higher education student in Washington.
• of the cost of their education than any other public higher education students in Washington.
• overload their class schedules. in Washington Student Association in support of House Bill 2617.

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:

• 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:

• , Connecting Washington, Nickel, and TPA construction projects.
• , of all the grant programs, you funded about 70%.
• Dennis Eagle, with the Washington Federation of State Employees.
• I'm Stephen Ellis with the Association of Washington Cities.
• supporting the Washington tax base.

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

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held public hearings on a proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget and on a transportation resources bill. Staff described the supplemental budget as increasing transportation spending by about $1.1 billion to $16.5 billion, largely through reappropriations and preservation/maintenance funding, while avoiding any new bond authority. The chair and ranking member emphasized caution because of declining revenue forecasts, uncertainty around major projects and future fish-passage costs, and the need to preserve flexibility for ferries, roads, and maintenance. Testimony on the budget was generally supportive of investments in rail, transit access, dredging, safety programs, local roads, flood response, and preservation, though several witnesses urged more long-term funding stability and some requested specific changes, such as shifting King County Metro electrification funds and restoring funding for a Kent freight corridor project. The committee then heard House Bill 2711, a follow-up to last year’s transportation resources law. Staff explained that the bill makes technical and administrative changes to fuel tax distribution, luxury vehicle/aircraft/recreational vessel taxes, the indigent tow reimbursement program, tire-fee language, and related reporting provisions. The proposed substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, clarify peer-to-peer rental car tax administration, restore transit bus toll-exemption authority, waive certain penalties and interest for dealers complying with the luxury vehicle tax, allow installment payment of the luxury vehicle tax on leases, exempt certain sales to tribal members and nonresidents, change transfer timing between accounts, and create a Preserve Washington Account for highway preservation and maintenance. Questions from members focused on public availability of the substitute and on the transit-bus toll exemption. Public testimony on the resources bill was mixed. An RV dealer and an RV industry representative asked for a delay or repeal of the luxury vehicle tax, arguing it would worsen an already weak market and drive sales out of state. Other witnesses supported the dedicated preservation account and asked the committee to adopt Senate language increasing bid limits for highway maintenance work. The committee closed the public hearings and announced that executive action on the two bills, plus a wildlife safe passages bill, would occur Wednesday, with amendment requests due the next day.

Bills: HF2431

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Bills: HF2431

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 28 is the students with intellectual and developmental disabilities grants.
• students.
• In 2023, 500 students received the grant. In 2024, that number rose to 679.
• Currently, under the state grant formula, the average award for a private college student is $6,000 compared
• One student shared: "Financial aid, this grant symbolizes belief in my potential.

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 28 is the students with intellectual and developmental disabilities grants.
• Thank you. difference to students who rely on those difference to students who rely on those grants<00
• In 2023, 500 students received the grant. In 2024, that number rose to 679.
• </c><00:57:50.079><c> In</c><00:57:50.440><c> 2024,</c> students received the grant.
• In 2024, students received the grant.

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• For many low-income students, the grant is the difference between being able to attend college or not
• The grant formula relies on state and federal financial aid calculations to estimate how much a student
• Increasing the LME can raise grant awards for eligible students.
• Increasing the LME can raise grant awards for eligible students.
• Increasing the LME can raise grant awards for eligible students.

Bills: HF4266

Keywords: higher education, state grants, financial aid, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium, summer 2026, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But essentially how a state grant award is calculated is we first set a budget for the student.
• So, if the student is not full-time, they will receive a grant that corresponds with their enrollment
• So for students in our primary income range of state grant eligibility, that entire distribution has
• So what that means from a practical perspective is that almost all state grant eligible students saw
• So for students in our primary income range of state grant eligibility, that entire distribution has

Bills: HF4362, HF4252, HF4440

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• certain guidelines, administer certain physical fitness tests, and direct school districts to use student
• performance results. ...directing school districts to use student performance results for better health
• outcomes for our students.
• Should we start talking to students about health, fitness, and diet? Yes, absolutely.
• It is basically a competitive grants pool.

Bills: SB1432, SB1338, SB1437, SB1812

Keywords: teacher certification, pilot program, education, state board, alternative pathways, education grants, competitive grants, revolving fund, State Department of Education, State Board of Education, Strong Readers Act, literacy instruction, reading intervention, dyslexia, science of reading, structured literacy, multisensory instruction, school districts, public education funding, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:39.199><c> aid</c> students with the negative student aid students with the negative student
• These same students were getting this negative student aid index money.
• Of course, these grants go out to students who are currently in or formerly in the foster care system
• :15:20.079><c> students</c><00:15:20.560><c> who</c><00:15:20.800><c> are</c> grants go out to students
• who are grants go out to students who are currently<00:15:21.440><c> in</c><00:15:21.680><c> or</c><

Bills: HF2431, HF2438, HF2783, HF1943

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• They're seeking to have 25,000 students by 2028.
• And I know our almost 1,000 students in that program now.
• Pensacola State has almost 16,000 students.
• And we do have some programs that hopefully will pass that will enable students, or encourage students
• A lot of close faculty-student work.

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we're going to take up tab one, Senate Bill 1376, on grants for genetic counseling education
• The bill would establish an education grant program to support students pursuing a career in genetics
• going to say I did use a genetic counselor before I had my first child, and that was, I guess, in Washington

Bills: S1376, S1570

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1376, which would create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors by supporting students in genetics programs at state universities. Senator Burgess described genetic counselors’ roles in oncology, prenatal care, rare diseases, and other clinical settings, and noted Florida’s limited number of licensed counselors. The committee adopted an amendment requiring graduate programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members spoke in support, and CS/SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up SB 1570, which would revive Project Leo, a prior Florida program that helped locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering or elopement. President Gates explained that the bill would allow participating CARD centers to work with local sheriff’s offices to provide voluntary tracking devices and included $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell supported the measure, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism, and the importance of preventing drownings and other tragedies. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, no senators requested to be recorded on the bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Grant is the tool by which this objective is achieved for lower income students.
• The State Grant is the tool by which this objective is achieved for lower income students.
• The State Grant is the tool by which this objective is achieved for lower income students.
• The State Grant is the tool by which this objective is achieved for lower income students.
• student aid or grant new statute denying student aid or grant program<01:44:57.000><c> funds</c><01:44

Bills: HF4252

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• for teaching students. to post research on student use of mobile devices and best practice strategies
• Student Achievement Council.
• may be eligible, and identification of whether the student has completed... ...for which the student
• for the College Bound Scholarship Program, the Washington College Grant, or the Washington Opportunity
• Student.

Bills: SB6278

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session to consider several education bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5242 concerning anaphylaxis medication in schools, staff described changes to school epinephrine policies, and members discussed a striking amendment that clarified the bill to allow trained personnel to administer premeasured epinephrine, expand liability protections, and make related technical changes. A drafting error referencing albuterol was flagged and corrected through an amendment to the amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5346 on student use of mobile devices in public schools. The bill would require OSPI to report on school policies limiting mobile device use during instructional hours and post research and best practices. An amendment shortened reporting timelines, removed a distribution requirement, updated terminology, and encouraged school boards to review OSPI recommendations; members spoke in support of local flexibility, classroom focus, and reducing distractions. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 5841, on high school and beyond plans and financial aid, was also amended and passed out of committee. The amendment added information about College Bound Scholarship enrollment, financial aid application completion, and required review of certain information before graduation and after financial aid applications are completed. Members emphasized helping students understand scholarship and college funding opportunities. The committee then reported Substitute Senate Bill 6268, requiring OSPI to maintain a 20-year online record of final special education complaint decisions, and Senate Bill 6278, codifying ongoing PESB review of teacher and principal preparation programs, both with do pass recommendations. All final votes were voice votes or standing committee report votes, and each bill passed with broad support, with one nay on the mobile devices bill and the rest unanimous or near-unanimous.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sienna Gerard, and I'm representing the Washington Student Association in support of this
• My name is Elias Ng, and I am a current student at Lake Washington High School, testifying in favor of
• We understand that students from Lake Washington High School brought this concept to Senator Wellman
• So happy to work with the students from Lake Washington and Senator Wellman over interim.
• So happy to work with the students from Lake Washington and Senator Wellman over interim.

Bills: SB6278

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Summary: The House Education Committee heard several bills focused on special education records, AI and surveillance in schools, financial aid access, educator preparation, emergency epinephrine use, and student mobile phone use. Substitute Senate Bill 6268 would require OSPI to keep an online public record of final special education community complaint decisions for 20 years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency, help parents and districts understand legal precedents, and preserve decisions that are currently retained for only six years; no opposition testified, and the hearing closed after several pro sign-ins. Substitute Senate Bill 5956 would limit school use of automated decision systems, AI, surveillance tools, and facial recognition in student discipline and safety contexts. Supporters argued it would prevent harmful false positives and discriminatory impacts, while opponents warned it could interfere with school safety and emergency uses of facial recognition; the committee heard extensive testimony from students, advocates, and industry representatives, and the hearing closed with a large number of pro and con sign-ins. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5841, which would expand the High School and Beyond Plan platform to import financial aid application data and add the Washington Opportunity Scholarship Program to required financial aid information. The sponsor said the bill would simplify access to aid and create a more transparent, “dashboard”-style system, while a student advocate testified in support; there was also concern raised about data privacy for immigrant and DACA students, and the sponsor said participation would be opt-in. Senate Bill 6278 would codify and adjust Professional Educator Standards Board review of teacher and principal preparation programs, including more regular review of program standards, educator role standards, evidence, and P-12 partner input, and would allow field placement plans to be submitted on a less frequent schedule. PESB staff said the bill largely reflects current practice and provides flexibility, and the hearing closed with unanimous pro sign-ins. Substitute Senate Bill 5240 would broaden who may administer epinephrine in schools and under what circumstances, allowing trained staff to use any available epinephrine when a student with a prescription on file has an anaphylactic reaction, with reimbursement required if another student’s medication is used. School nurses and the School Nurse Organization of Washington raised concerns about using one student’s prescription for another, reimbursement logistics, and possible conflicts with nursing law, while supporters emphasized the need for faster response in emergencies. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5346 would direct OSPI to study school mobile-device restrictions and update digital citizenship resources, with reports due in 2026 and 2028 and a revised definition of digital citizenship. Supporters framed it as a student mental health issue and a measured approach to guidance, and student testimony backed clearer phone rules; the committee began public testimony but the transcript ends before any final action on this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, this authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants for
• As a reminder, this authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants for
• on this student health survey that could be requested and accessed by the public.
• students are doing.
• And it's voluntary, so students who don't want to participate don't have to participate.

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the students of the University of Washington Bothell, and I'm testifying in support of SJM
• For the record, my name is Heba Qadrani, and I represent the students of the University of Washington
• I represent the students of the University of Washington Bothel and I'm testifying in support of SJM-
• For the record, my name is Heva Qadrani and I represent the students of the University of Washington,
• As you have students, we condemn the extra. The students of the University of Washington Tacoma.

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313, SB6084, SB6137

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and considered six bills. On Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, members debated amendments affecting voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters. Amendment 386, which changed tribal meeting requirements, was not adopted, while Amendment 385, which replaced authorization for an electronic ballot portal with a feasibility study, was adopted. The bill then passed out of committee with a due pass as amended recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6081, concerning nondisclosure of sex designation records, was amended unsuccessfully by a proposal to limit protections to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault; the bill passed with a due pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6034, codifying the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, was amended to require Senate confirmation of the executive director and passed as amended. Senate Bill 6084 on repeat voting passed without amendment. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5968, implementing Executive Order 25-03 on agency credentials, adopted an amendment making annual ORIA reporting more explicit, rejected another reporting amendment, and passed as amended. Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering adopted amendments restricting certain prop bets and making threats against sports officials, coaches, or participants a gross misdemeanor, then passed as amended. The committee then opened public hearings on several bills. Gross Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 8014 called for a U.S. investigation into the death of Aishinur Ezgi Eygi, and testimony was overwhelmingly in support from family members, friends, University of Washington students, faculty, and advocacy groups, with one opponent arguing the matter belonged to Congress. Substitute Senate Bill 5840 on campaign finance reporting drew support from the Public Disclosure Commission, which said it would align reporting with mail voting and improve transparency, while campaign treasurers and compliance officers opposed the bill’s added reporting frequency and burden. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, expanding Public Records Act exemptions for certain survivors, anonymized demographic data, and individual Healthy Youth Survey responses, received support from OFM and opposition from a public records advocate who argued it added another exemption to an already lengthy list. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which eliminates or modifies agency reports, was supported as a way to right-size reporting requirements. Senate Bill 5000, naming the Evergreen State as Washington’s official nickname, drew a brief supportive testimony and one opposing witness who objected to the state’s growing number of public records exemptions. Senate Bill 5325, designating Pediocactus nigrispinus as the state cactus, received supportive testimony. Senate Bill 6044, recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as a legislatively recognized day, was supported by Sikh community testimony. Substitute Senate Bill 5827, expanding veterans’ preference documentation to include pre-discharge certification, was briefly introduced but had no testimony. The committee adjourned after closing the hearings.