Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to Banking, Financial Services, and Pensions.

Bills: SB1623, SB2067, SB2132

Keywords: credit union, Oklahoma State Credit Union Board, membership, loans, investments, board compensation, financial regulations, financial exploitation, protected adults, financial institution, notification, temporary hold, credit card, surcharge, discounts, consumer protection, payment methods

Summary: The Banking, Financial Services, and Pensions Committee heard three bills. Senate Bill 2132, presented by Rep. Geis, would raise the allowable credit card processing fee cap from 2% to 3% and preserve consumer protections requiring notice to customers. During discussion, members raised concerns about whether 3% was enough to cover actual merchant costs; Geis said she had spoken with the Senate author and was prepared to amend the bill to 4%, which she said would better match average costs and cover most businesses. The committee agreed to let the language be handled before Oversight, and the bill passed 8-0. House Bill 1623, also presented by Geis, updates the state charter for credit unions to give state-chartered institutions more flexibility similar to federally chartered credit unions. It revises field-of-membership rules, removes geographic or membership overlap considerations, and allows the board to add association categories for individuals in underserved areas below 150% of the poverty level. The bill received no questions and passed 8-0. Senate Bill 267, presented by Rep. Lepak, carries the same language previously passed in House Bill 3020 and deals with protection of vulnerable adults. Lepak said bankers and credit unions were working together on the measure. The committee took no substantive debate and passed the bill 8-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Bills: SB1623, SB2067, SB2132

Keywords: credit union, Oklahoma State Credit Union Board, membership, loans, investments, board compensation, financial regulations, financial exploitation, protected adults, financial institution, notification, temporary hold, credit card, surcharge, discounts, consumer protection, payment methods, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like it by institution? Yes, I'd like it by institution.
• Would you like it by institution? Yes, I'd like it by institution.
• However, records of WASFA applicants may be shared between the council and institutions of higher education
• However, records of WASFA applicants may be shared between the council and institutions of higher education
• Records like those are the records that are really going to help students.

Bills: HB2148, HB2132

Keywords: education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid, state financial aid, financial aid application, postsecondary education, higher education, student aid, Washington Student Achievement Council, public records exemption, privacy, student records, personally identifying information, financial information, data sharing agreement, enrollment assistance, institutional records, FERPA

Summary: The committee first held a work session on higher education funding and enrollment, with OPR staff Kate Henry reviewing Washington’s public higher education system, enrollment trends, tuition policy, financial aid programs, and funding sources. Members asked questions about FTE versus headcount, tuition changes, financial aid eligibility, and how the Workforce Education Investment Account and Opportunity Pathways funds are used to support Washington College Grant and College Bound awards. Henry explained recent policy changes, including Senate Bill 5785’s effects on award formulas, and noted that tuition, state appropriations, and financial aid are closely linked. Committee members also requested additional data on student-to-staff ratios and cost-of-attendance figures by institution. The committee then heard House Bill 2148, which would create a “Pay It Forward” program for graduate students. The bill would provide tuition support for up to four years, with recipients later making income-based contributions for up to 15 years to fund future students. The prime sponsor argued the bill was needed because federal changes would reduce access to graduate and professional loans, especially in fields like nursing, teaching, public health, and physical therapy. Testimony from students and advocates was strongly supportive, emphasizing workforce shortages, reduced federal aid, and the need for a revolving public funding model. Members asked about interest, caps, repayment terms, and how the program would be capitalized. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2132, which would limit disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information from WASFA applications. The bill would exempt such information from public disclosure, restrict retention to one year after the award year absent an audit or appeal, and limit sharing with outside entities except as required by law or court order. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce unnecessary long-term storage of sensitive student data and improve privacy and data security. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, especially from student and immigrant-advocacy groups, who said the bill would protect undocumented and mixed-status students and increase trust in the financial aid process. Some members raised concerns about whether shorter retention could affect future immigration or residency documentation, and the sponsor responded that students can keep their own records and that other proof of enrollment or graduation would remain available. The committee took no votes and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• , to transition or convert from one type of financial institution to another.
• , to transition or convert from one type of financial institution to another.
• State of Wyoming, to allow it to transition or convert from one type of financial institution to another
• </c><00:59:25.680><c> institution</c><00:59:26.319><c> that</c><00:59:26.559><c> that</c> new financial
• institution that that new financial institution that that could<00:59:27.359><c> meet</c><00:59:27.680

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Transcript Highlights:

• Bethke, please identify yourself for the record and begin. Thank you very much.
• Erron Zellhofer, please identify yourself for the record and begin.
• I'm happy to provide those records upon request. I see I'm at my two minutes.
• Swanson, please identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
• If you could identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to provide those records upon request.
• I'm happy to provide those records upon request.
• Please identify yourself for the record and begin. Hi, Chair, and members.
• Swanson, please identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
• If you can identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• It really is about retention of records and ensuring that we're not keeping records longer than we need
• It provides institutions of higher education the opportunity to clean up their records as they have them
• I also acknowledge that keeping records for these kinds of records for decades doesn't make sense; that's
• Please look at the voting record.
• Please look at the voting record.

Bills: HB2337, HB2311, HB2088, HB2148, HB2132

Keywords: training requirements, caregiving, family member, individual providers, home care, workforce education, investment accountability, administrative changes, oversight, education policy, nutritional health, dietetic professionals, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare regulation, education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2337 and House Bill 2311, then took executive action on Substitute House Bill 2132. HB 2337 would repeal the planned January 1, 2027 requirement that certain family caregivers who are paid to care for a relative complete continuing education. The bill sponsor and several family caregivers argued that mandatory annual continuing education is unnecessary, repetitive, and burdensome for relatives caring for one loved one, especially when training is often not tailored to the individual’s needs. Opponents, including SEIU 775 representatives and caregivers who support the current system, argued that continuing education improves care quality, helps caregivers stay current as needs change, and should remain mandatory; they said the state had already expanded course offerings in response to prior legislation. No action was taken on HB 2337 during the hearing. HB 2311 would make administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, including lengthening co-chair terms, allowing more than four meetings per year, changing one consultation requirement, and eliminating the statutory public dashboard requirement. Supporters from WASAC, Microsoft, and the United Faculty of Washington State said the bill would improve board operations and that the dashboard has not been funded or created. A committee member raised concerns about the board’s capacity and whether the bill would affect how projects are evaluated; witnesses said it would mainly improve the board’s ability to review more proposals and provide better recommendations. No vote was taken on HB 2311 in the transcript. The committee then considered HB 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying information in WASFA records. Members adopted amendment Ross 106, which broadens the Student Achievement Council’s ability to share WASFA applicant information with entities beyond higher education institutions under binding data-sharing agreements. After debate over the one-year retention period and privacy concerns, the committee voted 9-8 to report Substitute House Bill 2132 out of committee with a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Desiree, OPR staff.
• House Bill 2235 exempts certain law enforcement records from the Public Records Act.
• For the record, I'm Bill Kehoe.
• For the record, Seth Boone for the Northwest Progressive Institute here in strong support of House Joint
• We don't have a problem with our supervisors or our financial management and financial accounting.

Bills: HB2235, HJR4210, HB2520, HB2491, HB2499, HB2408, HB2435

Keywords: public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions, transparency, Constitution amendment, legislative sessions, session duration, state legislature, governance, emergency meetings, public agencies, accountability, open government, HB2491, WaTech, Washington Technology Solutions, public disclosure, public inspection

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several measures. House Joint Resolution 4210 would amend the state constitution to remove the current 105-day and 60-day limits on regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Sponsor Rep. Breonna Thomas said the resolution would not create a full-time legislature but would give lawmakers flexibility to set their own schedule; supporters argued it would improve working conditions and allow more thoughtful lawmaking, while opponents said it would give legislators too much power and could lead toward year-round sessions. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. House Bill 2520 would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely when needed to respond to emergencies, and would allow action at remote emergency meetings without first providing a public listen-in option. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit County flooding emergency and was meant to clarify existing authority. County and local government supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and preserve emergency response flexibility, while open-government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The committee also heard House Bill 2491, which would exempt personal information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for the state’s digital experience platform from public disclosure; WOTEC supported the bill as a privacy and cybersecurity measure, while open-government and transparency advocates argued the exemption was too broad and could cover non-sensitive records. The committee also heard House Bill 2235, which would extend Public Records Act exemptions to permit-to-purchase firearm applications, firearm transfer records, and related concealed pistol license materials. Sponsor Rep. Walsh said the bill protects applicants’ privacy and safety, especially in domestic violence situations; supporters from media, gun-rights, and civil-rights groups said disclosure could expose applicants to stalking, harassment, or theft, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and too broad. Public testimony on House Bill 2499 focused on conservation district elections and supervisor qualifications. The proposed substitute would let conservation districts opt into Title 29A elections, remove landownership requirements, lengthen terms, and add financial disclosure requirements for some supervisors. Supporters said the bill would modernize elections, improve transparency, and make districts more accessible; opponents, including conservation district officials and farm groups, warned that the F-1 disclosure requirement and ballot changes could deter volunteers, create major costs for small districts, and have unintended consequences. The committee also took executive action, reporting House Bill 2408 and House Bill 2435 out of committee with due pass recommendations by 7-0 and 5-2 votes, respectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• actually says already in the law that they should send it to the last known electronic mail address of record
• that in Oklahoma, when you're assessing real-world risk, actually someone with a spotless driving record
• institutions can protect members from scammers in a more effective and efficient manner.
• Financial fraud is not a new problem; scammers often target older adults, often breaking them before
• This bill will realign some legal roadblocks, allowing financial institutions a clear path to help protect

Bills: SB1303, SB1343, SB1435, SB1438, SB1444, SB1641, SB1765, SB1916, SB2067

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Transcript Highlights:

• When you're assessing real-world risk, actually someone with a spotless driving record, but poor credit
• institutions can protect members from scammers in a more effective and efficient manner.
• Financial fraud is not a new problem.
• This bill will realign some legal roadblocks, allowing financial institutions a clear path to help protect
• Align some legal roadblocks, allowing financial institutions a clear path to help protect vulnerable

Bills: SB1303, SB1343, SB1435, SB1438, SB1444, SB1641, SB1765, SB1916, SB2067

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Summary: The Business and Insurance committee met and first announced that several bills—1765, 1916, 1438, and 1444—would be laid over. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1303, which repeals an obsolete workers’ compensation advisory commission that members said is no longer needed after the state moved to a commission-based system; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1641 followed, clarifying that annual renewal notices for certain business certifications may be sent to the last known email address of record; it also passed 9-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1435, a property insurance measure responding to rising premiums. The author argued it would prohibit insurers from using credit scores in premium rating, citing examples of large rate differences tied to credit rather than driving or property risk. Members questioned whether banning credit scoring would shift costs to other policyholders, but the bill passed 5-3 after the title was struck. Senate Bill 1343, an optometry-related bill intended to ensure vision plan organizations and optometrists follow existing regulatory rules, drew questions about discounts and incentives but was described as not changing the current framework; it passed 8-1. Finally, Senate Bill 2067 was heard to help financial institutions more effectively report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and share information with Adult Protective Services or law enforcement more quickly. The author said the bill would remove legal barriers and improve scam prevention, especially for older adults. It passed unanimously 9-0. The chair then adjourned the meeting, noting the next meetings would be longer.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is John Lovick.
• And so I received these records, and not only did I receive records, but I received correspondence that
• It was an institution.
• up Grace's records, I've gone on to census records and looked up people who are on the census records
• It ensures that records and artifacts located at the Lakeland Institution are not destroyed, at least

Bills: SCR8406, SB5825, SB5842, SB5863, SB5840

Keywords: civic health, community engagement, committee reestablishment, public participation, governance, Washington State Leadership Board, WSLB, gift acceptance, grants, endowments, private funding, public funding, fundraising, state board, youth leadership, civic engagement, leadership development, Washington World Fellows, sports mentoring, Boundless Washington

Summary: The State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee held its first hearing of the 2006 session and heard five measures. The first, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session, adding members and extending reporting deadlines. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Mazzal testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan problem-solving. The chair noted 20 signed in pro and 53 con, but there was no vote at the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5825, which would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments to support youth leadership and civic engagement programs. Sponsor Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the bill would help diversify funding and preserve programs such as World Fellows, Compassion Scholars, and Boundless. Testifiers described the programs’ impact on students and said the board expected to raise less than $50,000 in the first year; the chair asked about donor policy and reporting safeguards. Sign-in totals were reported as four in favor and one against, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in a legislative office from the prohibition on using public resources for political campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify that historical or commemorative campaign items are allowed, but members raised questions about how to define “previous campaign” and whether items tied to a current officeholder’s past race would qualify. The bill drew one pro and ten con sign-ins, and the sponsor indicated openness to clarifying amendments. Senate Bill 5863, concerning preservation of Lakeland Village historical records, would bar destruction of identified records and artifacts until fiscal year 2030 and allow archival inspection after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and multiple disability advocates and family members strongly supported it as a matter of dignity, history, and accountability. The final bill, Senate Bill 5840, would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require committees to indicate whether they expect to participate in an election year. The PDC and treasurers supported clearer, more timely disclosure, but some witnesses objected to monthly zero reports and the burden on dormant committees; the chair and sponsor discussed a forthcoming substitute to address those concerns. The hearing ended with the chair noting all five bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are great institutions, like I said, we want the best institutions in our nation.
• And by institutions, it's new tuition revenue.
• It impacts our institutional agility and our long-term financial stability, needing to dig very deeply
• participating in state financial aid programs and allows those institutions to participate in the College
• attending public two-year institutions.

Bills: SB6251, SB6259, SB6325, SB5978, SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEA) Oversight Board, hearing from Jane Broome of Microsoft Philanthropies and Joel Anderson of WASAC. They reviewed the history and purpose of the WEA account, emphasizing that it was created as a dedicated, non-supplanting source to expand higher education and workforce investments, especially high-demand fields and financial aid. Broome and Anderson said the board has improved with WASAC staffing and better data, but they raised strong concerns that recent budget actions, especially shifting $400 million in University of Washington general-fund support to WEA, violated the original partnership and undermined trust. Senators asked about AI-related workforce needs, data transparency, and how to define “supplanting,” and the presenters said the board wants to stop supplanting and preserve WEA for its intended purposes. The committee then held public hearings on three bills. SB 6251 would require public medical schools to use letter grades or a tiered grading system; the sponsor said it was intended to standardize grading, but both WSU and UW opposed it, arguing that pass-fail and competency-based systems better support collaboration, mental health, and residency placement, and that only a small share of U.S. medical schools use letter grades. SB 6259 would make students who are found by a court to have caused major damage to a public higher education institution ineligible for state aid and require repayment of aid; the sponsor framed it as accountability for serious vandalism, while the lone testifier from WSU student government opposed it as unfair to lower-income students and potentially chilling to free expression. The final hearing was on SB 6235, which would reverse the “fund split” approach and require the state to fully fund compensation and central services for higher education rather than relying on tuition to cover those costs, while also directing a study on essential student services. Nearly all testimony was in support, from university and community college leaders, faculty, and labor representatives, who said the current system has led to hidden cuts, reduced COLAs, layoffs, program closures, larger class sizes, and reduced student services. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and adopted proposed substitutes and passed SB 5978, SB 6209, SB 6217, and SB 6227 to the Ways and Means Committee; SB 6235 was not acted on. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the end of the day, as a financial institution, we are limited as to what we can do to protect
• include credit unions and financial institutions generally.
• include credit unions and financial institutions generally.
• information included in the application to organize a new financial institution.
• It expands an existing provision in current law that already exempts such records of some financial institutions

Bills: S0198, S0570, S0772, S0808, S1038, S1040, S1286, S1440, S1504, S1668

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Institutions.
• By establishing licensing and oversight under the Department of Financial Institutions, the bill ensures
• It's a reality. ...of Financial Institutions, the bill ensures providers operate transparently and with
• Chair, members, House Bill 2903 prohibits the state from requiring a bank or financial institution to
• use a social credit score when the bank or financial institution evaluates whether to lend money to

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and offer your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members.
• :02.159><c> the</c> clarify please state your name for the clarify please state your name for the record
• and offer your testimony uh thank record and offer your testimony uh thank you<00:02:04.719><c> Mr</
• You've got to record the right documents.
• </c> please state your name for the record please state your name for the record and<00:25:29.640><c>

Bills: HF1027, HF101, HF1021

Keywords: mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds

Transcript Highlights:

• upon request, including public records that are confidential or exempt.
• the status of the records and that the disclosure of such records is prohibited by law and carries criminal
• the status of the records and that the disclosure of such records is prohibited by law and carries criminal
• It also adds cybersecurity reporting for financial institutions, and this bill conforms public records
• exemptions to include credit unions and financial institutions generally.

Bills: S0314, S0530, S0576, S0800, S0990, S1078, S1440, S1568, S1588, S1614

Keywords: payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to engineering regulation, cybersecurity, financial services, and state administration. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; it was reported favorably after questions about whether it would reimburse victims of unlicensed practitioners, with the sponsor noting it would not and that affected individuals would need to pursue complaints and private legal action. CS/SB 576 created a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing of cybersecurity services and priority for fiscally constrained counties; it received support from local government and industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1078 set transition requirements for gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and controlled access to agency records under a memorandum of understanding, and it also passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 314, which creates a regulatory framework for payment stablecoin issuers in Florida, and CS/SB 530, which updates lottery operations, security, retailer rules, and bonding requirements. CS/SB 1614, after adoption of a technical substitute amendment, would limit local governments’ eligibility for certain state funding if they have excess funds, have recently been audited by the legislative audit committee, or fail to affirm expenditure of prior funds; the sponsor said it would give the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee more enforcement leverage, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 990 authorizes protective cell captive insurance companies to expand insurance market capacity and potentially lower premiums, while CS/SB 1588 is a step toward implementing last session’s gold and silver legal tender law; both were reported favorably. Additional bills passed included CS/SB 1440, which adds cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, loan originators, and money service businesses, and CS/SB 1568, which creates a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program allowing DFS fees to be paid with approved stablecoins. The stablecoin bill was amended to add guardrails, including fee limits, website notice requirements, and restrictions if no approved issuers are available. The committee also received a brief budget overview highlighting major funding items such as Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, water quality, Farmers Feeding Florida, citrus recovery, school lunches, state parks, and law enforcement and staffing items, and members later recorded additional votes before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• upon request, including public records that are confidential or exempt.
• the status of the records and that the disclosure of such records is prohibited by law and carries criminal
• the status of the records and that the disclosure of such records is prohibited by law and carries criminal
• It also adds cybersecurity reporting for financial institutions, and this bill conforms public records
• exemptions to include credit unions and financial institutions generally.

Bills: S0314, S0530, S0576, S0800, S0990, S1078, S1440, S1568, S1588, S1614

Keywords: payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Desiree, on the OPR staff.
• For the record, my name is Hunter Abel.
• For the record, Desiree, OPR staff.
• As background, the Public Records Act provides a general requirement on agencies to make all public records
• Again, for the record, Desire and Lee OPR staff, House Bill 2661 creates a task force on public records

Bills: HB2514, HB2661, HB2637, HB2632, HB2499, HB2198, HB2520

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee heard two public bills before moving to executive session. House Bill 2514 would create a Global War on Terror Memorial Work Group to plan a memorial on the Capitol campus honoring Washingtonians who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who later died by suicide after serving. The prime sponsor and veteran witnesses described the memorial as a way to recognize sacrifice, support families, and preserve the history of post-9/11 service. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, and the hearing was closed without a vote during the public hearing portion. House Bill 2661 would create a temporary task force on public records modernization to study frivolous, retaliatory, or harassing PRA requests and possible reforms. Supporters, including school and city representatives, said some requests impose heavy costs and staff burdens, especially on small districts, and argued a stakeholder task force could produce practical solutions. Opponents from open-government and media groups warned the bill could be used to restrict access, argued the real problem is agency systems and resourcing, and said the PRA should be strengthened rather than narrowed. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. A proposed substitute for House Bill 2637, expanding PRA exemptions for certain personal information, passed 4-3. House Bill 2632, updating terminology for non-citizens, also passed 4-3. A proposed substitute for House Bill 2499 on conservation districts passed 4-3 after the committee adopted one amendment and rejected two others. House Bill 2198, creating a statewide credential catalog and online repository, passed 6-1, and House Bill 2520, allowing emergency meetings outside a county seat and clarifying OPMA emergency procedures, passed unanimously 7-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of 75 years from creation of the record.
• For the record, Danielle Creech, staff to the committee.
• They create real financial hardship.
• For the record, my name is Heather Curtinbach.
• For the record, my name is Neil Hartman.

Bills: SCR8406, SB5825, SB5842, SB5863, SB5840, SB5827, SB5968

Keywords: civic health, community engagement, committee reestablishment, public participation, governance, Washington State Leadership Board, WSLB, gift acceptance, grants, endowments, private funding, public funding, fundraising, state board, youth leadership, civic engagement, leadership development, Washington World Fellows, sports mentoring, Boundless Washington

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before hearing two bills. It advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, which reestablishes the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, with no amendments. It also advanced Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, after adopting a technical substitute amendment that removed references to an expired program. Senate Bill 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records through fiscal year 2030 and allowing certain archived records to be opened after 75 years, also received a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to allow a certification option for some January-June filers with low activity and to move the effective date to January 1, 2028, then was advanced as amended. All four bills were sent to the Rules Committee, with the chair ruling each passed subject to signatures. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification, rather than waiting for a DD Form 214, to claim civil service veterans’ preference before separation from service. Staff explained the bill would require follow-up discharge papers within 30 days and agency procedures to verify service details. Prime sponsor Senator Chris Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not secure preference points before retirement; the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs was supportive, and the proposed substitute reflected OFM feedback. Testimony in support came from Jerry Fuzik of the Veterans Legislative Coalition, and staff noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishnadasan, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines. Staff said the bill would require cabinet agencies to report credential data annually, publish processing deadlines for all credentials on a phased schedule reaching 100% by 2030, and refund application fees if deadlines are missed. Senator Krishnadasan described delays that cost a constituent a job and argued the bill would make timelines more predictable and enforceable. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, business groups, labor organizations, ports, the Department of Health, and others, who emphasized job creation, transparency, and faster licensing; the Department of Health reported substantial reductions in processing times for several professions and said it lacked refund authority under current law. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in on the bill, including 23 in favor, four opposed, and three others.