Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to take away from Nancy's testimony, and certainly I've talked to building trades and so

Bills: SB5965, SB6030, SB5975, SB5941

Keywords: environment, retail bags, sustainability, pollution, customer impact, plastic bags, retail, waste reduction, cookware safety, lead regulation, consumer protection, interstate trade, health standards, SB 5941, Washington State Energy Code, State Building Code Council, renewable energy, solar panels, school district exemption, public school construction

Summary: The committee first heard SB 5965 on retail bags, which would prohibit single-use plastic and reusable film plastic carryout bags, raise the paper bag pass-through charge from 8 cents to 20 cents, preserve exemptions for SNAP/WIC-related transactions, and add penalties for manufacturers and distributors. The sponsor and supporters argued the current law has led to thicker plastic bags that are not being reused as intended and are contributing to litter, microplastics, and ocean pollution. Environmental groups, local governments, health advocates, and some retailers supported the bill, while grocery, hospitality, retail, packaging, and manufacturing groups opposed it, saying the 20-cent paper fee is regressive, the plastic ban could create food-safety and delivery problems, and the state should wait for more data on the current 12-cent fee. The hearing ended with the chair noting 1,240 people chose not to testify, with 541 pro, 695 con, and 4 other sign-ins. The committee then heard SB 6030, a competing bag bill that would allow film plastic and paper carryout bags if they meet recycled-content standards, keep paper bags at 8 cents, and reduce the plastic bag fee from 12 cents to 8 cents while eliminating the reusable-bag thickness requirements. Staff explained that most of the prior carryout bag restrictions would be repealed, though recycled-content standards and the SNAP exemption would remain. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the chair noted 208 non-testifiers, with 192 pro, 11 con, and 5 other. Next, the committee took up SB 5975 on lead in cookware, which would narrow the covered cookware definition, delay the drop to a 10 ppm lead standard until 2030, and allow compliance through FDA or European testing methods. Supporters said the current law is hard to implement, lacks a clear test method, and should be aligned with practical enforcement standards; opponents from Ecology, Health, environmental groups, and consumer advocates said the bill would weaken Washington’s current protections, create broad exemptions, and allow high-lead cookware to remain on the market. The hearing ended with 609 non-testifiers, including 54 pro, 552 con, and 3 other. Finally, staff briefly introduced SB 5941, which would direct the Building Code Council to exempt certain small school districts in central and eastern climate zones from on-site renewable energy system requirements, and the sponsor said the bill is intended to provide flexibility rather than eliminate the code.

Transcript Highlights:

• no questions, I'll move on to Senate Bill 6246, relating to emissions from emissions-intensive or trade-exposed
• They're not trading off with each other, and it's an attempt to address the concerns of both the small
• starts in 20131 and one starts in 2037 they both would get their 10 years so they're not kind of trading

Bills: SB6124, SB6171, SB6284, SB5609, SB6172, SB6246, SB5932, SB6269, SB6223, SB5975

Keywords: appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, artificial intelligence, data privacy, technological impacts, cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee took executive action on 11 bills, with staff briefing each measure and members considering multiple proposed substitutes and amendments. The committee advanced bills on an Appliance Affordability Index study (SB 624), emerging large energy use facilities/data centers (SB 6171), AI systems (SB 6284), cultural resource protection under SEPA (SB 5609), coal plant treatment under cap-and-invest and tax law (SB 6172), emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (SB 6246), low-to-zero-carbon alternative jet fuel production (SB 5932), motor fuel definitions (SB 6269), community-scaled weatherization projects (SB 6223), lead in cookware (SB 5975), and electric transmission system modernization (SB 5466). Several bills were described as technical or policy updates tied to climate, energy reliability, consumer protection, and land-use review. Members debated a number of substantive changes. On SB 6171, the committee rejected an amendment to remove the proposed fee on data centers and instead advanced a substitute that retained tariff, reporting, and utility-related provisions; testimony emphasized both competitiveness for data centers and ratepayer protection. On SB 6284, the committee advanced a substitute that refined definitions, added human-consideration language, extended risk-management duties to developers with exemptions for smaller entities and certain sectors, and clarified enforcement. On SB 5609, an amendment to delay or restructure cultural-resource requirements was not adopted, and the committee moved forward a substitute requiring local ordinances and a governor-led task force; supporters stressed protecting irreplaceable cultural resources, while opponents raised housing and implementation concerns. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 6172 related to emergency DOE orders for a coal facility, then advanced the bill; it moved SB 6246 forward without amendment; and it adopted a substitute for SB 5932 intended to preserve tax incentive certainty for alternative jet fuel producers over a 10-year period. For SB 5975, the committee rejected one substitute and adopted another that tightened lead restrictions in cookware and shifted future regulation to the Safer Products Program. On SB 5466, the committee rejected several amendments on wildfire risk, corridor planning, landowner consultation, eminent domain, and liability, then advanced the proposed second substitute to Ways and Means. Most bills were reported out of committee with due pass recommendations, several to Ways and Means and others to Rules, and the meeting adjourned after all executive actions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trade creates stakeholders. Entrepreneurship creates alignment.
• This is one piece: the state of Arizona has invested trade office funds in different trade offices in
• House Bill 2750 establishes the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission.
• I think it's a public health trade-off.
• I am an association professional by trade, if you will.

Bills: HB2746, HB2750, HB2765, HB4036

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona-Sonora, Sonora, Mexico, trade commission, cross-border trade, bilateral trade, international trade, economic development, foreign relations, border economy, investment, infrastructure, business exchange, academic exchange, legislative commission

Transcript Highlights:

• A trade war nobody can win.
• -Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.
• Trade is more vital than ever.
• International Trade Administration.
• Trade policy, but... Okay, do you agree that the President's trade policy is good for Main Street?

Keywords: Commerce, International Trade, Tax Policy, Nominees, Inflation, Middle-class, Trade Practices, Economic Concerns

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Leavitt, a dietitian licensure compact is built on the same proven framework as many other interstate
• CSG, through its National Center for Interstate Compacts, has facilitated the development process for

Bills: HB2088

Keywords: nutritional health, dietetic professionals, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare regulation, 904, all

Summary: The committee met on January 13 for introductions, staff updates, and a review of amendment deadlines and executive session procedures. Members noted that amendment requests should ideally be submitted by 10 a.m. Monday for Tuesday executive sessions, with amendments released to the EBB by 6 p.m. the day before. The chair also announced that, because other scheduled bills had been referred elsewhere, the committee had only one bill for public hearing that day: House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Rep. Mari Leavitt presented HB 288, saying it would join Washington to an interstate compact allowing dietitians to practice across state lines under a compact privilege. She described it as consistent with prior compacts the committee has advanced and said it would improve access to care, especially for rural communities and military families, by reducing licensing delays for relocating spouses. Committee questions focused on how the bill compared with other compacts and whether federal military officials had weighed in; Leavitt said it followed the same model as other compacts and that the Department of the Army had sent a supportive letter. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair noting 107 people signed in pro and none opposed. Testifiers included representatives of the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Veterans Legislative Coalition, the Washington Policy Center, military spouses, the Council of State Governments, and individual dietitians. Supporters emphasized workforce mobility, continuity of care, telehealth, rural access, and reduced burdens on military families. One witness used the hearing to advocate more broadly for universal licensure recognition, but still supported the compact as a step forward. The chair closed the public hearing on HB 288, and the meeting ended after a caucus break and an announcement about an upcoming student lobbyist dinner.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a side note, we have 29 interstate compacts that we participate in in Minnesota, 10 of which are in
• Um, just as a side note, we have 29<01:09:20.400><c> interstate</c><01:09:20.960><c> compacts</c><01:
• 09:21.520><c> that</c><01:09:22.400><c> we</c><01:09:23.120><c> uh</c> 29 interstate compacts that we
• uh 29 interstate compacts that we uh participate<01:09:23.759><c> in</c><01:09:23.920><c> in</c><01:

Bills: HF1925

Keywords: nurse licensure, multistate license, healthcare, public safety, interstate compact, nursing regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• -Israel trade relations, with bilateral trade between the two countries exceeding $50 billion annually
• Since we already did $840 million in trade, how much are you expecting to increase? Sure.
• U.S. trading partners.
• A trade office would facilitate collaboration in this critical area.
• We should establish a trade office in Israel.

Bills: HB 1240, HB1353, HCR76, HCR90

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, international cooperation, infrastructure investment, bond issuance, state agencies, shrimp industry, federal regulations, foreign imports, economic impact, public health, Gulf Coast communities, Texas-Israel relations, Israel, Jerusalem, trade office, foreign relations

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's covering about one-fourth of the state's U.S. highways and interstates.
• Because we have the federal funds for U.S. highways and interstates, we've moved this program to state
• with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region to assess supply and demand opportunities to better align trade
• We'll move to our public hearing on House Bill 2111, allowing the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project
• House Bill 2111, allowing the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project toll facility bond retirement account

Bills: HB2111, HB2495

Keywords: Interstate 5 bridge, toll facility, bond retirement, transportation, state funding, vehicles, streetcar operation, public safety, urban regulation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Its location and proximity to critical transatlantic trade routes places it at the center of several
• Instead of starting a new trade war, America must reinvigorate and expand cooperation with our allies
• it is hard to build an icebreaker, it takes unique welding expertise, for example, and inefficient trade
• A smarter approach might be to go beyond extraction and ensure that trade agreements support investment
• If a trade agreement were to be considered with Greenland, what specific policy incentives should be

Keywords: Greenland, acquisition, national security, Arctic, geopolitical, China, Russia, icebreakers, trade routes

Summary: The meeting convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation focused on the potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States. This issue, first raised by President Trump in 2019, has gained renewed significance amidst shifting global dynamics and the strategic importance of Greenland in relation to transatlantic trade routes and national security. The members discussed the geopolitical implications of Greenland's position, especially given the increasing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic region. Notably, the urgency to address military presence and icebreaker capabilities in the Arctic was a major point of contention, with a call for a new fleet to counter foreign dominance in the area.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got a situation where the federal government has undermined America's trading relationships, given
• On Global Mass, we have the benefit at Economic Development of having our international trade office,
• Up next, we have a panel from the Massachusetts Building Trades: Rich Frank and Russell.
• Closing this loophole also helps protect the long-term future of skilled trades.
• I'm President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council.

Bills: H5386

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Dutch trade… trade and investment support more than 1 million American jobs.
• $30 billion in annual trade between our countries.
• Military sales are absolutely a way we can help drive down that trade deficit.
• He clearly had a desire to help reduce our trade deficit.
• We are blessed to run a trade surplus with the Netherlands.

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the National trade estimate on foreign trade barriers.
• I'm for trade. I represent trade. I represent a trade economy.
• There is a trade, we already have a free trade agreement. We have a trade surplus.
• We have a trade surplus. We have a free trade agreement.
• Our trading partners have taken advantage of us. We don't have fair trade.

Keywords: tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls

Summary: The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding category in the a unified transportation plan for border security to establish international trade
• Mexico ports of entry with the rest of the country is critical in promoting trade, supporting economic
• $11 billion on Operation Lone Star, but none of this money is currently being spent. spent on border trade
• Border trade can be considered a component of border security in the sense that it involves all the movements

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Second will be House File 3635 on the Interstate Compact, and third will be House File 3638 with policy
• So, I will do a brief walkthrough of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.
• So, the interstate compact, I just want to point out three things.
• So, the interstate compact, I just want to point out three things.
• The interstate compact is before you &gt;&gt; No.

Bills: HF3635, HF3638

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and fix equipment. ...and reduce electronic and equipment downtime while preserving protections for trade
• CTA is the trade association that represents the U.S. consumer technology industry, including manufacturers

Bills: S0806

Keywords: right to repair, repairability, consumer repair, independent repair provider, authorized repair provider, portable wireless device, smartphone repair, cell phone repair, mobile device, agricultural equipment, farm equipment, tractor, combine, diagnostic information, repair manuals, parts availability, tools, embedded software, firmware, security module

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture took up SB 806, a consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill sponsored by Senator Truenow. The bill was described as expanding repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified that portable devices do not include motor vehicles, and another was a technical staff amendment. Testimony included support for the general goal of repair access, but opposition from a John Deere dealership representative, who warned the bill could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, increase downtime, and create emissions-compliance risks. The Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state laws, a private right of action against manufacturers, and inconsistencies with other states’ repair laws. After closing remarks from Senator Truenow, the committee voted to report CS for SB 806 favorably. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers and alumni, who highlighted 4-H’s role in youth development, leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living. They described statewide participation of more than 216,000 youth, the impact of camps and hands-on programs, and efforts to raise funds for facility improvements, including Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee. Members asked about how youth discover 4-H, what drives participation, and the organization’s growth goals, including reaching 300,000 youth. Next, Florida FFA state officers presented on agricultural education and FFA’s role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. They emphasized the three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA leadership activities, and noted Florida’s membership growth to more than 65,000 students, supported by state funding that allows all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. Members discussed the need for technology and AI to help meet future food-production demands, and the presenters stressed innovation, urban agriculture, and efficiency as key to feeding a growing population. The meeting concluded with general comments of support and a request for a group photo with the students.

Transcript Highlights:

• workers and industries and to promote a trade policy that is guided by a strategic understanding of
• Donald Trump's trade chaos is in fact a wrecking ball for America's economy and businesses.
• Our foreign trading partners are starting to discuss trade agreements that would actually exclude the
• Donald Trump has pushed the Commerce Department front and center to the trade and tariff debate.
• If confirmed, he would be a key... player in implementing a disastrous trade agenda from Donald Trump

Keywords: nominations, William Kimmett, Kenneth Keyes, Commerce Department, Tax Policy, economic agenda, trade, tax cuts, public testimony

Summary: This meeting of the committee was centered around the consideration of nominations for two key positions: William Kimmett as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Keyes as Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Members were given the opportunity to provide remarks on the nominees, with discussions revealing contrasting views on their potential impact on U.S. economic policy. While some members expressed support for the nominees, highlighting their qualifications and expertise, others voiced strong opposition, arguing that their confirmation would further a harmful economic agenda that favors billionaires over average Americans. Senator Wyden, the ranking member, emphasized concerns about trade chaos and the detrimental effects on workers and businesses across the country.

Bills: SB1767, SB1859, SB1767, SB1859

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, shipping, retailers, legal compliance, civil penalties, interstate regulation, enforcement, cyber crime, fraud unit, digital evidence, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, investigative powers, financial deception, ransomware, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Canada as their number one trading partner internationally.
• So how is this trade war helping our economy here?
• Trade in free or fairer trade with Canada is one.
• is the number one trade relationship that we have with anyone right now.
• Trade deals with Japan during his first term.

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• that information to the committee separately, as well as the contact for the National Center for Interstate

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.