Transcript Highlights:

• While in that position, a migrant who crossed the border was detained by CBP officers and severely...

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, in everyone's district, there are farm workers that are migrants.
• The bill defines a package plant as a pre-manufactured... ...wastewater treatment facility with a treatment
• the treatment.
• So speed and costs are factors when you’re doing a kind of localized treatment.
• But a wastewater treatment plant next door was not on our bingo card.

Bills: SB243, SB1586, SB1891, SB1959, SB2159, SB2568

Keywords: migrant labor housing, migrant housing, farmworker housing, migrant agricultural worker, agricultural labor, farm labor contractor, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, TDHCA, civil penalty, housing code enforcement, sanitation, occupancy standards, retaliation, worker complaint, language access, Spanish-language outreach, H-2A visa, temporary agricultural workers, unlicensed housing, rural housing

Bills: SB2057

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, March 5, for a series of decision-making agendas and considered a long list of Senate bills. Early measures included SB 2151, which clarifies state and local authority during emergencies and revises the definition of “emergency”; the committee agreed to restore the broader, long-used definition and add a sunset date, then passed the bill with amendments. SB 3055, concerning false impersonation of an employee organization representative, was amended to remove liquidated damages and passed. Several technical or conforming bills also advanced, including SB 3067, SB 3077, SB 3131, SB 3134, SB 3144, SB 3152, SB 3154, and SB 3249, with most passed with technical amendments or unamended; some members noted reservations on SB 3249. The committee also took up bills affecting public safety, health, and education. SB 3083 was amended to narrow notice requirements for protective orders involving military-affiliated individuals to a designated military security force, and SB 3118 on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children passed as is. SB 3134 modernized emergency medical services statutes, while another SB 3134 item addressed dangerous intoxication and civil protective custody. SB 3262, requiring the Hawaii State Teachers Board to submit nominees to the Board of Education, was amended to include a defective effective date. SB 3315, allowing a one-time medical cannabis purchase while registration is pending, was also amended to a delayed effective date and passed. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on law enforcement and immigration-related proposals. SB 3322, which restricts facial coverings by law enforcement, requires visible identification, and sets agency policies on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to remove an affirmative defense, make the penalty a misdemeanor, and incorporate exceptions for undercover work and related preparation; it passed with one no vote. SB 3251, barring certain former ICE and Border Patrol personnel from employment in specified state agencies, was narrowed to apply to those with more than 90 cumulative days of such work during a defined period and passed with reservations. SB 2057, a reconsideration measure limiting use of state personnel and funds to assist federal immigration agents beyond their authority, was further amended to clarify definitions, protect First Amendment activity, and preserve cooperation required by federal law; it then passed without objection. The committee adjourned after adopting each measure considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• that a non-certified individual could review designs and conduct inspections of on-site wastewater treatment
• amendment would make a technical correction to reference the definition of an on-site wastewater treatment
• amendment, encouraging the yes vote, so that we have the correct definition for an on-site wastewater treatment

Bills: SB6291

Keywords: SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice, certification, licensing, RCW 18.88A, Washington State, 904

Summary: The Environment & Energy Committee held executive action on three bills. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the period a non-certified person may review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under supervision of a certified individual; the committee adopted a striking amendment making a technical correction to the system definition, then reported the bill out 18-0 with three excused. Members described it as a good-government measure that helps local public health employers retain staff while maintaining water-quality protections. ESB 6246 concerns no-cost allowance allocations for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. The committee adopted a striking amendment that, among other changes, requires Ecology to contract with an independent third party for a 2028 report on emissions and job leakage, revises the 2026 reporting language, removes subunit reporting, requires unaffiliated licensed professional engineers to review facility assessments, and protects certain proprietary information from public disclosure while allowing aggregated summaries. Supporters said it helps evaluate decarbonization options and leakage risks without mandating implementation; opponents argued it adds costs and burdens to industry amid rising production costs. The bill passed 11-7 with three excused. The committee also took up ESB 5975, which changes allowable lead standards for certain cookware and adjusts the Safer Products for Washington process. After adopting a striking amendment, members said the bill balances public health concerns about lead exposure with industry concerns and allows continued sale of cookware in Washington while setting future standards. The committee reported the bill out by voice vote, 18-0 with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a statutory list of different types of industries that qualify for the treatment that's being
• There is a statutory list of different types of industries that qualify for the treatment that's being
• Senate Bill 6291 relates to inspections of on-site wastewater treatment systems.
• As background, on-site wastewater treatment systems are systems for the treatment and disposal of wastewater
• Some of those facilities are even perhaps under FERC, meaning that they have special treatment and that

Bills: SB6013, SB6291

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice

Summary: The committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills. SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology in state law to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors; the sponsor and Washington State Parks said it is a simple technical update and a companion to a House bill already passed by the committee. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the time a non-certified on-site wastewater treatment inspector may work under supervision before becoming certified; local public health officials and the sponsor said the change would help retain staff because the exam is difficult and offered only twice a year. The bill was described as a workforce retention and efficiency measure. The committee also heard ESB 6246, which addresses future policy for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. Staff and the sponsor explained that the bill would require Ecology to report back with recommendations for post-2034 allowance allocations and require EITE facilities to submit periodic assessments of technically and economically feasible emissions-reduction options. Environmental groups supported the bill but urged stronger third-party verification, clearer reporting, and a more robust leakage analysis; industry groups and utilities generally supported the bill as amended but raised concerns about penalties, confidentiality, submetering, and the need for a formal leakage study. Ecology supported the overall approach but flagged implementation concerns and the need for additional resources. Finally, the committee heard SSB 5982, which would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts that distribute electricity and certain single-customer utilities, and would clarify how affected market customers with self-generation are treated. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes so all electricity generation is subject to the state’s clean electricity standards, especially as data centers and other large loads seek behind-the-meter or independent generation. Ports, Commerce, Ecology, and clean energy advocates supported the bill with some technical clarifications, while industrial and utility representatives opposed it, arguing it could sweep in existing cogeneration facilities, create burdens on electrification, and worsen power adequacy concerns. No votes or final actions were taken in the transcript; the chair closed the hearings after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:43.480><c> so</c> to receive more intensive treatment so to receive more intensive treatment
• </c> to use the terms residential treatment to use the terms residential treatment or<00:02:47.560><c
• </c><00:04:47.840><c> or</c> term residential treatment or term residential treatment or Therapeutic<
• </c> admissions to direct care and treatment admissions to direct care and treatment mha<00:33:58.600
• </c> um in an NOA Metro Regional treatment um in an NOA Metro Regional treatment center<00:46:01.200>

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• allows the court on its own motion or by request of a party to order mental health evaluation and treatment

Bills: SB1023, SB1145, SB1242, SB1247

Keywords: optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants

Transcript Highlights:

• The treatment her family received in assisted living shocked me.
• 01:15:02.080><c> and</c><01:15:02.320><c> mental</c> treatment for substance use and mental treatment
• The gap is particularly treatment is.
• We are not treatment center is located.
• </c><01:20:22.880><c> an</c> Treatment Center also provides an Treatment Center also provides an additional

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Magrum, I think Senator Beckadol was going to visit with you about the wastewater treatment because

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to mention the only other bill that we still have out there is 1577 regarding wastewater treatment
• So the first item under behavioral health is voluntary treatment program qualified, or QRTPs, private
• And last Thursday, Pam Sagna sent us each an email about the voluntary treatment program, so that might
• I wonder if we can back up to that voluntary treatment program for qualified residential treatment program
• ...to add University of Mary to the Bismarck water treatment, and I thought there was a conversation

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met to work through amendments and budget items in House Bill 2012/HB 1004, focusing first on long-term care, disability services, and behavioral health. Members discussed competing approaches to a four-plex for medically complex individuals, a value-based care payment withhold for nursing facilities, accreditation requirements for providers, a study of developmental disability services, and funding for Family Voices and Ann Carlson-related services. Several amendments were accepted or set aside after discussion, including a study amendment for disability services and a Family Voices grant amendment that was adjusted to remove “one-time” language so it could continue as an ongoing grant. The committee also agreed to keep or defer some items for conference committee, including the youth crisis stabilization pilot and other long-term care proposals. A major discussion centered on the state hospital project. Members debated whether the $330 million project should remain in the DHS budget or be moved to the OMB budget for construction management. After discussion of costs, alternates, and the role of a steering committee and BND loan language, the committee agreed to remove the state hospital funding and related loan language from the DHS budget while leaving the steering committee language in place. The committee also considered a proposed Altru grant for additional beds and settled on a smaller planning-focused approach, with a $1 million grant and a line of credit concept to be refined later. The committee then turned to behavioral health items, including QRTP funding, nursing home behavioral health training, and a youth crisis stabilization pilot. Members generally supported keeping the QRTP funding level, but were divided on the nursing home behavioral health training and the crisis stabilization pilot, with some preferring to leave those issues for conference committee. The division also reviewed the HHS block grant and underfunding structure, with Donna Ackland explaining salary, vacancy, and flexibility calculations; the committee discussed adjusting the underfund and revenue assumptions but did not finalize every number before moving on. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1577 on wastewater treatment grants. Senator Davison moved to hoghouse the bill into a study-focused version using the proposed amendment language, and the motion passed. The committee then moved HB 1577 as amended with a do pass recommendation; the roll call passed with Senators Cleary, Davison, Dever, and Mathern voting yes, and Senator Magrum not recorded as voting. The meeting adjourned with plans to return later in the day to continue budget work.

Bills: HB241, HB381, HB241

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, vaccine, public health, emergency response, vaccine distribution, healthcare legislation, state coordination, veterans, disability, employment preference, state agency hiring, supplemental security income, PTSD, mental health, grants, treatment protocols, pilot program, personalized treatment, neuroinflammation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:06.399><c> monacello</c> individualized treatment monacello individualized treatment monacello
• </c><00:36:22.760><c> facility</c> the Jordan wastewater treatment facility the Jordan wastewater treatment
• </c> collection system to the treatment collection system to the treatment portion<00:37:16.400><c> of
• Pre-treatment facilities are inherently corrosive environments.
• Pre-treatment facilities are inherently corrosive environments.

Bills: HF343, HF446, HF448, HF674, HF811, HF832, HF1661, HF1528, HF1536, HF1541, HF1670, HF1438, HF1714, HF1748, HF1835, HF1904, HF1929, HF1942

Keywords: HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446

Transcript Highlights:

• But easier access to addiction treatment cannot happen without a substantially larger addiction treatment
• And I would tell everyone just this, you know we have to have treatment, we know we have to have treatment
• Past that, we want to make sure that people can receive treatment, good treatment.
• We said medical-based treatment therapy is the gold standard for treatment, greater access to naloxone
• behavioral treatment.

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Bills: HF6, HF52, HF53

Keywords: education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment

Bills: SB2363, SB2054, SB2057, SB2377, SB3322

Keywords: public lands, county authority, public health, safety regulations, cultural preservation, public safety, Hawaii National Guard, military deployment, governor authority, federal assistance, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2033 on renewable energy, focused on rooftop solar and grid-ready homes. Members discussed amendments intended to clarify retrofit provisions for new homes, cost-sharing requirements for interconnecting customers, compliance with relevant safety standards or certifications, and a date change. The chair recommended passage with amendments, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The joint committees then heard Senate Bill 2363 on county authority over access to encumbered properties such as streams. The City and County of Honolulu, along with the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, testified in support, saying the bill would help protect public safety, reduce flood risk, and prevent illicit activity. A Libertarian Party representative opposed the measure, arguing the problem stemmed from mismanagement and that the bill granted overly broad new powers. No action was taken during the hearing. The committees also heard Senate Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 2057, both relating to public safety and immigration-related state authority. Testimony on SB 2054 largely supported limiting state resources for federal or out-of-state deployments when the governor objects, with the Hawaii National Guard raising concerns about unclear obligations for service members and the distinction between Title 10 and Title 32 authority. On SB 2057, supporters including ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Legal Clinic said the bill would curb cooperation with ICE, protect constitutional rights, and preserve trust in immigrant communities; one witness also noted the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements nationwide. The committee then moved on to SB 2377 on property damage to critical infrastructure, where Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom supported the bill and asked for clarification to include broadband and telecommunications, while the Public Defender questioned whether the higher penalty was justified. Finally, the committee began SB 3322 on law enforcement, with testimony emphasizing clearer separation between local police and federal agents, limits on immigration enforcement cooperation, and protections for community trust; the hearing continued with additional testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So kind of a tiered way and treatment.
• And mental health treatment in Wyoming.
• </c> a pretty robust mental health treatment a pretty robust mental health treatment program<00:37:00.400
• </c> kind of mental health treatment program. kind of mental health treatment program.
• </c> we're having people who need treatment we're having people who need treatment that<00:40:27.359>

Bills: SF0010, SF0005

Keywords: mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, bankruptcy, hospital, county, healthcare, financial stability, 916, all

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• law enforcement, and, more importantly, close family members to petition for assisted outpatient treatment
• Chairman, is a supervised community-based mental health treatment.
• When individuals with serious mental illnesses are unable to access timely and appropriate treatment,
• The Assisted Outpatient Treatment is about outpatient.
• Who need the treatment.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• I entered treatment and successfully completed it. I was first able to secure employment at AT&T.
• I also worked directly with the treatment program I had entered in varying capacities for about eight
• I also worked directly with the treatment program I had entered in varying capacities for about eight
• program I had entered in treatment program I had entered in varying<00:08:26.400><c> capacities</c><
• </c><00:26:07.440><c> that</c> on the type of malt treatment that on the type of malt treatment that

Bills: HF3174, HF3800

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really about gene therapy, cell-based therapy, those kinds of treatments.
• The decision Is up to the manufacturer of the treatment that the patient is seeking.
• Because this particular drug or treatment, whatever it is, it is not FDA certified.
• They have to sign off that a patient has tried every other treatment.
• I do not want to oversell that these treatments, by definition, have risks.

Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting