Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; in the employer market. &gt;&gt; in the employer market.
• </c> have a strong employer-based market have a strong employer-based market relatively<00:27:01.800>
• </c> market power drives prices. market power drives prices.
• </c> enrolled in the individual market. enrolled in the individual market.
• ><c> depends</c><01:25:19.280><c> on</c> the commercial market, uh, depends on the commercial market,

Bills: HF4343

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and other products in the market.
• But what we also know is that there is a lot of sale that happens online.
• But I know that online access, online age verification, and other provisions were definitely part of
• As of January 1st, Juul ceased all online sales...
• now withdraw from that market, leaving it solely to the black market.

Bills: HB2439, HB2483, HB2400

Keywords: public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, social media, content creation, online platforms, digital marketing, user-generated content, 904, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2483 would create an annual data broker registry at the Department of Licensing, requiring covered businesses to register, pay a fee, and disclose information about the data they collect, sell, security measures, and consumer opt-out options. Representative Kloba said the bill is intended to make data collection and resale more visible to consumers and address harms such as scams, surveillance, and misuse of purchased data. TechNet, AWB, and the Washington Retail Association opposed the bill as drafted, saying the definition of data broker is too broad and could sweep in businesses that are not true data brokers, while also noting the need for clearer alignment with other states. Committee members raised questions about public records data, government entities, and whether businesses scraping publicly available information would be covered; the sponsor said publicly available data remains carved out, but businesses that collect and sell such data would register. No vote was taken. House Bill 2400 would regulate monetized social media content featuring children. The bill would require vloggers meeting revenue and nexus thresholds to register with the Department of Revenue, create trust-account requirements for minors featured in monetized content, allow young adults to request deletion of monetized childhood images, require reporting and user education by platforms, and impose civil penalties and statutory damages. Representative Reeves said the bill is meant to distinguish ordinary family posting from monetizing children online and to extend workplace-style protections to children featured in paid content. TechNet and AWB opposed the bill, saying social media platforms should not be placed in the middle of parent-child trust arrangements and objecting to the private right of action, while suggesting more work during the interim. No vote was taken. House Bill 2439 would overhaul cigarette, tobacco, and vapor product policy. The staff briefing described a responsible vendor program, higher license fees and penalties, new distributor and manufacturer requirements, a study of vapor product extended producer responsibility, age-verification changes, bans on certain imitation or entertainment vapor products, removal of state preemption for local tobacco regulation, and changes to how tobacco tax revenue is allocated to public health accounts. Representative Reeves said the bill is a compromise after months of stakeholder work and is aimed at reducing youth access while keeping a regulated adult market. Supporters, including public health groups, King County, the American Heart Association, and pediatricians, backed the youth-prevention measures, local authority, and funding for prevention and public health services. Opponents, including retail, grocery, tobacco, and vapor industry representatives, argued the bill would create a patchwork of local rules, raise costs sharply for small businesses, burden enforcement, and potentially drive more activity into the illicit market. The hearing remained open with additional testimony and questions, and no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, yeah, we think it's a fairly stable market.
• Our members share the committee's goal of protecting young people online.
• So what is your solution to help stop the problem online now?
• I come to you as a subject matter expert in the issue of online safety and children.
• school level on the topic of online harm and generative AI.

Bills: SB5976, SB6111, SB6250, SB6257, SB6289, SGA9060, SGA9169, SGA9265, SGA9266

Keywords: commercial email, spam regulations, online marketing, privacy, consumer protection, SB 6111, Washington Protecting Children Online Act, online child safety, minor privacy, age verification, parental consent, social media regulation, digital platforms, user-generated content, content moderation, online harms, youth protection, data privacy, geolocation, targeted advertising

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor remarks, and public testimony on several bills. SB 5976 would amend the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act by requiring a more reliable basis for knowing an email is sent to a Washington resident, narrowing subject-line liability to misleading statements material to a transaction, and limiting damages and Consumer Protection Act claims unless a recipient received, reviewed, and detrimentally relied on the email. Supporters, including retailers, e-commerce groups, hospitality businesses, and business associations, said the current law has led to a wave of class-action litigation over routine marketing emails; opponents argued the bill would weaken consumer protections against deceptive marketing. No vote was taken. SB 6111 would require age verification for certain social media accounts, parental consent for known minors, restrictions on use of minors’ data, and Attorney General enforcement, with a limited private right of action for parents or guardians. The sponsor and supporters, including PTA, parents, and mental health advocates, said the bill is needed to reduce minors’ exposure to harmful content and to give parents more control. Opponents from technology and privacy groups raised constitutional concerns, data-security issues, and uncertainty about how platforms would verify parental consent. No vote was taken. SB 6257 would allow trainee real estate appraiser license timelines to be tolled for documented illness, similar to existing tolling for military service. SB 6250 would raise the maximum principal amount for small loans from $700 to $1,200, with future inflation adjustments; the sponsor and Moneytree said the limit should reflect inflation and still preserve existing safeguards, while consumer, labor, housing, and anti-poverty advocates warned it would deepen debt cycles and harm low-income borrowers, older adults, and communities of color. SB 6289 would direct the Department of Commerce to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; Commerce, ports, and business groups supported the idea, while testifiers discussed the need for outreach, resources, and coordination. The committee also heard testimony on several gubernatorial appointments to the Gambling Commission and the Washington State Lottery, with appointees describing their backgrounds and commitment to public service.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:58:23.080><c> The</c><00:58:23.160><c> Minnesota</c><00:58:23.520><c> Business</c> markets.
• The Minnesota Business markets.
• They're small business owners and entrepreneurs who pay their own expenses, cover their own marketing
• Business is going to continue to get more and more online.
• Business is going to continue to get more and more online.

Bills: HF4561, HF4343

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• who's come in and testified throughout this first portion of our short session, either in person or online
• , and also the comments that come in online or through emails.

Bills: SB6248, SB5976, SB6079, SB6250, SB6257, SB6289, SB6230, SB6312, SB6149, SGA9060, SGA9169, SGA9265, SGA9266

Keywords: travel insurance, travel protection plan, travel assistance services, cancellation fee waiver, travel retailer, travel administrator, limited lines producer, insurance producer license, blanket travel insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel medical coverage, emergency evacuation, repatriation, inland marine, premium tax, consumer protection, unfair trade practice, insurance commissioner, Washington RCW

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee met on cut-off day and first received a staff briefing on several gubernatorial appointments and bills, including travel insurance (SB 6248), false subject lines in commercial emails (SB 5976), wildfire mitigation grants and insurance underwriting limits (SB 6079), small loan principal limits (SB 6250), appraiser trainee licensing tolling (SB 6257), the statewide economic development strategic plan (SB 6289), cash transaction rounding to eliminate pennies (SB 6230), surveillance pricing in grocery stores, and a late-added proposed substitute on the definition of rural counties. Staff noted fiscal impacts where available and described proposed substitutes that adjusted effective dates, reporting requirements, eligibility, and other technical details. In executive session, the committee voted to recommend confirmation for gubernatorial appointments 9060 (Alicia Levy), 9169 (Michael Charles), 9265 (Brian Bennett), and 9266 (Noah Skartford). It then advanced SB 6248, SB 6079, SB 6250, SB 6257, SB 6289, SB 6230, and SB 6149 with due pass recommendations, sending most to Rules and SB 6079 to Ways and Means. SB 5976 was not considered, and SB 612 was removed from the agenda. Members and the chair closed by thanking committee staff, stakeholders, tribes, and those who testified in person or online during the short session. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, the Authority, contracts for statewide tourism marketing
• markets.
• But the intent was trying to capture some of that market.
• That's all we have online.
• I work at the Metropolitan Market in Magnolia.

Bills: HB2278, HB2325, HB2481, HB2503

Keywords: tourism, promotion areas, state funding, economic development, community engagement, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2325, which would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program under the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority. Staff explained the bill would let tourism-related businesses vote on and fund a new assessment program, overseen by a ratepayer board, with a new public records exemption for business financial information. The prime sponsor and supporters from State of Washington Tourism, hospitality, breweries, wine, and the Port of Seattle said the bill would provide sustainable, industry-led tourism funding and help Washington compete with other states. Opponents argued it would amount to another tax on businesses and raised concerns about unelected bodies having taxing authority. The hearing on HB 2325 was then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2481, which would prohibit surveillance-based pricing, surge pricing, and certain electronic shelf label uses in grocery stores, while requiring price transparency and a Commerce study on electronic shelf labels. The sponsor said the bill is intended to stop individualized, data-driven pricing that could charge different customers different amounts for the same item. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill, saying it would protect shoppers and workers from unfair pricing and confusion. Grocery and retail groups opposed the bill as drafted, warning that the definitions could unintentionally restrict loyalty programs, discounts, inventory management, markdowns, and electronic shelf labels that improve efficiency. Members and the sponsor discussed possible amendments, and the hearing was closed. House Bill 2503, regulating artificial intelligence training data, was then heard. Staff said the bill would require developers of generative AI systems to post high-level documentation about training data, including sources, size, and whether copyrighted or licensed data was used, with violations treated as Consumer Protection Act violations. The sponsor said the bill is meant to provide a basic “ingredients label” for AI and build public trust. Tech industry witnesses generally supported the transparency goal but asked for clearer alignment with California’s law and raised concerns about enforcement and private rights of action. Some other testimony supported stronger enforcement and transparency. The committee closed the hearing on HB 2503 and then opened House Bill 2278, which would remove the July 1, 2027 sunset on the additional $3 per room per night lodging charge in tourism promotion areas. The sponsor said the charge has produced a strong return on investment and supports local tourism promotion; one opponent argued tourism taxes and broader state tax burdens make Washington less attractive to visitors. The hearing on HB 2278 continued with additional testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third change is the removal of the recommendation that the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority
• It permits a person to change prices based on market fluctuations, uniform sales, and programs, and it
• It also includes online or hybrid locations.
• It also includes online or hybrid locations. but it does remove online or hybrid locations, but it does
• We've got great opportunities to better market our state to folks outside of our state and...

Bills: HB2325, HB2481, HB2503, HB2397, HB2278, HB2417

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met in executive session and considered six bills. House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program for statewide tourism promotion, was amended to add certain large restaurants and retailers to the assessment, adjust enforcement language, remove a report-reference requirement, and make the Washington State Tourism Marketing Authority the governing agency. The committee adopted Amendment WAIL 264 and then voted 12-0, with one excused, to report the substitute bill out with a do pass recommendation. Members supporting the bill emphasized tourism’s economic benefits, local flexibility, and the need to increase statewide marketing. House Bill 2481, addressing surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail goods, was discussed with a proposed substitute and several amendments, but Representative Kloba withdrew the substitute proposal before action, leaving the bill as written. Members debated fairness in grocery pricing, with supporters arguing consumers should pay the same price regardless of personal data and opponents expressing concern about the bill’s mechanics and impact on retailers. The committee voted 8-4, with one excused, to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2503, concerning documentation of data used to train AI and generative AI systems, was amended to require posting additional documentation describing efforts to remove child sexual abuse material from training datasets. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 8-4, with one excused, to pass the substitute bill out of committee. House Bill 2397, on reimbursements under the State Fire Services Mobilization Plan, was amended so the 60-day reimbursement clock begins when complete documentation is received; it then passed 12-0, with one excused. The committee also unanimously approved House Bill 2278 on tourism promotion areas and House Bill 2417 on victim protections under the Washington Code of Military Justice, each by 12-0 votes with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• comments and some suggested amendments in our testimony, just to make sure that actual legitimate marketing
• Just to make sure that actual legitimate marketing departments of auto manufacturers are able to send
• condominiums and single-family homes in the state who are unable to acquire that insurance in the authorized market
• condominiums and single-family homes in the state who are unable to acquire that insurance in the authorized market
• condominiums and single-family homes in the state who are unable to acquire that insurance in the authorized market

Bills: HB1849, HB2000, HB1753, HB1511, HB276, HB1513, HB2188, HB1876

Keywords: licensing, professional license, individual taxpayer identification number, immigration, state residency, right to repair, wheelchairs, consumer protection, repair providers, device documentation, HB1753, Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, social media, account deletion, data deletion, privacy, consumer privacy, personal information, sensitive personal information, data retention

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 10, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 1849 relating to licensing drew comments from DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, both of which stood on written testimony. The Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights testified in strong support, emphasizing that some immigrants, including DACA recipients, are already contributing in Hawaii and that the state should help create pathways for them to remain and advance professionally. No vote or final action was taken on HB 1849 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2000, the wheelchair right-to-repair bill. Encart opposed the measure, arguing that repair delays are largely driven by insurance prior authorization and that wheelchair repairs involve FDA-regulated medical devices where improper repairs could create health risks. Peter Fritz testified in support, saying the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and that he had personal experience through his sister’s use of a wheelchair. Members questioned whether repairs done outside insurer networks might not be reimbursed, and Fritz said that was a concern but that the need for timely repair outweighed it. The committee also discussed HB 1753 on social media, where DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but suggested an amendment to the definition of personal information. On HB 1511 relating to consumer protection, DCCA’s Insurance Division supported the bill, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association offered comments seeking to preserve legitimate manufacturer and dealer communications about vehicles, warranties, recalls, and related services. The committee also took up HB 276 HD1 and HB 1513 on condominiums. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission offered comments on HB 276 HD1. For HB 1513, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority supported the bill, but DCCA’s Insurance Division opposed it, warning that diverting HHRF funds could weaken reinsurance arrangements and raise premiums for consumers who rely on the fund. Members questioned whether the proposed condo loan program would need HHRF money and whether the amounts in the bill were necessary, and the division said it opposed using HHRF for that purpose. The committee also heard HB 2188 on housing, where OCP supported the measure and the Hawaii Association of Realtors raised concerns about conflicts with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of tenant screening reports, noting that a working group is already addressing landlord-tenant issues. Members asked OCP to research how other states handle similar laws and whether additional language is needed to avoid federal conflict. Finally, on HB 1876 relating to mental health, the Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division supported the bill but said it remains opposed to harmful, non-evidence-based treatment modalities; Pride at Work Hawaii also testified in strong support. No final votes or committee decisions were reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I watch the different things that are coming up, and otherwise, I watch online.

Bills: SB140, HB235, HB276, HB317, HB340

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety

Bills: HB146, HB276

Keywords: youthful offender, criminal justice, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, social media, minor safety, child online safety, teen accounts, parental controls, age verification, digital privacy, online platform regulation, content moderation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General enforcement, cyber safety, mental health, youth mental health, screen time

Transcript Highlights:

• An illicit market quickly sprung up.
• Many people claim a regulated THC market would work similarly to a regulated alcohol market.
• But yeah, it's the market. Markets there. Yeah, absolutely.
• I think there might always be a black market even if there was a legalized market in the state.
• COA is online to be viewed too.

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This program will allow the industry itself to assess itself and to create a statewide program to market
• This program will allow the industry itself to assess itself and to create a statewide program to market
• We want to be able to market ourselves and show folks what a great opportunity it is to come to Washington

Bills: HB2325, HB2521, HB2720, HB1960, HB2073, HB2675, HB2681

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Transcript Highlights:

• This program will allow the industry itself to assess itself and to create a statewide program to market
• Itself and to create a statewide program to market Washington tourism across our country and across our
• We want to be able to market ourselves and show folks what a great opportunity it is to come to Washington

Bills: HB2325, HB2521, HB2720, HB1960, HB2073, HB2675, HB2681

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber also moved several bills through routine orders, including placing House Bill 273 on health carrier surpluses and House Bill 2681 on cannabis license fees on the second reading calendar, and welcoming guests and honored families to the gallery. The main floor action centered on three bills. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, establishing a tourism self-support program, was amended with a technical clarification and passed 84-5. Supporters said the industry should fund a statewide tourism marketing effort to attract visitors year-round and compete with other states. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960, on renewable energy, was amended to address local tax treatment of wind, solar, and battery storage projects and passed 74-15; proponents said it would replace a shifting property-tax burden with a more stable excise tax so host communities receive lasting benefits. House Bill 2521, concerning firearms background checks, drew the most debate. Amendments to raise the fee cap and to set the fee at zero were both rejected, with opponents arguing the bill would burden constitutional rights and supporters saying the fee should cover the State Patrol’s costs. The bill then passed 53-36. House Bill 2675, the annual accounts bill, passed unanimously 89-0 after brief support from both parties. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were actually controlling what was being advertised. ...what was being marketed in a manner that
• No, absolutely not because they’re targeting that market.
• And then on line 78, page three, there was a phrase left out: "advertising" or "marketing."

Bills: HB282, HB283, HB95

Keywords: government contracting, state agencies, local agencies, procurement, marketing contracts, advertising contracts, media monitoring, fact-checking, news ratings, bias ratings, misinformation, journalistic standards, news accuracy, vendor certification, contractor certification, public relations, media analytics, government procurement, Alabama, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Learning that maybe you shouldn't communicate with this adult online and... ...online.
• I think it's an interesting concept in terms of kind of using the free market and capitalism to help
• Yeah, nothing in my bill takes any constitutional rights or eliminates free market; you're still able
• ... ...eliminates free market; you're still able to operate.
• are victims of online identity theft, and I think it's fair to say that this could make that problem

Bills: HB235, HB276, HB285

Keywords: social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety, youth social media, minor safety, child online safety, teen accounts, parental controls

Transcript Highlights:

• value. ...with a market cap of over 500 billion dollars.
• I don't know what gold's market cap is; someone probably knows that out there.
• They're like creating the market for themselves. Doesn't sound all that charitable.
• They might be using us, the state of Texas, to manipulate their market.
• And they're massive ETFs; they're not small market ETFs.

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• national perspective regarding cryptocurrencies, their legitimacy, and their place in the financial markets
• We can or cannot appropriate based upon information made at any one time as new information comes online
• Again, I'm concerned about this legislature's commitment to free markets.
• I'm surprised to hear that from a legislature that prides itself in believing that free markets make
• How will this bill help retain insurance in the Texas market? Do we want to be like California?

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• We are marketing how great of a state Minnesota is. And it all sort of comes together.
• We are marketing how great of a state Minnesota is. And it all sort of comes together.
• So, we are are all marketing components.
• We are marketing how great of to invest.
• Um, and unfortunately marketing needs.

Bills: HF1007, HF1152, HF1671, HF2258

Keywords: tourism, World Junior Hockey Championships, funding, economic impact, sports events, Minnesota, economic development, livability, marketing, partnerships, labor and industry, electrical licensing, electrical inspection, continuing education, online course approval, Internet continuing education, power limited technician, maintenance electrician, master electrician, technology circuits

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states and destinations are using every tool available to aggressively market, recruit conventions
• And one of the spots that we do lack is our ability to help support in marketing those, right?
• And one of the spots that we do lack is our ability to help support in marketing those, right?
• They generate just over $725 million annually for destination marketing and sales.
• You've got to think of the rural communities, the small mid-sized markets.

Bills: HB2107, HB2588, HB2946, HB2950

Keywords: SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, let's go online to Amy. I don't. Oh, let's go online to Amy. Nicely cued up. Yes.
• We can move to online, and we'll move to T.
• For many of them, these online tools are a lifeline.
• The more time kids spend online, the more they struggle. Addictive online platforms.
• We need enforceable online safety reform that puts children first.

Bills: HB1170, HB1570, HB1834

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, AI-generated content, deepfake, synthetic media, content provenance, provenance data, metadata, watermarking, disclosure, transparency, consumer protection, unfair or deceptive acts, unfair competition, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, platform regulation, AI detection tool, media authenticity

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee heard staff briefings and public testimony on several bills, beginning with Second Substitute House Bill 1170 on generative artificial intelligence. Staff explained that the bill would require certain large AI providers to offer provenance detection tools and include latent and optional manifest disclosures in AI-generated audio, image, video, or altered content, with enforcement by the Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act. Fiscal staff said enforcement costs would depend heavily on industry compliance, with estimated costs ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars per year once enforcement begins in 2028. A technology industry representative testified in opposition, citing concerns about unclear enforcement language, definitions, and technical feasibility, while committee members asked about the bill’s scope and costs. The committee then heard House Bill 1570, as amended by a striking amendment, which would extend collective bargaining rights under the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act to non-academic student employees at Western Washington University only, rather than at multiple regional institutions. Staff said the original bill would have cost about $1.5 million per biennium, while the narrowed amendment would likely reduce the fiscal impact to roughly $200,000 per biennium. Testimony from labor, student, and university-affiliated speakers supported the measure, emphasizing student worker safety, organizing efforts, and parity with bargaining rights already available at other public universities. Next, the committee received a briefing and testimony on Substitute House Bill 1833, which creates the Spark Act grant program in the Department of Commerce to support innovative uses of AI that provide a state benefit and share technology with the state. Staff said the program would require an FTE at Commerce and potentially grant awards, with a total estimated cost of about $660,000 to $1.6 million per fiscal year depending on appropriations and outside funding. Supporters described it as a way to promote AI innovation and economic development, while the sponsor said the bill reflects recommendations from the AI task force. Finally, the committee heard a briefing and extensive testimony on a proposed third substitute for House Bill 1834, which would prohibit addictive feeds and certain push notifications to minor users, while removing broader provisions that had applied to online services likely accessed by minors. Staff said the remaining enforcement costs for the Attorney General would likely continue at about $1.15 million this biennium, with other costs removed by the narrower substitute. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued the bill is needed to protect children from addictive platform design and related mental health harms, while opponents raised constitutional, privacy, parental-rights, and implementation concerns, including possible age-verification burdens and First Amendment issues. No votes were taken; the chair concluded public hearings and announced amendment deadlines and upcoming executive session schedules before adjournment.