Transcript Highlights:

• performed with respect to tangible records or electronic records, and on behalf of individuals who are physically
• Lastly, the bill addresses a situation where an individual is unable to appear before the notary physically
• damage to the property of another and that damage exceeds $750.
• Another statute allows the court to aggregate damage where there are multiple items of property damaged
• So House Bill 2178 revises that aggregated damage limit to match the one found in the first statute,

Bills: HB2158, HB2178

Keywords: electronic signatures, notary, digital transactions, authentication, legal documents, court rules, court procedure, civil infractions, notice of civil infraction, malicious mischief, physical damage, computer crime, digital property damage, electronic records, data destruction, computer programs, cyber damage, default judgment, payment plan, restitution

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 2158, which updates Washington’s electronic notarization law to allow remote notarization of tangible paper documents, remote administration of oaths or affirmations, and remote acknowledgment of signatures on tangible records. Committee staff explained the bill’s procedures and safeguards, including audiovisual recording and retention requirements. Sponsor Rep. Abell and Uniform Law Commission witness Caitlin Wolfe said the measure expands flexibility, especially for rural residents, while maintaining consumer protections. Ranking Member Walsh raised concerns about fraud and manipulated video, and Wolfe responded that the bill includes safeguards and recording requirements to help detect abuse. The committee then heard House Bill 2178, an Administrative Office of the Courts request bill making several court-rule and statutory alignment changes. Staff described updates to civil infraction filing and response deadlines, payment plan authority, the aggregation threshold for second-degree malicious mischief, an extension of the deadline for electronic submission of protection order petitions, and repeal of an outdated legal financial obligation grant distribution provision. Rep. Tye said the bill is not merely technical and specifically questioned the need to extend the protection-order implementation deadline, saying she was still seeking an explanation. AOC witness Jay Lee Schultz testified that the bill is intended to align statutes with current court rules and the statewide case management system rollout, and said the protection-order deadline extension is needed because courts are transitioning to the new system in phases through 2028. Elizabeth Hendren of the Sexual Violence Law Center opposed the delay in Section 6, arguing it would further postpone reforms intended to improve survivor access, electronic filing, judicial access to related protection orders, and notification features. She urged the committee to seek transparency on implementation, funding, and whether another delay is truly necessary. No votes were taken on either bill, and the hearing concluded with committee introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, with regard to remote notarization of a tangible record not physically present before a notary

Bills: HB2248, HB2158, HB2178

Keywords: corporate filings, secretary of state, business entity filings, annual reports, foreign corporation, domestic corporation, nonprofit corporation, registered agent, trademark assignment, charities division, entity registration, foreign registration, ministerial filing duty, filing refusal, international student exchange, exchange visitor placement organization, doing business in Washington, remote worker, branch campus, notary certification

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2248, a Secretary of State cleanup bill covering business filings, foreign entity registration, trademarks, international student exchange program procedures, and authentication services. The prime sponsor and Secretary of State staff described it as a technical clarification measure that does not create new fees or policy changes. Testimony supported the bill, and a question from the ranking member focused on trademark assignment tracking; staff said the public record would still reflect ownership changes. No vote was taken on HB 2248 during the hearing. In executive session, the committee first considered House Bill 2178, which revises court rules and procedures and includes a substitute that removes a two-year extension for electronic submission of protection order petitions while adding statutory authority for the state treasurer to distribute LFO collection grants to county clerks. Members generally supported the substitute, though one member voted no without recommendation over concerns about how the change affects compliance with earlier legislation. The committee approved the substitute 10-2, with one excused, and reported HB 2178 out with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 2158, which updates the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts for remote notarization of tangible records. The substitute narrowed the procedure for confirming a record’s identity, added the word “tangible” for clarity, delayed the effective date to January 1, 2027, and made a technical correction. Supporters said the changes improve clarity, address implementation concerns, and give the Department of Licensing time for rulemaking. The committee approved the substitute unanimously, 12-0 with one excused, and reported HB 2158 out with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Burkel said the losses include dead calves, trampled crops, and damaged fences.
• This bill also sends a message that intentional damage or trespassing isn't a harmless act.
• So yeah, the damage that they would do could be significant.
• </c><01:07:34.160><c> that</c><01:07:34.400><c> was</c> as far as the damage that was as far as the damage
• </c><01:08:31.440><c> farm</c> intentional uh intent to damage farm intentional uh intent to damage farm

Bills: HF3580, HF3566

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, depredation, crop damage, wolf compensation, elk damage, state funding, agricultural protection, trespass, criminal penalties, farm equipment, agricultural land, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• leases in addition to landowners to be eligible for compensation, expanding eligibility to include damage
• damage program, and I felt like we could define real property.
• The lessee may never see the compensation necessary to fix the damage.
• damage program, that I felt like that we could define real property.
• The lessee may never see the compensation necessary to fix the damage.

Bills: SB2601

Keywords: landowner compensation, border crime, agriculture damage, law enforcement, crop loss

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum and heard only one bill, Senate Bill 2601 by Senator Blanco, laid out by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo. The bill was presented as a committee substitute to revise the Landowner’s Compensation Program created last session under SB 1133. The changes would expand eligibility to include land lessees with the landowner’s permission, cover damage to the land itself as well as structures and real property, add continuous smuggling of persons as a qualifying border crime, prohibit insurers from using claims under the program in rate calculations, and require law enforcement to provide requested border crime reports to the Attorney General within 14 days. Public testimony was unanimously supportive. Charles Maley of the South Texans Property Rights Association said the program has been beneficial and that the bill helps clean up implementation issues, including clarifying compensation for debris and pollutants left on land. Stephen Diebel of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association also supported the bill, saying it would help address fence damage, destroyed infrastructure, and other harms along the border, and that lessees who manage properties day to day should be eligible for direct compensation when they have the landowner’s permission. Members discussed border-related property damage, including vehicles crashing through fences, broken sheds, livestock escaping, and resulting highway hazards. Senator Hinojosa asked about how conflicts between landowners and lessees would be handled, and testimony indicated documentation of lease authority would be required. After public testimony closed, the committee adopted the committee substitute without objection and voted to report SB 2601 favorably to the full Senate by a 5-0 vote, recommending it as local and uncontested.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Burkel: House File 601 aims to provide compensation to farmers for crop and fence damage
• Representative Burkel: The fence claims and the crop damage that a herd of elk can do in a short time
• :14:56.240><c> crop</c> fence claims and and the uh the crop fence claims and and the uh the crop damage
• 00:14:58.160><c> can</c><00:14:58.399><c> can</c><00:14:58.720><c> do</c><00:14:58.959><c> in</c> damage
• that a herd of elk can can do in damage that a herd of elk can can do in a<00:14:59.440><c> short</c

Bills: HF601

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, 1183, house

Bills: HF601

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One example of that is House Bill 2511 defines imminent physical harm as...
• Areas of the brain already damaged.
• Just making sure Peter Peterson is not in the room physically.
• Just making sure Peter Peterson is not in the room physically.
• This bill focuses only on imminent physical harm.

Bills: HB2511, HB2660

Keywords: child welfare, dependency, imminent physical harm, child abuse, neglect, foster care, extended foster care, shelter care, out-of-home placement, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, family law, juvenile court, child protection, unsafe home, substance use, caregiver impairment, relative placement, guardianship, adoption

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2511, which would define “imminent physical harm” in the child welfare context as a substantial risk of serious harm arising from home conditions, caregiving conduct, neglect, unsafe environments, substance use, or other circumstances likely to cause significant injury. Representative Tom Dent, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to give caseworkers clearer tools to protect children while preserving family unity when possible. Supporters, including some foster parents, kinship caregivers, DCYF staff, and advocates, argued the current standard is too vague or inconsistently applied and has contributed to fatalities and near-fatalities. Opponents, including legal aid, public defense, and family-support advocates, said the bill is legally inconsistent, could increase removals, and should be paired with more services and training rather than a broader removal standard. DCYF testified “other,” saying clearer language could help but that the bill’s wording raised concerns; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2660, which would allow courts at shelter care hearings to order certain safety conditions and services for parents of children under five when a child is returned home, with referrals required within seven days and participation not treated as an admission of abuse or neglect. Representative Lisa Ortiz-Self said the bill is aimed at critical incidents, especially among very young children, and would let courts impose conditions when there is reasonable concern even if the child does not meet the removal threshold. DCYF and the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds supported the bill, saying it could help prevent future critical incidents and allow earlier intervention, though they emphasized the need for services. Some child welfare and legal organizations were neutral or opposed, raising constitutional and due process concerns and warning that services alone do not ensure safety. Several testifiers urged more community-based treatment and in-home supports; no vote was taken on either bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the land itself in addition to structures and real property. ...ability to include damage to the
• I chastised my agency folks just a little bit because it's a real estate damage program, a real property
• damage program, that I felt like we could define real property.
• The lessee may never see the compensation necessary to fix the damage.
• I completely support the idea that damage should be able to be compensated to either the landowner or

Bills: SB2601

Keywords: landowner compensation, border crime, agriculture damage, law enforcement, crop loss, 1185, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum and heard one bill, Senate Bill 2601 by Senator Blanco, laid out by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo. The bill amends the Landowner’s Compensation Program, which was created last session and is administered by the Office of the Attorney General, to expand eligibility to land lessees, cover damage to the land itself as well as structures and real property, add continuous smuggling of persons as a covered border crime, prohibit insurers from using claims under the program in rate calculations, and require law enforcement to provide border crime reports to the Attorney General within 14 days. The committee substitute also makes the bill a legislative council draft. Public testimony was unanimously supportive. Representatives of the South Texans Property Rights Association and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association said the program has helped landowners but needed cleanup and broader access, especially for lessees who manage property day to day and may otherwise not receive compensation. Testimony also emphasized ongoing problems with fence damage, debris, pollutants, and other border-related property damage. Members asked about implementation, including how conflicts between landowners and lessees would be handled; the response was that documentation of authority and lease responsibilities would be required. After public testimony closed, the committee adopted the committee substitute without objection. Senator Hinojosa then moved that SB 2601 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the committee substitute, and the motion passed on a 5-0 vote. The bill was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar, with no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• investigation wherever to be opened into an individual for attempting to retrieve intellectual or physical
• means a person who intends to retrieve information, research technology materi- materials or other physical
• journey to independent living and self-sufficiency homeless youth are more to experience mental and physical

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• investigation were ever to be opened into an individual for attempting to retrieve intellectual or physical
• which means a person who intends to retrieve information, research, technology, materials, or other physical
• Homeless youth are more likely to experience mental and physical health challenges, be unemployed, and

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite his immigration... and despite his physical disability, he pursued an education.
• that are in kind of large urban areas or maybe kind of geographically herded. for them to expand physically
• to our public institutions of higher education by excluding investors like myself and my students. damages

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Bills: HB443

Keywords: HB443, Underground Damage Prevention Program, One-Call Notification System, 811, utility locate, dig law, excavation safety, damage prevention, underground utilities, pipeline safety, public utilities, buried facilities, excavation notice, demolition notice, Alabama Public Service Commission, sunset extension, utility protection, locate request, call before you dig, gas pipeline

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a guarantee that if something got damaged during the rental and they could not retrieve it back
• Under the rental contract, if a guest or a renter causes damage to the host's property, Rymer for taking
• to the host's a renter causes damage to the host's property, The guest must pay those damages, and most
• under the guarantee, and then Airbnb can elect to continue pursuing the renter who caused the damages
• I have had damage in my short-term rental property. This is a problem. Your bill addresses it.

Bills: HF3766, HF3972, HF3437, HF4118

Keywords: travel insurance, regulation, insurance licensing, consumer protection, travel assistance, short-term rental, vacation rental, home sharing, rental marketplace, online platform, property damage guarantee, damage waiver, reimbursement insurance, insurance regulation, commerce department, platform user, Airbnb, Vrbo, host protection, rental home marketplace

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1604, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1269, HB1916, HB2120, HB2123, HB2158, HB2178, HB2264, HB2309, HB2411, HJM4004

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance, and a prayer offered by Washington Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Cole. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 4675, honoring the Washington National Guard for its service in emergencies, search and rescue, disaster response, and military readiness. Members spoke in support, highlighting the Guard’s history, its role in recent flood and landslide responses, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. The resolution passed by voice vote, and Guard leadership and members present in the galleries were recognized. The House also recognized Congressman Dan Newhouse in a point of personal privilege, with remarks praising his service in state and federal office and his ties to agriculture. The chamber then moved to the Fourth Order of Business and debated a motion to suspend House rules to send two initiatives to the Education Committee for prompt public hearings. Supporters argued the Constitution requires precedence for initiatives and that the House should hear them promptly; opponents argued the Constitution allows the Legislature to take no action and that the motion was unnecessary. The motion to suspend the rules failed on a recorded vote, 38 yeas and 57 nays, with three excused. Next, members debated the routine motion to refer the bills, memorials, measures, and resolutions on the introduction sheet to committee. Some members again argued the two initiatives should be given priority and public hearings before other business, while others supported normal referral of the day’s measures. The motion passed on a recorded vote, 57 yeas and 38 nays, with three excused. Committee reports were then accepted and referred as designated, and the House adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's where I grew up, where I completed my physical therapy residency at Barrow Neurological Institute
• At a time of great personal vulnerability and fear, as someone who understands the financial, physical
• continuation of a 2012 piece of legislation that was addressing a situation where there was a lot of storm damage

Bills: SB1165, SB1206, SB1212, SB1291, SB1347, SB1516, SB1554, SB1649, SB1689, SB1812

Keywords: breast cancer, screening services, health insurance, cost sharing, preventive care, storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention

Bills: SB6178, SB5831

Keywords: SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling, consumer protection, void and unenforceable, Washington insurance code, chapter 48 RCW, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• get insurance or what they had to do for insurance for wildfire protection and if their homes were damaged

Bills: SB6178, SB5831

Keywords: SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling, consumer protection, void and unenforceable, Washington insurance code, chapter 48 RCW, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• They must provide timely and accurate scope of damage and cost of repair.
• They must provide accurate and timely costs to repair or replace damaged property.

Bills: SB5831, SB6178

Keywords: mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling

Bills: HB433, HB443

Keywords: tax distribution, Talladega County, economic development, public safety, rural infrastructure, HB443, Underground Damage Prevention Program, One-Call Notification System, 811, utility locate, dig law, excavation safety, damage prevention, underground utilities, pipeline safety, public utilities, buried facilities, excavation notice, demolition notice, Alabama Public Service Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I mean, this bill is a great opportunity to recognize the rigorous physical activity, discipline

Bills: S0556, S0794, S1600

Keywords: high school diploma, graduation requirements, physical education credit, performing arts credit, marching band, Special Olympics, students with disabilities, IEP, individual education plan, 504 plan, Florida education, school credits, diploma substitution, ROTC, dance class, State Board of Education, public schools, graduation pathways, adaptive physical education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.