Transcript Highlights:

• So they will also be acting in an expert fashion today if they are provided to give the rest of their
• The Health Care Delivery and Access Act was created through legislation during the 2024 session.
• passes this framework because it preserves crucial provisions of the Health Care Delivery and Access Act
• This act has become the backbone of our hospitals' financial stability.
• Keeping this act in place is of utmost importance to the future viability of our hospitals.

Bills: HB25, SB38, SB101, HB199

Keywords: juvenile delinquency, firearm possession, criminal background checks, state law, gun control, youth offense, conviction, public safety, SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1534 is a charity enforcement act working with the AG's office to strengthen protections
• Just was trying to imagine what if you could just give me like an example of how a bad actor might act
• Just like my good friend and colleague before me, this is a compacting licensure act for occupational

Bills: SB1873, SB1948, SB540, SB1653, SB1061, SB1534

Keywords: roofing, contractor registration, continuing education, endorsement, construction industry, fireworks, consumer safety, local governance, emergency declaration, public safety, dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry, dental hygiene, licensure compact, interstate compact, professional licensing, license portability, health workforce, workforce shortage

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1534 is a charity enforcement act, working with the AG's office to strengthen protections
• prepare, I was trying to imagine what, if you could just give me an example of how a bad actor might act
• prepare, I was trying to imagine what, if you could just give me an example of how a bad actor might act
• Just like my good friend and colleague before me, this is a compacting licensure act, and this is for
• Just like my good friend and colleague before me, this is a compacting licensure act, and this is for

Bills: SB1873, SB1948, SB540, SB1653, SB1061, SB1534

Keywords: roofing, contractor registration, continuing education, endorsement, construction industry, fireworks, consumer safety, local governance, emergency declaration, public safety, dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry, dental hygiene, licensure compact, interstate compact, professional licensing, license portability, health workforce, workforce shortage

Summary: The committee heard several Senate bills, most of them described as cleanup or compact-related measures. Senate Bill 1061 was presented as a cleanup bill adding defining language, supported by the Department of Consumer Credit and correcting a typo, and it passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1534, a charity enforcement act worked on with the Attorney General’s office, was described as strengthening protections for donor intent, preventing misuse of charitable funds, and closing enforcement loopholes; after a brief question about examples of bad actors, it also passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1873 was another cleanup bill requested by roofers and passed 11-0. The committee also considered interstate licensure compacts. Senate Bill 540 would create Oklahoma’s participation in a dentist and dental hygienist compact; one question focused on why the Oklahoma Dental Association opposed it while the American Dental Association supported it, and the bill passed 9-2. Senate Bill 1653 would join a compact for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, with the sponsor noting 31 states already participate; it passed 11-0. Finally, Senate Bill 1948 would allow year-round fireworks sales in Oklahoma. Members questioned how the bill would interact with city and county authority, whether it would affect dense neighborhoods, and concerns about veterans with PTSD. The sponsor said the bill would not override city ordinances and argued counties should not restrict private property owners, while also saying current law already allows fireworks use year-round but limits in-state purchasing windows, sending consumers to other states. The bill passed 10-1. The chair then announced this was the last bill for the day and that about 12 bills remained for the following week.

Bills: SB2596, SB3002, SB3067

Keywords: government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community. Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important. After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2229 relates to the Professional Engineers Registration Act.
• House Bill 2229 revises the Professional Engineers Registration Act in a number of areas.
• There are statutory damages specified under the act for violations, and in addition, the act provides
• As we have background, this act regulates commercial email, Act.
• is an unfair, deceptive act.

Bills: HB2229, HB2274, HB2294, HB1269, HB1078

Keywords: professional engineers, registration act, licensing, engineering practice, state regulations, email regulation, commercial communications, consumer protection, data privacy, electronic mail, consumer access, real property, food security, medicine access, restriction, pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, financial regulation, pet insurance

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2229, which updates the Professional Engineers Registration Act. Staff described changes to board membership, registration qualifications, continuing education, exclusions from registration, certificate terms, and terminology updates. Representative Zahn said the bill is intended to modernize and clean up the code, and noted she would offer an amendment to avoid changing the board’s official name. A board representative supported the bill as a way to improve licensing flexibility and administrative consistency, while one member questioned removing the U.S. citizenship requirement for board members; the witness said the requirement had been requested by the committee last year and that board members would still need to be Washington-licensed and familiar with state law. The hearing on HB 2229 was suspended and later reopened for additional testimony, then closed without action. The committee also heard House Bill 2274, which would modify the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act. Staff explained that the bill would raise the knowledge standard for violations from “reason to know” to “reliable basis,” require a subject line to be likely to mislead a reasonable recipient about a material fact, limit damages to recipients who received, reviewed, and detrimentally relied on the email, and repeal the act’s per se Consumer Protection Act violation while leaving statutory damages in place. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, retailers, hospitality businesses, and e-commerce representatives, argued that a recent Washington Supreme Court decision led to a wave of lawsuits over ordinary promotional subject lines and exposed businesses to large statutory damages and defense costs even without proof of harm. Opponents and consumer advocates argued the current law already targets false or misleading subject lines, that the bill would weaken consumer enforcement, and that the recent lawsuits involve deceptive urgency tactics. The committee did not take final action on HB 2274 during the hearing. House Bill 2294, which would prohibit future negative use restrictions on real property that block grocery stores or pharmacies where such uses are otherwise allowed, also received a hearing. Staff said the bill would declare such restrictions against public policy, with exceptions for existing covenants, nearby relocations, and certain retail centers, and would enforce the prohibition through a per se Consumer Protection Act violation. Representative Farivar said the bill responds to food access problems, including the Lake City grocery closure, and is modeled on local ordinances already adopted in Seattle, Bellingham, and Kent. Food industry and grocery association witnesses generally supported the goal of improving food access, though one group asked for narrower guardrails to preserve legitimate business uses of restrictive covenants and raised concerns about competition and investment. The committee then moved to executive session and unanimously voted House Bill 1269, which adjusts pawn broker loan terms, interest rates, fees, storage charges, and online payment options, out of committee with a due pass recommendation by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have the Uniform Athlete Agent Act, which we have adopted already.
• And this is the revised Uniform Athlete Agent Act that we are adopting that has been updated for this
• We're going to be building out the portal for registration and housing all of that and overseeing it.
• There's no registration. There's no formal qualification. perspective. That's crazy.
• There's no registration.

Bills: SB389, SB525

Keywords: athlete agent, registration, endorsement contracts, name image likeness, eligibility, unfair trade practices, student athletes, unclaimed property, abandoned property, escheat, state treasurer, administrator, claimant, purchase agreement, assignment, property recovery, owner verification, documentation requirements, fraud prevention, bankruptcy

Transcript Highlights:

• different vehicle; or DOL determines there's a discrepancy between the license plate and a valid registration

Bills: HB1823, HB2092, HB2111, HB2114

Keywords: transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match, grant funding, transportation grants, county roads, city streets, transportation benefit district, urban county, small city program, active transportation, pedestrian, bicycle, bike routes, transit, public transit

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard four bills. HB 1823 was described as a technical cleanup bill for the Transportation Improvement Board, updating obsolete references and repealing outdated sections; a proposed substitute would restore language that had inadvertently removed remaining bond authority. Rep. Lowe and TIB supported the bill, calling it a good-government measure, and there was no opposition. The committee then heard HB 292, which would create a Washington State Amtrak Cascades Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. The prime sponsor and supporters said the goal was to give riders and stakeholders a regular, statutory forum to provide feedback to WSDOT; several testifiers urged broader statewide representation, inclusion of disability advocates, and possible participation by rail industry stakeholders such as BNSF. Testimony was broadly supportive, with some suggestions for amendments to expand the committee’s scope and membership. The committee next heard HB 2111, which would allow the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project toll facility bond retirement account to retain its share of interest earnings instead of having them credited to the general fund. Staff and the State Treasurer’s office said the change would keep revenue dedicated to the bridge project and avoid accounting and tax concerns; the chair and a business representative from Clark County supported advancing the bill as a necessary step for the project. Finally, HB 2114 would require the Department of Licensing to waive replacement plate fees for defective plates within two years of issuance and allow waivers in some cases between two and five years. The sponsor said the bill responds to widespread plate delamination complaints, especially in eastern Washington, and county auditors and other local officials testified in favor as a customer-service fix, though they asked for clearer definitions and noted the state’s newer flat plates may reduce the problem over time. The Department of Licensing fiscal note estimated limited annual replacements but significant one-time system update costs. The hearing on HB 2114 was left open briefly for a testifier who could not connect, and then the public hearing was temporarily closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• in same-day voter registration.
• This is not an issue of same-day registrations.
• Updating an address is not a same-day registration.
• The DMV voter registration has been an abject failure.
• This has been inflated because of automatic voter registration default.

Bills: AB534, AB562, AB595, AB597, AB600, SB74, SB226, SB422, SB488

Keywords: election reform, voter accessibility, conditional ballots, voter registration, mechanical voting systems, election audits, voter access grants, provisional ballot, voting technology, AB562, Nevada, Secretary of State, elections, elections management system, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, automatic voter registration, AVR, election technology, state appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• that this particular bill, as it currently stands, needs to be relocated to the Tax Administration Act

Bills: SB97, SB55, SB40, SB38, SB120, SB113, SB116, SB117, SB118

Keywords: tax credits, municipality, county property, industrial revenue bonds, economic development, qualified expenditures, solar energy, tax credit, renewable energy, photovoltaic, solar thermal, New Mexico, economic incentive, energy independence, SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance

Bills: HB97, HB455, HB97, HB455

Keywords: absentee ballot, voting, elections, voter registration, electoral process, defective affidavit, voting rights, HB455, Clarke County, coroner, coroner's office, county commission, local act, local legislation, mileage reimbursement, county vehicle, office expenses, operating expenses, retroactive ratification, remedial and curative

Transcript Highlights:

• of hearing aid dealers, to provide for definitions, to provide for...” ...registration and licensing
• Thank you, Madam Acting Chair. Are we still on SB 165? Yes. Okay.
• Thank you, Madam Acting Chair. Are we still on SB 165? Yes. Okay.
• They're just not mature enough to understand the consequences of their acts.
• And I think we attempted that in Act 481, which I think Rep.

Bills: HB387, HB673, HB947, HB975, HB1102, HB1228, HB1229, HCR66, SB102, SB165, SB280, SB291, SB326, SB521

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Senators, we're going to go on to tab number five, which is Senate Bill 1112, the Labor Pool Act
• On Labor Pool Act by Senator Garcia. Thank you, Chair.
• Senate Bill 1112, the Labor Pool Act, by Senator Garcia. Thank you, Chair.
• Requiring registration is normal business practice.
• In the Florida Labor Pool Act, the only avenue for enforcement is through private action.

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• On Labor Pool Act by Senator Garcia. Thank you, Chair. Senate Bill 1112. That's my birthday.
• On Labor Pool Act by Senator Garcia. Thank you, Chair.
• A current issue with the Labor Pool Act is that businesses often want to hire day laborers permanently
• Requiring registration is normal business practice.
• In the Florida Labor Pool Act, the only avenue for enforcement is through private action.

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Act, As a reminder, this is the bill that revises the Professional Engineers Registration Act, including
• of registrations, and also some terminology updates and removal of obsolete language.
• As a reminder, this is the bill that revises the Professional Engineers Registration Act, including changes
• of registrations, and also some terminology updates and removal of obsolete language.
• and suspensions of registrations, as well as terminology updates, and to remove obsolete language.

Bills: HB2128, HB2207, HB1701, HB2536, HB2476, HB2294, HB2229

Keywords: alcohol service, sports facilities, amusement venues, recreational activities, patron engagement, alcohol warehousing, regulation, liquor distribution, storage standards, state laws, liquor licenses, multiple premises, alcohol distribution, commercial leasing, regulatory reform, winery, restaurant license, alcohol, spirits, beer

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on several alcohol-licensing bills. House Bill 2128 would expand the sports entertainment facility liquor license to cover facilities where patrons engage in sports, amusement, or recreational activities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor and the Washington Hospitality Association, said it would help a controlled, fenced-in adventure park in Leavenworth serve alcohol throughout the park while preserving LCB oversight and safety controls. A remote testifier from the park could not be heard. Members asked about whether the bill expanded alcohol access and about violation rates; staff said a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received. House Bill 2207 would create a bonded beer warehouse license and align beer warehousing with existing wine warehousing rules. The prime sponsor said it would help a Ridgefield logistics warehouse store beer as it already stores wine and spirits, though she noted she was considering amendments to address direct-to-consumer shipping and federal compliance. Brewers supported the bill as a parity and small-business measure, while distributors and spirits/wine distributors opposed or raised concerns about direct-to-consumer shipping, public access, and the need for stronger guardrails. The warehouse owner testified that the facility is highly secured and that the bill would help breweries avoid unnecessary warehousing costs. House Bill 2536 would allow wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses at additional winery locations. The sponsor and Washington Wine Institute said the bill would reduce administrative burdens and let wineries operate more like breweries already can, without increasing alcohol access. DeLille Cellars testified that current law forces wineries to create separate entities and duplicate payroll, HR, accounting, and compliance systems for offsite tasting-room restaurants. House Bill 2476 would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for theaters seeking a spirits, beer, and wine theater license. Theater owners and hospitality groups supported the change, saying theaters already operate under alcohol control plans and that the cap limits attendance at popular events; the sponsor said the bill would not expand alcohol access, only remove an outdated seating restriction. The committee also heard House Bill 1701, which would allow multiple liquor licensees to operate separate premises within a shared facility and let LCB review leases or agreements. The sponsor said it would help a Chelan winery/brewery/restaurant complex operate under separate leases, and he said he was willing to remove the Public Records Act exemption again. Distributors supported transparency but opposed the PRA exemption and urged filing lease information with the LCB. In executive action, the committee adopted Amendment Claude 407 to House Bill 2229, which restores the current name of the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, and then reported Substitute House Bill 2229 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 8-6 vote, with one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, members, this bill removes the requirement to make acts and resolutions accessible on the Internet
• a portal of the official journal of the state and requires the Secretary of State to transmit the acts
• certain employment eligibility requirements for certain unclassified state employees relative to the registration
• This allows the agency to act more nimbly, especially during emergencies, especially during events where

Bills: HB248, HB249, HB997, HB1052, HB1193, SB1, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB289, SB435

Keywords: Compensation Commission, elected officials, salary evaluation, government accountability, Louisiana legislature, compensation, independent commission, salary adjustment, consumer price index, official journal, public notices, government transparency, local government, municipal website, school board notices, parish council, police jury, special districts, levee district, drainage district

Transcript Highlights:

• has determined that individuals engaged solely in natural hair braiding are not required to seek registration
• braiding are not required to<00:11:58.399><c> uh</c><00:11:59.200><c> seek</c><00:11:59.760><c> registration
• </c><00:12:00.240><c> for</c><00:12:00.399><c> licensing</c> to uh seek registration for licensing to
• uh seek registration for licensing right<00:12:01.279><c> now</c><00:12:01.440><c> at</c><00:12:01.600
• of any type of standalone course that could be made a requirement as a condition, say, like a registration

Bills: HB1697, HB1678, HB1679, HB2282, HB1940, HB1671, HB1481, HB2015, HB2207, HB2486

Keywords: natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, you know, with the Alabama Literacy Act, that is so impactful that our third graders, our initial

Bills: HB447, HB447

Keywords: HB447, school buses, student transportation, public schools, local boards of education, dual enrollment, career technical education, CTE, community college, trade school, technical college, offsite educational venues, student access, transportation policy, school bus law, Alabama education law, Montgomery County, probate court, judge of probate, will registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have six bills up for public hearing, and then we'll move into executive session to act on four
• Senator Wilson was describing, is exempt from public disclosure and copying under the Public Records Act
• believe it gives Washington Technology Solutions an overly generalized exemption from the Public Records Act
• electronic ballot portal design, and removes the previous January 1, 2029 implementation date for the act

Bills: SB6215, SB6160, SB6313, SB6049, SB6164, SB5046, SB5842, SB6035, SB5853, SB5888

Keywords: fraud prevention, identity theft, consumer protection, security measures, legislation, government efficiency, state agencies, reporting, bureaucracy, transparency, Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, student privacy, employee confidentiality, public disclosure, data protection

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee held public hearings on several bills and then took executive action on three measures. At the start, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule for Senate Bills 631 and 5046. Senate Bill 6215, a fraud-prevention bill, would require the state auditor to compile an inventory of audited state programs and later produce an annual statewide high-risk list; staff and the State Auditor’s Office raised concerns about scope, funding, record-retention limits, and the timeline, while the sponsor said the bill would improve transparency around anti-fraud controls. Senate Bill 6160 would eliminate or modify dozens of agency reporting requirements; the sponsor and OFM said it was an efficiency measure to remove outdated or duplicative reports, while some senators said they wanted to preserve reports they still find useful. Senate Bill 6313 would create a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account for repairs and improvements to the Capitol campus ahead of its 2028 centennial, and Senate Bill 5046 would designate November 22 as Kimchi Day to recognize Korean culture; both drew supportive sponsor testimony and no substantive opposition during hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6049, which expands public-records exemptions to protect survivors of hate crimes, individual responses to employee engagement surveys, and individual student responses to the Healthy Youth Survey. The sponsor, OFM, and several student witnesses argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage honest participation, while the hearing record showed substantial opposition sign-in. Senate Bill 6164 would exempt information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for digital experience platform services, such as the WA.gov portal, from disclosure; WOTEC and a newspaper association supported the bill as a narrow privacy protection, while another coalition opposed it as overly broad and warned about centralized records and retention practices. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitute B for Senate Bill 6035 and sent it to the Rules Committee with a due-pass recommendation. The substitute would further delay and condition implementation of an electronic ballot portal, add cybersecurity and testing requirements, and require annual reporting. The committee also adopted proposed substitute C for Senate Bill 5853 and sent it to Ways and Means; the substitute shifts administration of the statewide emergency public official notification system from the Secretary of State to the Military Department. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 5888, which removes Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women’s Commission, and sent it to the Rules Committee. All three executive-action votes passed subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• requires the tax assessor of each parish to provide property owners with a form for permanent registration
• It basically repeals Section 4 of Act 707 of 2024 and then repeals Section 5 of Act 411 of the 2025 Regular
• So when I Section 5 of Act 411 of the 2025 Regular Session. So, and I have Ms.
• Charles Parish to provide property owners with a form for permanent registration of the homestead exemption
• Charles Parish to provide property owners with a form for permanent registration of the homestead exemption

Bills: HR118, HB1120, SCR11, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB180, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, tobacco tax, excise tax, smokeless tobacco, vapor products, public health, FDA, risk-proportionate, tax credits, higher education, workforce development, brain drain, economic incentives, SB 73, Act 10, Act No. 774 of 2024

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4272 is the certificate of titling for vesseling act.
• It's just clarifying the Oklahoma Security Guard Act, making sure that certain individuals are exempt
• PCS and the original filing is that we're going to name this bill in statute the Ray Davis Safe Roads Act
• The Ray Davis Safe Roads Act, after a good friend of mine and constituent.

Bills: HB4272, HB3277, HB3148, HB3651, HB3323, HB4287, HB4105, HB3304, HB3345

Keywords: HB4272, vessel title, boat title, outboard motor, marine title, certificate of title, uniform certificate of title for vessels act, Service Oklahoma, boat registration, watercraft, hull identification number, hull damaged, title brand, secured party, lien perfection, electronic title, paper title, dealer licensing, boat dealer, marine enforcement

Summary: The Public Safety Committee heard several bills related to vehicle titling and VIN inspection procedures. House Bill 4272, by Representative Miller, would create a formal certificate of titling system for boats and vessels in Oklahoma to document ownership and reduce fraud; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3277, a cleanup bill on VIN inspections and salvage vehicles, clarified who may perform inspections and added salvage pools as authorized entities; it passed 7-0. House Bill 3148 made additional changes to the VIN inspection process, including salvage pool language and anti-fraud protections, and also passed 7-0. House Bill 3323 removed notarization requirements for documents submitted electronically to Service Oklahoma and passed 7-0. House Bill 4105 clarified exemptions under the Oklahoma Security Guard Act and passed 6-0. House Bill 3304, renamed the Ray Davis Safe Roads Act, requires Service Oklahoma to check the methamphetamine database before issuing commercial driver licenses and passed 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 4287, which would change how incarcerated people are counted for legislative apportionment by using their last residence rather than the prison location. Supporters argued it would create more equal representation and address a historical anomaly, while opponents said it would disconnect incarcerated constituents from the districts that currently represent them and could affect rural representation. After debate, the bill failed 4-5 and remained in committee. House Bill 3345, a Department of Mental Health bill, would expand pretrial behavioral health and substance use screening services to any charge, felony or misdemeanor, to help identify diversion opportunities earlier and support treatment referrals. Testimony emphasized that the screenings would be done by certified local contractors at no cost to county jails and would help courts, prosecutors, and defense counsel. The bill received a 4-4 vote but was reported out as a due pass. The committee then laid over House Bill 315 until the following week and adjourned.