Transcript Highlights:

• We will open some public hearings before we move to executive session.
• of the legislature to be convened each year and sets limits on the duration of regular sessions.
• would be no time limits for regular sessions of the legislature.
• limits for regular sessions of the legislature.
• That will conclude executive session. Thank you, Vice Chair Stearns.

Bills: HB2235, HJR4210, HB2520, HB2491, HB2499, HB2408, HB2435

Keywords: public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions, transparency, Constitution amendment, legislative sessions, session duration, state legislature, governance, emergency meetings, public agencies, accountability, open government, HB2491, WaTech, Washington Technology Solutions, public disclosure, public inspection

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several measures. House Joint Resolution 4210 would amend the state constitution to remove the current 105-day and 60-day limits on regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Sponsor Rep. Breonna Thomas said the resolution would not create a full-time legislature but would give lawmakers flexibility to set their own schedule; supporters argued it would improve working conditions and allow more thoughtful lawmaking, while opponents said it would give legislators too much power and could lead toward year-round sessions. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. House Bill 2520 would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely when needed to respond to emergencies, and would allow action at remote emergency meetings without first providing a public listen-in option. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit County flooding emergency and was meant to clarify existing authority. County and local government supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and preserve emergency response flexibility, while open-government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The committee also heard House Bill 2491, which would exempt personal information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for the state’s digital experience platform from public disclosure; WOTEC supported the bill as a privacy and cybersecurity measure, while open-government and transparency advocates argued the exemption was too broad and could cover non-sensitive records. The committee also heard House Bill 2235, which would extend Public Records Act exemptions to permit-to-purchase firearm applications, firearm transfer records, and related concealed pistol license materials. Sponsor Rep. Walsh said the bill protects applicants’ privacy and safety, especially in domestic violence situations; supporters from media, gun-rights, and civil-rights groups said disclosure could expose applicants to stalking, harassment, or theft, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and too broad. Public testimony on House Bill 2499 focused on conservation district elections and supervisor qualifications. The proposed substitute would let conservation districts opt into Title 29A elections, remove landownership requirements, lengthen terms, and add financial disclosure requirements for some supervisors. Supporters said the bill would modernize elections, improve transparency, and make districts more accessible; opponents, including conservation district officials and farm groups, warned that the F-1 disclosure requirement and ballot changes could deter volunteers, create major costs for small districts, and have unintended consequences. The committee also took executive action, reporting House Bill 2408 and House Bill 2435 out of committee with due pass recommendations by 7-0 and 5-2 votes, respectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have executive session today to the tune of eight bills.
• This amends the state constitution to eliminate directional limitations on regular legislative sessions
• Any work group meetings or work sessions conducted by JLARC must be done remotely, and JLARC is required
• ...collaborative, being inquisitive, and staying engaged during committee hearings and executive session
• Next Tuesday to do tentative agreement and a little work session while we're here.

Bills: HB2514, HB2352, HB2475, HB2206, HJR4210, HB2447, HB2661, HB2572

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Summary: The State Government and Tribal Relations Committee met on policy cutoff day and took executive action on eight measures. Members first heard brief descriptions of House Bill 2514, creating a work group for the Global War on Terror Memorial; House Bill 2352, aligning the state conflict-of-interest threshold with the 1% municipal threshold; House Bill 2475, concerning agency implementation of Office of Equity guidelines; House Bill 2206, updating uniformed and overseas voting rules; House Joint Resolution 4210, removing directional limits on regular legislative sessions; House Bill 2447, naming the bluntnose sixgill shark the state shark; House Bill 2661, modernizing the Public Records Act through a JLARC review/work group; and House Bill 2572, expanding voting services for tribal members, overseas and service voters, and voters with disabilities. The committee adopted Amendment Omley 314 to HB 2475, changing the bill so agencies would report how they would implement equity guidelines, rather than being required to follow them directly. HB 2475 then passed 4-3, with some members supporting the flexibility and others objecting that the bill was too narrow and did not adequately address tribal language access. On HB 2206, several amendments were withdrawn; Omley 297 and Omley 288 were adopted, while Omley 294 and Omley 295 were rejected. The adopted changes clarified the definition of overseas voter and made a technical cleanup, and the substitute bill passed 4-3. Members supporting the bill emphasized ballot access and consistency with federal law, while opponents raised concerns about voter nexus to Washington and possible security or abuse issues. HB 2514, HB 2352, HB 2447, HB 2661, HB 2572, and HJR 4210 all advanced out of committee as well. HB 2514 passed unanimously, HB 2352 passed 6-1, HB 2447 passed unanimously after lighthearted discussion, HB 2661 passed unanimously after adoption of the Walsh striking amendment shifting the task force work to JLARC, HB 2572 passed 4-3 with concerns focused on the electronic ballot portal, and HJR 4210 passed 5-2, with supporters saying it would give the legislature more time to make policy and opponents warning it could open the door to a year-round legislature. The chair closed by thanking members and staff and announced the committee would reconvene the following Tuesday for a tentative agreement and work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• families and each person represented in this process as we come together to finalize our budget this session
• Garrison, House a Concurrent Resolution 1635, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session
• Representative Garrison, House Concurrent Resolution 1635, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session
• Garrison: HCR 1635 extends the session to 11:59 PM, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and provides legislation

Keywords: legislative session extension, General Appropriations Act, budget process, session deadlines

Summary: The Florida House of Representatives convened for a brief session focused on procedural matters. Representative McClure moved to waive rules and introduce House Bill 5017 and House Joint Resolution 5019. The primary business was Representative Garrison's House Concurrent Resolution 1635, which extends the 2025 regular legislative session until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The resolution specifies that only the General Appropriations Act (GAA), its implementing bill, and an enumerated list of conforming bills, joint resolutions, and general bills may be considered during the extension. All other legislative measures will be indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration as of 12:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The resolution was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• As this legislative session draws to and beginnings.
• As this legislative session draws to a close, we thank you for the good that our elected leaders have
• Professional development in 2013 second special session, Chapter 18, Section 103.
• The President signed in open session. Second. Passed.
• The President signed in open session.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and prayer, then approved the previous day’s journal and received gubernatorial appointments and House messages. It also introduced Senate Bill 6362 and referred it to the Law and Justice Committee. After caucus, the President signed a number of bills in open session. The chamber then took up several House-amended measures. Substitute Senate Bill 6225, a transportation bonding bill, was concurred in and passed 49-0 after remarks that it was needed to support the six-year transportation budget and historic maintenance investments. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6354, allowing direct sales by electric vehicle manufacturers such as Rivian and Lucid, was also concurred in and passed 47-2 after supporters said the House changes lowered consumer fees while preserving the fiscal effect. Engrossed Senate Bill 6228, dealing with tax preferences and pharmacy-related provisions, passed 26-23 after concurrence; Engrossed Senate Bill 6347, concerning estate tax changes, passed 39-10 after concurrence; Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, which included changes to transitional kindergarten, National Board bonuses, alternative learning experience, Running Start, and electric bus depreciation, passed 26-23; and Substitute Senate Bill 6355, involving transmission authority governance, transparency, and eminent domain-related sideboards, passed 32-17. The Senate also resolved several House/Senate differences by receding or amending bills. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, funding the Seattle Community Development Authority, passed 49-0 after the Senate receded from its amendments. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1295, on literacy-related teacher standards and technical assistance, was returned to second reading, amended with a striking amendment, and then passed 48-1. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215, concerning Climate Commitment Act compliance obligations for fuel supply, was similarly amended with a negotiated striking amendment to protect good-faith operators and then passed 49-0. The Senate then signed additional bills in open session and recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• The President is signed in open session.
• The President is signed in open session.
• The last two sessions, not so much.
• after session.
• They're the ones who had to live through the sessions.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• The President has signed, in open session, engrossed Senate Bill 6228, engrossed substitute Senate Bill
• This was my fifth session as chair of the Transportation Committee, and every session I am more and more
• This was my fifth session as chair of the Transportation Committee, and every session I am more and more
• Session of the 69th Legislature. Session of the 69th Legislature. Senator Ruchelli.
• die. 26 regular session of the 69th Legislature do now adjourn sine die.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Now fast forward a little bit to this session.
• Earlier in the session, Senator Banke had a great bill, Earlier in the session, Senator Banke had a great
• The House and Senate disagreed on many things over the course of session.
• The House and Senate disagreed on many things over the course of session.
• My districts rely so much on ferries, and I've talked about that a lot this session.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• As this legislative session draws to And beginnings.
• As this legislative session draws to a close, we thank you for the good that our elected leaders have
• Professional development in 2013 second special session, Chapter 18, Section 103.
• The President is signed in open session. Second. Passed.
• The President is signed in open session.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• change to the sales tax on services expansion that we saw as a part of Senate Bill 5814 in the 2025 session
• In the 2025 session and trying to address some of the unintended consequences of that enactment.
• The President signed in open session.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate considered engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346, a major tax package creating a new income tax on high earners, providing tax reductions and credits, and funding various spending priorities. A point of order was raised that House amendments exceeded the bill’s scope under Senate Rule 66, focusing on new provisions affecting sales and use taxes and business and occupation taxes. The President ruled the amendments were within scope, finding they were tax reductions similar to those already in the Senate-passed bill, and the Senate then took up the motion to concur in the House amendments. Members debated the House changes at length. Supporters said the amendments improved the bill by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adding exemptions for diapers and over-the-counter medicines, bringing forward some tax relief, preserving business loss carryforwards, and adding funding or intent language for items such as Fair Start for Kids, K-12 investments, local government replacement funding, and universal school meals. Opponents argued the bill remained unconstitutional or unfair, criticized the income tax structure and inflation indexing changes, objected to the gambling-loss deduction and limits on charitable deductions, and said the bill’s promises on public defense, education, and other priorities were not secured in the body of the measure. On a roll call vote, the Senate concurred in the House amendments by a vote of 27-21, with one excused. The Senate then passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 as amended by the House by the same 27-21 vote, and the President signed the bill in open session. The chamber also received several messages from the House announcing signed bills, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are times, as I said last session, when you stand up and talk about a bill, it doesn't make
• The President is signed in open session. Engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5847.
• My first session, as you know, we were roommates.
• My first session, as you know, we were roommates.
• But when our first session, it snowed really bad, and I remember my car getting stuck.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care program. The chamber adopted a Ways and Means striking amendment, then passed the bill 33-16. Supporters said it would change provider payment to attendance-based reimbursement, require subsidy rates to reach at least the 75th percentile of market rates, update use of market rate surveys, and remove previously scheduled income-eligibility expansions. Opponents argued it would not treat all child care providers equally and could create unfair workarounds. The bill was immediately transmitted to the House. The Senate then passed Engrossed House Bill 2487, which clarifies how insurance companies and their affiliates are taxed, and Substitute House Bill 2089, which narrows a tax preference for certain financial institutions and dedicates the revenue to the Wildfire Mitigation Fund. HB 2487 drew criticism for applying the tax retroactively to 2019 despite prior court rulings, while HB 2089 was opposed on affordability grounds because it affects mortgage-related taxation. The chamber also passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising annual license fees for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers; opponents said the increase reflected broader budget pressures. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 8704 honoring Senator Rebecca Saldaña. Numerous senators from both parties praised her work on labor, environmental justice, child welfare, immigrant and worker rights, and her habit of centering marginalized communities and checking on colleagues personally. Saldaña responded with remarks about organizing, democracy, and the importance of collective action, saying she was grateful for the chamber and looking forward to the next chapter. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and members agreed to add all senators’ names as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8702 honoring Senator Judy Warnick, with speakers from both parties highlighting her long service, agricultural background, calm leadership, bipartisan approach, and work on rural economic development, children and families, and capital projects. Warnick thanked colleagues and said she looked forward to spending more time with her family, farm, and horses. The meeting also included routine motions to move between orders of business and a message from the House concurring in Senate amendments to several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• The President is signed in open session. Substitute Senate Bill 5520.
• The President is signed in open session.
• The last two sessions, not so much.
• after session.
• They're the ones who had to live through the sessions.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote. The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perez: MEMBERS, ON JANUARY 13, WHEN THE GOVERNOR ISSUED A PROCLAMATION CALLING US INTO A SPECIAL SESSION
• WE HAVE CONVENED A SPECIAL SESSION AS SURGICALLY AS POSSIBLE.
• IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE DISRUPTIONS, WE WILL NOT REPLICATE THE COMMITTEE PROCESS FROM THE OTHER SESSION

Keywords: illegal immigration, special session, budget committee

Summary: The Florida House of Representatives convened for a special session on February 11-14 to address illegal immigration legislation. Speaker Perez announced they would consider two bills and a memorial filed the previous night, with committee meetings scheduled for Wednesday and final passage on Thursday. The Speaker emphasized the legislature's role as equal participants rather than recipients of instructions, describing their approach as aggressive in combating illegal immigration while being thoughtful in methods. The session was designed to be surgical and efficient, bypassing the normal committee process except for Budget Committee review.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• As we prepare to conclude this 2026 reconvened session, we humbly beseech thee to bless us.

Keywords: April 23, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• Holy Creator, Holy Creator, we, on this reconvened session, ask you to bless and guide all of us: the
• Calendar for today, this reconvened 2026 session on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026.
• The Governor recommends that HB 172 be reenacted by the 2027 session of the General Assembly.
• Speaker, I say we have this session. We've been able to kill a lot of pretty rough taxes.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• , so bear with me as I give session, so bear with me as I give this.
• Speaker, I've been pretty quiet this session, but— Mr.
• All of the job that they have been doing throughout this session.
• Calendar for today, day 60 of the 2026 regular session this Saturday, March 14th.

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• Heavenly Father, as we draw closer to session officially concluding for this season, we want to pause
• You bestowed upon us each of our state legislators and their families today and throughout session.
• A paper copy of the resolution that we passed earlier in the session is going around the chamber, and
• Espinoza, you all have been our rocks and held everyone together this session.

Keywords: March 13, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• We have 100 internships just waiting for you all next session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, Mr.
• And it's actually a statement I've heard this session.
• When you redefine words, we have seen this session the defense of life by attacking the natural law right
• We've seen this session attacks on the First Amendment Establishment Clause.

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• Speaker, this session is a powerful example of that progress.
• before you seeks to amend and reenact three sections of the Code of Virginia relating to limited-duration
• This bill extends the validity of limited-duration licenses, driver privilege cards and permits, and
• It increases both short- and long-duration energy storage targets for Dominion and Appalachian Power

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• This body honored him earlier during the session with House Resolution 173.
• Throughout this session, we've taken an innovative approach.
• But because he grows at a rapid pace like I do during session, we had to re-up the prescription every
• In this session of the General Assembly, as well as the other four that I've been involved in, we have

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is now in session.
• Now, they've worked hard this session on the business of our Commonwealth, and may their labor afford
• Speaker, Claude threatened me with retirement on a number of occasions over the four sessions we worked
• And true to his word, he retired after the 2025 session.
• Speaker, we are the ones whose birthdays fall either before or after session.

Keywords: March 09, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all