Transcript Highlights:

• In front of you is Senate Bill 5937, an act relating to the use of smart access system in a residential
• By way of background, smart access systems, also known as smart locks, are locking systems that use electronic
• By way of background, smart access systems, also known as smart locks, are locking systems that use electronic
• Specifically, a smart access system may only collect, generate, or utilize specified information, including
• Specifically, the language defining smart access systems casts a net that could include any system using

Bills: SB5884, SB5885, SB5937, SB5938

Keywords: sales tax, redevelopment, economic incentive, underutilized property, infrastructure, affordable housing, religious organizations, zoning laws, land use, community development, smart access system, smart lock, residential landlord-tenant act, tenant privacy, biometric data, fingerprint, face scan, iris scan, key fob, key card

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard public testimony on several bills focused on housing supply, tenant protections, and foreclosure prevention. SB 5885 would expand incentives for affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold from 100% to 50% of units and adding a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects. The sponsor and supporters from cities, faith groups, and housing nonprofits said the bill would help churches and other religious organizations use underutilized land for housing, while a county planning representative asked for funding to cover local code updates. SB 5884 would broaden an existing sales tax deferral program for redevelopment of underutilized property by expanding eligible land beyond surface parking lots to vacant, partially used, or underutilized parcels and by adjusting affordability thresholds; cities including Spokane, Vancouver, and Kent supported it, while contractor groups opposed a provision they said could favor project labor or apprenticeship requirements and burden nonunion and small contractors. A county association also asked that counties be included in the program. The committee also heard SB 5937, which would require landlords using smart access systems to offer tenants a non-biometric, non-app-based alternative key upon request and to provide privacy and data-retention information, while limiting data collection to what is necessary for access. The sponsor and tenant advocates said the bill would protect renters from being forced to use phone apps or biometric systems and from excessive data collection; landlord groups supported the concept but argued the bill was too broad and could impose burdens on small housing providers, especially if it covered simple keypad systems or required lengthy privacy disclosures. Testifiers asked for narrower definitions and clearer implementation language. Finally, SB 5938 would make technical changes to the foreclosure prevention fee created last year, including lowering the reverse mortgage exemption age, exempting certain chattel loans, limiting duplicate fee collection on some state-supported transactions, and requiring Commerce to study a possible homeowner assistance fund. Supporters from the Washington Homeownership Resource Center, legal aid, HOA advocates, and community organizations said the bill would clarify administration, reduce unfair charges, and strengthen foreclosure prevention and homeowner stability. The committee took no votes and adjourned after closing public testimony on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• access system utilized by a residential building, as well as certain additional information if not included
• It authorizes a smart access system to only collect, generate, or utilize specific information, and requires
• Excuse me, this amendment specifies that a smart access system does not include methods of entry that
• access system, and allows the time method of access for operational purposes to the list of types of
• purposes to the list of reasons smart access systems can collect for information related to tenants

Bills: SB6018, SB6026, SB6027, SB6028, SB5937, SB5938

Keywords: housing, finance, commission, state funding, affordable housing, residential development, zoning reform, mixed-use zoning, commercial zones, Growth Management Act, GMA, state preemption, local land use, development regulations, ground-floor retail, ground-floor commercial, permit waiver, waiver process, density, urban growth area

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act with populations of 30,000 or more to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and prohibit mandatory ground-floor commercial or mixed-use requirements in most such areas, with exemptions for certain sensitive or constrained locations. The prime sponsor, Senator Alvarado, and supporters from the Governor’s Office, Commerce, housing advocates, developers, and major employers said the bill would unlock underused land, reduce housing costs, and add flexibility where infrastructure already exists. Local government and business representatives raised concerns about impacts on small business corridors, tax base stability, planning assumptions, and the loss of ground-floor retail in main street and transit-oriented areas, while several asked for narrower carve-outs or technical amendments. The committee also took public hearing testimony on Senate Bill 6018, which would update the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority to allow more flexible financing tools, including direct mortgage lending to borrowers, while clarifying that the bill is not intended to authorize first-mortgage lending for homebuyers. The commission, the sponsor, and banking stakeholders said the changes would modernize outdated statutes and help finance affordable housing, and bankers said they were working with the sponsor on clarifying language. No vote was taken on SB 6018 during the hearing. Senate Bill 6027 was heard next and would expand how local housing-related sales tax revenues and state affordable housing funds can be used, including for operations, maintenance, preservation, and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing and supportive housing. Supporters from counties, cities, housing providers, and advocacy groups said the bill would help preserve existing units and respond to federal funding uncertainty, especially around permanent supportive housing and Continuum of Care dollars. Testifiers also asked for additional flexibility for rental assistance and for certain local uses, but no committee action was taken during the public hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6028, which would create a revolving loan fund administered by the Housing Finance Commission to support mixed-income affordable homeownership projects. The sponsor and supporters said the fund would help stalled for-sale projects move forward, recycle dollars through repayment, and create permanently affordable homes; one supporter suggested increasing the project cap and clarifying eligible capital sources. The committee did take executive action on SB 5937 and SB 5938 earlier in the meeting, adopting amendments and advancing both bills with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee.

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate convened on January 28, 2026, approved the previous day’s journal without objection, and then processed routine committee and bill referral business. A standing committee report listed Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization, which was referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate also advanced to first reading of bills and received Senate Bill 6328, sponsored by Senator Saldaña, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. No substantive debate or testimony occurred in this brief floor session. Senator Riccelli made the motions to dispense with the journal reading, refer reported measures as designated, advance to the fifth order of business, and refer newly introduced measures as designated. All motions were adopted without objection. The only action taken at the end of the meeting was adjournment. The Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Working through the court system.
• We need to protect the system.
• Substitute Senate Bill 5937, the Secretary will read: An act relating to the use of a smart access system
• An act relating to the use of a smart access system in a residential property subject to residential
• access system was allowed.

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial welcome for the Washington National Guard, including a color guard, prayer, and a resolution recognizing the Guard’s service. Senate Resolution 8668 was adopted unanimously, with members praising the Guard’s flood response, election support, counterdrug work, youth programs, and community assistance. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Eliza Munoz Estee to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. On legislation, the Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865 on garnishment forms after adopting an amendment delaying the effective date to May 1, 2027. The chamber also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5855 on law enforcement face coverings after rejecting several amendments that would have broadened or clarified exceptions, including proposals related to timing after transport, warrants, and other scenarios. Debate centered on federal immigration enforcement, public safety, accountability, and whether the bill would affect local law enforcement; the bill ultimately passed on a 30-19 vote. The Senate then passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105, with a technical amendment, to address explicit depictions of minors and AI-generated or altered child sexual abuse material. It also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, updating community custody provisions for unlawful firearm possession after a date-fixing amendment. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, revising unattended motor vehicle rules for remote starts, passed unanimously. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud and supporting original Medicare, also passed unanimously. Finally, the Senate advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure to reduce impaired driving, while opponents argued it would have limited effect and that enforcement and staffing issues were more important. The bill was debated at length and then passed 38-11.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this one, the... ...working through the court system.
• We need to protect the system.
• We need to protect the system.
• Substitute Senate Bill 5937, the Secretary will read: An act relating to the use of a smart access system
• access system was allowed.

Bills: SB5223, SB5067, SJM8002, SB5855, SB5865, SB5272, SCR8406, SB5000, SB5500, SJM8006, SB5325, SB5286, SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial honors for the Washington National Guard, including the presentation of colors, a prayer, and recognition of Major General Welsh and other Guard members in the chamber. Senators then adopted Senate Resolution 8668, which praised the Guard’s service in emergencies, disaster response, elections support, counterdrug training, and youth programs. Several members spoke in support, citing recent flood response efforts and the Guard’s work during COVID, and the resolution was adopted unanimously with all members’ names added as co-sponsors. The chamber then confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Elisa Munoz Estes to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College. Each confirmation passed by wide margins or unanimously after brief supporting remarks about the appointees’ education, military service, and community involvement. The Senate also considered and passed several bills. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865, concerning garnishment forms, was amended to delay implementation and then passed 46-3 after supporters called it a technical fix and opponents focused on timing. Substitute Senate Bill 5855, dealing with face coverings by law enforcement officers, drew extensive debate and multiple failed amendments; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure aimed at masked federal immigration enforcement, while opponents argued it was overbroad, ineffective against federal officers, and harmful to state and local law enforcement. The bill passed 38-19. The Senate also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 on explicit depictions of minors, after an amendment clarifying liability and defenses, and Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268 on community custody for unlawful firearm possession, after a date update amendment. Finally, Engrossed Senate Bill 5081 on unattended motor vehicles and Senate Joint Memorial 8002 urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud were both adopted unanimously or by large margins. Later, the Senate took up Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05; the bill drew strong support from the sponsor and law enforcement-focused supporters, but also criticism that the lower threshold would not address the most dangerous impaired drivers and might have limited practical effect.

Bills: HB483

Keywords: decentralized, unincorporated, nonprofit, smart contracts, distributed ledger technology, governance, membership, economic activities, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disasters, extreme weather attributable to climate change, and other long-term changes in the climate system
• There are security measures in the machine and in the systems that flag different behavioral things,
• And if you're drowned out by somebody's giant PA system, you're not going to be heard.
• , access, access, equitability<01:25:35.480><c> to</c><01:25:35.600><c> be</c><01:25:35.760><c> heard
• ,</c><01:25:42.920><c> you're</c> by somebody's giant PA system, you're by somebody's giant PA system

Bills: SB1166, SB888, SB2387, SB2471

Keywords: insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have someone from the community college system here.
• I serve as the Vice Chancellor for Student Success at the Alabama Community College System.
• But all we're doing is creating accessibility. That’s correct, thank you, Representative.
• The comment that came out just a moment ago is that this is a matter of accessibility.
• So as accessibility grows, certainly the marketing capacity grows as well.

Bills: HB9, HB102, HB9

Keywords: three-cueing system, reading instruction, K-12 education, structured literacy, scientific strategies, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are technology changes, closed party primaries, and we have new audit systems in place.
• There are technology changes, closed party primaries, and we have new audit systems in place, and we're
• I mean, he's the one running the levee system.
• They had people right in line, knew the systems. Again, I invite you to come and watch and listen.
• I'm familiar with the system, and I'm in awe and humbled by the opportunity to serve on this board.

Bills: SR86, SB491, HB205, HB210, HB228, HB813, HB1045, HB1177

Keywords: Senate rules, Louisiana Senate, Senate Chamber, smart glasses, recording eyewear, audio recording, video recording, wearable technology, covert recording, legislative security, media access, chamber decorum, Senate President, internal rules, public access, lobbyists, official journal, public notices, competitive bid, Louisiana legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• Kathleen, please proceed. or comparable rural health access point or comparable rural health access point
• , and we are actually asked to start training at the prison system for the adult prison system.
• our prison system for for adult<00:26:13.520><c> prison</c><00:26:13.880><c> system.
• </c> adult prison system. adult prison system.
• </c><00:49:15.160><c> Um</c> health system. Um health system.

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is exactly how the system is supposed to work.
• Eventually, they said it was a glitch in the system.
• So 16-5-6-7(a) talks about accessible ports.
• If you have access to ClassDojo or previous access to ClassDojo, please contact your school and see the
• If you have access to ClassDojo or previous access to ClassDojo, please contact your school and see the

Bills: SB1037, SB1040, SB1259, SB1281

Keywords: elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs

Transcript Highlights:

• , whether it's financial access, or even just they can't get to a vet, right?
• I think everyone's in favor of having more access as much as possible.
• So, you know, you buy a refrigerator with smart features for $1,200.
• So, you know, you buy a refrigerator with smart features for $1,200.
• Consumers are purchasing more devices that connect to the internet in the form of smart TVs, smart home

Bills: S3082, S3090, H5425, H5130, H5114

Keywords: animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills, with testimony heard both in person and remotely. The committee reviewed several measures, including H. 355 and S. 3082 on veterinary telemedicine/telehealth, H. 5445 on additional liquor licenses for East Hampton, and S. 3090/H. 5114 on consumer-connected devices and software support disclosure. The chair outlined hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and written testimony submission, and noted that Lawrence High School students were present to observe. On the veterinary bills, supporters of H. 355 argued that allowing veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship remotely would improve access to care for pets whose owners face transportation, mobility, or anxiety-related barriers, and could help veterinarians continue practicing through telemedicine. Opponents of S. 3082, including the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians, said the initial in-person exam is essential to detect conditions that cannot be seen on video, avoid misdiagnosis, and preserve the standard of care; they emphasized that teletriage and follow-up telemedicine are already used after an in-person relationship is established. Committee members pressed both sides on the distinction between teletriage and establishing the relationship, the timing of annual exams, and whether limited exceptions for sedatives or other pre-visit needs might be workable. Senator Lovely testified in support, citing a recent Lyme case where follow-up telemedicine would have been useful. On H. 5445, Representative Gomez and East Hampton Mayor Salem Derby urged approval of the bill to authorize eight additional liquor licenses, saying the city has reached its current cap, needs economic development, and wants to support downtown revitalization and new restaurant growth. Members asked about public safety and the number of licenses sought; the mayor said local public safety officials support the request and that the licenses would be for restaurants, not bars. On S. 3090 and H. 5114, consumer advocates and cybersecurity experts supported requiring manufacturers of connected devices to disclose software support timelines, arguing it would improve consumer transparency, cybersecurity, and reduce e-waste. Industry groups opposed the bills, saying fixed disclosure requirements could be impractical, create confusion, burden small businesses, conflict with federal efforts, and be difficult to apply to appliances, lighting, and other products with long lifecycles. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; at the end, staff announced a forthcoming poll for House members, and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• , financial access, or even just they can't get to a vet, right?
• I think everyone's in favor of having more access as much as possible.
• So, you know, you buy a refrigerator with smart features for $1,200.
• So, you know, you buy a refrigerator with smart features for $1,200.
• Consumers are purchasing more devices that connect to the internet in the form of smart TVs, smart home

Bills: S3082, S3090, H5425, H5130, H5114

Keywords: animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8FkwlPf8w8, 2026-07-02T01:22:51+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HOU-HSG_02-27-24_INFO_.PDF 7:49 - Introduction 17:02 - Presentation from Smart Growth America 36:46 - Presentation from Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation 50:50 - Discussion, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HB3700, HB3315, HB3242, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB2950

Keywords: education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process

Bills: HB3700, HB3315, HB3242, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB2950

Keywords: education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education Committee met and considered several higher education bills. HB 3700, by Rep. Chad Caldwell, would require public college grades to be based only on academic criteria, including attendance, and not on students’ opinions, beliefs, or conduct outside the classroom. Supporters said it formalizes an existing expectation and protects free speech; opponents raised concerns about local control and whether it was a response to a specific incident. The bill passed 6-2. The committee also passed HB 3379, a “ban-the-box” style bill by Rep. Ranson that would bar colleges from asking about felony history before admission, with exceptions for sex-related felonies and post-admission follow-up on housing, payment, and degree planning. Members questioned campus safety and whether violent offenses should be excluded, but the bill advanced 6-2. Rep. West’s HB 3129, prohibiting public institutions from charging security fees to student groups based on the content of their expression, passed 7-1 after discussion about whether schools could still assess security costs based on event size or risk. His HB 3132, which would limit the use of DEI-related practices in accreditation and require annual reporting on accreditors, also passed 6-3. Rep. Eves’ HB 3315, directing a feasibility study on three-year bachelor’s degrees, passed unanimously 9-0. Rep. Woolley’s HB 2950, as amended, would prevent extra admissions requirements for students from unaccredited backgrounds, address Oklahoma’s Promise requirements for homeschoolers, and allow OLAP applications up to age 18; it passed 7-2. Finally, Vice Chair Wolfley’s HB 3242, aimed at protecting women’s privacy in restrooms, locker rooms, showers, shelters, and correctional facilities, passed 6-2 after extensive questioning about how it would apply to transgender individuals and safety concerns for both women and trans people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, TVW, for making public policy accessible to the masses.
• Wildfire victims deserve timely, predictable access to compensation.
• Are we leaving the court system? Are we creating a new mechanism to do that?
• First, it takes a more holistic view of our food security system, and by looking at that holistic system
• It's not all, sometimes it's access to programs or food banks.

Bills: HB2275, HB2238

Keywords: wildfire prevention, Washington wildfire council, fire safety, environmental protection, state regulations, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a 15-member council to administer it. Committee staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and potentially a one-time startup payment; the fund would compensate certain wildfire damage claims tied to utility negligence and support wildfire mitigation planning and related work. Representative Reeves, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, improve transparency for ratepayers, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire prevention and response. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several advocates who said the bill could help victims recover, stabilize wildfire response funding, and support mitigation. Several witnesses described personal losses from the Gray Fire and said a dedicated fund could have helped with recovery. Opponents and those testifying “other” or “con” included utilities, utility associations, business groups, and ratepayer advocates, who raised concerns about retroactive liability dating back to July 1, 2021, unclear fund solvency, potential rate increases, equity among customer classes, and the risk that the fund could be swept for other state purposes. Some witnesses argued the bill should be paired with broader liability reform and stronger mitigation requirements, while others pointed to California’s wildfire fund as a model or cautionary example. After public testimony, the committee read the record of sign-ins as 30 pro, 774 con, and 2 other, and then concluded the hearing on HB 2275. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring duties. Staff briefed five amendments, four of which were adopted: one requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting, one directing the department to recommend legislative actions to improve food affordability, one adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and emphasizing root causes of hunger, and one adding fuel and labor cost metrics. A fifth amendment, which would have required a consultant study of agricultural labor collective bargaining legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then moved the substitute bill forward with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• players to ensure food access.
• Department of Agriculture to our local food security system.
• The system is broken, okay? We based ourselves on a cheap food system where diesel is $5 a gallon.
• The system where diesel is $5 a gallon is not working.
• The system is designed to be administered by counties.

Bills: HB2279, HB2463, HB1941, HB2238

Keywords: PFAS chemicals, agriculture, environmental impact, regulation, food safety, farmers, food security, Washington, support for farmers, cannabis, cooperatives, marijuana industry, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to establish a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that pose environmental and health risks and said Washington should begin acting now, while some members questioned whether the bill would duplicate federal EPA review and could disadvantage Washington agriculture. WSDA testified that the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; agricultural and pesticide industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of federal oversight and warned of market impacts, while environmental groups supported it as a needed step to reduce PFAS exposure in food and agriculture. The committee took no action on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2463, which would expand and rename the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a farm-to-food pantry program to help hunger relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill responds to reduced federal food security support and is intended to strengthen local food access and support farmers. Testimony was broadly supportive from food banks, hunger relief organizations, tribal farms, AARP, and several growers, who said the program helps move fresh produce, dairy, and protein to people in need and supports local agriculture. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns that language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” do this work could exclude many existing food hubs, distributors, and regional partners; others requested amendments to include tribally owned small-scale farms, food hubs, and broader distribution networks. No vote was taken on HB 2463. After the hearings, the committee recessed for caucus and then held executive session on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations and engage in collective processing, handling, and marketing. The sponsor and chair described it as a parity measure to help smaller cannabis producers organize and compete, while opponents argued it was premature given ongoing federal marijuana scheduling issues and that the bill’s scope was too broad. The committee approved the bill on a 6-5 vote and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. The chair also announced that executive action on House Bill 2238 would be deferred until the following day due to pending amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse