Transcript Highlights:

• to the Constitution and laws of the United States and the state in which they reside.
• to the Constitution and laws of the United States and the state in which they reside.
• Eventually, state and tribal leaders struck a more cooperative tone and began working together on the
• Salmon is such a big part of the agreements and the cooperation between our state, our feds, and our
• On this bill, I have been counsel for the state of Washington in United States v.

Bills: HB2104, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact, 904, all

Summary: The committee took up six House bills for public hearing, with staff explaining each measure and sponsors describing their purposes. ESHB 2238 on statewide food security was presented as a broad strategy for WSDA to coordinate food access, agricultural viability, and supply chain resilience, including annual data monitoring and reporting on regulatory costs; supporters from agriculture, food banks, school nutrition, counties, and advocacy groups said it would improve coordination and strengthen the food system, while some asked for broader representation in the advisory process. HB 2199 would expand the derelict vessel removal program by broadening the definition of derelict vessel and allowing earlier intervention on unregistered or hazardous vessels; ports, local officials, and environmental advocates supported it as a way to reduce pollution, safety risks, and cleanup costs. HB 2104 would remove the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response, and the sponsor and fire officials said the program has been effective at enabling rapid initial attack and preventing more expensive state mobilization. HB 2554 would repeal statutory language from Initiative 456 relating to treaty fishing rights; the sponsor, Attorney General’s Office, and Department of Fish and Wildlife supported repeal as removing unconstitutional and unenforceable provisions and correcting a historical wrong. HB 2619 would create a legislative task force to review regulatory stressors in agriculture and recommend changes, with the sponsor tying it to agricultural mental health and suicide prevention; no public testimony was offered. HB 2343 would require permits and water-quality controls for publicly owned game farms, with staff noting it appears to apply to a Fish and Wildlife facility and that the fiscal note estimates about $13,000 annually for compliance. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive on the bills that drew testimony, and the chair announced all six bills would be listed for possible executive session at the committee’s next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call to order the Washington State Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the final
• As a quick reminder, state law provides that no municipal officer may be beneficially interested in any
• We have Katie Raines, the director of food system initiatives with the Washington State Department of
• We have a work session from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, local farms, workers, and
• business ID number and all of the other certifications in place with the state.

Bills: HB2104, HB2223, HB2348, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, irrigation, district director, contracts, beneficial interests, agriculture, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, first briefing several bills before taking executive action on most of them. Staff summarized House Bill 2104 on aviation assurances for wildland fire response, Substitute House Bill 2199 on derelict vessels, House Bill 2223 on irrigation district director spouse employment, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, Substitute House Bill 2343 on water quality and game farms, House Bill 2348 on timber sales efficiencies, House Bill 2554 on treaty reserve fishing rights, and House Bill 2619 creating a task force on reducing regulatory stress in agriculture. The committee also noted fiscal impacts where applicable and that several bills had passed the House with strong bipartisan support. No amendments were offered on most of the bills, though HB 2223 had a proposed amendment limiting the exemption to smaller irrigation districts. In executive session, the committee voted to advance HB 2104 to Ways and Means, SHB 2199 to Rules, ESHB 2238 to Ways and Means, HB 2348 to Rules, HB 2554 to Rules, and HB 2619 to Rules. The committee took no action on HB 2223 or SHB 2343. Members briefly thanked committee staff and acknowledged the contributions of Senators Shewmake and Saldaña as they concluded their service on the committee. The committee then held a work session with the Washington State Department of Agriculture on the local farms, workers, and food grant proviso. WSDA described its one-time overtime reimbursement grant for eligible vegetable farms, saying 24 farms received about $213,000 total and that the agency used targeted outreach, cross-agency coordination, and a simplified application process to administer the program. Members asked about lessons learned and whether the approach could inform future grant programs; WSDA said the experience reinforced the value of targeted outreach, clearer eligibility data, and streamlined administration. The meeting ended with adjournment for the 2026 session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply aligns the bill allowing for mutual aid agreements. Are there any questions?

Bills: SB68, SB68

Keywords: emergency management, mutual aid, disaster response, local government, political subdivision, public safety, public health, emergency services, first responders, intergovernmental agreements, reciprocal aid, emergency preparedness, local emergency management organization, governing body, liability immunity, Alabama Code 31-9-9, Alabama Code 31-9-11, tribal agreements, federally recognized Indian tribes, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> anti fraud package as you know the state anti fraud package as you know the state of<00:03:09.799
• finances and state workforce.
• Several years ago, we passed into law a statute requiring state agencies to consult with the tribal governments
• consult with tribal governments and brings it in line with every other state agency, so there's no expansion
• agency to consult with agent a state agency to consult with tribal<01:08:51.440><c> governments</c><

Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself. Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick. The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just as the state of North Dakota has legislative authority, About tribal consultation.
• Just as the state of North Dakota has legislative authority, so do tribal nations.
• State laws often have far-reaching implications on tribal communities.
• The United States has long acknowledged the sovereign status of tribal nations.
• There's turnover in tribal governments. There's turnover in state government.

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier. The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.

Transcript Highlights:

• This concurrent resolution calls for greater intergovernmental cooperation among federal, state, and
• Direct communication and cooperation between the state and individual Mexican states could also streamline
• This is evident by Governor Abbott's previous agreements with the individual Mexican states in 2022 related
• individual states to improve border security cooperation.
• Lastly, this bill also contains a legislative finding stating that any individual entering the state

Bills: HCR98, HB180

Keywords: counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum present and first took up HCR 98, a resolution urging Congress to improve coordination among federal, state, and local authorities on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology for border security. The author and sponsor described increasing drone activity along the border, saying unauthorized drones are used to track agents, identify weaknesses, and smuggle contraband, and argued for clearer procedures to detect, identify, and neutralize such aircraft. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted 4-0 to report HCR 98 favorably to the full Senate; the resolution was also ordered for local and uncontested calendar placement without objection. The committee then heard HB 180, sponsored by Chairman Birdwell, which would authorize the governor to coordinate directly with Mexican officials and individual Mexican states on border security agreements and appoint representatives to implement them. Birdwell said the bill would codify prior border-security cooperation efforts, improve responses to cross-border challenges such as drug and human trafficking, and include a finding that entrants from foreign countries must use a legal port of entry. No questions were asked, and there was no invited or public testimony. After the hearing, the committee left HB 180 pending. The meeting concluded with no further business and the committee standing in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Direct communication and cooperation is critical. ...between the state and individual Mexican states
• This is evident by Governor Abbott's previous agreements with the individual Mexican states in 2022 related
• individual states to improve border security cooperation.
• Agreements.
• Lastly, this bill also contains a legislative finding stating that any individual entering the state

Bills: HCR98, HB180, HB180

Keywords: counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels

Bills: HB176, HB180, HB176, HB180, HB333, HCR35

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding, HB 176, Texas border security, interstate compact, Government Code Chapter 794, Texas-Mexico border, border enforcement, immigration enforcement, ICE 287(g)

Transcript Highlights:

• The remainder of the dollars are appropriated to state agency, judicial, and higher education projects
• Some of the state agency projects are for the benefit of local entities.

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• And that agreement is now derelict.
• In this case, we have agreement.
• another state?
• Because that credit can be taken against state GRT, state withholding taxes, and other combined payments
• Receive a massive boom of corporations saying, 'Okay, I have investments in this state or this state

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• up too much time, but this was the result of some constituent feedback and feedback from across the state
• So I think this is a good local control bill, helps deal with a real need we have throughout the state
• And similar districts throughout the state have issues with this aging irrigation infrastructure, and
• I'm the Wyoming state director for The Nature Conservancy.
• <00:08:22.400><c> Nature</c> state director for the Nature state director for the Nature Conservancy.

Bills: SF0050, SF0068, SF0084, HB0087, HB0029, HB0061, HB0090

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• firms or state firms outside the state.
• Um so I state firms outside the state.
• </c> meat products in the United States. meat products in the United States.
• </c> the state engineer. the state engineer.
• ><c> engineers</c> questions for the state engineers questions for the state engineers office?

Bills: SF0050, SF0068, SF0084, HB0087, HB0029, HB0061, HB0090

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a state grant.
• Please state your name for the record.
• Third, I want to thank you for linking the state grant caps to the Minnesota state institutions.
• $851 for a tribal college student.
• So, we cut where we could cut; we cut where we could get agreement. Agreement.

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the state grant.
• </c><00:08:46.560><c> It's</c> tribal relations. It's tribal relations.
• Please state your name for the record and continue. state in your committee.
• </c> that the state took responsibility for. that the state took responsibility for.
• </c> the economic driver of the state. the economic driver of the state.

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment at the desk: a striking amendment by the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and
• this state.
• School districts, charter schools, state-tribal education compacts, and private schools are authorized
• You also have many of our tribal partners around the state selling tobacco Many of our tribal partners
• around the state selling tobacco on tribal lands, and you have a tax differential rate there in many

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial items, then moved through gubernatorial appointments and a series of floor votes. It confirmed Acacia E. Ingram to the Evergreen State College Board of Trustees, Ashland J. Tibbet and David S. Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Members spoke in support of the appointees’ public service and ties to higher education. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement honoring a Colfax basketball coach who died of pancreatic cancer, followed by a caucus break. The Senate then considered several bills, passing measures on derelict vessels (SHB 2199), radiologic technologist supervision (HB 2113), nitrous oxide retail sales (ESHB 2532), ambulance transport fund alignment (HB 2531), EMT recertification (HB 2540), affordable housing on religious property (2SHB 1859), factory-built housing standards (SHB 2151), social housing public development authorities (EHB 1687), the Washington Voting Rights Act and voter suppression claims (ESSHB 1750), privacy and data protection reporting and AI use (HB 2606), military family school stability (ESHB 2534), coal-fired utility treatment (HB 2367), and school access to albuterol (SHB 2360). Most passed on strong bipartisan roll calls, though the voting-rights bill and coal-utility bill drew the most debate and partisan division. Several bills were amended on the floor. The Senate adopted changes to the nitrous oxide bill, the factory-built housing bill, the social housing bill, the albuterol bill, and the 3D-printer/firearm-manufacturing bill (ESHB 2320), while rejecting some proposed amendments on the voting-rights and 3D-printer bills. Debate centered on whether the voting-rights bill set too low a threshold for lawsuits and whether the coal-utility bill gave improper treatment to coal generation; supporters framed both as needed protections or transition measures, while opponents warned about litigation and policy overreach. The chamber also discussed tribal consultation in energy siting (SHB 2496), ultimately passing it after a close vote, and later returned to the 3D-printer bill, which advanced after amendments narrowed exemptions for gunsmiths and dealers and clarified the bill’s focus on digital files used to manufacture firearms.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an amazing state that I just love to visit all corners of the state with my family.
• and visit across the state.
• in local and state spending that we all get to utilize and have as a benefit here at this state house
• In Washington State, we have one joint operating agreement by one facility that is in Washington State
• Washington State Patrol or any other state agency has when it comes to people in the state of Washington

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

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

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer asking members to serve with humility, justice, and attention to the poor and unseen. The chamber approved the prior day’s minutes, moved House Bill 273 (Health Carrier Surpluses) and House Bill 2681 (Cannabis License Fees) to the second reading calendar, and welcomed several honored guests and caucus announcements before proceeding to floor action on bills. The House first considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, establishing a tourism self-support program. Representative Santos offered and the House adopted Amendment 1709, described as a clarifying change. Supporters said the bill would let the tourism industry assess itself to fund statewide marketing and help attract visitors year-round without using general taxpayer dollars. The bill passed final vote 84-5. The House then took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy. Members discussed replacing property tax treatment for wind, solar, and battery storage projects with an excise tax to reduce tax shifts onto other local taxpayers and provide more stable community benefits. After adopting Amendment 2073 and Amendment 2071 as amended, the bill passed 74-15. The House next debated House Bill 2521 on firearms background checks. Two amendments were offered and rejected: Amendment 1979 would have raised the fee cap from $18 to $33, and Amendment 1989 would have set the fee at zero, with opponents arguing the fee should cover program costs and supporters arguing any fee on firearm transfers burdens constitutional rights. The bill itself passed 53-36. Finally, House Bill 2675, the annual accounts bill, was advanced without amendment and passed unanimously 89-0. The House then adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, February 24.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an amazing state that I just love to visit all corners of the state with my family.
• and visit across the state.
• in local and state spending that we all get to utilize and have as a benefit here at this State House
• In Washington State, we have one joint operating agreement by one facility that is in Washington State
• Washington State Patrol or any other state agency has when it comes to people in the state of Washington

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

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so this piece of legislation gives um individuals that are Oregon donors, especially state employees
• individuals that are Oregon donors<00:03:48.959><c> u</c><00:03:49.120><c> especially</c><00:03:49.519><c> state

Bills: HB372, HB361, HB391, HB372, HB361, HB391

Keywords: Elmore County, rental tax, tax revenue, infrastructure funding, economic development, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, tribal police, reservation security, state-recognized tribe, law enforcement authority, certified police officer, Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, P.O.S.T., trespass, warrantless arrest, tribal land, sovereignty, public safety, Indian tribe, reservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Because there's no state law, that's what this bill aims to address. Motion, Senator...
• There are many things that we can do together to improve the lives of the veterans in our state, and
• It is really important for us to look at good programs in our state that we could then... programs in
• our state that we could then replicate statewide for veterans.
• April Turner, who is the state head injury coordinator for the Department of Rehabilitation Services,

Bills: SB241, HB304, HB295, HB361

Keywords: criminal enterprise, database, law enforcement, crime management, Alabama law, impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, HB295, Alabama National Guard, military punishment, non-judicial punishment, Article 15, court-martial, special court-martial, disciplinary measures, commanding officer, Adjutant General, Governor