Michael Keaton — Representative Michael Keaton is introduced as the sponsor of HB 2353 and then presents the bill, thanking the chair and committee. He explains that the proposal would raise the pre-design threshold from $10 million to $15 million and add inflation indexing, arguing that it would reduce unnecessary pre-design costs and help projects move forward more efficiently. Subsequent remarks continue supporting the bill’s cost-saving rationale, referencing Keaton’s points about the financial impact.
HB2353 — The committee begins discussion of House Bill 2353, which concerns pre-design thresholds.
HB2353 — The hearing is closed on HB 2353 after testimony concludes.
HB2353 — The committee receives a briefing and testimony on House Bill 2353, which would raise the statutory pre-design threshold from $10 million to $15 million and then adjust it annually for inflation. Staff notes that while the fiscal note shows no immediate fiscal impact, the bill could generate future capital budget savings. Testimony explains that the measure was originally intended to help address budget pressures for colleges and universities, later broadened to state government generally, and argues that the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary pre-design and pre-planning costs on smaller projects.
Nicole Macri — Representative Keaton thanks Chair Callan for hearing the bill.
Steve DuPont — Steve DuPont is identified as the sole in-person testifier.
Steve DuPont — Steve DuPont is called to testify and then speaks in support of HB 2420 on behalf of Central Washington University and the public four-year university sector. He says the bill will save staff time and effort in administering projects and improve efficiency, while also increasing opportunities for small, minority-, veteran-, and women-owned businesses.
HB2420 — The committee hearing on House Bill 2420 opens with staff explaining that the bill would raise the maximum value of public works contracts eligible for the Small Works roster process. Staff provides background on current competitive bidding requirements and the existing threshold, then describes the proposed substitute and its phased schedule of increases to the Small Works roster limit through 2030. A fiscal note is also referenced, noting that it was sent to various agencies and entities. The committee then moves into public testimony, where supporters argue that the bill modernizes outdated procurement thresholds, restores balance, preserves oversight, and gives districts and utilities more practical flexibility while reducing administrative burden. The hearing on HB 2420 is then closed.
Pedro Colon — Representative Janice Zahn is introduced as the sponsor of the bill, identifies herself, and explains that the measure originated from a Capital Project Advisory Review Board process she served on for years. She outlines that a 2023 law required CPARB to review Small Works contracting thresholds due to cost escalation, leading to a unanimous recommendation reflected in the bill. She also notes that the substitute changes the effective date to January 1 to give L&I more time for rulemaking, while later remarks simply thank her for sponsoring the bill.
SB5256 — Zahn cites SB 5256 as the prior law requiring review of Small Works contracting thresholds for cost escalation.
James Coburn — James Coburn is called to testify and then speaks in support of HB 2420 on behalf of the Washington Public Ports Association.
Stephen Ellis — Stephen Ellis is called to testify and then appears as a witness, stating that he is with the Association of Washington Cities and is there in support of HB 2420.
John McKellen — Named as the remote testifier to be loaded up.
John McClellan — John McClellan, general manager of Alderwood Water and Wastewater District, testifies in support of HB 2420 on behalf of the Washington Association of Water and Sewer Districts. He explains that the bill modernizes outdated procurement thresholds that no longer reflect current construction costs and would reduce unnecessary bidding complexity.
Axel Swanson — Axel Swanson is introduced as a witness to come forward and then testifies briefly in strong support of the bill on behalf of the Association of Counties.
Michael Trunceau — Michael Trunceau is called to come forward as a witness, but when the speaker checks for him shortly afterward, he is not seen/present.
Emily Alvarado — Praised for work on the legislation.
Emily Alvarado — Identified as the sponsor of House Bill 2470.
Emily Alvarado — Named as the sponsor of House Bill 2470.
Emily Alvarado — Asked to present the bill after the staff briefing.
Emily Alvarado — Explained personal and district ties to military-base schools and Clover Park School District.
Emily Alvarado — Thanked for presenting the legislation.
HB2470 — House Bill 2470 is introduced in a staff briefing as legislation to provide SCAP facility support for on-base schools. The committee hears details that the bill would exclude military-base instructional facilities from available instructional space calculations and adjust state funding assistance so it equals project cost minus federal funding received, with fiscal notes addressing potential SCAP impacts. The bill is then handed to the prime sponsor, followed by testimony in support from Tyler Munchy and Jerry Fugick, who explain that the measure addresses SCAP eligibility and funding limitations for districts on military bases and strongly endorse the bill. The hearing on HB 2470 concludes at the end of the discussion.
John Wilson-Faley — Committee staff member providing the briefing on House Bill 2470.
Mike Steele — Ranking Member Steele is addressed during the committee’s transition into sponsor/witness testimony, first by the chair and then again in the witness’s opening remarks to the chair, the ranking member, and committee members.
Melanie Morgan — Representative Morgan was called on after Representative Leavitt’s testimony and asked a question about the legislation, specifically whether the federal government would contribute to the account.
Melanie Morgan — Likely referenced as present earlier in the exchange, though the transcript is unclear.
Amy Walen — Representative Leavitt is discussed as the prime sponsor of the bill, with speakers noting they are working with her to amend it, thanking her for bringing the bill forward, and adding a personal connection through shared experience with Department of Defense schools.
April Connors — The witness addresses Chair Callan at the start of testimony.
April Connors — The motion is made to move into executive session.
April Connors — The chair calls for questions and then announces a 10-minute caucus break.
April Connors — The motion is made in response to the Vice Chair's request.
Tyler Munchy — Testifies for the Superintendent of Public Instruction's Office in support of HB 2470 and explains current law affecting school districts on military installations.
Charlie Brown — Charlie Brown appears on behalf of the Clover Park School District to support the bill and describe the district’s military-family population and funding challenges. Shortly afterward, Representative Morgan directs a follow-up question to him about the school board’s federal contacts, continuing the same discussion.
Debra Entenman — Representative Morgan is addressed in the exchange, asks a question about the school board and its coordination regarding school facilities, and receives a response on that same topic.
Mary Dye — The speaker asks whether the question came from Representative Dye.
Jerry Fugick — Jerry Fugick introduces himself for the record and identifies himself as chairman of the Veterans Legislative Coalition, supporting House Bill 2470.
HB2338 — House Bill 2338 is taken up in executive session, moved out of committee with a due-pass recommendation, briefly explained by the sponsor as a weatherization-related bill that also supports affordable housing and community projects, and then reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.
Don Aigner — Committee staff briefs the committee on House Bill 2338.
HB2338 — The committee is preparing to vote on the bill.
Stephanie Barnard — Rep. Stephanie Barnard was noted as excused from the vote.
Mary Fosse — Likely referenced as present; the transcript says 'Fossi's here.'
Megan Duffy — Introduced herself as director of the Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brock Miller — Introduced as Policy and Legislative Director at the Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brock Miller — Brock Miller takes over to provide a brief overview of several grant programs, starting with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.