Transcript Highlights:

• It modifies investigative files, how people are able to access them, and allows the board to expunge
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2946, Municipalities Counties Development Fees, modifies development fees charged
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2946, Municipalities Counties Development Fees, modifies development fees charged
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2834, claims against HOA's filing fee.
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2834, claims against HOA's filing fee, passed the Commerce Committee

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that really won't be finalized until they make their filing.
• PJM's May filing—we know what that is. FERC reviews that, issues their order.
• That would be probation, paying all their fines and fees.
• We are currently already experiencing a number of these fees being waived.
• Again, remember, this is not a waiver of all fines and fees.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee Substitute House Bill 4401 does not change the MVCPA fee amount.
• The fee now is $5, but only $2 goes to the MVCPA.
• Committee Substitute House Bill 4401 does not change the MVCPA fee amount.
• The fee now is $5, but only $2 goes to the MVCPA.
• I filed House Bill 341 because this issue is personal to me.

Bills: HB341, HB469, HB971, HB1624, HB2721, HB2959, HB3365, HB3731, HB3793, HB3861, HB3946, HB3966, HB4348, HB4401, HB4402, HB4924, HB4966, HB5563

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• So I filed the bill that wasn't very good. It died. Last session, I filed a much better bill.
• So I filed the bill that wasn't very good. It died. Last session, I filed a much better bill.
• Under the substitute and the bill as filed, co-ops would potentially not be able to own or operate DERs
• While there appears to be some improvement over the originally filed bill, as well as SB 1212, we're
• That's why I was especially saddened to hear that he filed this harmful legislation.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on the agenda was House File 862. House File 862 was before the committee.
• today on house file 862 for the<00:02:55.200> record<00:02:55.560> my<00:02:55.720>
• <00:03:21.440> 862<00:03:22.080> is<00:03:22.200> so to share why house file
• House File 2131 is referred to the General Register.
• My question is in regards to the user fees.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Senate files 1402, 2413, and 2765 Um Senate files 1402, 2413, and 2765 um<00:06:41.199> are
• Senator Klene um moves that Senate File Senator Klene um moves that Senate File 2413<00:26:32.480
• Members, Senate File 2879 is laid over. Senate File 2880 is in front of the committee.
• File 2879 is laid over. File 2879 is laid over.
• Senate file 2880 will be laid members.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can do a fee for Medicaid payments.
• You can do a fee for fee<00:07:40.000> model<00:07:40.240> in<00:07:40.400> which
• actually we actually do have some fee actually we actually do have some fee for<00:39:58.880>
• uh have the card holder wave uh fee uh have the card holder wave uh fee waved<01:42:35.679> in
• So that $25 fee executive order 335.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then approved an agency amendment to a health and family services regulation. The amendment reversed a prior change so that neonatal ICU beds would remain subject to regular review rather than nonsubstantive review. The remaining administrative regulations were then reviewed without objection. The main presentation was from State Auditor Allison Ball on a report finding $836 million in concurrent Medicaid capitation payments from 2019 through 2022, involving individuals enrolled in Kentucky and at least one other state. Ball said Kentucky relied on the PARIS system, which has limitations because it is updated quarterly and depends on voluntary state participation, while a better federal data source, T-MSIS, was not fully available to the state. She said the audit found weak internal controls, siloed processes, outdated guidance, and a low-priority attitude toward residency checks, all of which contributed to missed alerts and improper payments. She also said the report identified additional problems, including payments made after beneficiaries died and cases involving multiple states paying for the same person. Ball recommended better access to federal data, stronger MCO contract provisions, and more active oversight by the Department for Medicaid Services and managed care organizations. She said the contracts reviewed did not provide a clear way to recoup the improper payments, though she and her counsel suggested possible equitable legal theories might be explored. Members expressed concern about the scale of the waste and the lack of contract enforcement, and asked whether any money could be recovered. Ball said the audit did not identify a clear contractual path to recoup the funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• So do we go and file suit again? Who mediates that problem?
• So do we go and file suit again? Who mediates that problem?
• Members, this is HB 437 by Representative Melorine, provides relative to expert witness fees.
• And so nobody handles things on a contingency fee basis that I'm aware of.
• On a contingency fee basis that I'm aware of.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended. House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no. Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 4005 is laid over.
• I will move the DE4 to House File 962. I will move the DE4 to House File 962.
• House File 4542 is laid over.
• House File 4293.
• to be a quick overview of House File to be a quick overview of House File 4075.

Bills: HF3951, HF4005, HF962, HF4585, HF3870, HF4542, HF3893, HF4293, HF4075, HF4057, HF3809

Keywords: submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff

Transcript Highlights:

• component of the school impact fee, but retain the land impact fee requirement and the in-lieu fee requirement
• component of the school construction fee component of the school impact<00:02:00.119> fee<00:
• requirement and the inl fee contribution requirement and the inl fee remove<00:02:06.200> all
• construction cost component impact fee construction cost component impact fee and<00:02:09.800><
• Um, okay, because when the counties approved development fees and it has to do with development fees

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 422, relating to school impact fees. The Education Committee recommended passage with amendments, and Ways and Means concurred. The amendments would repeal the construction fee component of the school impact fee while retaining the land impact fee and in-lieu fee requirements, remove related statutory language, exempt certain developments from school impact fees, raise the unit threshold for satisfying the land component to 100 units, require the School Facilities Authority to adopt rules and policies, and require a report to the Legislature on the effect of repealing the construction portion of the fee. The measure was also given a sunset date of June 30, 2029, with the committee report to note that the changes are intended to test the efficiency and efficacy of the fee structure and could be made permanent if the report supports that outcome. The committees adopted the recommendation, with one senator initially voting no and then changing to yes after the amendments were explained. The meeting also included a separate hearing on House Bill 1155, concerning procurement for Department of Transportation projects and construction manager/general contractor procurement. DOT testified that it supported the concept but wanted to narrow the bill, saying the current language was too broad and that the goal was to allow more innovative procurement while preserving selection safeguards. The State Procurement Office said it supported the bill’s language but was willing to work with DOT on alternative wording. Several construction-related organizations, including subcontractors, iron workers, elevator constructors, and building trades representatives, opposed the bill, arguing that exemptions from the procurement code would weaken protections such as retainage, equality, and prompt payment and could invite favoritism or corruption. In response to those concerns, the chair proposed amendments limiting the exemption to DOT, narrowing the qualifying contracts, adding a two-year sunset, requiring a report after the first year, and clarifying that project management could not be procured under the section. The amended recommendation passed, though several members voted with reservations. A separate item, House Bill 476, was briefly called up at the end of the agenda, with a recommendation to pass with amendments to increase a rate from 7.25% to 8%, but discussion was not completed in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriated and comes from the fees appropriated and comes from the fees based<00:26:11.760>
• permit fees, hazardous waste fees are $7 million, water quality fees are $4.4 million, and pollution
• prevention fees are $2.8 million.
• <00:30:25.159> main fees uh those in FY 24 the main fee main fees uh those in FY 24 the main
• fees hazardous waste fees are 7 million water<00:30:52.399> quality<00:30:52.760> fees<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an organizational hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several legislators noting their backgrounds in farming, mining, water management, and outdoor recreation, and the chair reviewed draft committee rules emphasizing decorum, quorum, timely starts, and submitting bill hearing requests to the committee administrator. The committee also heard from nonpartisan staff and caucus staff who will support the committee this session. House Research and House Fiscal staff then provided an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the major agencies and programs it oversees. The presentation covered the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Quality Board, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Metropolitan Council regional parks and water resources, Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoological Board, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Staff summarized the main statutory chapters and subject areas under each, including wildlife, state lands, mining, water use, air and water permitting, environmental review, wetlands, drainage, and natural resources funding. The finance portion explained the committee’s appropriation types and major funding sources, including direct, statutory, and open appropriations. Staff highlighted the general fund, bonding, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Game and Fish Fund, and the Heritage Enhancement Account, along with how those dollars are typically used for parks and trails, habitat, land acquisition, flood and drainage projects, and agency operations. Members also discussed whether DNR and BWSR responsibilities in overlapping water statutes can conflict; staff said responsibilities are generally clear in statute, though conflicts can occur and are usually resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• the innocent Party once they're found innocent to again retain an attorney and possibly incur more fees
• You're found either guilty or not guilty, or charges aren't filed, one of the two.
• Either the report shows through the investigation no charges filed, or you have a court that the judge
• Basically, it raises some of the fees that the OSBI charges.
• And I have filed that on general once in a great while, so Representative, yeah, I think this will be

Bills: SB137, SB1216, SB1226, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1733, SB1921

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• And then there is a percentage fee that, say— Across it, and then there is a percentage fee that, say
• Counties and cities could decide what that fee could be. I mean, it could be a fee on haircuts.
• Counties and cities could decide what that fee could be. I mean, it could be a fee on haircuts.
• fee, and then they put a system fee on top that they kind of glean off of that.
• We had a disposal fee and then we worked within that disposal fee to pay for contracts for operation,

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to pay those fees in excess.
• We're going to move on to file item while we have everybody. File item number two.
• It's file number 9, SB... Chairwoman's next bill is file number nine, SB 1284. Thank you, Mr.
• Okay, we are going to start then with file item number one. File item 1. File item 1.
• Okay, we are going to start then with file item number one. File item 1. File item 1. SB.

Summary: The committee heard SB 921, which would create a tax credit to help agricultural employers offset overtime premium costs for farmworkers. Senator Grove and supporters, including farmworkers, the California Farm Bureau, and agricultural groups, argued the bill would restore lost hours and take-home pay after California’s agricultural overtime law reduced schedules. Opponents, including the California Federation of Labor Unions and CRLA Foundation, argued the proposal would subsidize employers with taxpayer dollars and undermine the principle that employers should pay overtime themselves. The bill was held in subcommittee until more members arrived. The committee then took up SB 1083, a cleanup bill to the prior year’s school employee misconduct database law. The author and supporters said it would add due process protections for classified school employees, require an administrative law judge review before placement in the database, and improve notice and vetting rules for contractors and non-permanent staff. School employer groups and other opponents warned the bill could slow investigations and weaken child-safety protections. The committee approved the bill 3-0 and sent it to Senate Appropriations. Members also considered SB 1089, which would require CalPERS health plans to cover GLP-1 medications and expand access through CalRX for chronic weight management and related health conditions. The author and supporters, including the American Diabetes Association and medical groups, said the drugs can prevent diabetes and improve health outcomes but remain unaffordable for many. Pharma representatives expressed concerns about the bill as drafted but said they were open to continued discussions. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar 4-0. Later, the committee heard SB 954, which would narrow and add guardrails to last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing, including environmental review near disadvantaged communities and labor standards such as prevailing wage and skilled-and-trained workforce requirements. Labor, environmental, and community groups supported the bill as a cleanup of an overly broad exemption, while business and manufacturing groups opposed it, warning it would discourage investment and worsen California’s competitiveness. The bill passed 3-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1299, a fire sprinkler fitter certification bill, was heard and passed 3-0 to Appropriations with support from the sprinkler fitters and building trades and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• You you file your months.
• So when an appeal is filed, a land use appeal is filed at the superior court, it goes into a general
• So in days that an appeal is filed.
• > days<02:27:17.280> later theory, appeal filed 30 days later theory, appeal filed 30 days
• Is that card you get hit with a fee.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Senate Bill 29 is intended to address designation fees, or origination fees, whichever you
• The designation fees, or origination fees, are fees that a county charges a solid waste facility located
• These designation fees, or origination fees, are fees that a county would charge a solid waste facility
• These designation fees<00:07:49.680> or<00:07:50.000> origination<00:07:50.639> fees
• /c> fees or origination fees are fees that a fees or origination fees are fees that a county<00:07:52.479

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The House then communicated passage of House Bills 184 and 265 and House Joint Resolution 24, requesting concurrence. The Senate also approved the prior day’s journal, excused absent senators, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including Senate Bill 76 with committee substitute, Senate Bill 12, Senate Joint Resolution 23 with committee substitute, and Senate Bills 27 and 40 with committee substitutes. New bills introduced included Senate Bill 1 on education, Senate Bill 3 on school district finances, and Senate Bill 112 on short-term rentals. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 29 on solid waste management facilities. The sponsor explained that the bill would prohibit counties from charging designation or origination fees to solid waste facilities located in other counties, while leaving intact local authority over facilities within a county and existing host fees. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 36 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 pass. Senate Bill 49 on battery stewardship was next. Its sponsor described growing fire risks from lithium batteries in landfills, recycling trucks, and waste facilities, and said the bill would prohibit lithium batteries in curbside trash and recycling containers and create a statewide stewardship program with a phased implementation timeline. The measure passed 37-0. Senate Bill 38 on pharmacist reimbursements and services followed; supporters said it would improve access to routine care through pharmacists, reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, and align Medicaid and KCHIP reimbursement policies with private insurance standards. It also passed unanimously, 37-0. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, which directs the Legislative Research Commission to procure a vendor for a feasibility study on an accountable communities for health Medicaid delivery model pilot project. The sponsor argued that Medicaid and broader health care costs are unsustainable and that a community-based model could reduce bureaucracy and improve outcomes. Several senators spoke in support, including questions about the cost of managed care organizations and administrative overhead. The resolution was adopted after debate and roll call, with strong support from members who described it as a potentially revolutionary approach to health care delivery.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Yes, so as in terms of there's 2 different types of fees, there's the $50 application fee that is
• So then then at the end, there's attorneys fees that vary for misdemeanor and felony amounts.
• an application on file with the clerk.
• to make sure the Indian C application is filed because of its not filed.
• They say there's a $50 application fee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to update the phlebotomist certification fee from a biannual to an annual fee and make technical
• That's the laboratory field sciences fees.
• We wouldn't have to do it every time we needed to increase fees.
• , laboratory field science fee, ADAP cleanup, the very long-named one.
• From the fee-setting authority it currently has right now? Sure.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be setting its fees be setting its fees and<02:12:46.639> it<02:12:46.800> end<02:
• There is a set license fee.
• the process of updating that fee the process of updating that fee schedule<02:39:38.359> it
• fees and gaining<03:06:09.439> fees<03:06:09.760> from<03:06:10.000> those<03:06
• /c> High higher than needed licensing fees High higher than needed licensing fees have<03:15:20.880><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, is this fee optional?
• fee.
• ACH does not have that extra fee.
• The fee, the safe drinking water fee, is actually collected by the water system from customers, which
• That fee is approved.

Keywords: 974, senate, all