Video & Transcript : 'supplemental permanent benefit increase' :
Page 10 of 500
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Making Delaware's commitment to primary care investment permanent.
- Including increasing access while controlling costs.
- Any increase above 2% still requires voter approval through referendum.
- And districts would still need voter approval for larger operating increases.
- Importantly, this bill does not change employee or retiree benefits.
Committee:
House Administration
Keywords:
federal workers, government shutdown, interest-free loans, tax deferral, public transportation, Rehoboth Beach, municipal charter, city charter amendment, commissioners, mayor, local government, election qualifications, affidavit of eligibility, domestic partner, cohabitant, conflict of interest, freeholder, leaseholder, municipal court, Alderman
Summary:
The House Administration Committee met to consider a series of resolutions and bills covering arts districts, child care background checks, federal worker relief, health care reform, court transparency, school tax reassessment, municipal charter changes, constitutional amendment procedures, data center nondisclosure agreements, state employee benefits governance, and lieutenant governor vacancies. Members also noted that House Concurrent Resolution 12 had been removed from the agenda and that public comment would be limited to one minute per speaker.
The committee released SCR 167 to study arts, culture, and creative districts in Delaware; HB 438 to close a loophole in the child care service letter requirement; SB 268 to provide interest-free loans, free transit, and tax deferrals for federal workers during shutdowns; SS2 for SB 1 to expand and permanently strengthen primary care investment while also addressing hospital cost growth; HCR 147 to request a Court of Chancery report on audio recordings and automated case assignment; SB 322 to replace the current post-reassessment 10% school revenue increase authority with a 2% annual increase option under safeguards; SB 306 to amend the Rehoboth Beach charter; HB 440 to require voter approval for constitutional amendments after legislative approval; SB 312 to bar nondisclosure agreements for large data center projects; SS1 for SB 289 to change State Employee Benefits Committee governance; and SB 264 to require a special election to fill a lieutenant governor vacancy.
Testimony was mixed on several measures. Arts, child care, federal worker relief, primary care, court transparency, data center transparency, and the lieutenant governor vacancy bill drew mostly supportive testimony, while SB 322 and SB 306 drew both support and opposition, especially over tax impacts and the proposed spouse/partner restriction in Rehoboth Beach. HB 440 prompted debate over whether 55% voter approval was the right threshold for constitutional amendments, and SB 312 was supported as a transparency measure by residents affected by prior data center NDAs. All of the listed measures were released from committee by roll call vote, with some members voting no on HB 440, SB 306, SB 312, SS1 for SB 289, and SB 264.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I just wanted to highlight, from our perspective, this increased time, it increased resources in court
- Second, the bill increases tobacco and vapor product license fees and increases administrative penalties
- There would also be an increase in revenue, which is indeterminate, from the increased licensing fees
- Instead of increasing, further increasing cost to the industry, and further trying to drive up prices
- Surge pricing means increasing the price based on either the individual consumer or an increase in demand
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- , over the last few years, we've really tried to attack the issue of autism and the growing and increasing
- We passed an amazing bill that actually increased the age to four years old for children to be eligible
- All of this would only be a major benefit as it strengthens teacher readiness.
- as the incidence increases.
- There are some things that are permanent things. There are things that are facts.
Keywords:
Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote.
Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Property taxes are increasing as well.
- Minnesota of the new benefit mandates.
- Property taxes are increasing schools. Property taxes are increasing as<00:35:31.600><c> well.
- It is no it is no increased costs.
- </c><00:53:06.760><c> We</c> working, but not to our benefit. We working, but not to our benefit.
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- We want that community to realize a lasting economic benefit.
- So this will make it permanent. I think it's an important thing.
- And even if it's one veteran that's getting this benefit or 101 that are getting this benefit, it's really
- those benefits.
- I think that we are having an increasing pattern of just allowing localities to increase taxes at the
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
affordable housing, sales tax, housing programs, tax incentives, economic development, property tax, senior citizens, tax exemption, local government funding, permanent legislation, adaptive housing, disabled veterans, tax preferences, housing affordability, retail sales tax, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, local government, tax authority
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This will increase the urgency of a fee increase to ensure the solvency of the Game and Fish Fund, and
- This will increase the urgency of a fee increase to ensure the solvency of the Game and Fish Fund, and
- This will increase the urgency of a fee increase to ensure the solvency of the Game and Fish Fund, and
- This will increase the urgency of a fee increase to ensure the solvency of the Game and Fish Fund, and
- Thank you, Director. ...fish fund will increase the urgency of a fee increase to ensure the solvency
Keywords:
human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- AG was prosecuting, in which— Just in case, you're probably going to do this, but for the— For the benefit
- Last session we passed historic property tax. 370 up much of that through increased spending and debt
- And this bill basically increases that to a Class A misdemeanor.
- In November of 2024, we had a record 18.62 million voters in the state, a 1 million increase.
- And voter registration, record increase.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd also like to speak to the benefits of a short-barreled rifle as well.
- unthinkable in Santa Fe, where students, parents, teachers in an entire community were tragically and permanently
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd also like to speak to the benefits of a short-barreled rifle as well.
- I'd also like to speak to the benefits of a short-barreled rifle as well.
- unthinkable in Santa Fe, where students, parents, teachers, and an entire community were tragically and permanently
- unthinkable in Santa Fe, where students, parents, teachers, and an entire community were tragically and permanently
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed.
Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety.
After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the benefit to the community.
- </c> to signal the intent to secure benefits to signal the intent to secure benefits for<00:54:02.960
- </c> premium of those benefits. premium of those benefits.
- </c> budgeting and its benefits processes. budgeting and its benefits processes.
- Thank you for your consideration. commitment at the time benefits are commitment at the time benefits
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we need a permanent rail advisory committee to keep open the communication loop between WSDOT and
- through increased customer satisfaction.
- It is important that this money benefits This.
- It is important that this money benefit the IBR project rather than benefit the operating budget, although
- And so the interest on that should be to benefit the project. So that is my comments.
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match, grant funding, transportation grants, county roads, city streets, transportation benefit district, urban county, small city program, active transportation, pedestrian, bicycle, bike routes, transit, public transit
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- the insurers offering it, the increase or decrease in health benefit plan premiums in the markets, and
- </c> benefit each time that it is used. benefit each time that it is used.
- </c> ask for increases. ask for increases.
- </c> the uh amount of benefits. the uh amount of benefits.
- </c><01:07:19.119><c> The</c> all health benefit plans. The all health benefit plans.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23
Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32
How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40
Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18
Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22
Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46
Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47
Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects.
The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers.
The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 42 Apr 16th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Your family benefits; those you serve benefit.
- increases.
- Do you foresee a need for a supplemental next year? a supplemental for mental health next year.
- I think Representative Kerbs named all those members that could benefit.
- So retirees have increasing expenditures just like everybody else.
Bills:
SB1365 , SB2139 , SB1595 , SB1303 , SB2180 , SB2072 , SB1772 , SB1209 , SB137 , SB1944 , SB372 , SB1636 , SB1256 , SB1827 , SB2104 , SB1226 , SB1876 , SB1966 , SB80 , SB1148 , SB1147 , SB1149 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1164 , SB1159 , SB1165 , SB1174 , SB1156 , SB1158 , SB1163 , SB1175 , SB1176 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1157 , SB1146 , SB1481 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SCR20
Keywords:
SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 42 Apr 16th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Your family benefits, those you serve benefit.
- increases.
- Would you agree that there are days where this body could benefit from 40 minutes of recess?
- I think Representative Kerbs named all those members that could benefit earlier.
- So retirees have increasing expenditures, just like everybody else.
Bills:
SB1365 , SB2139 , SB1595 , SB1303 , SB2180 , SB2072 , SB1772 , SB1209 , SB137 , SB1944 , SB372 , SB1636 , SB1256 , SB1827 , SB2104 , SB1226 , SB1876 , SB1966 , SB80 , SB1148 , SB1147 , SB1149 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1164 , SB1159 , SB1165 , SB1174 , SB1156 , SB1158 , SB1163 , SB1175 , SB1176 , SB1166 , SB1167 , SB1157 , SB1146 , SB1481 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SCR20
Keywords:
SB1365, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, procurement exemption, competitive bidding, state purchasing, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism department, merchandise for resale, gift shops, lodges, golf pro shops, state parks, restaurant contracting, retail outlets, public procurement, purchasing flexibility, Title 74, emergency clause, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including the Oklahoma Elks Lodge Association, Guthrie Day visitors, students from Sanger Ridge Elementary and Stillwater, and multiple honored guests and athletic teams. The chamber also heard a farewell speech from Representative Dale Kerbs reflecting on his 10 years in the House, his committee work, staff, family, and major policy changes during his tenure. A concurrent resolution recognizing the YMCA on its 175th anniversary was also adopted.
The bulk of the meeting focused on a series of Senate bills carrying joint committee reports, many of them appropriations or retirement-related measures. The House passed bills providing COLAs or related benefit changes for judicial retirees (SB 1148), firefighters (SB 1147), police retirees (SB 1146), public employees (SB 1145), and teachers (SB 1144), along with a one-time stipend for a small group of retired police and firefighters who missed prior increases (SB 1149). Members asked questions about pension solvency, tiered COLA structures, and whether any bills reduced state contributions; the sponsors generally said the systems were stable or that future legislatures would retain oversight. The House also passed limits bills for the Health Care Authority (SB 1161), State Department of Health (SB 1162), Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (SB 1164), Department of Human Services (SB 1163), Public Safety (SB 1165), Agriculture (SB 1166), and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (SB 1175 and SB 1176).
Several other measures were approved with little or no debate, including appropriations for remediation assistance (SB 1159), a Pardon and Parole Board pay increase (SB 1156), funding for the Office of Juvenile Affairs to ensure juveniles receive prescribed medication (SB 1158), a new OSBI cybercrimes and fraud unit (SB 1157), and OMES provisions for Pay for Success and a public contract-spending database (SB 1167). The House also passed a school bill adding 20 minutes of recess for K-5 students, with members joking about recess for legislators as well. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan margins, and several emergency clauses were adopted by the required two-thirds vote. The House then recalled HB 1933 from engrossing and enrolling and adjourned until Monday, April 20, 2026.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- So House Bill 2452 is the bill that modifies requirements for service of rent increase notices.
- So the bill would now modify only the requirements for service of rent increase notices under the Manufactured
- So, in other words, the rent increase notices under the RLTA would still have to be served in the same
- unlawful detainer notices and other notices required to be served in the same manner, such as rent increase
Committee:
House Housing
Keywords:
senior housing, independent living, 55 and older, older adults, elderly, retirement housing, retirement community, resident rights, tenant protections, consumer protection act, unfair or deceptive practices, housing discrimination, assisted living distinction, Department of Commerce, Washington RCW, housing provider, community living, security cameras, resident meetings, anonymous complaints
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Once your project is complete, your rates get increased to cover the cost of those projects.
- Once your project is complete, your rates get increased to cover the cost of those projects.
- to cover the cost of um get increased to cover the cost of those<00:02:23.440><c> projects</c><00:02
- </c><00:09:02.480><c> in</c> offering it as a Medicaid benefit in offering it as a Medicaid benefit in
- </c><00:10:06.640><c> the</c> these Services as a Medicaid benefit the these Services as a Medicaid benefit
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- ceiling... ...a hold of—you can't just totally remove the ceiling, make the sky the limit on a tax increase
- I will just tell you that we believe the biggest benefit to this bill is saving the lives of firefighters
- The other big benefit, as Tim was talking about, is the savings and cost to our employers.
- advanced-stage treatments and then possibly an additional half million dollars for a line-of-duty death benefit
Bills:
HB198 , HB303 , HB1535 , HB2742 , HB3305 , HB3348 , HB3505 , HB3711 , HB4753 , HB2715 , HB21 , HB30
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Keywords:
HB 198, Wade Cannon Act, firefighter cancer screening, occupational cancer screening, fire protection personnel, local government, political subdivision, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, National Fire Protection Association, NFPA standards, occupational medical examination, public safety, firefighter health, cancer prevention, annual health screening, confidential medical exam, pulmonary function test, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood test
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government heard and discussed a series of House bills dealing with municipal structure, tax payment timing, local provider participation funds, firefighter cancer screenings, sunset review of the Trinity River Authority, replacement certificates of occupancy, and open meetings enforcement. HB 303 would remove the 501-resident floor so very small type A and B municipalities can convert to type C cities; HB 2742 would give property owners a later first split-payment deadline when tax bills are mailed after November 30; HB 3305 and HB 3348 were local provider participation fund measures with committee substitutes; HB 198 would require political subdivisions to offer occupational cancer screenings for firefighters; HB 1535 was a sunset bill for the Trinity River Authority; HB 4753 would allow a municipality-issued proof of a certificate of occupancy to substitute for a lost original; and HB 3711 would treat certain Open Meetings Act violations as offenses against public administration and require public explanation when prosecutors decline to act.
Testimony was generally supportive or limited, with several witnesses and senators emphasizing practical fixes, firefighter health and cost savings, local government transparency, and administrative cleanup. For HB 198, firefighter representatives gave emotional testimony about cancer deaths and the value of early screening. On HB 3711, a witness supported the bill but urged stronger enforcement and broader application. Several senators raised policy concerns on HB 2715 about routing removal proceedings through a regional presiding judge rather than the local county, arguing it could politicize the process.
The committee took no public testimony on most bills and repeatedly left them pending subject to call of the chair before later voting them out. HB 21, HB 30, HB 1535, HB 1520, HB 198, HB 303, HB 2742, and HB 4753 were reported to the full Senate, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HB 30 passed on a 5-1 vote, while the other reported bills were approved unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I'm all for benefits.
- And then in 2011, when after year after year after year of repeated benefits being increased cola is
- But as we're increasing benefits, it makes the system more expensive.
- A couple of years ago, when there was a substantial pension benefit increase to the act, active police
- The bill increases the retirement benefits to 2.5% vice the 2%.
Bills:
SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716
Committee:
Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords:
retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And then in 2011, after year after year after year of repeated benefits being increased, COLAs being
- After year after year of repeated benefits being increased, COLAs being increased during the election
- But as we're increasing benefits, it makes the system more expensive.
- a couple of years... ...a couple of years ago when there was a substantial pension benefit increase to
- The bill increases retirement benefits to 2.5% versus 2%.
Bills:
SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716
Committee:
Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords:
retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources considered a series of retirement, pension, and state employee bills. Senate Bill 1870 would let small municipalities in OPERS with populations of 2,000 or less opt out for new employees; members questioned the fiscal impact and the bill passed 8-0 after the chair struck the title to get a clearer actuarial analysis. Senate Bill 1722 passed 9-0 and would require OMES construction contract fees to be based only on construction costs, not interior design and furnishings, with members discussing how to define those terms and whether historical or specialized projects could still be accommodated. Senate Bill 1639 passed 9-0 after an amendment removed provisions affecting the Indian Education Act commission, leaving a bill to repeal several dormant boards and commissions. The committee also passed Senate Bills 715 and 716, which would increase municipal contributions to firefighter and police pensions, respectively; members raised concerns about city budgets, and the sponsor said he was open to phasing in the increases. Senate Bill 182 passed 5-2 to add certain DHS Inspector General officers and OJA residential care specialists to hazardous duty retirement, and Senate Bill 609 passed 7-0 to allow police recruits to buy up to five years of prior out-of-state service credit as a recruitment tool.
The committee then passed Senate Bill 169 5-2 to increase state employee longevity pay by 50%, with supporters citing high turnover and opponents warning about budget pressure and the need for broader raises. Senate Bill 134 passed 7-0 to shorten the waiting period for county employees to return to work from one year to six months. Senate Bill 432 passed 6-0 to raise volunteer firefighter pension benefits, and because it was double-assigned it would next go to Appropriations. Senate Bill 1407 passed 7-0 after an amendment requiring OMES to provide the Commission on the Status of Women an itemized accounting of funds; the bill generally clarifies staffing and financial reporting authority for the commission. Finally, Senate Bill 2039 passed 8-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill to military personnel who are also teachers and defining salary for buyback purposes; the sponsor said the measure would help service members return to teaching and buy back up to five years of credit. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1356 7-0, a broader OMES cleanup bill moving certain functions elsewhere, though members flagged concerns about relocating the state use program and the pay-for-success fund and suggested further study on those sections.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Referrals and re-referrals are made in accordance with any supplemental orders of the day that may
- accordance and re-referrals are made in accordance with<00:15:25.279><c> any</c><00:15:25.600><c> supplemental
- orders</c><00:15:26.639><c> of</c><00:15:26.800><c> the</c><00:15:26.959><c> day</c> with any supplemental
- orders of the day with any supplemental orders of the day that<00:15:27.839><c> may</c><00:15:28.079
Bills:
SB874 , SB2098 , SB2110 , SB2126 , SB2154 , SB2160 , HB818 , SB2047 , SB2116 , SB2246 , SB2250 , SB2334 , SB2505 , SB2520 , SB2561 , SB2721 , SB2820 , SB2971 , SB3019
Keywords:
veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, Hawaii agriculture, plant propagation, conservation, soil health, climate change, food security, small farmers, technical assistance, Hawaii, grant program, small farms, midsize farms