Video & Transcript Research : 'two lines'
Page 142 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, two things before I do that. I'm sorry, two things before I do that.
- I don't know which of you two.
- So that's kind of number two.
- I will take two more.
- >> down partisan line. So the motion fails. >> down partisan line.
Bills:
HF1925
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 15 (1-28-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Two, actually, Mr. President.
- We sat in room 285 going through the bill line by line because I said I wasn't going to be for it, but
- We sat in room 285 going through the bill line by line because I said I wasn't going to be for it, but
- <00:33:54.399>
by <00:33:54.640>line going through the bill line by line going through - the bill line by line because<00:33:55.039>
I <00:33:55.200>said <00:33:55.360>I
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and approved the journal. The House clerk communicated that the House had passed House Bills 34 and 306 and requested concurrence. The State and Local Government Committee reported Senate Bills 20 and 68 favorably, and several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on Kentucky-grown agricultural procurement, an endowed research fund, unemployment insurance, postsecondary education, wrongful conviction compensation, massage therapy, local fiscal reporting, and a resolution honoring John and Debbie Rogers.
The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 23, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directing state agencies to advance food-as-medicine initiatives. The sponsor described the resolution as a statewide framework to connect nutrition, health care, agriculture, and local food systems, emphasizing partnerships with the Kentucky Hospital Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, better health outcomes, and support for Kentucky farmers and rural communities. Senators from Taylor and Callaway spoke in support, citing local examples and the goal of building Kentucky-based solutions rather than importing them. The committee substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 35-0.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 56 honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig, and Senate Resolution 33 honoring Robert E. “Bob” Pernell, Sr. Senate Resolution 22, honoring Brian J. Hat, was likewise adopted. After the day’s business, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Committees. Later, the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bills 1-4 to Education, Senate Bill 48 to Judiciary, and Senate Bills 84 and 102 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the VMAP committee, Judiciary, the Kentucky Japan Caucus, the Kentucky Israel Caucus, and an American Cancer Society action day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um the second will be the line.
- <01:20:42.880>
Um help line. What can we do for you? Um help line. - rural help line.
- rural help line.
- Uh two two recent dealing with.
Keywords:
energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/20/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 43 Apr 20th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Department divided into two different shifts or 24 on and 24 off.
- But then I went back to section two and I took a look at the provisions in section two That specifically
- We had another legislator who had sexually harassed two legislative assistants.
- Representative, my concern with this bill is on page two, line 19. I'll let you get there.
- The line is line 23, but it's not limited to any cause of action for fraud, misrepresentation, deception
Keywords:
Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas, 914
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And there are not clear lines.
- And there are not clear lines.
- There are not clear lines.
- are not clear lines. are not clear lines.
- line 1.10 actually covers that. Mr. line 1.10 actually covers that. Mr. Sullivan.
Keywords:
Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Aug 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not going to go through these line by line; you can read them.
- What is important here is that those two lines remain as close together as possible because that means
- I talked to a home builder in Albuquerque, and he's only sold two new homes in two months.
- period. 3,000 in a two-year period.
- Thanks to our two evaluators.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, this bill does about two things.
- think it's line think it's line 12.21<00:10:47.519>
looking <00:10:47.839>at <00:10 - Um on line uh 1.10 other thing.
- Thank you, being added to line 1.10.
- Two, I'm very uncomfortable with putting two bills together which are different worlds.
Keywords:
beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Testimony will be limited to two minutes today.
- If you see figure two on page two, this shows that as fuel efficiency increases, the number of gallons
- System financing is relatively new, over the past maybe two decades.
- and the Silver Line BRT, have been ridership disasters.
- I'm going to lay off these two bills that you do either way.
Bills:
HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263
Keywords:
healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And I would qualify working poor as a $100,000 household with two people, a mortgage, two cars, two kids
- We do not use any tax dollars to maintain water lines, sewer lines, water plants, sewer plants.
- Last two plus years.
- Two federal agencies.
- We have two big recommendations.
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- more detail how these work uh so line more detail how these work uh so line one<00:49:10.160>
- 2223 school year and so we had two 2223 school year and so we had two classrooms<01:04:55.079>
- <01:09:34.400>
up they get to experience how to line up they get to experience how to line- We make two-year budgets.
- things that we passed in the last two things that we passed in the last two years<01:45:42.639><
- <01:09:34.400>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Will I have two dentists? Can you differentiate? Will I have two dentists?
- It's costing us in two ways.
- One of our lines of effort is through our benefits and assistance.
- But the bottom line on this, bottom line is federal dollars that come into our great state for our veterans
- Because that's the front line.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions.
The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 03/25/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Umoverbetten, you have uh two Senator Umoverbetten, you have uh two testifiers<01:04:31.840
- And right now, about 30% of the 550 line And right now, about 30% of the 550 line attorneys<01:10
- just as an FYI, 55% of our line just as an FYI, 55% of our line attorneys<01:10:18.400>
started - As I look at line 1.2 of the A2, we increased the penalties to 750.
- I want to clarify back to lines of the A2, 118 through 120.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two amendments. enforcement. There are two amendments.
- Amendment two increases the bonding authority for the Blue Line Corridor from 400 million to 425 million
- Favorable Two Amendments. Favorable Two Amendments.
- There is two apprenticeship fund. There is two amendments,<00:52:26.760>
Mr. - So line.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened with a quorum and began by reading House messages and first-reading bills, including SB 8 on identity fraud and deepfakes and HB 145 on election misinformation and deepfakes, which was referred to Rules. The chamber then handled several concurrence and conference matters. On HB 154, the Open Meetings Act bill for county boards of education, the Senate initially moved to recede from its amendments and accept the House version, but debate centered on a Senate transparency amendment limiting school boards’ ability to censor recordings. A motion to reconsider the amendments was laid over for 15 minutes. On SB 514, a third-degree assault bill, the House refused to recede and a conference committee was appointed. A guest introduction also welcomed a 10-month-old visitor to the gallery.
In second-reader business, the Senate adopted committee amendments and advanced SB 504, which strengthens data privacy protections and limits use of personal data for immigration enforcement, and SB 790, the Public Health Reform Act, which revises the Commission on Public Health, updates the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, adds health equity review processes, and makes related administrative changes. Both bills were reported favorably with technical and conforming amendments and ordered printed for third reading. The chamber then took up HB 191, which would require merchants to accept cash for essential consumer goods and set related rules and exceptions; members questioned its scope, exemptions, and enforcement, and the bill was laid over pending clarification about whether stadiums are covered. Finally, HB 564 on pet cremation and burial services added consumer protection and disclosure requirements for pet cremation providers; its technical amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered passed for third reading.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 51 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- YMCA of Chinatown, YMCA of Greater Boston, and he is joined today with his two children.
- What distinguishes the two are the levels of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in the plants.
- Day of Stoneham moves to amend the bill in Section 19, in lines 402 and 403. Mr.
- In Section 40, by striking out in Section 27 and Section 28 in line 6902.
- Thank you for two. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Paulineau and Robert. On?
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed students from the Frederick C. Murphy School in Weymouth, along with other guests introduced by members. The chamber then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals on alcohol labeling for beers consumed on premises, parity in funding for regional vocational and traditional public schools, and legal protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse.
The main floor business was House No. 4187, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, reported by Ways and Means as a substitute bill. Members speaking in support described it as a comprehensive overhaul of the Cannabis Control Commission and the state’s cannabis and hemp regulatory framework. The bill would reduce and restructure the CCC, expand options for cannabis businesses and social equity operators, raise license and ownership caps, remove the vertical integration requirement for medical marijuana, and create stronger rules for hemp and CBD products, including a ban on unregulated intoxicating hemp products and a new regulatory structure for allowable hemp beverages and CBD items.
Several amendments were offered and adopted by roll call, including changes narrowing the hemp beverage ban from 11 ounces to 7.5 ounces, requiring out-of-state testing labs to be certified in good standing with the commission, and other technical revisions. After debate, the House passed H. 4187 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 153-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed two sick leave bank bills, for Andrew Satara and Dana Johnson, and ordered House No. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Wenaka, to a third reading. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Vincent mentioned, you have two handouts in front of you.
- You would want to see that very top line, the green line, representing those individuals assigned to
- We want to see a separation of those lines.
- And that is the two areas that I think we should focus on.
- So those are our next two meetings.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on January 12 to continue its review of DOC classification practices, with Senator Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After brief discussion of the prior hearing, members said there would likely be another opportunity for additional testimony, including possible video testimony from people inside facilities. The main presentation for the day was DOC’s classification system and a UMass Chan study of whether the system predicts institutional misconduct and whether overrides affect its accuracy or create racial/ethnic bias.
DOC officials described the objective point-based classification system, its history, and the role of discretionary and non-discretionary overrides. They said the system is designed to balance public safety and reintegration, with initial classification emphasizing offense history and reclassification emphasizing institutional adjustment. DOC reported that, in the current population, about 16% are classified to maximum security, 74% to medium, and 10% to lower security. They also reviewed the non-discretionary restrictions that keep people out of minimum or medium security, and said discretionary overrides are used less often than the National Institute of Corrections’ suggested ceiling and are reviewed within six months.
UMass Chan researchers said their analysis used historical DOC data from 2019 to 2022, focused mainly on about 7,600 male reclassification cases, and found that the scored custody level accurately predicted institutional misconduct. They said the tool performed well on standard statistical measures, but predictive accuracy declined after overrides were applied, with overlap appearing between minimum and medium groups. In a supplementary analysis, they said the loss of accuracy was driven primarily by non-discretionary restrictions rather than discretionary overrides. They also said the study did not find evidence of racial or ethnic bias in the tool itself, and that DOC’s current system is comparatively more lenient than many other states.
Members and guests raised concerns about overclassification to medium security, the low share of people in minimum, the role of civil commitment restrictions, and whether the data captured historical bias or individual cases where overrides felt subjective. DOC and UMass Chan responded that the study was group-based, not case-specific, and that minimum-security rates are hard to compare across states because Massachusetts’ prison and county systems differ structurally. The commission did not take a vote or formal action, but asked members to send follow-up data questions by the end of the week for referral to DOC and the researchers.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Postsecondary Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I myself was incarcerated for 31 years, two months, and eight days.
- lines.
- And I'll say two things. That if we are...
- lines.
- Only one, two, three lines.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one appointment. SB 720, by Senator Osgood, would allow formerly incarcerated Florida residents to retain their residency status for tuition purposes so they can qualify for in-state rates after release. Senator Osgood and supporter Eddie Fordham testified that the bill addresses documentation barriers faced by long-term incarcerated people and supports reentry and rehabilitation; several organizations waved in support. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 372, by Senator Trumbull, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis. The Florida Sheriffs Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. SB 176, by Senator Berman, would require public postsecondary institutions to provide clearer, publicly available procedures for reporting threats to physical safety and identifying responsible contacts and protective steps. Support came from several education and faculty groups, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
Members then recommended confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the State University System Board of Governors. Finally, SB 816, by Senator Bradley, would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance diabetes research, education, prevention, and outreach. Senators emphasized the institute’s potential to improve outcomes and attract grant funding, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 7th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- These are suggested changes to the two studies. Sorry, Mr.
- It was the two-sided spreadsheet; it was when we showed the individual projects. Thanks.
- It would have at least two meetings.
- It was to get it so they'd have two meetings to address this issue.
- Two of them, I don't think... ...will end up in our division.
Keywords:
ethics commission, immunity, conflict of interest, complaints, public officials, transparency, legislative action, criminal prosecution, complaint resolution, HB 1600, immigration law clinic, University of North Dakota, UND Law, law school clinic, legal aid, immigration attorney, student clinic, pro bono, immigration legal services, caseload limit
Summary:
The committee reconvened to continue work on water-related appropriations and related bills, with the chair emphasizing the need to move the water bill to conference committee soon because of differences with the House. Members reviewed project funding levels and carryover balances across several water projects, including NAWS, Southwest, Valley City, Cirrus River flood control, Hart River, Redder water supply, municipal and rural water, general water, and discretionary funding. The discussion focused on reduced revenue forecasts, the use of a $150 million line of credit as a working assumption, and concerns about large carryover amounts and piling up cash. No final changes were made to the water funding numbers, but the chair said the committee would revisit the bill after further cleanup of the draft language.
The committee then took up House Bill 1600, which would create an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota law school. Members agreed the program should be treated as a one-time pilot rather than ongoing general fund spending, so they adopted an amendment changing the $400,000 appropriation to one-time funding from the strategic investment fund. The amended bill passed unanimously, and Senator Meyer was assigned to carry it.
House Bill 1417, dealing with parole and probation-related policy, was also amended. The committee removed Section 8, which eliminated the bill’s appropriations language, based on testimony that the referenced funding was already included elsewhere in the budget. The amended bill then passed unanimously. The committee also discussed possible future amendments to water study language, including earlier reporting deadlines and a proposal to require larger new water project requests to go through the Water Topics Overview Committee before being introduced, but no final action was taken on those concepts. Several other bills, including the AI-related House Bill 1448 and law enforcement bonus bill 1193, were left for later consideration.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 6, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to get two to three minutes each.
- We're going to get two to three minutes each.
- Once you have two years, you have two years, Insurance is the biggest hindrance.
- Okay, so two different facets to that.
- For the next door, I just had two hit my house.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard and approved four bills focused on reducing or modernizing professional regulation. HB 6015, by Rep. Oliver, repeals the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute to allow businesses more flexibility in container materials; members joked about the possibility of a Home Depot bucket, and the bill passed 16-0. HB 339, by Rep. Abbott, creates an alternative temporary licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers based on employer recommendation and exam passage, but members raised concerns about qualifications, liability, and oversight; Abbott said he was open to amendments, and the bill passed 14-1 with Rep. Overdorf dissenting. HB 139, by Rep. Lopez, allows pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms instead of only printed forms; a technical amendment added readability and placement requirements for digital forms, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, lets the Department of Corrections coordinate with DBPR boards so inmates who complete licensure-related classes can receive credit toward professional licensure; supporters framed it as a second-chance and workforce bill, an amendment clarified that DBPR handles professions without boards, and the bill passed favorably 15-0.
The committee then received a presentation from DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin on the department’s role overseeing more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals across over 30 fields. She highlighted enforcement and complaint data, including more than 24,000 inspections and complaints handled in the last fiscal year, a preference for education and voluntary compliance over formal discipline, and the department’s alternative dispute resolution program, which returned $2.7 million to consumers and saved $270,000 in costs. Griffin also reviewed recent deregulatory and efficiency efforts, including endorsement/reciprocity reforms, fee waivers, reduced processing times, and shorter call wait times, and said DBPR is continuing to look for ways to cut red tape while protecting public safety.
Members questioned Griffin about permitting, continuing education, complaint processing, board vacancies, fraud in cosmetology and construction, coordination with other agencies, and whether schools can block students from taking state exams over unpaid tuition. DBPR staff said complaints are generally processed within 60 days, schools cannot bar graduates from taking the exam because of tuition debt, and the department works with other agencies when issues cross jurisdictional lines. The panel discussion that followed featured industry representatives from landscape architecture, building/code administration, pools, roofing, construction, HVAC/electrical, and hospitality, who generally supported reducing local permitting burdens, standardizing requirements, improving reciprocity and training pathways, and using technology and clearer scopes of work to make licensure and inspections more efficient.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement.(6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had good experience in the investment line.
- That drops to the investment line.
- So, bottom line, the unfunded liability.
- This this is a two-way >> Hold on. This this is a two-way conversation<00:26:43.360>
now. - I'd cite those as two of the major. I'd cite those as two of the major.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:54
Pension System Update 00:03:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date.
A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs.
Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.