Transcript Highlights:

• We have a zero-tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment of those under our care.
• I will not tolerate staff misconduct at CCWF and they know that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eyes 39, no zero. The resolution is adopted.
• Aye 39, no zero. Government appointment is confirmed. Item 15. Aye, is 39, no zero.
• Eyes 39, no zero. Governor's appointment is Winner. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye, 39, no zero.
• No, zero. Governor's appointment is confirmed.
• Eyes 39, no zero on item 72, SB 557, and eyes 39, no zero on the remainder of the consent calendar.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests in the gallery. The body then took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Boating and Waterways Commission, the California Horse Racing Board, and the State Mining and Geology Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove, received no debate, and was confirmed by roll call votes; the calls were later lifted and the confirmations reaffirmed with 39-0 votes. The main floor item was SCR 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Senator Grove and several colleagues spoke in strong support, emphasizing California’s efforts to strengthen penalties, support survivors, and improve law enforcement tools. Senators described trafficking as modern-day slavery, highlighted risks to foster youth, Indigenous communities, women and girls, and children targeted online, and urged continued prevention, victim services, and accountability for traffickers. The resolution passed on a 38-0 vote and was adopted. The Senate also adopted SR 74, which amended Senate standing rules to create two new committees: Emergency Management and Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Senator Ashby said the changes would allow more focused review of wildfire, earthquake, disaster response, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection issues. The chamber then approved a consent calendar containing SB 557, SB 57, SB 674, SB 623, and SB 837, all by unanimous vote. At the close of business, Pro Tem Limon thanked members and staff for completing deadline-week work on two-year bills. The Senate announced its next floor session for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 2 p.m., and recessed for the weekend.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eyes 39, no zero. The resolution is adopted.
• Aye 39, no zero. Government appointment is confirmed. Item 15. Aye, is 39, no zero.
• Eyes 39, no zero. Governor's appointment is Winner. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye, 39, no zero.
• No, zero. Governor's appointment is confirmed.
• Eyes 39, no zero on item 72, SB 557, and eyes 39, no zero on the remainder of the consent calendar.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests in the gallery. The body then took up several gubernatorial appointments: confirmation of Hampas to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Diane White to the State Mining and Geology Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved by roll call, with later calls on the items lifted and the confirmations finalized by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main floor debate centered on SCR 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Senator Grove and several colleagues described human trafficking as modern-day slavery and emphasized survivor support, law enforcement tools, public awareness, and the vulnerability of foster youth, Indigenous women and girls, immigrants, and children targeted online or in hotels and other venues. Senators Rubio, Troy, Valadez, Arreguín, Wahab, and others spoke in strong support, citing local cases, online grooming, and the need for prevention and services. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SR 74, which amended the Senate’s standing rules to create two new committees: Emergency Management, and Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Senator Ashby explained that the new committees would better address wildfire response, disaster preparedness, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection. The chamber then approved a consent calendar containing SB 557, SB 57, SB 674, SB 623, and SB 837, all by 39-0 votes. The Pro Tem thanked members and staff for completing deadline-week work and announced the next floor session for February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• On this matter, 154 members voted in the affirmative and zero in the negative. 154 members voting in
• the affirmative, zero in the negative, the amendment is adopted.
• And I'm happy to report to you that after 15 months, I've had zero trips to your office.
• We have to have zero tolerance for this. Living in fear.
• We have to have zero tolerance for this in this country.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I really do think this is one of those, and we use the term zero tolerance, looser maybe because so
• This is the zero tolerance. This is the full stop.
• The state bears zero cost on returning those defendants.
• Boyer, and he agrees that he has had zero complaints about me and my office.
• Boyer, and he agrees that he has had zero complaints about me and my office.

Bills: HB343, HB378, HB394, HB396, HB426, HB439, HB491, HB523, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB1025, HB1038

Keywords: parole eligibility, juvenile offenders, rehabilitation, first-time offenders, reentry programs, substance abuse treatment, education programs, emergency responders, law enforcement, obstructing traffic, public safety, penalties, parole, criminal justice, release extension, prison reform, autopsy, criminal evidence, photographs, court proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• On this matter, 154 members voted in the affirmative and zero in the negative. 154 members voting in
• the affirmative, zero in the negative, the amendment is adopted.
• And I'm happy to report to you that after 15 months, I've had zero trips to your office.
• We have to have zero tolerance for this. We have to have zero tolerance for this in this country.

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran on her 80th birthday and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It then advanced a bill authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, adopting the Ways and Means amendment and ordering the bill to a third reading. The chamber also took up and advanced another bill, Promoting Rule of Law, Oversight, Trust, and Equal Constitutional Treatment (the “Protect Act”), after a brief recess and a quorum call. Most of the transcript focused on House Bill 5305, the Protect Act, which was described by supporters as a measure to separate state and local law enforcement from civil immigration enforcement, prohibit ICE arrests in courthouses without a judicial warrant, limit cooperation with ICE on civil matters, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, expedite U and T visa certifications, and create rules for sensitive spaces and enforcement by the Attorney General. Supporters from both parties and several caucuses argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, and preserve public safety by maintaining trust in courts, schools, and communities. Several members also spoke from personal experience as immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, or law enforcement professionals. The House considered and voted on a series of amendments to H.5305. Amendment 6 to strike Section 4 failed; Amendment 7, which would have required ICE civil warrants to be presented to a court and reviewed for impact on justice, failed; Amendment 2, adding immigration judges to the bill’s definition of government, failed; Amendment 3, concerning 287(g) agreements and federal reimbursement, was withdrawn; Amendment 13, expediting U visa certifications when a family member is aging out, was adopted by roll call 150-3; Amendment 10, clarifying the definition of law enforcement agency/officer to include sheriffs’ correctional roles, was adopted 127-25; Amendment 5, expanding a release-date provision, was adopted 154-0; and Amendment 14, addressing school-related protections and ICE presence, was adopted 135-18. The bill itself was still under consideration at the end of the transcript, with debate continuing after the adopted amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of these patients cannot tolerate strong medications or invasive procedures.
• Six ayes, zero noes. We will leave that bill on call.
• Six ayes, zero noes. That bill is on call as well. Thank you very much.
• Six ayes, zero noes. That bill is on call as well. Thank you.
• I is nine, no zero. That bill is on. Ayes, nine, no zero. That bill is on call.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will close the roll, tally the votes: aye 60, no zero. The consent calendar is adopted.
• Aye, 60; no, zero. The consent calendar is adopted.
• Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar: House Resolution 94, aye 60, no zero; Senate
• Concurrent Resolution 120, aye 60, no zero; Senate Concurrent Resolution 126, aye 60, no zero; and Senate
• Concurrent Resolution 135, aye 60, no zero.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption. The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet the omnibus bill introduced since last hearing includes zero public health protections. ...bill introduced
• since last hearing includes zero public health protections.
• Somebody can build a tolerance to both.
• No one would tolerate that for any other industry. We have families.
• Zero. Thank you. All right. Seeing no more questions, thank you for your testimony. All right.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourteen yeas, zero nays. Thank you.
• minimums do: it sends a message to the dealers and the traffickers and the gangs that we will not tolerate

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. First, the committee heard HB 813 by Rep. Tuck, the state courts’ legislative package, which would require each multi-judge circuit to designate a duty judge for weekends and holidays, repeal the cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allow an alternative notarization option by a judge. Testimony was waived in support by court-related witnesses, there were no amendments or debate, and the bill passed 14-0. The committee then took up CS for HB 57 by Rep. Plakon, addressing xylazine. The bill adds xylazine to the same statute as fentanyl when packaged to resemble food or marked with cartoon characters, creates a new trafficking offense, and exempts veterinary use. Discussion focused on the bill’s mandatory minimum penalty and its potential fiscal impact on prison beds; Rep. Rainer raised concerns about minimum mandatories and deterrence, while Rep. Daniels said she would support the bill while continuing to work on amendments. Public testimony was waived in support by the Florida Sheriffs Association, the City of Coconut Creek, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. The bill passed 13-1 without amendment. After completing the agenda, the chair noted the meeting had been unusually brief and adjourned the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chances you go to zero are very high because that person may not have any governance or any momentum
• Any of these that hold Chinese companies can go to zero tomorrow if Xi decides to do so.
• Sixty-nine countries coming to the table, and maybe we end up with... zero tax, I don't know.
• Zero.
• in an index fund and you've got ten companies ten dollars in each one and one of them just goes to zero

Keywords: Chinese Communist Party, retirement security, investment risks, SEC enforcement, Bipartisan action

Summary: The meeting primarily addressed concerns regarding the impact of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on American investments and the financial security of retirees. The chair discussed legislation aimed at ensuring the protection of American investors against the risks posed by Chinese companies. There was a consensus among the members regarding the necessity to enforce existing policies that require compliance from foreign companies wishing to trade on American exchanges. The discussion included testimony from various stakeholders highlighting the urgent need to limit exposure to the CCP in retirement portfolios. Additionally, there were calls for increased accountability of regulatory bodies such as the SEC to better shield American investors from potential loss.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being six ayes, zero nays. Senate Bill 53 is favorably reported. Senator Perry.
• There being eight ayes and zero nays, the committee reports Senate Bill 513 favorably.
• There being five ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 599 is favorably reported
• There being eight ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 896 is favorably reported
• There being eight ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 911 is favorably reported.

Bills: SB95, SB268, SB493, SB619, SB660, SB922, SB984, SB1098, SB1188, SB1307, SB1332, SB1822

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot tolerate either at our institutions of higher learning.
• I wanted you to get a chance to see because I assumed that that would have zero tolerance in a Davis
• That is going to be a problem. to be not tolerated in this state.
• to others, how to work with each other, and tolerate the opinion of others. more than in our four-year
• But our rules do not discriminate, and we do not tolerate discrimination.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We created a system—a Wild West system—of obtaining cannabis products with zero... ...zero age limit.
• People at home need to be aware that there is zero age limit.
• He became calmer and more tolerant of personal care and no longer spent all day with wet pants when he

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts will not tolerate child labor under any circumstance. This is not a partisan issue.
• Massachusetts will not tolerate child labor under any circumstance. This is not a partisan issue.
• I personally choose zero pharmaceutical products.
• We would never tolerate. This kind of pressure in any other context.
• I'll move now to Adam Finnegan of the Biosecurity Ethics and Immune Tolerance Awareness Initiative.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every second a student deviated from that tolerance earned a point.
• Senate Bill 2104 having received 42 'aye' votes and zero 'nay' votes.
• Senate Bill 2155 having received 43 'aye' votes and zero 'nay' votes.
• A decent society, especially one that claims our Christian heritage, does not tolerate the corruption
• Close the roll set of Senate Bill 1250 having received 39 aye votes and zero nay votes.

Bills: SCR17, SB2104, SB2155, SB1428, SB1250, SB1651, SB1794, SB444, SB1061, SB1327, SB1425, SB1455, SB1458, SB1460, SB1480, SB1530, SB1543, SB1555, SB1593, SB1209, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1805, SB2069, SB2095, SB1503

Keywords: Oklahoma Ireland relations, Ireland, Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day, Choctaw Nation, Choctaw famine relief, Irish-American, cultural resolution, concurrent resolution, ceremonial resolution, economic development, trade commission, international relations, Tulsa IrishFest, ShamROCK the Gardens, Oklahoma City St. Patrick's Parade, Irish ancestry, Senate of Ireland, Aubrey McCarthy, Phil Thompson

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:12:28.880><c> will</c> harvesting will not be tolerated will harvesting will not be tolerated
• ,</c><04:06:17.760><c> has</c> truth, compassion, and tolerance, has truth, compassion, and tolerance
• And I thank the chair again tolerance.
• ><c> of</c><04:50:28.160><c> terrorism,</c> tolerate Iran's support of terrorism, tolerate Iran's support
• </c> launches, moon walks, and zero gravity. launches, moon walks, and zero gravity.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, May 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sole kratom fatalities in North Dakota are zero.
• I'm going to say that again: there are zero natural leaf kratom deaths in the state of North Dakota.
• Unless you knew what the scientific name for kratom was, most people have zero idea what it is.
• Unless you knew what the scientific name for Kratum was, most people have zero idea what it is.
• Tolerance develops to most illicitly used substances, including opioids.

Summary: The Kratom Working Group met to hear public testimony and expert presentations on whether North Dakota should prohibit or regulate kratom and 7-OH products. Early testimony split sharply between speakers who described natural kratom as a helpful, lower-risk alternative for chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, PTSD, and recovery, and speakers who urged prohibition because of dependence, overdose risk, and the growth of concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online. Several witnesses, including consumers and shop owners, argued that banning kratom would push people to more dangerous drugs or unregulated internet sources, while public health and medical witnesses said the marketplace is confusing and inadequately controlled. A number of witnesses, including representatives of the North Dakota Public Health Association, the state crime lab, and addiction-treatment and pediatric clinicians, emphasized risks from adulterated or concentrated products, lack of labeling and age restrictions, contamination concerns, and harms to adolescents, pregnant patients, and newborns. The crime lab described recent cases involving mitragynine, 7-OH, and pseudoindoxyl, and said products purchased in a smoke shop were inaccurately labeled. A Sanford pediatric hospitalist testified that kratom exposure in pregnancy can cause severe neonatal withdrawal and that adolescents are using the product. By contrast, American Kratom Association representatives and other advocates argued that natural leaf kratom should be distinguished from synthetic 7-OH, that deaths usually involve other substances, and that a regulatory framework with testing, labeling, age limits, and product registration would better protect consumers than a blanket ban. No formal bill was debated or voted on in this transcript. The working group heard testimony, asked questions, and took no final action before breaking for lunch and later resuming with additional presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, with your votes of seven ayes, zero nays, you have given Senate Bill 1184 due pass.
• It has zero to do with that. So... One explanation I did hear was about, not about that, Ms.
• It has zero to do with that.
• So, Running for offices and whatever districts have already been drawn, it has zero to do with that.
• , and it's not tolerated anywhere else in this building, okay?

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1078, which would require courts reviewing public-records disputes to apply de novo review rather than deferring to an agency’s decision to withhold records. Senator Kavanaugh and a Goldwater Institute witness argued the bill would restore transparency and independent judicial review. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1184, which would add military division flags approved by the Department of Defense to the list of flags that HOAs and planned communities may not prohibit. Kavanaugh said the bill responds to HOA restrictions on veterans displaying unit flags. Members discussed whether the bill should also cover other flags, including LGBTQ flags, but no amendment was adopted. The bill passed 7-0. SB 1586 followed, requiring Arizona agencies to post federal guidance they create, adopt, or receive. Supporters said it would improve transparency; an opposing member said agencies already post such material and the bill was unnecessary. It passed 4-3. SB 1665, a state agency hiring reform bill, would require standardized hiring scores, interview panel grades, overall grades, and an appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. The State Personnel Board supported it as a merit-based reform, while ADOA opposed it as costly and burdensome, estimating more than $3 million in compliance costs and warning it could slow hiring. After extended testimony, the committee recommended it do pass 4-3. The committee also approved SCR 1024, which would require legislative candidates to reside in their district for one year and, if affiliated, be members of their party for one year before the election; it passed 6-1 after discussion about residency rules and ballot-measure concerns. Later, the committee heard SB 1135, which increases workers’ compensation burial expenses for fallen first responders from $5,000 to $10,000. Family members and first responders testified in support, describing the financial strain after line-of-duty deaths. The bill passed 6-1 with one member present. SB 1136, which allows surviving spouses of first responders to keep death benefits even if they remarry, also drew emotional testimony from widows and supporters and passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1435, expanding the existing prohibition on exposing minors to sexually explicit material to public libraries and making violations a class 6 felony; supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned it could chill library access and criminalize librarians. The bill passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1567 was introduced as another expansion of the same underlying law, prohibiting government entities and contractors from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for filming or facilitating sexually explicit acts; the sponsor described it as part of a broader effort to protect children, and the committee began discussion of the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• are with regard to different asset classes you can invest in, their comfort level in terms of risk tolerance
• are with regard to different asset classes you can invest in, their comfort level in terms of risk tolerance
• minimum recommended rate has done something you may not have seen in this committee: it has dropped to zero
• It has dropped to zero.
• The required rate went to zero for 2026, meaning that we didn't need in 2026 all the money to determine

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Public Retirement System Actuarial Committee met on February 23, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and heard no public comment. The committee then reviewed actuarial valuation reports and, for most systems, accompanying experience studies. The actuaries reported generally favorable investment and demographic experience across the systems, with funded ratios improving and employer contribution rates declining in several plans. They also explained the role of funding deposit accounts, frozen unfunded liabilities in some plans, and how recent legislative changes, especially the move to five-year DROP periods in some systems, affected assumptions and costs. For the Louisiana Clerk of Court Retirement Relief Fund, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum recommended employer rate of 14.75%. For the District Attorney’s Retirement System, it adopted the valuation and experience study and recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 3.00%. For the Firefighters’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 25.5%, and noted that DROP balances left on deposit will earn the market rate of return of 11.7%. The committee also adopted the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System valuation for both Plan A and Plan B, recognizing fiscal 2027 minimum rates of 20.75% and 8.75%, respectively. It adopted the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 26.5%, a DROP crediting rate of 7.4%, and a policy range up to 29.35% for future contributions. For the Registrars of Voters Employees’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 0%, and noted a $207,683 allocation to the Member Supplemental Savings Fund for fiscal 2026. Finally, it adopted the Sheriff’s Pension and Relief Fund valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 7.75%. All motions passed without objection, and the meeting adjourned.