Transcript Highlights:

• I sit on the District Attorney's Retirement Board with Mr.
• I sit under District Attorney's Retirement Board with Mr.
• I sit on the District Attorney's Retirement Board with Mr.
• They don't get retirement or health care benefits.
• I don't hear him complaining that he needs to be retired or rich.

Bills: HB513, HB581, HB596, HB660, HB719, HB766, HB802, HB940, HB950, HB1028, HB1183, HB1201, SB233, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB411

Keywords: name image likeness, NIL, student-athlete, college athletics, high school athletics, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, athlete compensation, athlete endorsements, sports marketing, athlete agent, marketing representative, sports attorney, publicity rights, right of publicity, Louisiana high school sports, NCAA, school policy, athletic association, athletic conference

Summary: The committee first handled House Bill 513 by Rep. Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness issues for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a statewide NIL task force and sets parental-consent and prohibited-category guardrails while preserving flexibility for colleges. The committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then advanced several procurement and administrative measures. Senate Bill 233 by Sen. Mizell would create a statewide data exchange compact for state agencies; testimony from the Department of Health said it would improve eligibility and program administration by allowing agencies to share data more efficiently, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300, also by Mizell, would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques in negotiated procurement, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and other technical and legal remedy revisions; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 by Sen. Cloud would let executive branch agencies directly contract with other states for information technology systems and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411 by Sen. DePlessis, removing a 20-year lease cap for certain state property in Orleans Parish, was also reported favorably. The committee then took up several bills affecting criminal justice funding. House Bill 660 by Rep. Egan would raise the state warrant amount used to fund assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000; Egan and district attorneys argued the increase is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors, while an opponent said the state should fund prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. House Bill 719, also by Egan, would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; supporters cited workload studies and local needs, while an opponent raised concerns about New Orleans court consolidation and broader funding balance. It too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. Other measures included House Bill 76 by Rep. Freeman, which addresses coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications and was reported favorably as amended after changes to cost-sharing and high-deductible plan language; House Bill 802 by Rep. Sawyer, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood-control restoration in the Amite River Basin, was reported favorably as amended; House Bill 940 by Rep. Barrow, creating a law-enforcement task force and rules framework for counter-drone operations, was reported favorably as amended; and House Bill 950 by Rep. Boyd, aimed at consumer protection education for seniors, was reported favorably. House Bill 596 by Rep. McCormick, which would have created an inactive-well fee assessment credit tied to plugging wells, drew concerns that it would reduce funds for orphan-well restoration, and the bill was voluntarily deferred after discussion. House Bill 581 and House Bill 1183 were also voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• I should be retired at that point in time.
• So if somebody retired now in November, they don't get credit for retiring this year.
• Being eligible to retire and being able to live in retirement are two different things.
• It's expensive to retire.
• This would be tax exempt for their military retirement pay. Their military retirement pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nell's bipartisan Railroad Retirement Nell's bipartisan Railroad Retirement Fairness<02:16:27.920
• This is really important retirement.
• to continue working after retirement. to continue working after retirement.
• authorize an increase of the retirement authorize an increase of the retirement age<02:20:37.040
• subcommittee in opposition to the offset subcommittee in opposition to the offset in<04:56:08.638

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate considering a reimbursement to offset the 100% exemption.
• I appreciate considering a reimbursement to offset the 100% exemption.
• This bill is going to help our retired police officers, firefighters, and their families.
• It simplifies the post-retirement contributions by allowing retirees to pay the fund directly rather
• This is the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund pension bill that's been agreed to by the parties.

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• retire Health retire Health adequacy of retire Health retire Health subsidy<00:03:35.239> that
• had when a when a um employee retires had when a when a um employee retires then<00:19:59.280>
• some mechanism for their retirement some mechanism for their retirement benefits<00:25:21.679>
• their final retirement their final retirement calculation<00:35:35.800> this<00:35:36.079
• 357 uh on teacher retirement 357 uh on teacher retirement Reemployment<00:47:32.800> uh<00

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:02 Attendance Roll Call: 00:49 Approval of Minutes: 01:55 CERS Retiree Health Subsidy Proposal: 02:14 SB 58: 24:05 TRS Sick/Annual Leave Proposal: 32:53 Adjournment: 48:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior month’s minutes after a roll call established a quorum. It then heard testimony on a draft proposal from Senator Robbie Mills to increase CERS retiree health subsidies for members retiring on or after July 1, 2003. The bill would raise the non-hazardous subsidy from $14.63 to $40 per month per year of service and the hazardous-duty subsidy from $21.94 to $50, with employee contribution rates adjusted based on the health trust’s funded status. Supporters from sheriffs, firefighters, police chiefs, and the Kentucky League of Cities said the change would improve recruitment and retention, better align the subsidy with the cost of a single health plan, and preserve the system’s financial footing through shared employer-employee costs and funding triggers. Committee members asked about the fiscal impact, the effect of funding levels above 150%, and how the subsidy would work for rehired retirees or employees who later take private-sector jobs. Mills and other witnesses said preliminary actuarial work was still forthcoming, that the bill was intended to be revenue-neutral or close to it, and that the subsidy would continue to be paid monthly; they also noted existing 2008 rules for rehired retirees and said the benefit would still be available even if a retiree later had other insurance. One member suggested looking at stable accounts as an additional option for special-needs planning in a later bill. The committee then heard Senate Bill 58 from Senator Robin Webb, which would allow state employees to designate a Special Needs Trust as a beneficiary for retirement benefits. Webb said the measure would help employees provide for disabled dependents without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, and that the bill follows federal special-needs trust rules. He said the proposal could be revenue neutral, but actuarial analysis was still pending and KPPA had asked for electronic rather than paper transfer provisions. Members questioned whether the authority already exists, how the trust would work, and whether stable accounts should also be considered; Webb said he would follow up with additional information.

Transcript Highlights:

• for cerss non hazardous<00:04:00.879> retirees<00:04:01.879> that<00:04:02.120> retire
• hazardous Duty retirees that retire hazardous Duty retirees that retire after<00:04:21.959> 20
• I'm a retired sheriff. I'm the director of the Kentucky Sheriff's Association.
• I'm a retired sheriff. I'm the director of the Kentucky Sheriff's Association.
• <00:09:49.240> what's a decision on when they uh retire what's a decision on when they uh

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:11 Attendance Roll Call: 00:18 Senate Bill 10 (Sen. Mills): 01:47 Senate Bill 65 (Sen. West): 18:47 Senate Bill 104 (Sen. Madon): 25:41 Adjournment: 31:38, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 10, which would revise CERS retiree health subsidies for members who began participating on or before July 1, 2003. Senator Mills said the bill was developed with employee and employer groups to improve retiree health benefits while protecting the system’s financial footing, using a shared-cost structure. Testimony from sheriffs, police chiefs, firefighters, and the League of Cities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing recruitment and retention, affordability of retiree health coverage, and limited taxpayer risk. Members echoed those points, and the committee approved SB 10 with a 9-0 favorable recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator West, which would codify the Administrative Regulations Committee’s annual practice of placing certain deficient regulations into statute so they cannot take effect. West explained that the committee’s role is limited to finding regulations deficient or asking for deferral, and that SB 65 is the fifth version of this measure. He described the specific regulation at issue as a Medicaid Services rule that would have required behavioral health associates to hold a master’s degree; providers testified that it would reduce the workforce and harm behavioral health services statewide. West said the committee had deferred the matter eight times before deciding to side with providers. The bill received favorable expression and was reported out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Senator Madon, concerning Kentucky Deferred Comp for state employees. The bill would establish a codified fiduciary standard, authorize fiduciary liability insurance, add self-correcting mechanisms to keep the plan in compliance with federal law, and allow self-directed brokerage accounts. Personnel Cabinet representatives said the changes would align the plan with other public pension plans, reduce risk, and offer participants a useful investment option with strong account growth among users. SB 104 also received favorable expression and was reported to the floor. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in just the direct energy-related context, there's a partial offset there.
• Year most recently, but that's partially offset by the hold harmless.
• There may have been some targeted deductions to offset that.
• We pay back cities and counties to offset lost revenue from this deduction.
• So ERISA is the Federal Employee Retirement Income and Security Act.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then judicial retirement is the judicial branch's portion of retirement for our judges.
• And then um judicial<00:07:59.280> retirement<00:07:59.680> is<00:07:59.919> the
• <00:08:00.160> judicial judicial retirement is the judicial judicial retirement is the judicial
• branches<00:08:01.280> portion<00:08:01.840> of<00:08:02.160> retirement<00:08:
• debt that's rolling off, any deferred funding that was deferred to the next biennium, that helps offset

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we going to see an offset, or are we still expected to carry this increase on future budgets?
• Are we going to see an offset, or are we still expected to carry this increase on future budgets?
• Are we going to see an offset, or are we still expected to carry this increase on future budgets?
• Are we going to see an offset, or are we still expected to carry this increase on future budgets?
• And that retirement point adds up.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, $50 million in the stabilization fund to help offset any losses that the schools are... ..
• Senators, let's take up tab 4, SB 7022, on retirement by governmental oversight and accountability.
• It also updates the required employer retirement contribution rates for each membership class to address
• Senators, let's take up tab 4, SB 7022, on retirement by governmental oversight and accountability.
• It also updates the required employer retirement contribution rates for each membership class to address

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• This included TRA retirement date change proposals and deferred vested early retirement enhancements.
• This included TRA retirement date change proposals and deferred vested early retirement enhancements.
• This included TRA retirement date change proposals and deferred vested early retirement enhancements.
• This is their primary retirement benefit when they do retire.
• Teachers Retirement Association. Mr. Teachers Retirement Association. Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:27:20.960> such school districts to help offset such school districts to help offset such
• that's that offsets that's that offsets uh<03:28:31.840> later<03:28:32.080> on<03
• <03:34:04.640> these<03:34:04.960> costs to offset these costs to offset these costs
• It's net of offsets. May I continue? You may.
• after I retired. after I retired.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't get the money that goes to the teacher retirement system.
• The money that goes to the teacher retirement system.
• . system because we are paying them higher annuities when they retire.
• It's an overlooked and misunderstood offset that devastates the basic allotment funding.
• Dumping the offset will raise. is basic allotment funds.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• global thinkers, but there's another benefit that we think might go unnoticed, and that is as a great offset
• You also approved the legislation that we sponsored, which became part of the budget to allow retired
• I will say that the majority of districts are using those for operating costs for retirement.
• Retirement costs and benefit costs. So we are able to kind of pull that information apart.
• They've had some short-term offsets to the decline as we've implemented universal.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucchese, Director of the California Department of Conservation, and Lorelai Oviot, the recently retired
• I am recently retired as the Director of Planning and Natural Resources and led this team for 15 years
• First, it strengthens the integrity of offsets used for compliance within the cap-and-invest program.
• An offset enables a polluting entity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere.
• Therefore, the emissions reduced with offsets should be of the highest possible quality.

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting. SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote. SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Retirement, the legislature The legislature will continue to fund retirement, but it'll do the entire
• retirement amount outside of the block grant.
• Special education, cooperative service agreements, retirement, uh.
• And when I've had people retire and or leave, I have that filled rather abruptly.
• And that's their wage, retirement, health insurance, workers, all of it.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Teachers Retirement Association as well as we could have.
• Paul Teachers Retirement Association as well as we could have.
• Paul Teachers Retirement Association as well as we could have.
• Paul Teachers Retirement Association as well as we could have.
• <00:31:47.760> and at 60 61 they they need to retire and at 60 61 they they need to retire

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This net increase is offset by a decrease of $5.3 million in general revenue for one-time startup costs
• So if you came to me and you were retired from HPD and you were 40 years old because you retire in 20
• So if you came to me and you were retired from HPD and you were 40 years old because you retire in 20
• We hope the dorm will help, but at least it would help us offset the hotel cost.
• These increases are offset by a decrease from the removal of one-time funding items.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools. Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure. Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That offsets that cost.
• That offsets that cost.
• We've seen retirement of most of the coal.
• <04:30:14.239> of plants uh we we've seen retirement of plants uh we we've seen retirement
• so we know announced plans to retire so we know that<04:30:20.159> the<04:30:20.359> retirement

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He succeeded former Speaker Carl Albert, who notably endorsed Wes after retiring.
• But Wes's endorsed Wes after retiring.
• > has<04:59:04.000> been recognize that this offset has been recognize that this offset
• <05:10:36.798> has has been used this that this offset has has been used this that this offset
• Evaporating<07:18:37.680> retirement<07:18:38.160> savings, Evaporating retirement savings

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 7, 2025, 1012, house, all