Transcript Highlights:

• DPS could be having elements of data of where you were and what, again, depending on how it's implemented
• on tracking and data sharing depending on the the the software<01:07:43.720><c> DPS</c><01:07:44.559
• on how it's implemented and depending on how it's implemented and the<01:07:51.160><c> software</c><
• He said it can depend on the wallet provider who's providing the app that is on the phone.
• on how this this guidelines um depending on how this this bill<01:27:40.000><c> is</c><01:27:40.360>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• "Well, it depends on how you measure, and it depends on what level of government you're looking at, but
• "Well, it depends on how you measure, and it depends on what level of government you're looking at, but
• </c> what's the optimal level well it depends what's the optimal level well it depends on<00:33:52.159
• </c><00:33:54.080><c> on</c> on how you measure and it depends on on how you measure and it depends on
• </c> um but I also recognize that it depends um but I also recognize that it depends right<01:33:23.560

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so these RFPs were depend on.
• And that's flexible, you know; that certainly depends on the number of retirees.
• Or, depending on genetics, they're going to metabolize drugs differently.
• Or, depending on genetics, they're going to metabolize drugs differently.
• </c> eligible uh spouse and dependent eligible uh spouse and dependent coverage<00:59:15.359><c> um</

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:35 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:56 Deferred Compensation Authority Update: 00:03:12 Retiree Health Update - TRS: 00:15:58 Retiree Health Update - KPPA: 00:56:13 Adjournment: 01:20:33, 958, all

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board received updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. Chris Biddle reported that deferred compensation assets had grown to about $4.787 billion with roughly 88,000 participants, crediting auto-enrollment, targeted marketing around pay raises, and retiree-focused services. He said the board’s self-directed brokerage account, authorized by last year’s legislation, is being designed around a $40,000 account-balance threshold with up to 25% transferable into the brokerage window, tentatively for July 1 of the coming year. He also described the free financial planning program, which has been used by about 3,300 to 3,500 participants with an 87% return rate, and noted that the plan is currently in a fee holiday; members asked about the fee structure and whether the CFP service is provided through Nationwide, which Biddle confirmed. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s growth and asked for the legislation referenced by Biddle. He said the plan’s annual fees are capped, with a $1 monthly fee plus other charges up to a $225 cap, for a maximum of $237 per year absent a managed account. He also said the program is seeking unified payroll access to expand participation, especially among teachers, and that prior lineup changes saved about $6 million annually in participant fees. Bo Barnes of TRS then addressed retired teachers’ health insurance, first clarifying a prior question about declining federal contributions to the retirement annuity trust. He explained that federally funded school positions generated contributions that rose from $72 million in 2019 to $109 million in 2022, then fell to $85 million this year, with a projection of $80 million over the next three years; if those dollars do not come from federal sources, they would have to be replaced through the SEEK formula. Barnes then reviewed TRS health coverage, explaining that the statutory contract guarantees access to group coverage but not fixed premium levels, and that TRS administers two retiree plans: KEHP for retirees under 65 or otherwise not Medicare-eligible, and MEHP for retirees 65 and older or Medicare-eligible. Barnes said TRS completed RFPs for the 2026 plan year, retaining Express Scripts for prescription drugs and switching the Medicare Advantage medical provider from UnitedHealthcare to Humana, while keeping plan design, provider access, out-of-pocket costs, and benefits materially unchanged. He noted a modest hearing-aid improvement of $500 per ear beginning in 2026. He also reported that the TRS Board approved the maximum state contribution for KEHP at $1,044.96, up from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said would require about $15 million to $16 million more annually, while the MEHP premium would drop from $210 to $200 per month because of the new contract. Using the 2024 valuation, he said the KEHP increase would slightly reduce the health trust funded ratio from 80.4% to 80.1% and raise unfunded liability from $4.036 billion to $4.051 billion. Barnes closed by reviewing the 2010 shared-responsibility reforms that shifted retiree health costs away from a pay-as-you-go model, including phased employee and district contributions and Commonwealth stabilization funding. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what I'd say is that it really depends on the species and it depends on the setting you're in.
• So what I'd say is that it really depends on the species and it depends on the setting you're in.
• It really depends on the species.
• But it really depends on the operation.
• I think that there are nuances, and it... ...depends.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is somewhat dependent year by year, though, because the unemployment rate fluctuates quite a bit,
• There are several provisions of H.R. 1 that impact individuals depending on their immigration status.
• The type of inconsistency of care depended heavily on where an individual lived.
• And because over the years, providers have depended more and more on these directed and supplemental
• It targets the financing structures that public hospitals depend on most.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These areas depend entirely on constructed drainage systems, which are very costly.
• on. depending on who is taking lead on that study.
• It depends on where you file your lawsuits. under what, which of these claims you're making.
• It depends on where you are.
• The city of Boyd depends almost entirely on groundwater and as Mr.

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, it does depend on how you classify bills about AI.
• And it really depends on the state and what it's political.
• And it really depends on the state and its political and economic makeup.
• Nor are they as dependent upon federal contracts and things like that.
• So I don't know if I'm answering your question, but it really kind of depends.

Keywords: Technology and Science, Joint Commission on, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So depending on when that comes over and depending on where it gets referred, you know, we'll hear it
• So there's a number of options for that, and it depends on the decisions that the regulators make.
• How many years ahead that we would have that size of VPP depends on how quickly we move.
• It does not depend on if you have a distributed energy resource in your home.
• It would depend somewhat on the other methods and how they play out over time.

Summary: The committee first handled House Memorial 20, which was revised by committee substitute to broaden a proposed study group from renewable energy infrastructure to energy infrastructure more generally. The substitute added the Department of Indian Affairs and allowed the secretary of EMNRD to invite relevant federal agencies. Members generally supported the change, and the memorial received a do pass on a roll call vote. The main policy debate centered on House Bill 311, the Virtual Power Plant Act. The bill would require utilities and public utilities to develop virtual power plant programs that aggregate distributed energy resources such as batteries, smart thermostats, EV charging, and other devices to provide grid services. Supporters argued it would improve reliability, lower peak demand, and reduce long-term costs, while opponents, especially PNM, warned about feasibility, cybersecurity, third-party aggregator risks, cost recovery limits, and possible rate impacts. Committee members pressed the sponsor and expert on customer participation, third-party regulation, opt-in/opt-out protections, equity for low-income customers, and whether solar-only customers could participate. After extensive discussion, the bill passed 6-5. The committee then heard House Bill 329, which would create the Energy, Affordability, and Grid Reliability Council, a Blue Ribbon-style commission administratively attached to the PRC and funded with a $2 million appropriation. Supporters said it would bring together experts to study affordability, grid reliability, and modernization and produce recommendations for future action. Critics questioned the cost, overlap with the earlier memorial, the governor-appointed structure, and whether another task force was needed. The bill passed 7-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 309, which clarifies that energy storage property is valued under the special property tax method used for other electric generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Supporters from the storage and clean power industries said the change would reduce uncertainty and encourage investment. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on HB 309.

Transcript Highlights:

• They receive these time-loss benefits equal to 60% to 75% of their wages based on the dependents, but
• I think it depends on the individual testifier and whether they require translation services.
• And when your livelihood depends on the next paycheck, silence becomes a survival strategy.
• It is reactionary, dependent on someone seeing the violations and filing a complaint.
• It is reactionary, dependent on someone seeing the violations, and filing a complaint.

Bills: HB2355, HB2151, HB2372, HB2472, HB2409

Keywords: labor protections, domestic workers, wage standards, employment rights, worker safety, factory built housing, commercial structures, national standards, construction regulation, building safety, workers' compensation, benefits, employment, injury claims, insurance, liability, fire protection, sprinkler systems, licensed contractors, certified fitters

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal government covers a percentage of state claims, which varies depending on the population
• This is adults without dependent children who don't qualify under their basis of eligibility, and in
• </c> of State claims which varies depending of State claims which varies depending on<00:07:17.919><c
• on providers and hospitals and depend on people being able to contribute to the local economies.
• on providers and hospitals and depend on people being able to contribute to the local economies.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each bill sponsor handler is given four minutes depending on the presentation.
• Each bill sponsor handler is given four minutes, depending on the presenter. Let's see here.
• It could be, but for reasons that, you know, are not going to be impacted depending on whether you choose
• He argues that Pennsylvania's prices are tied to the regional market, so price decreases there depend
• So if you look at that, maybe our rates, grades to, you know, work on reliability and dependability.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session, laying over H.J.R. 153 and H.J.R. 119, then unanimously advanced HB 2904 after adopting a committee amendment and substitute. HB 2904 passed 13-0. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2933 and sent that bill do pass by a vote of 11-3. The committee then moved into regular session and heard HB 2266, which would add the attorney general and staff, or as members suggested possibly assistant attorney generals, to the list of officials authorized to concealed carry while performing duties. The sponsor and an assistant attorney general testified that the bill was intended to protect AG staff who travel and work in courthouses and hotels; some members raised concerns about the breadth of the term “staff,” and one witness urged clearer limits and identification safeguards. No vote was taken on HB 2266 in the portion provided. The committee then heard HB 2207 and HB 2233 together, both aimed at restructuring Missouri’s electric industry to allow competitive generation while keeping transmission and distribution regulated. The sponsors argued that competition would lower costs, improve reliability, spur innovation, and let customers choose suppliers, while preserving PSC oversight of the grid and default service. Supporters, including a market think tank and retail energy advocates, said competitive states have seen more generation investment and that private generators bear their own risk rather than ratepayers. Opponents, including Evergy, argued deregulation has not delivered promised savings, can increase fraud and consumer confusion, and would force divestment of utility generation assets without clear guardrails. Members pressed witnesses on comparisons to Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, legacy costs, divestment mechanics, and whether the PSC would still set generation-related rates; witnesses disagreed sharply on the likely effect on residential prices and on whether the bill’s structure was sufficiently specific.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it makes no sense, and it's wrong for veterans' benefits to be depending on how well the medication
• So it makes no sense, and it's wrong for veterans' benefits to be depending on how well the medication
• I'm proud this funding was secured to support marine life and the community that depends on a healthy
• THAT DEPENDS ON A HEALTHY WATERWAY FOR ALL. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER, AND THANK YOU TO THE ZOO.
• with my colleagues to strengthen aviation safety without placing unnecessary burdens on those we depend

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With repeated use, the brain adapts, and people can develop tolerance and dependence, meaning they actually
• But how similar is mitragynine and 7-OH to the classical opioid receptor activity as far as their dependence
• how similar is metrogenin and 70H to the classical opioid receptors activity as far as like their dependence
• And we have even seen patients who require methadone treatment for their dependence.
• It's associated with a higher risk of dependency and a higher tolerance.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Members referenced AB 1088, which would be considered later, and said the hearing was intended to clarify the science, medical perspective, and whether stronger safeguards are needed. The first panel featured a toxicology expert, state and local public health officials, an emergency/addiction physician, a medical examiner, and county health representatives. Witnesses from CDPH and Los Angeles County described rising deaths and enforcement actions, including statewide advisories, retailer letters, and product removals from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Medical testimony emphasized that 7-OH acts much more like an opioid than traditional kratom leaf, can cause dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression, and may require naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone in overdose or withdrawal cases. Local officials said enforcement is difficult because packaging is inconsistent, testing capacity is limited, and counties lack resources and statewide infrastructure; they generally favored a centralized state framework if regulation is pursued. Committee members asked about testing, age restrictions, scheduling, and whether a distinction between kratom and 7-OH could be enforced. Witnesses said forensic labs can potentially test for 7-OH but validated assays are not routine, emergency departments cannot readily distinguish exposures, and local health departments do not have the lab capacity to verify product labels. Several officials warned that a ban or abrupt scheduling could push products into the black market and discourage research, while others argued that current prohibition and enforcement are the most protective approach because legalization or age-limited regulation could create confusion about legality and safety. The second panel included kratom and 7-OH advocates and industry representatives, who argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH are different products and should be regulated differently. They supported age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules for kratom leaf while opposing a ban on the botanical. They said 7-OH is used by many adults for pain relief or harm reduction, and that prohibition would drive consumers to illicit markets and worsen harm. Committee members pressed them on whether 7-OH is more potent than kratom, the availability of testing, and whether any safe dose is known. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, with the chair noting the issue will continue to be considered in future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• With repeated use, the brain adapts, and people can develop tolerance and dependence, meaning they actually
• But how similar is mitragynine and 7-OH to the classical opioid receptor activity as far as their dependence
• We have even seen patients who require methadone treatment for their dependence.
• We have even seen patients who require methadone treatment for their dependence on 7-hydroxymitragynine
• It's associated with a higher risk of dependency and a higher tolerance.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reimbursement rates depend on what program you are serving them in. So that's number one.
• The pay does completely differ depending on which program you are enrolled in. Okay. Thank you.
• Families depend on family child care providers.
• California kids and our economy depend on it. Great. Thank you so very much. Thank you very much.
• Families in the Central Valley depend on this type of child care.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its third hearing, focused on how transitional kindergarten (TK) fits into California’s mixed-delivery early learning system, with an emphasis on the Central Valley. Opening remarks stressed that TK and child care should complement each other, not compete, and that families need both part-day school-based options and full-day, year-round care. Committee members outlined hearing goals around aligning TK with existing programs, understanding family needs, and examining the economic impact of early learning on workforce participation and local economies. Panelists from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, Every Child California, Early Edge, Children Now, and others described TK’s rapid expansion to all four-year-olds, the growth in enrollment, and related changes to state preschool and after-school programs. Witnesses generally supported TK but warned that its expansion has shifted enrollment away from community-based providers, especially centers and family child care homes, creating financial strain, vacant classrooms, and staffing challenges. They urged stronger partnerships between school districts and community providers, more flexible licensing and facilities support, higher and more uniform reimbursement rates, permanent authority for state preschool to serve two-year-olds, and better compensation and training for educators across settings. Parents and providers testified about the importance of trusted, culturally and linguistically responsive care, the need for infant-toddler and home-based options, and the difficulty of affording child care when TK is not full-day or does not fit family schedules. Several speakers emphasized that many families still face long waits for subsidies and that reimbursement and payment delays threaten provider stability. Public comment echoed these concerns, with providers calling for true cost-of-care rates, more vouchers, support for transportation and nontraditional hours, and protection from insurance and facility costs that can force programs to close. State education officials said California’s UPK system works best when TK, state preschool, Head Start, and community-based providers are treated as a shared system, and noted that planning and implementation grants and local coordination efforts have helped build mixed-delivery partnerships. The hearing ended without formal votes or actions, but committee members indicated they would continue gathering input to inform future policy and budget decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it depends. So, yes ma'am.
• Well, it depends what job they're in.
• So again, some are making a lot more money than others, depending.
• So it really depends.
• It just depends on what they're doing. Okay. Well, I appreciate that.

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have the exact figure of what it buys because it really kind of depends.
• Again, that's a lot lower cost than a patrol vehicle, so it depends on what we need at the time and it
• depends on the replacement cycle.
• Someone could be rough on a car or could have a poor history; it just depends on what it was involved
• That's dependent on federal funding, so that money won't move until the federal side moves.

Summary: The Department of Public Safety presented its FY27 budget request, emphasizing three priorities: improving community engagement through a redesigned website and outreach, expanding statewide data and intelligence integration through intelligence-led policing, and improving emergency response and officer safety through fleet replacement, a driving track, and a requested helicopter. DPS said much of its increase is driven by rising health care premiums, and it is also seeking special appropriations for fleet replacement, the website rebuild, and an Honor Guard program created after the 2022 helicopter crash that killed four public servants. Members asked about vacancies, fleet costs, cybersecurity compliance, the real-time crime center, EV fleet participation, and the Metro DPS facility. DPS said its vacancy rate is about 9%, its fleet replacement needs are driven by mileage and condition, it is compliant with federal CJIS standards even though DoIT has raised concerns, the real-time crime center would be built as a regional model to complement Albuquerque’s center, and the Metro facility is moving toward a January groundbreaking. Committee members also discussed several DPS-related capital and IT requests, including the intelligence-led policing data lake, recurring maintenance for critical systems, and a $5.6 million reauthorization for state crime lab DNA backlog work and a $900,000 reauthorization for fingerprinting equipment. DPS explained that the website request is high because the current site must be rebuilt from scratch to support missing-person alerts, memorial updates, ADA compliance, and better communication with law enforcement and the public. Members also raised concerns about speed enforcement, construction-zone cameras, and whether EVs are practical for patrol use; DPS said it is not pursuing speed cameras and is only partially participating in the state EV initiative because patrol needs make full electrification difficult. The committee then received an LFC quarterly update on non-recurring appropriations from the 2025 General Appropriation Act. LFC reported that of the $1.4 billion appropriated in Section 5, $164 million had been expended and $333 million encumbered, leaving $897.4 million unspent, which is a slower pace than the prior year. Staff highlighted a number of reauthorization requests and slow-moving projects across agencies, including AOC cybersecurity funding, DFA housing and public safety grants, DoIT cybersecurity and higher education funds, EDD economic development and energy programs, OSI mitigation and malpractice funds, EMNRD energy and geothermal grants, Health Care Authority behavioral health-related appropriations, DPS crime lab and fingerprinting funds, PED career technical education and special education initiatives, and higher education loan repayment and technology funds. Members questioned why some large appropriations had little or no spending, discussed the need to monitor reauthorizations more closely, and asked for follow-up on several specific line items and project balances.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, depending on what program it is, we base it on these income levels.
• So, depending on what program it is, we base it on these income levels.
• So it depends on the program, but specifically within preservation, that is focusing on the building
• So it depends on the program, but specifically within preservation, that is focusing on the building
• </c><00:38:07.720><c> on</c><00:38:07.880><c> the</c> the um residents so it it depends on the the um

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on us and granite sters are depending on us and depending<00:33:35.600><c> on</c><00:33:35.760><c> these
• They need to be dependable like insurance. They need to be underwritten like insurance.
• </c><01:16:29.120><c> They</c><01:16:29.280><c> need</c> be dependable like insurance.
• They need be dependable like insurance.
• </c><01:33:10.639><c> on</c> different percentages depending on different percentages depending on whether

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fellows, and graduate workers, many represented by the United Auto Workers Union, whose livelihood depends
• And Washington's future depends on it.
• The workers who carry it out deserve stability, and Washington's future depends on remaining a place
• Progress from an idea to market depends on stable public investment.
• And all of these cases are just examples of all of our work depends on public research funding, and all

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, opening a public hearing on Senate Bill 6321, which would authorize up to $6 billion in state general obligation bonds over six years and create the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement within the Department of Commerce. Staff explained that the institute would oversee grants for scientific research and facilities, with the proposal requiring voter approval for the debt and institute creation. Senator Slatter, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to stabilize research funding in Washington in response to federal cuts and uncertainty, and noted it was modeled in part on similar efforts in California and Texas. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. Representatives from Washington State University and the University of Washington described the state’s research enterprise as an economic engine and emphasized the importance of stable funding for jobs, innovation, and competitiveness. University of Washington witnesses said federal funding disruptions had reduced new NIH awards, cut student support, and threatened research programs in medicine, mental health, clean energy, forest resilience, and climate adaptation. Several early-career researchers and union members testified about personal impacts from grant terminations, furloughs, and delayed career transitions, arguing that the bill would help protect scientific work, workforce development, and public health outcomes in Washington. After closing the hearing on SB 6321, the committee moved into executive session. It voted do pass on Substitute House Bill 2525 and sent it to the Rules Committee. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation, and then adjourned after thanking staff and members for their work during the session.