Video & Transcript : 'employee contribution' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 05/07/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Teachers to decrease the employee contributions by 1%. Article 4 is a new plan.
- The employees are paying for that, but for the 2% additional employee contribution that will be paid
- Article 6 is this reduction in employee contributions to these two new plans.
- c> two</c><00:11:02.920><c> new</c> Employee contributions to these two new plans.
- So, it brings the employee contributions down from 8.82% for the PERA plan and 8.71% for the MSRS plan
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Defined contribution benefit.
- Contributions into the assumed income match their actual defined contribution account, but there is an
- Contributions into the assumed income match their actual defined contribution account, but there is an
- reassess certain key assumptions related to contribution rates.
- Funding decreases in contribution rates for most plans.
Committee:
Joint Pension Funding Council
Summary:
The Pension Funding Council met on June 23, 2026, for a work session that began with an overview of the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) and a 2025 accounting valuation of that plan. Staff explained that the SRP is a closed defined benefit supplement for higher education employees hired before the 2011 closure, with employer contributions currently pre-funding benefits in institution-specific trusts while institutions still pay benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. The State Actuary’s office reported that the plan’s accounting position has improved, with combined market assets of about $245 million against $377 million in accrued liability, and that strong market performance since 2022 has increased the asset-to-liability ratio. The office emphasized that this was an educational accounting valuation, not a funding valuation for rate-setting.
The council then received the 2025 actuarial valuation report for the state retirement systems. Actuaries reviewed the recent demographic experience study, noting updated assumptions for mortality, retirement, termination, and salary growth, and said the net impact on most plans was small. They reported that most plans’ funded ratios improved, with all plans at least 94% funded and several at or above 100%, and that contribution rates for the 2027–2029 biennium are generally lower than current rates. They also noted that future rates could be affected by market volatility as deferred gains are recognized over the next few years. During public comment, a representative of the Association of Washington Cities urged the council to consider rate reductions to help local governments facing budget pressures.
In executive session, the council first approved a motion directing the Office of the State Actuary to perform an actuarial evaluation and analysis of each institution’s Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan, including institution-specific contribution rates, asset sufficiency, and funding policy options, due by July 1, 2028. The council then adopted the 2027–2029 pension contribution rates based on the 2025 actuarial valuation report. Both motions passed 5-0, with one member excused. The meeting concluded with no further business.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:23.360><c> onto</c> uh some additional contributions onto uh some additional contributions
- </c> from the state and 75% from employees from the state and 75% from employees which<00:15:51.120><
- </c> and let districts and and the employees and let districts and and the employees share<00:21:32.120
- We have the employer, we have the employee, and we have the taxpayer.
- We have the employer, we have the employee, and we have the taxpayer.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 545, a routine claims bill. Representative Tim Truett explained it as a measure to pay debts the Commonwealth owes. The bill received a motion, a second, and a roll call vote, and passed with favorable expression and no nay votes.
Members then considered House Joint Resolution 54, which related to the Kentucky State Fair Board’s expansion plan. The chair explained that the resolution simply acknowledged receipt and approval of the plan so previously appropriated funds could be released. The resolution passed by roll call with no nay votes and was reported favorably to the floor.
The main discussion centered on House Bill 694, concerning the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System medical insurance fund and the 2010 “shared responsibility” agreement. The bill would redirect employer contributions from local districts from the health side to the pension side once the plan reaches 100% funded. The chair and Senator Givens argued the bill was a continuation of the state’s long-term commitment to TRS and taxpayer responsibility, while Senator Neal raised concerns about fairness, the timing of the change, and whether the original agreement and statutory trigger for TRS board recommendations had been honored. Testimony from KEA President Eddie Campbell and former Jefferson County Teachers Association president Brent McMahan supported the 2010 agreement but urged the committee to pause the bill, saying the parties should return to the table and that the current proposal could conflict with the original understanding, create actuarial and legal issues, and potentially affect school district finances and bond ratings. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 8-1 to pass House Bill 694 with favorable expression, with Senator Neal voting no and explaining his objection as a process and good-faith concern.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 20th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ' Retirement System, and the Public Employees' Retirement System.
- The School Employees' Retirement System serves, and then Public Employees' Retirement System, PERS, through
- There was no expected impact on contribution rates for that, and the bill was signed April 22.
- programs in accordance with their plan rules unless employees choose affirmatively not to participate
- , which has resulted in higher enrollment and investment by employees in deferred comp.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The Select Committee on Pension Policy opened its 2025 interim with roll call, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief administrative update on meeting procedures, new members, and a planned change to hold officer elections in June rather than immediately. Staff then presented a high-level recap of the 2025 legislative session, focusing on pension-related bills affecting Plans 1, 2, and 3, including the failed Plans 1 COLA and month-of-death bills, enacted changes on retire/rehire rules, state actuary appointments, service credit purchases, excess compensation, and a budget proviso directing study of proposed LEOFF 1 merger/termination concepts. Staff also highlighted ESSB 5357, which changes funding policy and the assumed rate of return, and noted that a deeper briefing on that complex bill may be needed.
The committee then received an interim kickoff presentation explaining the SCPP’s role, membership, meeting structure, public participation, and the typical process for studying issues. Staff reviewed the draft interim work plan, which will be shaped by statutory studies, annual agency reports, legislative outcomes, stakeholder requests, and committee goals. Key upcoming work includes the mandated study of LEOFF 1 merger and termination concepts, the state actuary’s odd-year economic assumption recommendations, annual updates from DRS, OSA, the LEOFF 2 Board, and the State Investment Board, and other recurring reports such as the DRS benchmarking study and actuarial valuation materials. Members also discussed the importance of understanding asset smoothing and long-term funding impacts, and staff said updated contribution projections will be available later in the fall.
During public comment, several speakers urged the committee and the State Investment Board to address climate-related financial risk and divest from fossil fuels, arguing that current coal, oil, and gas holdings are too large and that existing screening methods undercount exposure. One commenter also asked the committee to consider climate risk in the upcoming long-term economic assumptions study. Another public commenter, representing school retirees and administrators, urged continued study of COLA proposals and asked the committee to review the recently enacted funding bill and a separate bill related to COLA financing. The meeting concluded with a short break and adjournment of the full committee portion before the executive committee session.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that to their employees.
- Going to the employee, then the contractor registers to be part of this program, then wouldn't the employee
- So, Madam Chair, Senator, right now it is going to the employees, and it will stay going to employees
- So I don't think the employee would lose.
- I don't think the employee would lose.
Summary:
The Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee heard and voted on several bills, beginning with SB 190, which would authorize revenue bonds for Gila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator for cancer treatment. The sponsor and hospital representatives said the project is critical for rural patients who otherwise travel long distances for radiation therapy. After a brief amendment changing the bond term from 20 to 30 years, the committee advanced the bill 7-0.
The committee then took up SB 152, a broadband affordability and rural telecommunications bill that would keep money in the broadband fund for maintenance, expansion, and a new affordability program after the federal ACP lapsed. The sponsor and broadband stakeholders said the bill is needed to close the digital divide, while some industry witnesses supported the affordability goal but wanted changes to broaden eligibility and adjust program rules. The committee heard public testimony from supporters and opponents, then passed the bill 8-0. Next, SB 77 would require certain highway and public works contractors to contribute to apprenticeship training funds; labor groups supported it as workforce development, while highway and asphalt contractors opposed it as an added cost and argued they already run their own training programs. After extended debate about whether the 60-cent-per-hour contribution would raise project costs or simply redirect existing prevailing-wage funds, the committee advanced SB 77 on a 5-3 vote.
The committee also heard SB 182, a dyed diesel gross receipts tax deduction for agricultural use, but held it for the tax package without a vote. SB 151, a corporate income tax decoupling bill intended to recover revenue lost to federal tax changes, drew strong support from tax and advocacy groups and strong opposition from business, oil and gas, and chamber representatives who called it a tax increase that would hurt investment and competitiveness. Committee members raised concerns about long-term revenue stability and business impacts, but the sponsors said the bill would restore state tax capacity and selectively decouple from federal provisions; the bill was held for later consideration in the tax package. Finally, the committee heard SB 133 on eliminating gross receipts tax on medical providers for medical equipment and supplies, and SB 212 on a ski-area construction equipment gross receipts tax exemption, with sponsors arguing both would improve competitiveness and support industry investment; both were discussed as possible tax-package items and held for further consideration.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal employee. And I chose employee. Federal employee.
- </c> member contributions. member contributions.
- contributions.
- . contributions. contributions.
- </c> my employees. my employees.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- contribution rates.
- Under current law, a city may set member contribution rates at 5%, 6%, or 7% of employees.
- It does not mandate an increase in contribution rates.
- It allows those employees, across the board, almost 4,000 employees in my city alone, a better financial
- 2003 and 2015, when a three-month waiting period was in place before new employees could contribute to
Bills:
HB 104 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB2688 , HB3161 , HB3486 , HB3487 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB4226 , HB4945 , HB104
Committee:
Senate Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- contribute.
- Currently contribute into the DFML trust fund, as opposed to the share that employers currently contribute
- Again, the background is that less than 25 employees, you don't contribute to the program...
- Again, the background is that less than 25 employees, you don't contribute to the program, Right?
- Again, the background is that, for employers with fewer than 25 employees, you don't contribute to the
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts tax law and state revenues. Administration officials, led by Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz, said OB3 would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued for a phased-in conformity approach that would preserve the current-year budget while still adopting selected federal business tax provisions over time. The proposal would phase in the research and experimental expenditure deduction first, delay other major corporate provisions for two years, extend the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, add a one-year delay mechanism for future federal tax changes over $20 million, limit opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, and make smaller technical changes to DFML contributions and casino reporting thresholds. Committee members questioned the rationale for phasing in rather than fully decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill did not pass, and the treatment of opportunity zones, the surtax, and future federal tax changes.
Public testimony was split. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and several labor and public-sector groups urged the committee to permanently decouple from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them, arguing that the bill would still send state revenue to corporate tax breaks, often for investments outside Massachusetts, and that the state should protect funding for schools, health care, human services, and other public services. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s timing and the research-and-development provisions, citing filing deadlines and the importance of certainty for businesses and startups. Business and tax experts also testified that rushed conformity can create revenue losses and that the governor’s review-and-delay framework was a prudent improvement, though some said decoupling should be the default if the Legislature does not act.
Unite Here Local 26 testified against sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gambling intervention, preserves slot attendant jobs, and generates revenue. Several union leaders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Building Trades, the AFL-CIO, and 1199 SEIU, urged permanent decoupling, warning that OB3’s federal tax cuts and related spending reductions would worsen budget pressures, harm public services, and shift costs onto workers, patients, and schools. No votes were taken at the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> employees, uh we've listed that here. employees, uh we've listed that here.
- Obviously, tier employees currently.
- </c> about there's just over 6,000 employees about there's just over 6,000 employees in<00:33:13.679>
- So this is both the employer and the employee contributing based on that information.
- But it's set in statute how much the employee is going to contribute, and it would be up to the employer
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, a quorum was confirmed, and the minutes were approved. The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 9, which concerns TRS sick leave audit requirements and process. Auditor Allison Ball’s staff said the audit is an information-gathering review of how teacher sick leave is accumulated, current balances, how many employers use the sick leave function, and the policies and procedures governing sick leave. Members discussed how unused sick leave affects retirement calculations, the distinction between the state’s financial responsibility and school districts’ responsibility, and whether the audit would also examine related leave categories such as personal leave, annual leave, and leave of absence. Committee members emphasized that Senate Bill 9 was intended to add accountability and standardize reporting, including preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave.
Several members asked for clarification on how sick leave is factored into retirement benefits. Witnesses and members explained that, under the system described, accumulated sick leave can be converted into retirement credit based on a teacher’s daily rate and then multiplied by a percentage, with the school district often bearing the cost. Members also noted nuances in the law, including different accumulation limits by hire date and tier, and that the audit may help the public better understand why some educators retire relatively young. The auditor’s office said it is still early in the process, has met with TRS leadership, and will report back once the audit progresses. The committee also asked whether maternity leave would be included; the auditor’s office said it was not specifically mandated but could be examined if the body requests it.
The committee then received an overview of Senate Bill 10 from KPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Rebecca Atkins. They explained that the bill enhances retiree health insurance benefits for certain CRS members who are non-Medicare participants and meet specified career thresholds, with different rules for hazardous and non-hazardous service. They described the benefit as $40 per month per year of service for non-hazardous service and $50 per month per year for hazardous service, both inflated annually, and clarified that these amounts are not cumulative with prior benefit formulas. Members asked about the interaction between the new amounts and existing benefits, and the presenters explained that the bill also changes current employee health insurance contribution rates effective July 1, 2026, with different impacts by tier and hazardous status. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to affected employees and reviewed example calculations showing how the new contribution structure would work.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- , and 63% say that it has been a barrier to retaining their employees.
- A child care contribution tax credit: this is a tax credit for up to 75% of a verified contribution to
- , or create a cafeteria plan for their employees.
- so your mom-and-pops could contribute to help offset their employees' child care costs, or your large
- So is that $5,000 per employee or per employer?
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- A child care contribution tax credit is a tax credit for up to 75% of a verified contribution to a licensed
- , or create a cafeteria plan for their employees.
- to a dependent care spending account so your mom and pops could contribute... ...them to contribute
- to a dependent care spending account, so your mom and pops could contribute to help offset their employees
- Missouri that I contribute to that then my employees would have access to to pay for their own child
Committee:
House Economic Development
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Transportation and Public Works Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Key words. ...apprenticeship and training contributions.
- Our employees go through these programs.
- It's not mandatory contributions, except in some certain situations.
- They're investing in their employees and investing in training.
- We've all contributed funds.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 322, as amended, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor explained that the amendment removed a proposed 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales, while leaving the broader financing structure in place, including a $400 million seed appropriation and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenues into the new funds and related road accounts. Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill on a do-pass vote.
The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for certain public works projects, while preserving a zero contribution rate where no approved program exists for a classification. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, and building trades representatives, argued the bill would close loopholes, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the workforce. Opponents, including utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico, argued it would raise project costs, duplicate existing federally approved training programs such as TTCP, and unfairly require payments from contractors who already train workers in-house or cannot access approved programs. Members debated whether the bill would affect existing in-house programs, rural access to training, and whether the language conflicted with existing law. An amendment to limit the bill to projects of $50 million or less was tabled, and the committee then passed HB 270 on a 6-5 do-pass vote.
After the bill vote, the committee received a District 3 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation covering project status, funding, and equipment needs in Bernalillo, Valencia, and parts of Sandoval and Socorro counties. DOT staff reviewed completed and upcoming maintenance and STIP projects, local government and school district cooperative projects, and equipment requests. Members asked about delays on the Rio Bravo Bridge project, which DOT said were caused by utility coordination issues, and about the I-25/Gibson interchange, which remains in design and development with later-year funding anticipated. The presentation also addressed specific local projects such as Paseo del Norte and Paseo del Volcán.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (4-28-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an employee contribution.
- It's an employee employee employee contribution.<00:29:28.720><c> Um,</c><00:29:29.720><c> CERS,</c><
- Additionally, a change in House Bill 694 is that employee contributions to the health insurance trust
- </c><00:56:45.920><c> contributions</c><00:56:46.799><c> to</c><00:56:47.119><c> the</c> is that uh employee
- contributions to the is that uh employee contributions to the health<00:56:47.599><c> insurance</c><
Summary:
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials.
Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach.
Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/10/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> employees, their eligibility. employees, their eligibility.
- required contributions are.
- contributions? contributions?
- and what are those contributions and what are those contributions?
- </c> contributions? Thank you, Senator. Ms. contributions? Thank you, Senator. Ms.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- A standardized contribution ensures all employees are treated equitably regardless of their bargaining
- A standardized contribution ensures all employees are treated equitably regardless of their bargaining
- A standardized contribution ensures all employees are treated equitably regardless of their bargaining
- and employees, while allowing employers the option to contribute more if they choose.
- , with an option for employees to contribute more if they choose.
Bills:
HF1976
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House environment panel considers HF3007 4/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Owners' permitting burdens will contribute to a lagging economy.
- Owners' permitting burdens will contribute to a lagging economy.
- Owners' permitting burdens will contribute to a lagging economy.
- Owners' permitting burdens will contribute to a lagging economy.
- Owners' permitting burdens will contribute to a lagging economy.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 20th, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill. I want to make sure that's clear.
- The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
- The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill. I want to make sure that's clear.
- The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
- The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
Keywords:
mental health, first responders, employment benefits, 911 telecommunicators, nervous injuries, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program, DROP, cost-of-living adjustment, trade secret, public records exemption, public meetings exemption, open government, sunset review, agency confidentiality, proprietary business information, proprietary confidential business information, confidential records, Florida public records law
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation coverage for mental or nervous injuries, without a physical injury, to 911 public safety telecommunicators. The bill sponsor and multiple dispatchers, counselors, and association representatives testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, staffing shortages, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senators praised dispatchers’ work and emphasized that they are first responders in practice. SB 774 was reported favorably by roll call vote, with one senator later recording an affirmative vote on the bill.
The committee then considered SPB 7028, a retirement bill setting Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, without changing the 3% employee contribution rate. It also allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions and provides an alternative cost-of-living adjustment for special risk retirees meeting service requirements. Firefighters, police, and sheriffs’ association representatives supported the measure as a recruitment and retention tool. The committee voted to submit SPB 7028 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.
Finally, the committee took up SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both government records exemption bills. SPB 7024 repeals the current public records/public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidates agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 does the same for trade secret records held by agencies. Neither bill drew questions or testimony, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Ethics Commission Dec 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we want to recognize the contributions of three former chairs of the Texas Ethics Commission.
- He cared for the commission and its employees, and, and it was apparent.
- The state Employee charitable Campaign allows state employees to donate personal funds to charities that
- I can say that on February 26th of 24, you disclosed $31,874 in contributions maintained.
- Your next four reports disclosed no expenditures, but no contributions maintained.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System.
- It's an additional 0.32% of the employer contribution.
- in the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System.
- The employee personally pays it.
- For a city employee, who, Trying to make sure that it's not an unfair advantage for a city employee who
Committee:
House Retirement
Summary:
The Retirement Committee heard several retirement-related bills and deferred two measures at the start: HB 26 and HB 993 were voluntarily deferred by the author. HB 31, by Rep. Eccles, would allow certain small municipalities to terminate participation in the municipal police employees’ retirement system and create a lower-cost “Plan C” option for small towns like Stirlington. After discussion about population and officer-count limits, the committee adopted amendments, heard concerns from the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System about remaining issues, and reported HB 31 as amended favorably.
The committee also advanced HB 1134, which creates a backdrop-style retirement option for judges whose positions are abolished, and HB 24, which would allow retired teachers to return to work as one-year contract teachers without the current retirement contribution structure. TRSL testified that return-to-work policy is complex and that a broader Senate study-group proposal is also moving, but the committee reported HB 1134 and HB 24 favorably. HB 21, a technical correction to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System law, was amended to remove a sunset problem that would be fixed in another bill and was reported favorably as amended.
Later, the committee reported HB 1017 favorably, which limits former spouses’ claims to post-divorce earnable compensation in the Firefighters’ Retirement System, with testimony that the bill would reduce litigation over promotions and raises after divorce. HB 43, which would let certain LASERS members retire after 35 years of service at any age, drew testimony from LASERS about its cost and workforce effects but received no motion and was voluntarily deferred. HB 30 was also voluntarily deferred because its substance would be moved into another bill.
The committee then took up two major municipal police bills. HB 45, after extensive negotiations among the author, the Louisiana Municipal Association, EMPERS, and the City of New Orleans, was substantially rewritten by amendment to address retention pay, out-of-state service credit purchases, survivor benefits for certain officers killed in the line of duty, COLA funding, and a reduction in the non-hazardous accrual rate. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 45 as amended favorably. HB 49, a related bill on municipal police and firefighter retirement issues, was also replaced by a substitute that changed opt-out procedures, revised partial dissolution rules, and preserved full dissolution liability; after testimony that the changes would save New Orleans and other cities significant money, the committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 49 as substituted favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System.
- It's an additional 0.32% of the employer contribution.
- in the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System.
- The employee personally pays it.
- For a city employee, who, Trying to make sure that it's not an unfair advantage for a city employee who
Committee:
House Retirement