Transcript Highlights:

• It's a uh a bipartisan support for it.
• </c><00:40:39.920><c> in</c> postretirement increases for retirees in postretirement increases for retirees
• So the postretirement increase for the general plan members, which applies to retirees, current retirees
• > future</c> retirees, current retirees and future retirees, current retirees and future retirees<00:
• </c> through this uh bipartisan support through this uh bipartisan support tonight,<01:00:50.640><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, many Texans, including public employees and retirees, are choosing a health care model called
• If a public employee or retiree pays that direct fee out of pocket under a state health plan, it does
• This legislation will support that option for our state and school employees, aiding in our effort to
• Chairman Harless deserves support for first responders.
• And gives retirees appropriate control over their own retirement benefits.

Bills: HB3015, HB3521, HB5632, HJR182, SJR57

Keywords: healthcare, direct primary care, insurance deductibles, Texas Health Benefit Plans, telemedicine, police retirement, disability pension, municipalities, law enforcement, retirement benefits, retirement, beneficiary, Employees Retirement System of Texas, divorce decree, beneficiary designation, Veterans' Land Board, general obligation bonds, constitutional amendment, veterans, housing assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• I strongly support that. You’re right.
• The bill addresses how many hours police retirees are able to work after retirement.
• </c><03:31:52.920><c> who</c> B retirees who B retirees who are<03:31:54.840><c> whose</c><03:31:55.239
• I urge you to support 702. Thank you for considering my testimony.
• You have support. I don't know if you heard—no, stay, stay.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language. The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent. Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.

Transcript Highlights:

• That retirees should be grandfathered in.
• For retirees, you know, that's what we shouldn't be saying, giving concessions.
• Are you going to support my bill? Yes, I am. Thank you very much.
• Taylor, trying to save the retirees money. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Hey, hey, thank you, Rep Taylor, trying to save the retirees of money.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your longstanding support of retirees.
• Thank you for your longstanding support of retirees. And Dennis Lawson, let's close us out here.
• I respectfully urge your support. I respectfully urge your support. Thank you. Thank you.
• We strongly support. We strongly support this bill and respectfully encourage a yes vote.
• We strongly support SB 6355.

Summary: The committee took up executive action on the capital budget, Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 6003, and several policy bills. Staff described amendments to the capital budget that shifted funding among behavioral health, local/community projects, irrigation projects, and juvenile rehabilitation capacity, plus a technical fix to the water pollution control revolving program. The committee adopted Senator Dozier’s budget-neutral amendment and a technical amendment, then advanced the amended capital budget to the Rules Committee. It also moved House Bills 2441, 2124, 2471, 2133, 2610, and 2338 forward with due-pass recommendations, and advanced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act accounts to the Transportation Committee after adopting two amendments and withdrawing three others. A major public hearing focused on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, which would terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1 in 2029, transfer surplus assets, and direct portions to the Climate Commitment Account and the pension funding stabilization account. Staff said the plan is currently about 160% funded and explained the bill’s IRS-review process, statute of limitations, and estimated implementation costs. Testimony was sharply divided: some retirees, firefighters, counties, and cities opposed the bill as an improper use of pension assets and urged benefit enhancements or protection of local medical obligations, while others supported using the surplus for broader public purposes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2179 on PERS coverage for certain port workers, with ports and the Washington Public Ports Association supporting clarification for railroad employees covered by the federal railroad retirement system. House Bill 1069, allowing Department of Corrections employees to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits, drew support from Teamsters and corrections workers, while House Bill 2091, expanding employee-information sharing with bargaining representatives, drew union support and privacy objections from Washington Policy Center. Finally, Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences drew support from labor, local governments, and project proponents, and opposition from contractor groups and environmental advocates over project labor agreement requirements and nuclear-related concerns; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 on community preservation and development authorities and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974 on land bank authorities for affordable housing were also heard, with both receiving supportive testimony from community and housing advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 134 allows retirees to return to work that are part of the Oper system in six months instead
• Is it correct under this bill that a retiree could begin receiving retirement benefits and then return
• You know, in this bill Or training new employees rather than rehiring retirees, or is it better since
• What we see is that as retirees retire, they have a lot of wealth of knowledge.
• Oklahoma's food system while supporting public health, producers, and rural communities.

Bills: SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061

Keywords: reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations

Transcript Highlights:

• Our retirees are probably going to be about 49,000. So we didn't anticipate any.
• Regarding our retirees, what we are adding to the retiree rolls, we hit a new high every single month
• , so that retiree growth does not stop.
• The rest are the municipalities and retirees, and we've got 31 different plans.
• Tens of millions of dollars every month to their current retirees.

Transcript Highlights:

• of prioritizing COLAs for retirees' plans in response to inflation.
• Staff can support either one, or if you'd like to bring back some decision points for full committee
• Bev, I've talked a little bit with the retirees about this. They're kind of open to all options.
• I guess I lean toward supporting, with the advocates' support.
• Then the retirees got nothing.

Summary: The Executive Committee of the State Committee on Pension Policy approved the June minutes and received updates from staff and counsel. The attorney reported on two class action matters: the Fowler/Probst Fowler teacher interest case, where a court ordered the state to pay $118 million and the state has appealed and sought a stay, and the Dawson case challenging last year’s HB 2034 related to the LEOFF 1 plan, where the complaint was amended and the state plans to move to dismiss. The actuary also provided a brief update on asset smoothing and offered to provide additional education on the topic. The committee then focused on interim work planning and the September agenda. Members discussed an ad hoc COLA for PERS and TRS Plan 1 retirees, with staff explaining options for making a COLA part of the base budget or otherwise structuring it. The committee agreed to move forward with a bill for a Plan 1 ad hoc COLA and to have it considered in October, with a request for fiscal analysis. The committee also heard from a Washington State Patrol Troopers Association representative about survivor medical benefits, and staff said a cost estimate could be prepared for October if the proposal included retroactive coverage. For September, the committee set the agenda to include PERS eligibility for animal control officers, a LEOFF 1 medical study update with possible action, and the Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item. Staff said the work plan would also add the ongoing Plan 1 COLA and survivor medical topics to October, along with preliminary 2027 meeting dates. The meeting ended with informal approval of the September agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• OSA also plays a role in supporting these programs and even risk management.
• There are basically 67, a little over, almost 68,000 retirees in both PERS and TERS 1 plans that, retirees
• I can't believe you need $1.5 billion to serve 6,154 retirees.
• I'm a LEOFF 1 retiree from the King County Sheriff's Office.
• It's also represented by active members and retirees.

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um it doesn't have of these retirees.
• Um so I think that um we'll retirees.
• So I’m very supportive of that.
• So I’m very supportive of that.
• So I’m very supportive of that.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:17 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:09 Legislative Proposals: HB 213: 00:02:13 HB 516: 00:25:00 HB 589: 00:39:30 Kentucky Public Pension Authority: 00:44:52 Adjournment: 01:14:07, 958, all

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board met on February 13 and approved the minutes after establishing a quorum. The committee then took up three pension-related bills, beginning with Rep. Callaway’s proposal to allow certain retired police officers with 15 to 19 years of service to be rehired by local law enforcement agencies. Callaway and Brandon Lincoln of the FOP said the bill is intended to help recruitment and retention, especially for departments facing staffing shortages, and emphasized that it would be optional and would not allow double-dipping. Committee members raised concerns that lowering the service threshold from 20 to 15 years could create an unfunded liability and weaken the pension system, and several members said they did not yet fully understand how the pension and insurance provisions would work. The sponsor said she was open to working on the bill, and the chair noted the committee would continue to examine it with help from KPA staff. The second bill, presented by Rep. Lewis with Brandon Lincoln and Jeff Taylor, addressed probationary employees in CS agencies, including firefighters and police officers. The bill would let certain former probationary employees purchase service credit for time spent in probation, and would extend line-of-duty death and disability protections to employees who are injured or killed during probationary service. Testimony said the measure is optional for employers, could be used as a recruitment tool, and would allow employees within six months of the probationary period to buy back the time themselves if they choose. Members generally supported the concept, noted a negligible fiscal note, and discussed whether current employees could buy back older probationary periods; the sponsor said the bill did not appear to allow that, though he was open to further discussion. Throughout both bills, members focused on whether the proposals would create new pension costs or liabilities and how they would interact with existing retirement tiers and contribution rules. Several members asked for clarification on whether rehired workers would contribute to the pension system, whether employers would pay normal cost or any contribution at all, and whether the bills would affect future retirement benefits. The sponsors and witnesses repeatedly said the measures were limited, optional, and intended to address staffing and fairness issues without changing the core retirement system, but the committee did not take final action on the bills during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• A team of people have come around to support and assist you as freshmen.
• I ask for your support to put our students first.
• We ask for your support.
• It will make us number one in the country, so I ask for your favorable support.
• And I am so Grateful for all of you and the support and work you put in.

Bills: HJR 138, HB 42, HB 104, HB 129, HB 677, HB 426, HB 668, HB 1699, HB 2017, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 3783, HB 3717, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 3883, HB 4021, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3173, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3531, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4511, HB 3704, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 4937, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 2347, HB 4034, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 5150, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 3924, HCR 98, HCR 92, HB 1520, HB 1545, HB 5265, HB 1887, HB 1914, HB 2402, HB 2306, HB 2350, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 3211, HB 1056, HB 2081, HB 2187, HB 3092, HB 3308, HB 3526, HB 3750, HB 4219, HB 4230, HB 4290, HB 5238, HB 4804, HB 4749, HB 245, HB 1465, HB 294, HB 793, HB 809, HB 3928, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 1973, HB 285, HB 4341, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1729, HB 2498, HB 1314, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 3923, HB 2221, HB 2517, HB 2518, HB 2213, HB 5092, HB 3748, HB 5246, HB 4344, HB 1482, HB 4044, HB 2702, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 2898, HB 3181, HB 3250, HB 2091, HB 2115, HB 2542, HB 2768, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 3133, HB 3133, HB 4960, HB 3214, HB 2145, HB 1201, HB 5061, SB 29, SB 879, SB 65, SB 1745, SB 412, SB 412, SB 1746, SB 1238, SB 1341, SB 522, SB 1532, SB 1378, SB 1062, SB 2066, SB 1963, SB 2204, SB 1366, SB 2077, SB 1967, SB 1151, HB 1618, HB 2156, HB 2615, HB 2615, HB 2349, HB 1926, HB 569, HB 1762, HB 38, HJR 138, HB 42, HB 104, HB 104, HB 129, HB 677, HB 426, HB 668, HB 1699, HB 2017, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 3783, HB 3717, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 3883, HB 4021, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3173, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3531, HB 3531, HB 3490, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4511, HB 3704, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 4937, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 2347, HB 4034, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 5150, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 3924, HCR 98, HCR 92

Keywords: carbon tax, carbon emissions, greenhouse gas, climate policy, fuel tax, emissions tax, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax limitation, environmental tax, fossil fuels, energy policy, legislative taxing authority, ballot proposition, constitutional amendment, higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the body for their support. Yesterday, and I move passage.
• Don't support that or promote that type of behavior, right?
• Little in support of the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members.
• Virdell in support. Members, thank you for your time. I'll be...
• I would appreciate your support on this bill. Thank you. Mr. Morgan, in support of the bill.

Bills: HJR138, HB42, HB 104, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HCR98, HCR92, HB1520, HB1545, HB5265, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB1353, HB3960, HB3923, HB2221, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5092, HB3748, HB5246, HB4344, HB1482, HB4044, HB2702, HB4264, HB2807, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB3133, HB4960, HB3214, HB2145, HB 1201, HB5061, SB29, SB879, SB65, SB1745, SB412, SB412, SB1746, SB1238, SB1341, SB522, SB1532, SB1378, SB1062, SB2066, SB1963, SB2204, SB1366, SB2077, SB1967, SB1151, HB1618, HB2156, HB2615, HB2615, HB2349, HB1926, HB569, HB1762, HB38, HJR138, HB42, HB 104, HB 104, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3531, HB3490, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HCR98, HCR92

Keywords: carbon tax, carbon emissions, greenhouse gas, climate policy, fuel tax, emissions tax, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax limitation, environmental tax, fossil fuels, energy policy, legislative taxing authority, ballot proposition, constitutional amendment, higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a TRS 1 retiree.
• As a member of Washington State School Retirees Association, I am testifying in support of Substitute
• We proudly support the independent public hospital. Please support this bill. Thank you.”
• “We proudly support the independent public hospital. Please support this bill. Thank you.”
• So we're asking for your support.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 2689 on Working Connections Child Care. Staff explained that the proposed substitute would keep eligibility at 60% of state median income, eliminate scheduled expansions to 75% and 85%, reduce future subsidy rates from the 85th to the 75th percentile of market, end enhanced regional rates, and change reimbursement rules from prospective enrollment-based payments back to attendance-based payments with a reduced monthly payment after 11 absent days. Child care advocates thanked the committee for removing the proposed cap on the program but opposed the cuts to provider rates and eligibility expansions, warning of harm to families and providers. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124 on Medicaid network adequacy for post-acute care, with staff noting administrative costs and indeterminate fiscal effects; hospitals supported the bill as a way to reduce discharge delays and reliance on single-case agreements. Senate Bill 5832, which would raise the new motor vehicle arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to support the Lemon Law arbitration program, drew support from the Attorney General’s Office and auto dealers, who said the fee had not been updated since 1995 and the program was underfunded. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5862, providing a one-time 3% COLA for certain PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees, with retirees testifying in favor and local government representatives warning about added employer costs. The committee next heard Senate Bill 5922, allowing school districts to transfer money from the Transportation Vehicle Fund to other funds if they reduce their fleet and receive OSPI approval; staff said the bill would mainly add administrative work for OSPI, and no one testified. Substitute Senate Bill 5923 would allow a hospital on an island in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital if federally certified; Island Health testified that the designation would help sustain rural services, and a committee member asked about bed count and Medicaid/charity-care pressures. Senate Bill 5944 would require language access providers to bargain over compensation for missed or canceled appointments and clarify that statutes prevail over conflicting contract terms; WFSE supported the bill, saying it would equalize bargaining rights across agencies. Substitute Senate Bill 5972 would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of population size; labor supported the bill as a retention tool, while cities and counties opposed it, arguing it would raise costs and should include ability-to-pay protections. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5988, authorizing the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge accreditation fees, which DOH said was needed to avoid winding down the program. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 6151, which would move Ecology fee revenues for landfill methane emissions and laboratory accreditation into dedicated accounts; Ecology supported the bill as improving transparency and reinvesting fees into the programs, and staff said the lab fee shift would be offset by a related budget action. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6194 would pay a rural hospital on a federally recognized Indian reservation, specifically Astria Toppenish, at 150% of the Medicaid fee-for-service rate beginning in 2027; hospital leaders and community members testified that the hospital serves a high-Medicaid, rural, and tribal population and faces persistent losses. Finally, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302 would direct L&I to investigate possible misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects involving multiple workers doing the same finishing work; labor and business representatives both described it as a negotiated compromise to address underground economy abuses. The committee took no final votes during the hearing and ended by reiterating amendment deadlines for bills scheduled for executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so I got my tech support here today.
• health benefits for CERS career retirees.
• I know it's needed and totally supportive, and we got good support for this in Boone County, and I'm
• I know it's needed and totally supportive, and we got good support for this in Boone County, and I'm
• I don't have tech support today.

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:

• Vote in support of HB 124. Vote in support of HB 124. Thank you very much.
• I am here to ask you to support HB 124.
• Please support HB 124. Thank you. Please support HB 124. Thank you. So you're a representative.
• I support it.
• I support it.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> supportive OPP oppos uh supporting supportive OPP oppos uh supporting testimony<00:03:47.400><c>
• in support.
• in support.
• </c><00:08:55.760><c> and</c> support Michael older in support and support Michael older in support and
• </c> support and late testimony in support support and late testimony in support from<00:10:35.240><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making and hearing sessions on February 25, 2025, on several measures. In decision-making, the committee passed with amendments SP 588 SD1, SP 1245 SD1 (pharmacists), SB 1287 (transparency), and SP 1298 SD1 (recycling), generally adopting agency-requested or technical amendments and in several cases pushing the effective date far into the future to keep the bills moving. The committee deferred SP 1149 SD1 and SP 281 SD1 for one day, and indefinitely deferred SP 1286 SD1 on motor vehicles after noting no supportive or opposing testimony and that the Office of Consumer Protection wanted to work further with the introducer. In the later hearing on consumer-protection-related measures, the committee heard testimony on SB 419 (insurance), SB 942 (rental applications), and SB 1142 (insurance proceeds). SB 419 would require auto insurance to cover replacement of a damaged child passenger restraint system; the Attorney General’s office suggested language to avoid contract impairment, and the measure was advanced with amendments. SB 942 would bar landlords from rejecting applicants solely for lack of a recent paycheck if they can show sufficient liquid assets or unearned income; testimony was largely supportive, with Realtors asking for clarifying amendments to protect their fiduciary duties, while a witness opposed those changes as an unnecessary burden on retirees and elders. SB 1142 would impose requirements on mortgage services for disbursing insurance proceeds after damage to residential property; DCCA and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement supported it, and the committee advanced it with technical amendments and a defective effective date. Across the actions, the committee repeatedly voted to pass measures with amendments, with the chair voting aye and, on SB 942, the vice chair voting with reservations over the Realtors’ amendments. No measures were rejected in the portions provided, and the committee adjourned after adopting the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're pleased to support SB 1277.
• for your support as well.
• support.
• I support.
• Happy to be a labor supporter, always very happy to support our teachers.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, support with a brief comment. >> Please proceed. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Uh support with a brief &gt;&gt; Madam Speaker.
• This supports long-range planning, not closed-door decision-making.
• For those reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
• </c><00:23:10.960><c> this</c> urge my colleagues to support this urge my colleagues to support this

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• Um that will support thereafter.
• </c><01:24:48.400><c> uh</c> streamline processes and support uh streamline processes and support uh
• </c> support uh farmers effectively. support uh farmers effectively.
• 48:10.880><c> dose</c> would include supporting lowd dose would include supporting lowd dose gummies,
• </c> into it and the industry fully supports into it and the industry fully supports uh<02:11:42.560>

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• They also determine the long-term health of our retiree pensions, and I want to say as the member of
• Now, does that affect how much the retirees receive as well? No, no, it stays the same.
• The CPI plays a part because most retirees get a 2% COLA, but then what's...
• If we do our job well, retirees And long-term stewardship.
• If we do our job well, retirees can live with dignity and security.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement and the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement held a joint hearing required by law to receive an independent report from the California Actuarial Advisory Panel on CalPERS. Chair McKinnor and Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opened by emphasizing CalPERS’ importance to retirement security for public employees and to the state budget. Scott Tarando, CalPERS Chief Actuary and a CAP member, presented on the statutory disclosure requirements in Government Code Section 2029, including the use of CalPERS’ 6.8% discount rate and the need to show how changes in investment return assumptions and amortization periods affect liabilities, contribution rates, and budgets. Tarando explained that lower investment returns increase contribution rates and unfunded liabilities, while higher returns reduce them. He also described CalPERS’ 20-year amortization period for new unfunded liabilities, comparing it to a mortgage and noting that shorter periods raise near-term costs but reduce long-term interest costs. He said the CAP has recommended a 15- to 20-year range and that CalPERS’ current approach is intended to smooth volatility for a large, ongoing plan. Members asked about the meaning of average service lifetime, the timing of valuation data, whether more current data could be used, the effect of AI and workforce changes on assumptions, and whether contribution changes affect retiree benefits. Tarando said retiree benefits do not change with annual valuations, that CalPERS uses audited year-end data because it is the most reliable basis for rates, and that AI impacts are being monitored but are too early to quantify. Committee members also discussed CalPERS’ funded status, with Tarando saying it had improved from the mid-60% range about 10 years ago to around 79% at fiscal year-end and over 80% more recently, reducing pressure on employers and the state budget. Michael Cohen, CalPERS’ investment operations chief, said CalPERS had complied with federal information requests and that its annual audits are publicly available, but no formal federal review had been released. In public comment, a representative of the California State Association of Counties praised the improved funded status and the role of PEPRA reforms. The chairs closed by reaffirming CalPERS’ fiduciary duty and the goal of protecting retirement security for public workers; no votes were taken.