Video & Transcript Research : 'big tech'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 39 (3-4-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- tech companies are wanting to do.
- which<00:24:58.320>
a <00:24:58.559>lot <00:24:58.720>of <00:24:58.880>big - <00:24:59.120>
tech <00:24:59.440>companies <00:24:59.760>are uh which a lot - of big tech companies are uh which a lot of big tech companies are are<00:25:00.320>
wanting < - In my conversations with the big tech companies that we want Kentucky doing business with, they are absolutely
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The clerk reported Senate Bills 156, 173, and 193 had passed the Senate and requested concurrence. Committee reports were then read, advancing a number of bills on banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing/occupations, and primary/secondary education, including measures on insurance, fraudulent practices, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, legal representation, costs and fees, barbering, fire protection, licensing background checks, dentistry, school reporting, teacher certification, and educator placement. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar.
The chamber then took up House Bill 307, the “My Kentucky Future Act,” on proactive post-secondary admission. Sponsors explained that the bill would send opt-in letters from public universities to eligible high school juniors, include a common application for the state’s public institutions, and share data with KY Stats to track outcomes. Members asked about scholarships, the target student group, and privacy; the sponsor clarified that participation is voluntary, the letters do not guarantee admission, and the program is meant to streamline college access. House Committee Substitute 2 and House Floor Amendment 2 were adopted, and HB 307 passed 97-0.
House Bill 418 on domestic violence was then considered. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes the non-offending parent, requires abusive parents to address violent behavior before unsupervised visitation, and gives courts more tools to consider false abuse allegations and victim advocates’ testimony. House Committee Substitute 1 was adopted, and after brief discussion the bill passed 96-1. House Bill 593 on data centers followed; its sponsor said the measure is intended to support data center development while protecting ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure risk, requiring companies to bring their own generation, buy power on the open market, or prepay certain costs. After adopting House Committee Substitute 1, the bill passed 90-8.
The House also passed House Bill 5 on prison educational programs, with a committee substitute and a floor amendment adding data collection on post-release employment; it passed 99-0. Finally, House Bill 584 on licenses for prescribing or dispensing controlled substances was debated. The sponsor said the bill removes a permanent ban so a physician who has regained licensure may apply for DEA registration, while opponents raised concerns about repeated misconduct and the ability to practice without DEA authority. The transcript cuts off before final disposition on HB 584.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Banking, Business, Insurance - Technology Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- tax, personal income tax, gross receipts tax, and public utility tax, which are really kind of the big
- think what's interesting about it and important about it is we're all grappling with the enormity of tech
- room, think about just the 50 of us, how many different interactions we all have collectively with tech
- Yeah, this is saying to businesses in this tech space, you've got to disclose, because we do not know
- Yeah, this is saying to businesses in this tech space, you've got to disclose, because we do not know
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, but much of the meeting focused on House Bill 306, which would require disclosure when a consumer is interacting with a chatbot rather than a human. Sponsor Senator Townsend described it as a consumer protection measure and said the bill is meant to keep pace with rapidly changing AI technology. Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s enforcement structure, especially private rights of action and penalties that could apply even without actual consumer harm. The Department of Justice said the bill would apply where the conduct has a Delaware nexus, and that the disclosure requirement is the key consumer protection. Industry witnesses and chambers of commerce opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create broad compliance burdens and expose businesses to excessive litigation risk without a harm requirement or clearer safe harbor language.
Earlier in the meeting, the committee discussed House Bill 429, which would update Delaware’s step therapy exception process to include biosimilars and interchangeable biologics. Senator Poore and supporters from Highmark and the Department of Insurance said the bill would modernize insurance law, improve access to effective treatments, and reduce costs; they cited national savings from biosimilars and said the bill has agency support. Members asked about Delaware-specific savings, patient switching, and how the process would work, but no vote was taken during the discussion. The committee also heard House Bill 310, which would exclude large data centers from Blue Collar Jobs Act tax credits; the sponsor said the bill is intended to ensure large energy users contribute more to state and local revenues, while supporters and opponents debated competitiveness and community impacts. House Bill 406, on allowing insureds to choose their auto repair shop, and Senate Bill 347, a cleanup bill related to medical debt collection and personal property levies, were also presented without opposition in the hearing. House Bill 253, concerning who may receive letters testamentary or of administration, was described as a cleanup to align statute with existing practice. The committee approved the meeting minutes, but the transcript does not show final votes on the bills discussed.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 10th, 2026 at 04:43 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- here, and New Mexico is at the one point in time to be uniquely advantaged to win at a game and win big
- And so you could see a $100 million quantum tech stack that's paired with artificial intelligence, partially
- workforce development engine and a startup factory effectively anchored around each of New Mexico Tech
- New Mexico Tech, New Mexico State, and University of New Mexico.
- entrepreneurs and small business works very closely with Arrowhead, which I know you know, New Mexico Tech
Keywords:
prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So, yeah, it was a concern I believe with both caucuses of the House that we kept seeing big increases
- <00:10:45.519>
we <00:10:45.760>kept <00:10:46.079>seeing <00:10:46.800>big - <00:10:47.560>
increases house that we kept seeing big increases house that we kept seeing - big increases in<00:10:48.800>
tuition <00:10:49.360>and <00:10:49.600>particularly - Uh, outside of of course all of the curriculum and tech changes in technical courses and all of that,
Summary:
The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward.
The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time.
Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- who<00:10:28.000>
um <00:10:28.399>is <00:10:28.720>really <00:10:28.959>big - also uh as someone who um is really big also uh as someone who um is really big with<00:10:29.519
- these programs also uh provide tech these programs also uh provide tech support<00:25:41.200>
- <00:26:08.960>
jobs <00:26:09.600>and college or into those tech jobs and college or - into those tech jobs and these<00:26:10.559>
uh <00:26:10.720>development <00:26:11.200
Keywords:
youth intervention, funding, mental health, education, community programs, HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, and other materials from the Massachusetts Port Authority, and an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, an Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Montero, a tech company that was the subject of an oversight report I put out last year about how tech
- All of that was one big lie.
Keywords:
oversight, subpoena, illegal immigrants, Massachusetts Port Authority, O'Hare Airport, legislative practices
Summary:
The meeting was convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where robust discussions were held regarding the need for improved oversight within the Senate. The chairman emphasized the historical decline in oversight activities and proposed motions to authorize subpoenas related to an ongoing investigation involving the Massachusetts Port Authority and allegations of illegal immigrant sheltering at airports. This prompted a detailed examination of the current practices and measures needed to address such issues effectively, particularly in light of recent reports from O'Hare Airport. The committee engaged in deliberations that highlighted the importance of maintaining legislative oversight to safeguard national interests.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, this is something that, and some comment that you had made to me, this bill, one of its big
- Maybe I don’t buy enough groceries, but I haven’t gotten that big of a discount.
- We didn't move it because the small guys, the oil marketers, came up and said, we don't want the big
- I don’t want the big guys to put us out of business.
- I don't want the big guys to put us out of business.
Bills:
HB1163, HB1168, HR252, HR253, HCR103, HCR108, SB80, SB131, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB384, SB414, SB468, SB469, SB496
Keywords:
fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- It takes a big case to build to go after them, and uh, they're just not scared of a $500 fine.
- It takes<00:02:41.120>
a <00:02:41.280>big <00:02:41.440>case <00:02:41.680>to - case to build to go after takes a big case to build to go after them<00:02:43.040>
and <00:02: - so I would take it that there would tech so I would take it that there would be<00:16:00.320>
some - The big piece we're missing here is that if there are no buyers of commercial sex, there is no market
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 21104, a Gaming Commission criminal penalties bill presented by Commissioner Jay McDaniel. He said the measure is essentially the same as a bill passed by the Senate last year and would keep penalties low for people merely playing gaming, but make it a felony for operators of illegal online gaming platforms, with a $100,000 fine per conviction and forfeiture authority for funds tied to the crime. The committee substitute was described as clarifying that the penalties target the operator rather than the platform being used. After no questions, the committee moved and adopted the bill.
The committee then heard three Department of Public Safety bills from Commissioner Tindle. Senate Bill 2232 would raise seat belt fines from $25 to $100 and direct the additional revenue into existing driver education-related funds, with the stated goal of supporting driver education programs and improving teen road safety. Members asked about the revenue impact and whether the money would be appropriated back to the department and schools; Tindle said the funds would still be subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was moved and adopted, though some members raised concerns about redirecting local fine revenue.
Senate Bill 2314 was described as a cleanup bill for driver’s license statutes, updating outdated references, removing obsolete paperwork requirements, allowing first-class mail and optional digital notice through mobile ID, and reflecting the department’s move from Jackson to Pearl. Members questioned whether first-class mail could shorten response time for suspension notices and how mobile ID notices would work; Tindle said the change was intended to save money and allow electronic notice if users opt in. The committee also adopted this bill. Senate Bill 2817 would reorganize DPS by consolidating several divisions into a new Mississippi State Bureau of Investigations, combine equipment and software purchases, raise autopsy fees from $1,000 to $1,200, increase salvage title inspection fees from $75 to $125, and open a broader discussion about the Highway Patrol’s future role. It was also moved and adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2230 from Senator Hill, which would extend electronic warrants to misdemeanors; members discussed efficiency, warrant databases, and Fourth Amendment concerns, but no final action on that bill was shown in the excerpt.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M.
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we also have um a big, big thing that's coming about more recently are the outsourcers, which
- And then we also have um a<00:02:24.959>
big <00:02:25.200>big <00:02:25.520>thing the big job that y'all have. the big job that y'all have.- big thing that's coming about more a big big thing that's coming about more recently<00:02:28.080>
- Um another big thing that for that.
- big thing that's coming about more a big big thing that's coming about more recently<00:02:28.080>
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and the Mississippi State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, followed by the physical therapy board. The Pharmacy Board said it licenses pharmacists, technicians, students, and many facilities and supply-chain entities, including wholesalers, manufacturers, 3PLs, PBMs, and nonresident compounders. Its main requests were a 3% salary increase for specialized staff, about $118,000 for contract help to evaluate pharmacists with substance abuse or mental health issues under a recently passed public health bill, and additional IT spending authority for system upgrades and cloud migration. Members discussed the board’s role in protecting the public, vetting out-of-state facilities, and the need to keep sensitive data secure; no vote was taken.
The Chiropractic Examiners board described itself as a small, contract-staffed agency with about 700 active licenses and a database system that is no longer supported by Microsoft. It said it had requested about $173,000, but the legislative budget recommendation was $134,000, and it needs roughly $40,000 more to upgrade or rebuild the system, including security fixes and online renewal capability. Members focused on the cybersecurity risk of using unsupported software and the need to protect personal information; the board also noted that its licensing data does not include banking information because payments are handled through the state portal.
The Physical Therapy Board said it regulates physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, with 4,242 licenses and 252 complaints in the last fiscal year, and that demand for the profession continues to grow. Its requests included $6,000 in salary progression for long-serving staff, about $360 more in PDM salary authority, and roughly $38,610 for a one-time upgrade to its LMS licensing system, plus related cloud-migration costs. Senators noted the board’s strong reputation, discussed the burden of annual or biennial renewals, and supported the technology upgrade because the current system is no longer supported and could create liability risks if not addressed.
WY
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight committee (6-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Dosset providing tech Representative Dosset providing tech business<00:09:05.360>
technical <00 - I know that's been a big concern that we've been trying to tackle.
- I know that's been a big concern that we've been trying to tackle.
- The table was getting pretty big as far as from 2017 forward. Like the big bucks.
- The other big thing Sarah lots of props.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:50
Approval of Minutes 00:01:21
KOAP Report 00:01:42
Community Farm Alliance and KY Double Dollars 00:20:25
Feeding Kentucky 00:40:55, 958, all
Summary:
The Tobacco Settlement Oversight Committee received a monthly report from the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and the A Development Board/Finance Corporation. Staff reviewed May activity, including county council visits, loan and grant approvals, farm safety funding, and support for beginning farmers, agricultural infrastructure, processing, and county/state projects. The committee also recognized an intern and thanked Tara Roberts for her service as she prepares to leave the agency. Members were reminded about a June 20 anniversary event marking 25 years of the office and related programs.
A major topic was K-CARD, the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. Staff explained that the program is being expanded to provide more technical assistance for beginning farmers and farm families, including help with business plans and estate planning/farm transition discussions. Members asked how farmers would access the service and were told the extension office would be the front-line contact, with K-CARD providing the technical assistance and neutral-site consultations.
The committee also discussed support for large food animal veterinarians. Staff said the incentive program has helped more than 33 veterinarians and is intended to support existing providers rather than quickly increase numbers; members raised concerns about the pipeline and selection process at Auburn University, and staff said discussions with the university were ongoing. The committee then heard from Community Farm Alliance on Kentucky Double Dollars, Fresh Rx for Moms, and farmers market support programs. CFA reported expansion to roadside stands, more retail onboarding, seven new counties, and estimated economic and farmgate impacts, emphasizing that state funding helps leverage federal and private dollars and stabilize local food access programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the May minutes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think that that was a big win.
- That's the big guys: Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America.
- And then we have the big banks, but really you're not that big, your Vantage, but you represent the big
- I serve as general manager and chief operating officer of both Big Bend Telephone and Big Bend Telecom
- You'll hear about tech neutrality; that doesn't always equate to tech equality.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 6, February 16, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And overtime is a big deal in this state, you know, it is.
- And overtime is a big tax on overtime.
- It's the when we're on a big fire.
- I'm not here to represent big government. I'm here to represent the people.
- I'm not here to represent big I'm not here to represent big government.<02:06:34.480>
I'm
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25 - Part 1
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:52.200>
oil Solutions aimed at enriching big oil Solutions aimed at enriching big oil - But House File 5 doesn't ask any questions of Big Oil or big ag, who have increasingly joined forces
- It says Minnesotans will fall for any scheme from Big Oil, big ag, or any other player and not ask any
- But House File 5 doesn't ask any questions of Big Oil or big ag, who have increasingly joined forces
- c><01:01:32.799>
any any scheme from Big Oil big egg or any any scheme from Big Oil big egg or
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, you know, workforce participation is a big issue.
- We had some big jackpots and other things going on.
- We've had some big jackpots, you mentioned that.
- You know, that's a big risk there.
- So I think I just want to zoom out and kind of talk big picture about the One Big, Beautiful Bill and
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials May 29th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And finally, for things like whole tech, uh, spent nuclear fuel, it's not a hazardous waste, but it is
- That was the point, a big point of the permit.
- So right, we need to understand the big picture.
- Big deal.
- You start to arrest that that discharge into it, but you think in our state Canada is the big.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-TCA-EIG, TCA-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-05-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, one of the problems we... come from the big come from the big island<00:27:45.559>
and <00 - The issue that we have here in Hawaii is we'll take citrus, because that's the big issue.
- The issue that we have here in Hawaii is we'll take citrus, because that's the big issue.
- On 849, the recommendation will be to pass with tech amendments. Are there any discussion?
- There are also some tech amendments. Any discussion? Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations.
The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 01/29/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- here's how it's happening the big here's how it's happening the big picture<00:26:25.640>
but - My name is Devon Bowry. funding that's been a big task uh for funding that's been a big task uh for all
- little different if they're really big little different if they're really big or<01:16:05.600>
- Those industries are tech, healthcare, construction, skilled trades, education, and manufacturing.
- Recently, some of those new industries have been in the tech industry.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Mar 30th, 2026 at 10:00 am
A&B Transportation Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- We are doing a very important function of the legislature, which is oversight of some of our big infusions
- And so, at the end of the day, those utilities are a big piece and something a lot of our airports are
- The Oklama City WillRogers hanger is for the career tech MD80, the Americanlines MD80 that crew tech
- So that's the big numbers. And then I gave you kind of the in the weeds.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As you all know, it's not very big.
- And let me say, cancer is the big scene.
- So your bust rate is pretty big.
- I don't know if you're working on the big corporate...
- Big anniversaries coming up.
Bills:
SB 1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken.
The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information.
The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.