Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's a few things that are contributing to that.
• We're retiring a bunch of our larger generating units.
• to that um the use of all contributing to that um the use of all the<00:02:19.000><c> data</c><00:02
• going to contribute to that um<00:02:45.879><c> the</c><00:02:46.159><c> the</c><00:02:46.319><c> use
• a bunch of our larger uh retiring a bunch of our larger uh generating<00:03:14.040><c> units</c><00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cannot be achieved if airports are expected to provide money they simply do not possess or cannot contribute
• cannot be achieved if airports are expected to provide money they simply do not possess or cannot contribute
• When the acquisition construction costs have been paid and all bonds are either retired or fully funded
• other states combined. 852 miles in all, the tolls need to automatically come down when the debt's retired
• I am retired and I am opposed to this bill. Please proceed.

Bills: HB483 , HB3345 , HB3643 , HB3821 , HB3849 , HB4472 , HB4523 , HB4524 , HB5346 , HB5347 , HB5376

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...the creation of this account, which will be the vessel for this very generous contribution from
• Not only is the size of the contribution impactful, but I want to emphasize the 10-year commitment.
• We are located in Anacortes, Washington, which is a retirement community, and also close to Naval Air
• I'm a retired nurse who chose to live in Anacortes.
• savings products such as annuities and other employee retirement plans.

Bills: SB5872 , SB5879 , SB6047 , SB5988 , SB5923 , SB5832 , SB5970 , SB5994 , SB5949

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: preK promise account, early childhood education, child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, state treasury, trust fund, investment earnings, gift grants donations, dedicated account, general fund, nonreverting balance, appropriation, treasurer, Washington early learning, school readiness, education assistance program, legislative audit

Transcript Highlights:

• > Whereas Becky Harrelson's contributions Whereas Becky Harrelson's contributions have<01:37:22.240><
• </c> retiring members. retiring members.
• </c> upon his retirement from the Senate. upon his retirement from the Senate.
• I didn't get to on on your retirement.
• </c><03:08:10.480><c> The</c> their impressive contributions. The their impressive contributions.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• System, CalPERS, and the California State Teachers' Retirement System, CalSTRS.
• And that's the reality, and the contrast is that the employer community would contribute more.
• We'll now turn to CalPERS, California Public Employees' Retirement System.
• The protection of people's retirement is one issue.
• by the Teachers' Retirement Board for the fiscal year immediately preceding June 30th.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• systems contributions of a political subdivision employers.
• </c><00:13:57.760><c> systems</c> portion of the retirement systems portion of the retirement systems
• ><c> subdivision</c> contributions of a political subdivision contributions of a political subdivision
• This is a recurrent issue since the state chose to fund its share of retirement contributions to local
• </c><00:16:34.720><c> the</c> to the retirement um dollars that the to the retirement um dollars that

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a work session on 17 retained bills and moved through several measures, often with motions to ought to pass or inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 54, allowing alternative treatment centers to operate for profit, was supported as a way to improve efficiency and potentially lower costs for medical cannabis users, and it was recommended OTP by a 9-0 vote. House Bill 97, an appropriation for wastewater infrastructure, drew mixed views: supporters said the Senate’s reduced funding still met the bill’s intent, while opponents argued the funding was inadequate for critical infrastructure needs; the committee voted 5-4 to ITL. House Bill 111, extending the Right to Know Ombudsman and exempting certain assistance from unauthorized practice of law, was recommended ITL 9-0. House Bill 197, concerning state payment of a portion of local retirement contributions, was discussed as a recurring issue; members noted an amendment could fund it starting in fiscal 2027, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to recommend the bill itself rather than ITL. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a harms-and-benefits report, was amended to narrow its scope to future privately owned landfills only; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 9-0. House Bill 216, on workers’ compensation credit toward retirement service, was ITL’d 9-0 after the sponsor said the proposal was too open-ended and could affect unknown numbers of people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fiscal year 2025, under non-hazardous retirement, the employee contribution is around 5% while the employer
• Going to hazardous duty retirement, that employee contribution would increase to around 8% while the
• ,</c> 2025, under non-hazardous retirement, 2025, under non-hazardous retirement, the<00:59:03.119><c
• </c> contributes about 19.71%. contributes about 19.71%.
• </c> retirement is fair and forward thinking. retirement is fair and forward thinking.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 and the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan 2.
• HB3161 by Villalobos, relating to member contributions to the Texas Municipal Retirement System.
• HB number 3221 by Tepper relating to certain employer contributions to the Teacher Retirement System
• The system doesn't even contribute at all.
• under the Texas Municipal Retirement System. system.

Bills: HJR144 , HJR218 , HB40 , HB 101 , HB 112 , HB146 , HB168 , HB214 , HB413 , HB1523 , HB493 , HB521 , HB594 , HB557 , HB305 , HB549 , HB854 , HB 1057 , HB 1052 , HB842 , HB3174 , HB3311 , HB2486 , HB3196 , HB824 , HB 1039 , HB2529 , HB2713 , HB4936 , HB4995 , HB4830 , HB4864 , HB5219 , HB5263 , HB5154 , HB2674 , HB5525 , HB5623 , HB2545 , HB2587 , HB2625 , HB5520 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB1573 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB5081 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB2159 , HB4626 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB3066 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB497 , HB5539 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB4070 , HB4421 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3369 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB 1106 , HB2370 , HB2404 , HB3863 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4309 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2442 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB3824 , HB4076 , HB4535 , HB4623 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HCR118 , HB 1233 , HB2239 , HB2379 , HB2863 , HB3368 , HB3787 , HB3815 , HB3898 , HB4023 , HB4285 , HB4329 , HB4331 , HB4429 , HB4646 , HB4904 , HB5200 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5662 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , HCR108

Keywords: regional mobility, transportation authority, local law, constitutional amendment, public projects, Texas energy fund, energy efficiency, retail electric customers, electric generating facilities, business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, Texas State Guard, task force, professionalization, state missions, critical infrastructure, science park district

Transcript Highlights:

• Kor's extraordinary contributions to higher education, his staff, Recognizes Dr.
• Kor's extraordinary contributions to higher education, his steadfast dedication to students, and his
• Kor's extraordinary contributions to higher education, his staff, recognizes Dr.
• Core's extraordinary contributions to higher education, his steadfast dedication to students, and his
• SCR 1040, justices and judges mandatory retirement age requirement. Excellent, thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is really the employer contribution in a traditional sense.
• to retire, and the pension system will never run out of money.
• to retire, and the pension system will never run out of money.
• less than the employee contribution.
• But at the end of the day, Myron and Sam, they're contributing.

Bills: SB1177 , HB3705 , SB1942 , SB2026 , SB1533 , SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, tax credit, parental choice, private school, income tax, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity, insurance claims, dentist rights, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, veteran burial

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, received an invocation focused on grief and remembrance, and heard several special presentations recognizing a brave child, visiting groups, and multiple student-athlete teams and school groups in the galleries. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. The main business was consideration of the Joint Committee report on Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriations bill, presented by Chairman Caldwell-Trey. Most of the floor time was spent on extended questions about the budget’s major features. Caldwell-Trey explained the bill as a largely flat or modestly increased budget that includes a $200 million transfer to a new sovereign wealth fund, $225 million in set-asides, a $12.5 million “dream accounts” program for newborns, and funding tied to teacher pay, education, workforce, public safety, agriculture, and health agencies. Members questioned the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses, the reduction in state contributions to the OPRS pension system, Medicaid assumptions, emergency management funding, veterans’ services, child care, school counselors, and the lack of funding for some requested items such as National Board Certified Teacher stipends and veterans’ facility maintenance. Caldwell-Trey defended the budget as transparent, early, and designed to preserve cash reserves while supporting core services. No final vote on the appropriations report is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The House also heard explanations that the limits bills would be run later in committee, and that the budget negotiations were still ongoing with the Senate and governor on some related items. The session ended with the queue closed after the budget questioning, and the transcript cuts off during additional remarks from Representative Timmons.

Transcript Highlights:

• age, reducing penalties for teachers who retire early.
• :10:17.720><c> retire</c><00:10:18.120><c> early.
• There's a lot teachers who retire early.
• room and go sat down in the retiring room and go through<00:19:48.760><c> everything.
• </c><00:20:56.880><c> that</c> But the most important contribution that But the most important contribution

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• system contributions of political subdivision employees.
• The bill was described as one that would pay 7.5% of local retirement costs for certain employees, with
• The bill was described as one that would pay 7.5% of local retirement costs for certain employees, with
• The chair explained that this was the bill that would pay 7.5% of local retirement costs for certain
• </c> exception and that is um the retirement exception and that is um the retirement system<00:22:58.159

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you were to listen along with me, to commend Barney Arsenault on the occasion of his retirement.
• Retirement. Barney, would you raise your hand please so this crowd can see who you are?
• Whereas And to commend him on the occasion of his retirement. Whereas Mr.
• The bond is being retired this year, and the assessment stopped last year.
• And Retirement, Representative Turner moves to suspend the rules to allow Retirement to meet today in

Bills: HR218 , HR219 , HR220 , HR221 , HR222 , HCR91 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HR210 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR214 , HR215 , HR216 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SB100 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , SCR23 , HB276 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1052 , HB1084 , HB1171 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1204 , HB1209 , HB1250 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB167 , HB227 , HB243 , HB321 , HB335 , HB398 , HB492 , HB624 , HB689 , HB708 , HB804 , HB906 , HB926 , HB955 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1029 , HB1069 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1187 , HB1203 , HB1217 , HB1220 , HB730 , HB225 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB646 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1249 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , HCR32 , HB59 , HB617 , HB897 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB798 , HB824 , HB989 , HB1140 , HB1166 , HB1244 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89

Keywords: EJ Fields, Shreveport, Louisiana, gospel music, commendation, resolution, honorary resolution, Billboard Gospel Airplay, Mediabase Gospel Airplay, Mercy Endureth, music award, ministry, artist recognition, cultural heritage, spiritual heritage, African American gospel, local hero, state commendation, St. Charles Parish, parish day

Summary: The House met with 89 members present and began with prayer, the pledge, and routine journal and leave requests. The early part of the session was largely ceremonial, with multiple personal privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups and special days at the Capitol, including St. Bernard Parish Day, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association Day, ARPEC members, retired public servant Barney Arsenault, Deaf History Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Louisiana Housing Corporation participants, and Louisiana Hospital Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, including concurrence in several House concurrent resolutions, Senate passage of a number of bills, and a list of Senate resolutions lying over. The House then moved through a long series of resolutions and bills, many of them adopted without objection. Among the measures approved were resolutions designating or commending various observances and groups, and bills addressing inmate documentation upon release, court filings on letter-sized paper, safe harbor protections for trafficking victims, public benefits verification, travel meal reimbursement limits for state employees, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, school emergency operation plans, justice of the peace jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish, unaffiliated voter participation in party primaries, electronic monitoring rules, crime victims’ compensation terminology, the indigent defender fund threshold for small municipalities, sex offender identification procedures, the Office of State Public Defender, microbrewery special-event permits, alternative power sources for nursing facilities, relay attack device penalties, and a capital-case intellectual disability bill. Several of these passed overwhelmingly; some were temporarily returned to the calendar or tabled after passage. A few bills drew more discussion. HB 335 on citizenship verification for public benefits passed 77-17. HB 398, limiting meal reimbursements for state travel to GSA rates with an exception process, passed 62-32 after questions about scope and lodging. HB 906 on presidential preference primary qualification and party rules for unaffiliated voters passed 68-19. HB 897, protecting health data collected by pregnancy centers and imposing fines for unauthorized disclosure, passed 94-0 after an amendment and questions about its application. HB 1107 on intellectual disabilities in capital cases passed 75-11 after amendments informed by disability advocates. HB 1187, allowing Citizens Property Insurance to direct certain emergency assessment overages to the Fortify Homes Program or reserves, passed 87-9. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners passed 95-0. The House also reconsidered and successfully revived HB 225 after suspending the rules, and several bills were returned to the calendar for later consideration, including HB 689 before it was later brought back and passed 84-7 after amendment. The session concluded with notice of additional Senate messages and upcoming floor scheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, but Senate Bill 939 is sponsored by the California Public Employees Retirement System, or CalPERS
• The bill simplifies the options to purchase service credit at the time of retirement or post-retirement
• , which limits their ability to invest and compound the contributions.
• Instead, any unpaid balance at the time of retirement will need to be paid in full within 90 days, which
• At Cal OSHA, inspections are delayed, documentation is inconsistent, and staffing shortages contribute

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The average age of retirement is 61. The average years of service at retirement is 20 years.
• Retirement.
• If you're going to, I do like elements of this retirement fund, or this retirement program that you're
• And then a retired member may, so after someone retires and starts to receive...
• Retired member may, so after someone retires and starts to receive the pension benefit, they may choose

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, the state has contributed about 80% to that pension plan and the overfunding that has resulted
• Yes, the state contributed, but it is more complicated than that.
• , contributed, and their employers, oftentimes cities and counties, also contributed as well.
• Speaker, with the members from the retired Seattle Police Department Association.
• Speaker, the average life of a firefighter or a police officer after retirement is substantially less

Summary: The House was called to order, a quorum was confirmed, and members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The chamber approved the previous day’s minutes, held brief party caucuses, and received a Senate message announcing the signing of engrossed substitute House Bill 1187. The House then moved through third-reading business on several bills, concurring in Senate amendments before final passage votes. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1795, dealing with school restraint and isolation practices, drew the most debate. Supporters said the Senate changes added clarity and strengthened protections around restraint, while opponents argued schools and private providers serving high-need students need more training and funding before restrictions are tightened. The bill passed 58-37. Engrossed House Bill 1941, allowing small cannabis producers to form limited agricultural cooperatives, also passed after debate over whether cannabis should be treated as an agricultural product; it passed 69-26. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, concerning the use of surplus pension funds from the LEOFF 1 plan, generated extensive opposition from members who said pension money should remain for retirees and first responders and warned against using it to balance the budget. Supporters described the measure as a prudent fiscal step for an overfunded closed plan. It passed 50-46. House Bill 1526, which allows snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass, passed 87-9, and Second Substitute House Bill 1701, allowing independently owned wineries and breweries to lease third-party kitchen space, passed 89-7. The House then went at ease.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of us are retired military, so we're not...
• Both of us are US retired military, so we're not going to do anything that's going to harm our veterans
• This great artifact tells the story of a family and their contributions during the war.
• the Army in Vietnam, came home, and continued to serve for many years in the Army Reserves until he retired
• As I said, this is a legislative appropriations and private contributions that make this possible.

Bills: SB67 , HB295 , SB104

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to retirement.
• Florida retirement system beginning July 1, 2026.
• It does not change the employee's contribution rate, which remains 3%.
• House Bill 5205E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to retirement.
• House Bill 5205E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to retirement.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to budget and related conforming legislation, including appropriations, implementing bills, collective bargaining/state employees, retirement, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Senators also heard Chair Hooper outline the process for moving identical Senate bills and House companion bills into conference posture. The Senate then took up and passed several Senate bills and House companion bills, generally by 32-0 votes, after adopting delete-all/insert-nothing amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicles. Bills addressed fuel taxes and Inland Protection Trust Fund distributions, the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, judicial certification, K-12 education conforming changes, retirement, higher education, health care, collective bargaining/state employees, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, and taxation. In debate on the tax bill, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide relief at the pump, but the House-passed tax bill did not pass as received, and the Senate requested conference instead. The chamber also processed the main budget measures: Senate Bill 2500E and House Bill 5001E for the General Appropriations Act, and Senate Bill 2502E and House Bill 5003E for the implementing bill. After substituting the House bills and adopting conforming amendments, the Senate passed them and requested conference. For the remaining House bills, the Senate either passed them as amended and then acceded to or requested conference on the House request. The session concluded with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, an announcement that the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet on May 12 or 13, and adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> days of annual leave and and they retire days of annual leave and and they retire they<00:36:13.119
• </c><00:36:38.079><c> So,</c> contribution instead of the state.
• So, contribution instead of the state.
• That's what uh enhance their retirement.
• </c><00:37:55.839><c> Um,</c> calculation of their retirement. Um, calculation of their retirement.

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:05 Attendance Roll Call: 00:10 SB 70 Discussion: 00:58 SB 70 Vote: 04:36 SB 80 Discussion: 05:16 SB 80 Vote: 31:45 SB 127 Discussion: 32:30 SB 127 Vote: 39:38 SB 154 Discussion: 41:25 SB 154 Vote: Adjournment: 47:14, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• practicing pediatrician for over 40 years; and whereas Roman is a United States Army veteran and retired
• And whereas Roman is a United States Army veteran and retired Safeco employee, and a dedicated member
• But to look back on that life of service, of contribution, and to say how much richer our community is
• But to look back on that life of service, of contribution, and to say how much richer our On that life
• of service, of contribution, and to say how much richer our community is, because we welcomed someone

Summary: The Senate convened on the second day of the 69th Legislature, approved the previous day’s journal, and moved through messages from the House and first reading of bills. Several measures were referred to committee, including Senate Bill 6106 and other introductions and referrals, with Senate Bill 6147 specifically sent to the Committee on Labor and Commerce because it concerns notice requirements for grocery establishment closures. The main floor action was consideration of Senate Resolution 8662, honoring Roman Rogalski. Senator Peterson described Rogalski’s refugee background, military service, community involvement, and the restoration and donation of a Capitol Hill home to the Polish Home Association. Senator Saldaña also spoke in support, emphasizing the broader contributions of immigrants and refugees and the local significance of the Polish House. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. After adoption, the President recognized Mr. Rogalski and guests from the Polish Home Association in the gallery. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, January 15, with both Democratic and Republican caucuses announced immediately before adjournment.