Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation that is on the table, as well as the proposed legislation, we did have a few comments
• </c><02:15:00.079><c> to</c> appropriate for us legislatively to appropriate for us legislatively to
• the woes of private pensions and pensions going insolvent, and there's regulations with regard to that
• the woes of private pensions and pensions going insolvent, and there's regulations with regard to that
• In the private sector there are pensions, and we've all heard of the woes of private pensions and pensions

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the chamber from interfering with legislative
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Only a spouse or registered domestic partner to receive ongoing survivor pension benefits.
• partners, adult children, or other dependents, cannot designate anyone to receive the continuing pension

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption. The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I think that this is an important piece of legislation in this area.
• As legislators, we need to consider how public access is growing.
• the VA calls special medical pension, what they determine for a pension, so they had you missing a leg
• Bill House 3634 in the 192nd legislative session...
• House 3634 in the 192nd legislative session and House 3478 in the 193rd session.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses. The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications. Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the legislative service.
• and knowledgeable legislator who worked to build a bipartisan coalition.
• Sure, back in the 90s, there was legislation passed to sort of set up this legislation today.
• I mean, a pension bill dealing with long-term disability. Thank you.
• So thank you for coming out to see the legislative process play out.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, students visiting the chamber, and other special guests. Members also announced committee substitutions and bill withdrawals/re-referrals, and the chamber observed a moment of respectful silence for the late Hon. George Cunningham, after unanimously adopting HCR 2060, a death resolution honoring his public service. The House then spent much of the day in Committee of the Whole on several calendars. The most contested item was HB 2758, a groundwater transportation bill, which drew extensive debate over fairness to the McMullen Valley and the need to protect water supplies for the CAP system and metro Phoenix. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes affecting transfer limits and basin-specific water allocations. The bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation in COW by a 31-23 vote, and later passed third reading in the House 32-24 after several members explained their votes. A motion to amend the COW report to show the bill failed was defeated 23-32. The House also advanced a series of other measures with little or no opposition. In COW, HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179 as amended, HB 2228 as amended, HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256 as amended, HCM 2007 as amended, HR 2003, HB 2098, HB 2265 as amended, HB 2663, HB 2666 as amended, HB 2756 as amended, HB 2192 as amended, HB 2476, HB 2693 as amended, and HB 2877 as amended all received do pass recommendations, while HB 2875 was retained on the calendar. The House later passed several bills on third reading, including HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825, and referred the approved measures to engrossing or to the Senate as appropriate. The session concluded with numerous personal privilege remarks, including recognition of a retiring Air Force veteran, Black History Month remarks, birthday wishes, and an announcement that Representative Chaplik plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was a government, that was a management, the Pension Protection Act.
• I'm here testifying on behalf of the City of Spokane in support of this legislation.
• We urge you to adopt this legislation. Thank you.
• For the record, Curtis King, state senator from the 14th legislative district.
• This plan doesn't replace legislative decision-making.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6066 would authorize counties, cities, towns, and WSDOT to designate crash prevention zones on roads with repeated serious or fatal collisions, require public hearings and engineering/traffic studies, increase enforcement, add a $73 penalty for certain infractions in signed zones, and dedicate those funds to zone-related safety work. The prime sponsor and Pasco officials cited repeated crashes on U.S. 395 and U.S. 12; supporters said the bill would help address dangerous corridors, while one member of the public argued it was unnecessary and duplicative. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6253, which would make labor-recommended seats on public transportation benefit area boards voting members while limiting participation in executive sessions on labor and personnel matters. Labor representatives and transit workers supported the change as giving frontline employees a meaningful voice, while Washington Policy Center opposed it, warning of conflicts of interest and reduced accountability. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6311, which would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during certain construction projects near hospitals, parks, and school zones, authorize inspections and stop-work orders, and direct WSDOT to adopt rules for reroutes and detours. Cities and counties said they support the safety goal but want more flexibility and less risk of added cost or liability; disability and transit advocates strongly supported the bill. Senate Bill 6262 would raise the transportation benefit district vehicle-fee exemption from 6,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds for certain trucks, allowing local districts to charge heavier vehicles a flat fee; Spokane, Spokane Valley, Port Orchard, and AWC supported it as a fairness and pavement-preservation measure, while several members of the public opposed it as another tax increase. Finally, Senate Bill 6335 would narrow and revise the statutory responsibilities of the State Transportation Commission, removing some planning and outreach duties while retaining toll, ferry fare, and other functions. Local governments, ports, and commission members opposed the bill, arguing the commission provides independent statewide planning, public input, and coordination; the sponsor said the goal was to eliminate duplication and focus the commission’s role. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• of private activity bonds for qualified residential rental projects, referred to the Committee on Pensions
• organization obtains for a consumer or assists a consumer in obtaining, referred to the Committee on Pensions
• constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to override a veto of the governor following a legislative
• constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to override a veto of the governor following a legislative
• serve as a member of the Texas Legislature, a statewide elected officer, or an employee in the legislative

Summary: The House met to read a large slate of newly filed bills and resolutions and refer them to committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including health care and insurance, public education, elections, criminal justice, public safety, taxes, transportation, agriculture, environmental regulation, higher education, housing, and local government. Several proposals focused on abortion and reproductive health, firearms, voter registration and ballot access, school curriculum and accountability, property tax and homestead issues, and state contracting and agency oversight. A number of constitutional amendments were also filed, including proposals on initiative and referendum, veto override authority, vaccination refusal, parental rights in education, gun rights, Medicaid expansion, and various tax exemptions. No substantive debate, testimony, or votes occurred during this portion of the meeting; the clerk simply read the bills and resolutions and announced their committee referrals. The list included both general legislation and joint resolutions, with many items sent to standing committees and several to subcommittees. The House then adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Emily Alvarado from the 34th Legislative District.
• And other states are contemplating legislation similar to this.
• And other states are contemplating legislation similar to this.
• Vandana Slatter, State Senator, 48th Legislative District.
• It will either be dealt with legislatively or paid for in human life.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I'm sorry, legislative action. I'm sorry, legislative action.
• </c><00:42:46.079><c> Number</c> legislative intent. Number one. Number legislative intent.
• </c> by the voters in the legislative body. by the voters in the legislative body.
• </c> legislation and you make it mandatory. legislation and you make it mandatory.
• </c> her legislation to us this afternoon. her legislation to us this afternoon.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that this legislation is absolutely necessary.
• I think that this legislation is absolutely necessary.
• I didn't know he had a pension. He was never supposed to have a pension.
• I didn't know he had a pension. He was never supposed to have a pension.
• This is the first time I'm hearing this piece of legislation.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was honored to be part of this process, both through the original legislation that enabled and laid
• It's a wildly popular program amongst our legislators.
• The legislation was also incredibly focused that they wanted representation, specifically from artists
• But, you know, the authorizing legislation didn’t send us in the direction of trying to boil the ocean
• , health, and... ...what they need: a one-year residency, a studio, pension, health, and welfare.

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on the Arts

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UAS is a matter under a great deal of scrutiny and current and ongoing legislative efforts.
• </c> current and ongoing legislative efforts. current and ongoing legislative efforts.
• The largest reference being the pension trust funds, which were audited by other auditors.
• </c><01:04:36.480><c> We</c><01:04:36.799><c> provided</c> pension and opad schedules.
• We provided pension and opad schedules.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Legislative Counsel Service.
• To my left is William Mason, also with the Legislative Council Service.
• So, coming to securing AI, there are a thousand pieces of legislation passed last year.
• Obviously, we have a pay role in pension distributions.
• about $260 million. in payments that go into the local area for those pensioners.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We will invite the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst's Office to the witness table.
• Another option could be to focus on pension costs.
• Good afternoon, Edgar Cabral with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Good afternoon, Edgar Cabral with the legislative analyst office.
• And good afternoon, Dylan Oxfletso with the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s May Revision TK-12 education proposals, beginning with Proposition 98. The Department of Finance explained that the minimum guarantee rises by about $6.4 billion relative to the January budget across the three-year window, with a total of $124.9 billion in 2024-25, $125.1 billion in 2025-26, and $127.1 billion in 2026-27. Finance also described revised settle-up and reserve actions, including maintaining a $3.9 billion settle-up balance, increasing discretionary deposits into the Prop. 98 reserve, and ending with a projected reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the overall estimates were reasonable but urged the state to fully fund the guarantee and use other budget actions or reserves to manage volatility rather than delay settle-up payments. Members questioned the rationale for leaving the $3.9 billion unsettled, and Finance said the amount reflects revenue uncertainty and the risk of overappropriating Prop. 98 if revenues later fall. The committee then reviewed the Department of Education portion of the May Revision. Finance said the budget adds positions and state operations funding for CDE and includes trailer bill changes affecting community schools, preschool, literacy, special education, charter accountability, and other programs. The LAO highlighted concerns and recommendations on several proposals, including the size and structure of the LCFF increase, the special education base-rate increase, additional one-time community schools funding, literacy coach and math professional development augmentations, the multilingual screener, inclusive college grants, homelessness grants, and the proposed paid pregnancy disability leave mandate. CDE supported the special education increase, paid pregnancy leave, community schools, homelessness funding, literacy and math investments, and preschool parity, while urging more support for county offices of education and clearer definitions and implementation details for some programs. Finance said the paid pregnancy leave proposal would cost an estimated $218 million annually and is intended as a recruitment and retention measure. In the Commission on Teacher Credentialing item, Finance proposed funding for legal staffing tied to SB 848 and educator misconduct cases, plus funding and fee changes to support a statewide transcript review platform for subject matter competency and additional support for the residency technical assistance center. The LAO said it had no concerns with the staffing for misconduct and SB 848, recommended the transcript review platform and related fee increase if the platform moves forward, and recommended rejecting the residency technical assistance center expansion because current funding lasts through 2029. CTC said the misconduct workload has grown over the last five to six years and that AI would be used only as a backstop to human review in the transcript system. Public commenters were split, with unions and education groups supporting special education, paid pregnancy leave, community schools, homelessness funding, and literacy investments, while opposing the $3.9 billion settle-up delay and the reduction to preschool COLA.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you familiar with this legislation?
• And how does this help, given that it's a piece of legislation?
• And I do support the legislation, or I am going to support the legislation.
• Given the widespread also resistance within, by many legislators to resist, this. ...within by many legislators
• For example, spouse A receives $25,000 in military pension.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today with Dan Kitsberg, my legislative director, and Amanda Welliver, over here, who you'll
• I'm here today with Dan Kitsberg, my legislative director, and Amanda Welliver, over here, who you'll
• Then the debt per capita and net pension per capita are the main drivers as well.
• We have pension obligations, you know, pension obligations, those kinds of exposures, etc.
• We have pension obligations, you know, pension obligations, those kinds of exposures, etc.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lauren Greenwood, deputy director of legislative and external affairs at GO-Biz. J.T.
• has generated $29.1 billion in wages and $280 million in revenue. and 21,000 jobs with health and pension
• I'm the Deputy Director of Legislative and External Affairs at GO-Biz.
• And in the same vein of storytelling, I think one thing that's really important for us as legislators
• Music alone has lost over $60 million in wages, not to mention pension, health care and all that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• families, and public servants shouldn't be denied a life beyond work, never allowed to enjoy the pension
• The reason is we just don't want to see the supplemental pension expansion or supplemental benefits expansion
• Friday, January 23rd, the 12th legislative day. Hearing no objection, so ordered.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> Coordinating</c> with the Legislative Coordinating with the Legislative Coordinating Commission.<00
• </c><00:03:00.720><c> offices</c><00:03:01.200><c> and</c> joint legislative offices and joint legislative
• </c> manager with the legislative manager with the legislative coordinating<00:03:45.599><c> commission
• </c> referred to as the joint legislative referred to as the joint legislative offices<00:04:48.960><
• </c><00:06:41.440><c> that</c> deferred inflows for the pensions that deferred inflows for the pensions

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you, Lord, for the 2026 legislative session.
• and to recommend any action or legislation the task force deems necessary and appropriate.
• It comes from the House with House Committee amendments and House Legislative Bureau amendments.
• It comes from the House with House Committee amendments and House, I'm sorry, House Legislative Bureau
• The conference committee report adopts certain House committee amendments, rejects Legislative Bureau

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , SB78 , SB25 , SB80 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB250 , SB414 , SB433 , SB479 , SB513 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR32 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB217 , SB283 , SB469 , HB36 , HB42 , HB74 , HB119 , HB159 , HB259 , HB302 , HB414 , HB459 , HB776 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1017 , HB1028 , HB1095 , SB208 , SB312 , SB382 , SB389 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB368 , HB468 , HB552 , HB732 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB1117 , HB1236

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Summary: The Senate met with 29 members present, heard a prayer and national anthem presentation, and approved the journal without objection. The chamber then received multiple messages from the House on conference committee reports and concurrence actions, and took up a long calendar of Senate resolutions and House/Senate bills returned from the House with amendments. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including commendations and requests for reports or studies, while others were left over or returned to the calendar. The Senate concurred in or adopted amendments on a series of bills covering registrar compensation (SB 25), broadband administration and reimbursement (SB 80), school safety master key boxes (SB 132), dental coverage for cancer treatment (SB 155), paid parental leave for educators (SB 157), election supervisor compensation days (SB 202), water utility service line replacement funding (SB 228), weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits (SB 250), medical debt protection (SB 414), Medicaid coverage of weight-loss medication (SB 443), and design-build authority for vertiport facilities (SB 513). It also adopted a House concurrent resolution urging backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge (HCR 32). One bill, SB 479 on removal of certain judges, had its amendments rejected and was sent to conference. The chamber then considered conference committee reports on several measures. Reports were adopted on SB 312 (labor organization dues and fees), SB 208 (veterans services and VA-related restrictions), SB 382 (workers’ compensation advisory council and reimbursement schedule timing), SB 389 (agent and athlete registration and fee review), and multiple House bills including HB 359 (party primary qualifying rules), HB 368 (New Orleans historic preservation lien procedures), HB 468 (wholesale residential real estate definitions), HB 552 (DWI-related responsive verdict language), HB 732 (motor vehicle fines/fees and hybrids), HB 870 and HB 1236 (pharmacy benefit manager and insurance provisions), and HB 1117 (prescription period issues). HB 210 on retroactivity was also adopted after debate. Several conference reports were temporarily passed over or returned to the calendar, including HB 953, and the Senate adjourned to reconvene the next morning for final work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you, Lord, for the 2026 legislative session.
• and to recommend any action or legislation the task force deems necessary and appropriate.
• It comes from the House with House Committee amendments and House Legislative Bureau amendments.
• So the issue that we had on the, with this legislation was there was a lawsuit that was filed, and one
• The conference committee report adopts certain House committee amendments, rejects Legislative Bureau

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , SB78 , SB25 , SB80 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB250 , SB414 , SB433 , SB479 , SB513 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR32 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB217 , SB283 , SB469 , HB36 , HB42 , HB74 , HB119 , HB159 , HB259 , HB302 , HB414 , HB459 , HB776 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1017 , HB1028 , HB1095 , SB208 , SB312 , SB382 , SB389 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB368 , HB468 , HB552 , HB732 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB1117 , HB1236

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day