Video & Transcript : 'carbon emissions' :
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-5-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 677 establishes a legal and regulatory framework for carbon dioxide geological sequestration
- , which is the placing of carbon dioxide underground and storing it there.
- </c><00:08:06.480><c> dioxide</c><00:08:07.160><c> geological</c> for carbon dioxide geological for carbon
- </c><00:08:11.800><c> dioxide</c> which is the placing of carbon dioxide which is the placing of carbon
- competing for carbon capture investment and<00:08:50.160><c> supporting</c><00:08:50.680><c> existing
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Energy
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (5-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We have two loans, both to the city of Morganfield, for their granular activated carbon project.
- Um, so my understanding is that there is a POS concern and that they are using granular activated carbon
- </c> for their granular activated carbon for their granular activated carbon project.<00:29:08.159><c
- </c> adding a granular activated carbon adding a granular activated carbon treatment<00:30:04.760><c>
- to get the POS granular activated carbon to get the POS out<00:31:54.960><c> of</c><00:31:55.039><c>
Keywords:
00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:34 Approval of Minutes
00:56 Information Items
05:40 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
14:00 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
20:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
24:53 Rpt from OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority
40:38 Office of Financial Management
47:39 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates
48:05 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting began with routine business, including a quorum call, approval of the April minutes, and several informational reports. Those information items covered upcoming general obligation debt for Bullitt, Jefferson, and Warren counties; Kentucky Communications Network Authority updates tied to House Bill 6; Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation reallocations under House Bill 1; and School Facilities Construction Commission debt activity, including 20 prior debt issues totaling about $386 million with roughly 85% locally supported debt service and 15% SFCC participation.
Members then discussed concerns about a Kentucky Communications Network Authority project, focusing on a reported discrepancy between an appropriation of $12.927 million and an apparent payment of about $8.532 million on a project with a cost estimate of $12.449 million. Several members asked for more detailed written information before the next Capital Projects meeting, noting that a lawsuit is pending and that they wanted to better understand the basis for the request and the spending to date. The committee also heard and unanimously approved a donor-funded Northern Kentucky University project to renovate tennis courts, with possible pickleball additions, after questions about why approval was needed, the project’s estimated $3 million cost, and its expected minimal ongoing operating costs.
The committee next received Kentucky State University pool allocation reports for three projects: a $2 million McCullen Hall renovation, a $1.75 million walkway and miscellaneous repairs project, and a $2 million academic services building roof-and-window project. A member asked specifically about curb cuts and accessibility in the walkway project, and Kentucky State said existing curb cuts would be repaired and additional accessibility issues would be reviewed by engineers. The lease report from the Finance and Administration Cabinet included one lease modification requiring approval for the Attorney General’s office in Franklin County and one no-action modification for the Board of Cosmetology; the Attorney General lease was approved by roll call vote.
Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented five loans and 37 grants, with action taken on the loan and grant items. The loans included a Hodgenville wastewater treatment plant increase, a Grant County sewer district treatment plant loan, a Mount Sterling dam rehabilitation loan, and two Morganfield drinking water loans for granular activated carbon treatment, one with full principal forgiveness. Members asked about the Morganfield project’s purpose and were told it was a remediation effort for a water-quality concern, and they also raised questions about engineering fees, which KIA said are compared against a U.S. Rural Development fee schedule that is industry accepted. The committee also reviewed cleaner water program grant reallocations from county allocation pools.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Revenue from this fee will be used to mitigate emissions associated with dirtier pre-2004 cars, disproportionately
- structure allows California to get more dirty vehicles off the road and entirely offsets additional emissions
- the sale of non-CARBOB with a fee used to replace old dirty cars would effectively mitigate these emissions
- grant waivers, allowing non-CARBOB to enter the market during emergencies, with a fee to offset the emissions
- difference and to protect During emergencies, with a fee to offset the emissions difference and to protect
Committee:
House Transportation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- cruise ships while they are at berth to turn off their engines and plug into the grid, eliminating emissions
- cruise ships while they are at berth to turn off their engines and plug into the grid, eliminating emissions
- plug into the grid eliminating<00:22:59.360><c> you</c><00:22:59.520><c> know</c><00:22:59.679><c> emissions
- </c><00:23:00.799><c> So</c><00:23:01.280><c> there</c> eliminating you know emissions.
- So there eliminating you know emissions.
Bills:
SB2816
Committee:
House Tourism
Keywords:
enterprise zones, economic development, innovation enterprise, job creation, Hawaii, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background.
Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT.
In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- pollutants, often from the burning of fossil fuels that will cause climate change through greenhouse gas emissions
- That will cause climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, through the emissions of SOx and NOx
- That includes through human activities like our greenhouse gas emissions that are modifying our climate
- That includes through human activities like our greenhouse gas emissions that are modifying our climate
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
Keywords:
cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are increasing divisions around GHG, greenhouse gas emission reductions, versus vehicle miles traveled
- funded, our own analysis shows the highway expansion projects are often flagged as reducing GHG emissions
- Our state already has many regulations and funding programs that encourage the transition to zero-emission
- Our state already has many regulations and funding programs that encourage the transition to zero-emission
- They do not have any AB 32 emission reduction requirements.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on environmental quality, climate planning, transparency, water affordability, plastics, recycling, and refinery transition planning. SB 1087, by Senator Cabaldon, would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time and cost burdens; metropolitan planning organizations strongly supported it, while environmental groups and industry raised concerns about VMT, GHG metrics, CEQA, and implementation details. Committee members generally agreed the process is too costly and complex, but urged the author to keep the bill focused on simpler, less expensive planning and better progress reporting. The bill was moved as amended to Senate Transportation and kept on call. SB 1239, by Senator Jones, would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when a major regulation is materially changed; supporters framed it as a transparency and affordability measure, while the chair argued it could slow rulemaking and discourage agencies from incorporating public feedback. The bill failed on the committee vote and was kept on call.
SB 1125, by Senator Menjivar, would create a statewide low-income water rate assistance program, contingent on funding, to help households facing rising water bills; public water agencies, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members from rural areas testified in support, emphasizing affordability and the lack of statewide assistance. The chair and members expressed support for the need for such a program, and the bill passed 3-1 and was kept on call. SB 1180, by Senator Allen, would establish implementation rules for the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, including eligibility, reporting, transparency, and technical assistance for smaller organizations and tribes; environmental justice, conservation, and local government groups supported it, while producer and industry groups opposed unless amended, seeking tighter links to measurable mitigation outcomes and the covered products under SB 54. The bill passed 3-0 and was kept on call.
SB 1161, by Senator Valadares, would require CARB to provide clearer, plain-language economic analysis of regulations and their impacts on households; supporters described it as a transparency and affordability measure, while some environmental groups offered respectful or qualified opposition. The chair said she could support it as amended, and the bill passed 4-0 and was kept on call. The committee also heard SB 955, by Senator Blakespear, to update California’s beverage container recycling program so major sellers participate and consumers have convenient return options; supporters said it would improve redemption access and program effectiveness, and the bill passed 5-0 and was kept on call. Finally, SB 1259, also by Senator Blakespear, would require refineries to provide earlier disclosure of cleanup liabilities and closure planning information so the state and communities can plan for refinery site remediation and reuse; the author framed it as a transparency and transition-planning measure, and testimony began in support as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and $218.1 million in operating expense to continue replacing our aging fleet and installing zero-emission
- The report will provide detailed information on our zero-emission fleet efforts, including such items
- as best practices, procurement... ...zero-emission fleet efforts, including such items as best practices
- , procurement timelines, and a cost comparison between maintaining zero-emission vehicles and traditional
- Certainly purchasing zero-emission vehicles is more expensive than traditional gas-powered vehicles,
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and $218.1 million in operating expense to continue replacing our aging fleet and installing zero-emission
- The report will provide detailed information on our zero-emission fleet efforts, including such items
- as best practices, procurement... ...zero-emission fleet efforts, including such items as best practices
- , procurement timelines, and a cost comparison between maintaining zero-emission vehicles and traditional
- Certainly purchasing zero-emission vehicles is more expensive than traditional gas-powered vehicles,
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee heard several Caltrans, CHP, and DMV budget and trailer bill items. On Caltrans fleet replacement, the department requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to replace aging medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. LAO said the request was consistent with state policy, but senators criticized the high cost of electric fleet purchases and Caltrans’ delayed zero-emission fleet report; the chair said the report must be delivered within 30 days before the request could be fully considered. Caltrans also presented trailer bill language to replace an originally intended $50 million federal transfer for the High Road Construction Careers Program with $30 million in state Highway Account funds after federal eligibility problems prevented use of the federal dollars. Members questioned the reduction, the delay in implementation, where the remaining funds would go, and whether the program would keep jobs in California and meet labor standards; Caltrans and the Workforce Development Board said the program had prior success and that the state-funds transfer was intended to preserve the original policy goal.
The committee then reviewed CHP’s request for a $60 million augmentation for equipment and operating costs, which CHP said was needed because vacancy savings no longer covered rising fuel, vehicle, and other operating costs. CHP argued that recruitment success had reduced vacancies and that costs had risen sharply since 2006, while LAO recommended rejection, citing that the expenses were ongoing, CHP still had vacancies above pre-pandemic levels, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces structural insolvency by 2028-29. Members discussed whether the account can sustain these costs and whether the Legislature should consider broader funding changes. CHP also sought a permanent $885,000 augmentation for seven analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force; CHP said freeway shootings had fallen sharply since 2021 and that analysts were essential to solving cases, while LAO noted the request was smaller than prior years but would create an ongoing commitment. Senators generally supported the task force but asked for clearer metrics and reporting, especially because the data categories had changed over time.
Finally, the DMV presented the State-to-State verification system and related modernization work under DXP. DMV said State-to-State is required for Real ID compliance and that California must join the system by February 2027, with live testing planned for the summer. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data security, especially the inclusion of Social Security number digits in the system, the role of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, and whether Californians understood their information would be shared in a nationwide database. DMV said the system only shares federally required data, uses encryption, and is designed to de-duplicate records across states, but members pressed for more information on governance, audit authority, and whether the Legislature had explicitly approved the data-sharing approach. The chair asked DMV to follow up with the Attorney General and indicated the committee would continue reviewing the issue.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment committee approves HF81 3/4/25
Transcript Highlights:
- concerned about some levels of exposure, we may have exposure that comes in through inhalation from the emissions
- concerned about some levels of exposure, we may have exposure that comes in through inhalation from the emissions
- :26:38.159><c> the</c> comes in through inhalation from the comes in through inhalation from the emissions
- 39.679><c> related</c><00:26:40.080><c> to</c><00:26:40.320><c> that</c><00:26:40.480><c> fuel</c> emissions
- that are related to that fuel emissions that are related to that fuel going<00:26:41.640><c> through
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/04/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- This registry carbon registry.
- </c> know who is purchasing these carbon know who is purchasing these carbon offset<00:23:09.840><c>
- </c> carbon, but who was buying it as well. carbon, but who was buying it as well.
- He added that he chairs a carbon commission tasked to study carbon and how it affects New Hampshire.
- </c> knowing what I do know about carbon knowing what I do know about carbon markets<00:30:53.279><c>
Committee:
House Resources, Recreation and Development
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 163FN, dealing with requiring current, verifiable evidence of a species’ presence before land-use restrictions are imposed for habitat protection. Members discussed an amendment that had been worked on with agencies and stakeholder groups. Fish and Game testified that, while the amendment improved the bill, the agency still opposed it because of concerns about citizen science, how the proposal would apply to public versus private property, and how the transition to DES would work. Representative Darby argued the amendment was ambiguous, lacked a full hearing, and did not clearly address record verification or private-property access issues. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, with a minority report noted.
The committee then moved to HB 1752FN, which would create a chain of custody for timber and carbon credits. Representative Davis presented an amendment saying it would help law enforcement investigate timber theft and add transparency to New Hampshire’s carbon registry by identifying buyers of carbon credits. Supporters said the change would impose little burden and align with practices in other states. Opponents, including Representative Darby, Representative Vale, and the state forester from DNCR, said the carbon market is complex, the amendment was not fully vetted, and a hearing with all stakeholders was needed; they also raised fiscal-note concerns. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, again with a minority report.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on HB 1019, which would add an active water treatment professional to the state water well board. Representative Peter Petrino and Representative Wendy Thomas said the board should include expertise on contamination risks and treatment technologies, citing concerns about arsenic, radon, and PFAS in private wells. The chairman of the Water Well Board testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the board supports the general idea of licensing water filtration work but does not currently have authority or rules to oversee that field and believes the proposal would put “the cart before the horse.” Members questioned whether the board’s current mandate even covers filtration systems, and the discussion ended with those concerns unresolved.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the constitutionality of expropriation as it pertains to carbon
- may have even been in this room, we passed a law that was related to the very timely topic now of carbon
- sequestration, where we basically said, except carbon sequestration, and you can... ...of carbon sequestration
- , where we basically said, except carbon sequestration, and you can take property for that.
- And I don't want to make it just about carbon capture.
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Summary:
The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met and reported a series of measures, many of them asking the Louisiana State Law Institute to study legal issues. HCR 31 was reported favorably to study the use of the term “foreign” as applied to juridical persons. HCR 61 was reported favorably after discussion about expropriation and carbon capture, with the author agreeing to broaden the study beyond carbon capture alone. HCR 96 was also reported favorably to study civil bench warrants and notice procedures in judgment debtor proceedings. The committee likewise advanced HCR 160, which asks the Law Institute to study property transfer issues and the public records doctrine in light of a recent case.
Several bills dealing with court procedure and family law were heard and advanced. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported favorably. SB 76, concerning modification of child custody judgments, was reported with amendments after testimony that it would codify existing standards and add a five-year rule for applying the lower best-interest standard. HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and limits recognition of foreign custody laws contrary to Louisiana public policy, was reported favorably. SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts in child custody and child-in-need-of-care cases, was also reported favorably after testimony from advocates and medical groups.
The committee also advanced measures involving civil litigation and state legal procedures. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA court to protect privacy rights, was reported favorably. SCR 19, asking the Law Institute to study long-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud/False Claims Act investigations, was reported favorably after explanation that it would let the Attorney General gather information without filing suit first. SB 139, adjusting interest on personal injury and wrongful death claims against the state or political subdivisions, was reported favorably. Finally, SB 475, dealing with fees for service of process, was reported favorably. HB 668 was voluntarily deferred.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion to go into Committee of the Whole, Majority Leader Carbone.
- Motion to go into Committee of the Whole, Majority Leader Carbone. Yes, Mr.
- Willoughby, Way, Sosy, Peshlikai, Martinez, Hernandez-El, Hendrix, Carter P., Carter N., Carbone.
- with Representative Carbone, we should rise and report, signify so by saying aye.
- with Representative Carbon, we should rise in a report, signify so by saying aye.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Majority Leader Carbone. Motion to go into Committee of the Whole, please. Mr.
- Majority Leader Carbone. Mr.
- Majority Leader Carbone. Mr.
- Representative Carbone and Del Santos, line of sight, please. Mr.
- Representative Carbone, line of sight, please. Thank you. Mr.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And the last question I have is the San Joaquin Valley attainment strategy increasingly depends on emissions
- Those rules... ...depends on emissions reductions from mobile sources.
- And I will say that, as someone who has followed this, we do have very clear data about emissions and
- the emissions reductions.
- Our board members are champions of so many of the zero-emission programs like the Clean Cars for All
Committee:
Senate Rules
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #5
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2014 requires the ADEQ Director to conduct an air emissions model for each seasonal time period
- permit or permit revision that an applicant voluntarily requests for the purposes of certifying emissions
- It also allows a county to assert concurrent jurisdiction with ADEQ over specified emission sources,
- permits, and violations to issue a voluntary permit for the purposes of certifying emissions reduction
- sources permits and violations to issue a voluntary permit for the purposes of certifying emissions
Summary:
The committee worked through a long Minority Caucus calendar covering a wide range of bills, with many items on consent and several pulled for discussion. Early items included resolutions on Judea and Samaria, bullion depository bills, a produce incentive appropriation, a biennial budget proposal, and a veterans services appropriation. Members also heard transportation-related bills on driver permits, citations, boat insurance, English proficiency for commercial drivers and motor carriers, photo enforcement, and a measure restricting incarceration for unpaid fines and fees. Several members raised concerns about constitutional issues, public safety, or whether bills were duplicative or targeted at specific groups.
A large portion of the meeting focused on education and school governance bills. These included proposals on school district bond advisors, restrictions on school property leases and purchases, public meeting requirements, term limits and training for school board members, patriotic youth group access to students, computer science proficiency, and a bill requiring fingerprint clearance cards for traffic school instructors. Members repeatedly criticized what they described as inconsistent treatment of public schools versus ESA/private school programs, and several education bills were pulled from consent for further discussion. Other bills addressed child safety and family law, including DCS credit freezes, recorded child interviews, parents’ rights notices, mandatory reporting of threats by minors, sex offender residency and GPS monitoring, and a bill on guardianship rights during DCS investigations.
The committee also considered a number of social services, health, and labor/consumer bills. These included SNAP work requirement and verification measures, a SNAP error-rate audit, dementia care telemonitoring funding, a Braille transcription appropriation, court fee limits, a physician assistant compact, pediatric licensure compact, and a kratom regulation bill. Members debated an earned wage access licensing bill at length, with opponents calling it predatory and akin to payday lending, while supporters argued it provided a regulated consumer option. Other measures covered cash acceptance by businesses, 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers, AI rules for state agencies, and a bill on public nuisance actions by the Attorney General. Several of these drew warnings about constitutional problems, preemption, or burdens on vulnerable populations.
Energy, water, and tax policy also featured prominently. The committee heard bills on fuel formulations, gas tax relief, data centers and small modular nuclear reactors, utility reporting, and a Commerce Authority mandate to reduce fuel prices. Members criticized some proposals as favoring industry, preempting local control, or lacking a clear funding plan. The meeting ended after additional items on veterans, sample ballot mailing dates, and other miscellaneous measures, with multiple bills noted as pulled from consent or subject to later votes; no final roll-call results were detailed in the transcript excerpt.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Sep 16th, 2025
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have heard repeatedly from WSIB staff that their goal is not to lower world greenhouse gas emissions
- or portfolio emissions, but instead to make informed investment decisions.
- There's no plan to decrease emissions.
- There are no clear measurable goals or timelines. ...no plan to decrease emissions.
- The economists surveyed widely agreed that aggressive targets to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states.
The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans.
Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting.
Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.
AZ
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Government Efficiency Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- I used to live in Ohio for a brief period of time, and they had emissions requirements on top of all
- And I drove in to have my vehicle inspected, and it failed the emissions.
- Failed emissions because it sat too long.
- Every time you On there, can we do something about eliminating emissions?
- Every time you start your car, your car does an emissions check right there.
Committee:
House Government Efficiency
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 23rd, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the commitment of the Legislature of Louisiana to protect private property rights in the context of carbon
- the commitment of the Legislature of Louisiana to protect private property rights in the context of carbon
- express commitment of the legislature, Louisiana, to protect private property rights in the context of carbon
- Port Harbor Terminal District relative to implementation of the Louisiana Geologic Sequestration of Carbon
Bills:
HR192 , HR193 , HR194 , HCR80 , HCR81 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR85 , HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , SB134 , SB140 , SB281 , SB331 , SB384 , SB389 , SB415 , SB451 , SB458 , SB479 , SB504 , SB523 , HR38 , HR96 , HR160 , HCR31 , HCR61 , SCR19 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB646 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1186 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1222 , HB1244 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , HB225 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HCR32 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB745 , HB749 , HB752 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , SB256 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB59 , HB481 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1003 , HB1008 , HB1112 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB525 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB864 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1240
Keywords:
ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, opened in prayer, and adopted the journal. Members received messages from the Senate on several House bills and Senate bills, and a number of House resolutions were introduced or laid over. The chamber also suspended rules to allow committees to continue meeting while the House was in session. Several local and ceremonial resolutions were taken up, including measures on public health data, carbon sequestration property rights, declining school enrollment, and commendations and condolences.
The floor then considered a series of local bills and Senate bills, many of which passed with little or no opposition. Among the House bills approved were measures creating or adjusting local districts and utility-related authorities in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, including bills on the Regency Park Town Home Crime Prevention Security District, Sewage and Water Board procurement and lien authority, the Foulberg-New neighborhood improvement district, and temporary parish burn bans. The House also passed bills on broadband cable price notices, state finance limits, toll exemptions for school board-owned leased vehicles, prestige license plates, and a brain injury designation on driver’s licenses. Senate bills passed included measures on workers’ compensation evidence rules, recreation of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a soybean grain research board name change, incumbent worker training, interdict estate planning, and recreational alligator hunting.
The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 256, which would consolidate Orleans Parish’s separate civil and criminal clerk of court offices into a single Orleans clerk. Supporters argued the change would align Orleans with the rest of the state, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, while preserving employees and services. Opponents raised concerns about the timing, the lack of broader legislative and public involvement, the impact on the recently elected criminal clerk, and possible disruption to court operations and constitutional rights. After lengthy questioning, the bill passed 89-8. The House also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a school choir visiting the Capitol and later continued with additional Senate bills, including one on workers’ compensation medical review evidence and another on the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Leaders Address Tax & Affordability Concerns for Minnesotans - 04/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- going to cost 50% more to build a road in the future than it did before because of greenhouse gas emissions
- 27.040><c> gas</c> it did before because of greenhouse gas it did before because of greenhouse gas emissions
- <00:10:27.720><c> requirements</c><00:10:28.280><c> that</c><00:10:28.400><c> Minnesota's</c> emissions
- requirements that Minnesota's emissions requirements that Minnesota's the<00:10:29.240><c> only</c><
- I mean, it all sounds great, these greenhouse gas emissions.
Summary:
Republican senators held a Tax Day press event focused on affordability, arguing that DFL control has led to overspending, higher taxes, and reduced competitiveness in Minnesota. They criticized recent state tax increases and proposed new taxes, including taxes on social media and advertising, extending sales tax to legal and accounting services, a higher income tax tier, a statewide property tax, and a housing-related sales tax amendment. They also contrasted Minnesota policy with federal tax relief, saying Minnesotans need spending restraint, fraud reduction, and a smaller, more efficient state government instead of additional revenue measures.
Senator Dziedzic focused on transportation costs, especially high license tab fees, saying residents are overwhelmed by taxes and fees and that the state should fund roads and bridges with existing money rather than raising fees. He cited a House proposal to quintuple tab fees and said Minnesota’s vehicle ownership costs are far higher than neighboring states. Senator Kunesh focused on property taxes, saying homeownership is becoming unaffordable because of state spending and unfunded mandates passed on to local governments. He argued that Democrats’ 2023 spending drove up property taxes and warned that a proposed statewide property tax would worsen the housing crisis and hurt families, seniors, and first-time buyers.
In response to questions, the senators said their caucus is open to companion bills and some targeted tax relief measures, including conformity with federal changes such as tax treatment of tips and overtime and Section 179 business provisions. They said they support transportation investment but want it funded through existing resources and better prioritization, not new taxes or fees. They also discussed possible bonding negotiations and said they are still evaluating proposals related to HCMC and a one-time property tax rebate, which they described as insufficient compared with the need for permanent relief. No votes or formal actions were taken.