Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:01.279><c> previous</c><00:14:01.519><c> bills</c><00:14:01.839><c> we've</c><00:14:02.079><c
• /c><00:14:06.880><c> uh</c><00:14:07.040><c> in</c><00:14:07.279><c> the</c><00:14:07.440><c> focus</
• ><00:14:12.000><c> point</c><00:14:12.240><c> but</c><00:14:12.480><c> with</c><00:14:12.959><c> um</
• c> off</c><00:14:16.480><c> the</c><00:14:16.639><c> front</c><00:14:16.800><c> page</c><00:14:17.040
• :14:18.160><c> a</c><00:14:18.560><c> uh</c><00:14:18.880><c> give</c><00:14:19.120><c> us</c><00:14:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.920><c> uh</c><00:14:02.000><c> as</c><00:14:02.240><c> an</c><00:14:02.399><c> elected</c><00:14
• </c><00:14:18.240><c> There</c><00:14:18.320><c> was</c><00:14:18.480><c> a</c><00:14:18.560><c> bill
• 00:14:19.680><c> won't</c><00:14:19.839><c> do</c><00:14:20.000><c> away</c><00:14:20.240><c> with</c
• I'm</c><00:14:21.199><c> a</c><00:14:21.360><c> licensed</c><00:14:21.760><c> real</c><00:14:21.839><
• I<00:14:22.959><c> feel</c><00:14:23.120><c> like</c><00:14:23.279><c> I</c><00:14:23.519><c> am</c><

Keywords: Consideration of HB 139 -- 00:03:15 Consideration of HB 356 -- 00:08:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 139, which would allow a political party to replace a candidate who dies or withdraws after the filing deadline but before ballot certification. Representative Decker explained the substitute as a narrow election-related fix, and the bill was then passed by the committee on an 11-yes, 1-pass vote and sent to the full House. The committee then heard House Bill 356, which would move the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) qualification test from a once-every-four-years, Frankfort-based format to administration through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at multiple locations and times. Representative Bridges said the Department of Revenue would still write and control the exam, KCTCS would only administer it, the fiscal note was zero, and the change would improve access and convenience without weakening standards. KCTCS said it was prepared to help if directed. Members generally agreed PVAs should be tested, but some raised concerns about test integrity, whether a broader testing network could create uneven conditions, and whether the change should instead use a smaller number of regional test sites. Others supported the bill as a common-sense way to expand access and avoid forcing candidates to wait years after missing a single test date. The committee also discussed the lack of a study guide for the exam and whether that should be addressed separately. No final vote on House Bill 356 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's<00:14:26.639><c> instead</c><00:14:26.959><c> of</c><00:14:27.440><c> appropriating</c><00:14:28.079
• it and then<00:14:28.800><c> transferring</c><00:14:29.279><c> it</c><00:14:29.440><c> into</c><00:14
• And the<00:14:42.160><c> way</c><00:14:42.320><c> we're</c><00:14:42.480><c> just</c><00:14:42.639><c
• > doing</c><00:14:42.800><c> it</c><00:14:42.959><c> now</c><00:14:43.040><c> in</c><00:14:43.199><c>
• Okay.<00:14:48.880><c> I</c><00:14:49.120><c> appreciate</c><00:14:49.440><c> that</c><00:14:49.680><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:08.120><c> a</c><00:14:08.160><c> lot</c><00:14:08.400><c> of</c><00:14:08.440><c> the</c><00:14:
• <00:14:10.000><c> owe</c><00:14:10.120><c> her</c><00:14:10.680><c> quite</c><00:14:11.120><c> a</c><
• :14:14.400><c> and</c><00:14:14.520><c> responding</c><00:14:14.960><c> on</c><00:14:15.080><c> my</c
• </c><00:14:16.160><c> It</c><00:14:16.280><c> was</c><00:14:16.720><c> It's</c><00:14:16.920><c> been
• </c><00:14:18.760><c> So,</c><00:14:19.360><c> I</c><00:14:19.440><c> need</c><00:14:19.720><c> to</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:12.560><c> those</c><00:14:12.759><c> opposed</c><00:14:13.120><c> say</c><00:14:13.320><c
• </c><00:14:19.880><c> Mr</c><00:14:20.120><c> chair</c><00:14:21.040><c> I</c><00:14:21.240><c> move<
• on<00:14:44.079><c> Judiciary</c><00:14:45.079><c> and</c><00:14:45.279><c> Public</c><00:14:45.720>
• safy Public Safety<00:14:47.519><c> to</c><00:14:47.720><c> that</c><00:14:47.880><c> motion</c><00:14
• :14:50.759><c> those</c><00:14:50.959><c> opposed</c><00:14:51.320><c> say</c><00:14:51.519><c> no</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> what</c><00:14:07.920><c> a</c><00:14:08.040><c> lot</c><00:14:08.160><c> of</c><00:14:08.320><c>
• 14:17.560><c> for</c><00:14:17.800><c> Home</c><00:14:18.000><c> and</c><00:14:18.160><c> Community</
• through<00:14:26.600><c> ensuring</c><00:14:27.240><c> certified</c><00:14:27.800><c> PCA</c><00:14:
• <00:14:44.600><c> and</c><00:14:44.759><c> older</c><00:14:45.199><c> adults</c><00:14:46.120><c> this
• ><c> you</c><00:14:58.000><c> so</c><00:14:58.199><c> much</c><00:14:58.800><c> thank</c><00:14:58.959

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps<00:14:01.440><c> someone</c><00:14:01.760><c> that</c><00:14:02.160><c> has</c><00:14:02.399>
• </c><00:14:12.160><c> it</c><00:14:12.320><c> before</c><00:14:12.639><c> she'd</c><00:14:13.040><c>
• After she'd lost about<00:14:16.720><c> a</c><00:14:16.959><c> third</c><00:14:17.120><c> of</c><00:14
• </c><00:14:28.720><c> this</c><00:14:30.000><c> uh</c><00:14:30.160><c> a</c><00:14:30.399><c> meeting
• 38.000><c> he</c><00:14:38.399><c> does</c><00:14:38.639><c> his</c><00:14:38.880><c> work</c><00:14:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:24.000><c> used</c><00:14:24.399><c> in</c><00:14:24.560><c> a</c><00:14:24.759><c> proper
• </c><00:14:25.639><c> or</c><00:14:25.880><c> how</c><00:14:26.040><c> it</c><00:14:26.160><c> was</c
• <c> the</c><00:14:26.639><c> government</c><00:14:27.040><c> grew</c><00:14:27.320><c> and</c><00:14:
• </c><00:14:29.160><c> and</c><00:14:29.320><c> I</c><00:14:29.440><c> think</c><00:14:29.639><c> this
• 00:14:34.959><c> so</c><00:14:35.199><c> they</c><00:14:35.360><c> can</c><00:14:35.560><c> manage</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 4, first adopting the H004A1 amendment without objection. The author described the bill as a constitutional amendment intended to create a tax relief account funded from projected budget surpluses, defined as revenues exceeding 105% of projected expenditures based on the November forecast. Supporters framed the proposal as a way to return excess taxpayer money to families, homeowners, and seniors rather than allowing the state to retain or redirect it. Testimony in support came from Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who praised the bill’s clarity and argued that taxpayers are overburdened and should receive surplus funds back; she also suggested broader tax and budget reforms, including rate reductions and tighter spending limits. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in opposition, saying the legislature already has authority to use surpluses for rebates or tax cuts and warning that constitutionalizing tax policy would reduce flexibility, weaken accountability, and make it harder to respond to changing conditions, emergencies, or recessions. Members then briefly commented, with Republicans expressing support for returning money to taxpayers and citing cost-of-living pressures and fixed incomes. The committee did not hear a formal department position. At the end of the hearing, Representative Johnson renewed the motion that House File 4, as amended, be recommended to pass and sent to the Ways and Means Committee; the motion prevailed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Madam<00:14:00.720><c> Speaker,</c><00:14:00.959><c> I</c><00:14:01.120><c> second</c><00:14
• &gt;&gt; It<00:14:02.720><c> has</c><00:14:02.880><c> been</c><00:14:03.040><c> moved</c><00:14:03.279
• :14:34.480><c> the</c><00:14:34.720><c> John</c><00:14:34.959><c> A.
• Um these uh students<00:14:39.120><c> are</c><00:14:39.440><c> part</c><00:14:39.680><c> of</c><00:14
• [snorts]<00:14:56.880><c> And</c><00:14:57.120><c> if</c><00:14:57.279><c> I</c><00:14:57.440><c> may

Bills: HR11 , HB1872 , HB2171 , HB2161 , HB2416 , HB2518 , HB2617 , HB2159 , HB2606 , HB2362 , HB2385 , HB2476 , HB1923 , HB2444 , HB1608 , HB1967 , HB1968 , HB2502 , HB1782 , HB2357 , HB2445 , HB1870 , HB1838 , HB2137 , HB2208 , HB2458 , HB1972 , HB2007 , HB2160 , HB2343 , HB2315 , HB2505 , HB1857 , HB469 , HB1452 , HB814 , HB1621 , HB1880 , HB1831 , HB1572 , HB2119 , HB2139 , HB2459 , HB2194 , HB2561 , HB2017 , HB1931 , HB1700 , HB1719 , HB1726 , HB1737 , HB1742 , HB2049 , HB2383 , HB2116 , HB2446 , HB2249 , HB2255 , HB2320 , HB2360 , HB2581 , HB2443 , HB1531 , HB2622 , HB9 , HB2290 , HB2291 , HB2235 , HB2263 , HB2498 , HB1579 , HB1728 , HB1900

Keywords: 808 Elite, youth football, American Youth Football National Championships, AYF, Hawaii football, youth athletics, sports recognition, commendation, House resolution, student-athletes, sportsmanship, teamwork, state pride, Hawaii youth sports, national championship, early learning, apprenticeship, child care, education funding, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:14:04.720><c> I</c><00:14:05.040><c> just</c><00:14:05.199><c> think</c><00:14:05.360><c> it</c>
• .<00:14:07.120><c> You</c><00:14:07.360><c> might</c><00:14:07.519><c> disagree,</c><00:14:08.000><c>
• <00:14:28.000><c> Can</c><00:14:28.160><c> they</c><00:14:28.320><c> stop</c><00:14:28.560><c> giving
• ><c> if</c><00:14:31.519><c> they</c><00:14:31.680><c> have</c><00:14:31.760><c> a</c><00:14:31.920><
• ><c> it</c><00:14:50.880><c> would</c><00:14:51.120><c> be</c><00:14:52.160><c> the</c><00:14:52.480>

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:04.160><c> of</c><00:14:04.360><c> last</c><00:14:04.759><c> year</c><00:14:05.759><c> um</c
• > my</c><00:14:07.240><c> P</c><00:14:07.519><c> tab</c><00:14:07.720><c> sellers</c><00:14:08.320><c
• we tried<00:14:11.800><c> to</c><00:14:11.920><c> make</c><00:14:12.120><c> lemons</c><00:14:12.519>
• :14:16.560><c> it</c><00:14:16.680><c> we</c><00:14:16.800><c> try</c><00:14:16.959><c> to</c><00:14:
• to be so<00:14:19.079><c> bad</c><00:14:19.480><c> because</c><00:14:19.600><c> you</c><00:14:19.720>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 733, which would restore electronic pull-tab features such as open-all, free play, bonus games, and similar functions that were restricted in 2023. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of Allied Charities of Minnesota, the American Legion, and a Bloomington school activities foundation, argued that the 2023 changes reduced revenue for charitable gambling operations and, in turn, cut funding for veterans programs, youth sports, food shelves, school needs, and other local community services. Several supporters cited early revenue declines since the new rules took effect, including double-digit drops and one example of a Bloomington site reporting a 29% year-over-year decline overall and a 44% drop in e-tab revenue. They also argued that restoring the features would help charities without meaningfully increasing casino play. Opponents, including Citizens Against Gambling Expansion and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said the bill would expand slot-machine-like gambling in neighborhood bars and restaurants and increase problem gambling and related social harms. They argued the features in question mimic slot machines, are especially concerning in non-age-restricted locations, and would amount to a major expansion of gambling. The tribal representative also said the 2023 clarification was appropriate, that charitable gambling revenues do not translate efficiently into mission funding, and that tax relief or other policy changes would be better ways to help charities than restoring the disputed features. The chair reminded testifiers to keep comments neutral and not partisan. After testimony, a member discussion began, with Representative Ray Rower thanking the testifiers and expressing support for their work. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote or disposition beyond the bill being recommended to be re-referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:19.680><c> the</c><00:14:19.959><c> only</c><00:14:20.480><c> middle</c><00:14:21.160><c> school<
• kids that<00:14:22.680><c> came</c><00:14:22.959><c> to</c><00:14:23.240><c> this</c><00:14:23.399><
• 14:45.800><c> madam</c><00:14:46.079><c> speaker</c><00:14:46.440><c> on</c><00:14:46.639><c> behalf<
• :14:50.519><c> that</c><00:14:50.680><c> we</c><00:14:50.800><c> have</c><00:14:50.959><c> from</c><00
• <00:14:51.639><c> high</c><00:14:51.800><c> school</c><00:14:52.279><c> I</c><00:14:52.399><c> made</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a roll call showing 48 members present and three excused, then deferred reading of the journal. There were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications. The session featured numerous introductions recognizing the annual secondary student conference, with members welcoming more than 150 students from 28 public schools, along with teachers, advisers, and other visitors from schools across the state. Under reports of standing committees, Representative Todd moved to adopt standing committee reports Nos. 23 through 29 and advance the accompanying House bills to second reading and referral to the designated committees; Representative Moriwaki seconded, and the motion carried. Members then offered brief positions on several bills, including one dealing with evidence preservation and parental notification, and another prohibiting fines, fees, or court costs against people adjudicated for offenses committed as minors. Testimony and comments reflected both support and opposition, with some members reserving their position and others opposing the measures; concerns raised included the need for clearer parental-notification standards and objections to eliminating penalties for juvenile offenses. The House also considered a bill limiting court-ordered community service for minors to no more than 72 hours, with some members reserving and others opposing. After discussion, the motion on the committee reports was carried by voice vote. There were no resolutions for action, and all other resolutions were referred to print. The House then adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:05.760><c> So,</c><00:14:05.920><c> this</c><00:14:06.079><c> is</c><00:14:06.240><c> a</c
• ><00:14:17.680><c> uh</c><00:14:17.839><c> alleviating</c><00:14:18.480><c> some</c><00:14:18.639><c>
• ,</c><00:14:24.720><c> I'm</c><00:14:25.040><c> going</c><00:14:25.120><c> to</c><00:14:25.199><c> be
• ><c> I</c><00:14:26.720><c> want</c><00:14:26.800><c> to</c><00:14:26.959><c> thank</c><00:14:27.120>
• 14:37.279><c> that</c><00:14:37.440><c> way</c><00:14:37.600><c> today</c><00:14:37.920><c> too.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 HB 658 Discussion: 03:40 HB 658 Roll Call Vote: 04:50 HB 142 Discussion: 06:30 HB 142 Roll Call Vote: 22:45 HB 571 Discussion: 24:25 HB 571 Roll Call Vote: 29:10, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:14:02.880><c> I</c><00:14:03.040><c> guess</c><00:14:03.199><c> I'd</c><00:14:03.440
• ><c> be</c><00:14:03.519><c> a</c><00:14:03.680><c> little</c><00:14:03.760><c> bit</c><00:14:03.920>
• </c><00:14:31.040><c> Um,</c><00:14:31.440><c> I</c><00:14:31.600><c> guess</c><00:14:31.760><c> I</c
• Um, uh,<00:14:44.000><c> that's</c><00:14:44.320><c> where</c><00:14:44.560><c> we</c><00:14:44.720><
• That doesn't<00:14:48.800><c> strike</c><00:14:49.040><c> me</c><00:14:49.199><c> as</c><00:14:49.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:13.600><c> Currently</c><00:14:14.320><c> there</c><00:14:14.560><c> are</c><00:14:14.800>
• </c><00:14:17.279><c> held</c><00:14:18.480><c> uh</c><00:14:18.639><c> in</c><00:14:18.880><c> the</
• and</c><00:14:20.160><c> of</c><00:14:20.560><c> those</c><00:14:20.880><c> two</c><00:14:21.120><c>
• So,<00:14:45.680><c> uh</c><00:14:46.399><c> this</c><00:14:46.720><c> is</c><00:14:46.880><c> just</
• have &gt;&gt; Yeah,<00:14:55.440><c> it</c><00:14:55.680><c> was</c><00:14:55.839><c> just</c><00:14

Bills: HB415 , HB419 , SB219 , SB170 , HB415 , HB419 , SB219 , SB170

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: police abuse registry, law enforcement registry, officer assault, assault on police, resisting arrest, battery on law enforcement, law enforcement injury fund, Back the Blue Act, Attorney General, clemency, pardon, commutation, rehabilitation costs, medical costs, public safety, criminal records, background checks, registry removal fee, privacy, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Yeah.<00:14:29.120><c> And</c><00:14:29.199><c> I</c><00:14:29.360><c> think</c><00:14:29.440
• </c><00:14:36.880><c> And</c><00:14:37.040><c> I</c><00:14:37.120><c> think</c><00:14:37.199><c> with
• <00:14:39.440><c> um</c><00:14:39.519><c> this</c><00:14:39.680><c> is</c><00:14:39.839><c> going</c>
• </c><00:14:40.079><c> happening</c><00:14:40.320><c> a</c><00:14:40.480><c> lot</c><00:14:40.639><c>
• 00:14:50.720><c> any</c><00:14:50.959><c> other</c><00:14:51.199><c> discussion</c><00:14:51.519><c>

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:31.640><c> I</c><00:14:31.800><c> don't</c><00:14:32.160><c> think</c><00:14:32.320><c> it
• > them</c><00:14:37.680><c> as</c><00:14:37.839><c> a</c><00:14:37.880><c> very</c><00:14:38.200><c>
• We will continue<00:14:40.600><c> I</c><00:14:40.800><c> will</c><00:14:40.959><c> continue</c><00:14
• :14:42.760><c> I</c><00:14:43.160><c> I</c><00:14:43.280><c> am</c><00:14:43.440><c> confirmed</c><00
• I<00:14:45.240><c> will</c><00:14:45.880><c> continue</c><00:14:46.360><c> this</c><00:14:46.600><c>

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several gubernatorial nominations to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and one nomination to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board. For GM 779, Mark Fong Su Wat said he would bring his experience as an electrician and labor community member to workforce development, and he committed to serving if confirmed. Testimony was unanimously supportive, with 10 in support and none opposed, and the committee voted to recommend advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted. For GM 792, Sheryl Cross sought a second term on the Workforce Development Council and described her work on employer engagement, military veteran affairs, and military spouse employment. In response to questions, she emphasized the need to better connect military spouses, underrepresented workers, and students pursuing trades or non-college pathways to jobs, including through school academies and online hiring initiatives. The item was held for later decision-making. For GM 793, Ashley Lohua, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council, said her focus would be helping people stay in Hawaii by improving job retention, listening to community concerns, and building pathways between sectors. Support testimony highlighted her work with marginalized communities and her empathy and leadership. She told the committee she would use her nonprofit and HR experience to help address vacancies and workforce barriers; the item was also held for later decision-making. For GM 774, Douglas Thomas Moore, nominated to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, said his first priority would be reducing the backlog. He proposed using informal conferences and mediation to speed workers’ compensation appeals and suggested recruiting more practitioners, especially younger ones, into the field. The committee noted 11 supportive testimonies and no opposition; no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:11.680><c> uh</c><00:14:11.839><c> rental</c><00:14:12.240><c> property</c><00:14:12.639><
• c> some</c><00:14:13.279><c> protections</c><00:14:13.760><c> laid</c><00:14:14.079><c> out</c><00:14
• Additionally,<00:14:27.440><c> the</c><00:14:28.000><c> uh</c><00:14:28.240><c> bill</c><00:14:28.560
• 14:36.399><c> maximum</c><00:14:36.800><c> fine</c><00:14:37.120><c> from</c><00:14:37.440><c> $100</
• a</c><00:14:38.399><c> violation</c><00:14:39.360><c> up</c><00:14:39.519><c> to</c><00:14:39.800><c

Bills: HF2354 , HF1672 , HF2389 , HF2870 , HF2743 , HF1918 , HF2551 , HF1671

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:02.079><c> we</c><00:14:02.199><c> were</c><00:14:02.360><c> told</c><00:14:02.600><c> when
• when the bill<00:14:03.120><c> was</c><00:14:03.320><c> introduced</c><00:14:04.279><c> um</c><00:14
• <c> was</c><00:14:16.920><c> prospective</c><00:14:17.920><c> and</c><00:14:18.079><c> had</c><00:14:
• ><c> it</c><00:14:26.600><c> was</c><00:14:26.839><c> known</c><00:14:27.160><c> at</c><00:14:27.360>
• </c><00:14:46.839><c> a</c><00:14:47.040><c> policy</c><00:14:47.519><c> decision</c><00:14:47.920><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on House Bill 637, which was described as a measure to make whole certain New Hampshire Retirement System retirees who were not included when Senate Bill 57 was incorporated into the 2023 budget. The chair and several members reviewed the bill’s legislative history and fiscal impact, citing estimates that the broader change would cost about $1.4 million to the state and $5.74 million to municipalities, with an actuarial liability increase of about $45 million. The chair argued that the omission of already-retired members was not an oversight but a policy choice made in the Senate, based on the bill’s prospective language and the budget process used in 2023. Testimony and discussion focused on whether the bill should be treated as a fairness correction or as an expensive policy expansion. Supporters, including retirees and representatives of employee groups, said the language was unclear, the fiscal note did not match the bill’s effect, and the change would unfairly leave out actual retirees who had expected the same treatment as active members. They also argued that the retirement system historically linked benefits to Social Security and that the bill would restore equity for those affected. Opponents emphasized the cost, the prospective nature of the original language, and the view that the Senate knowingly chose not to extend the change retroactively. After discussion, the chair moved to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, and the motion was seconded. Members then heard brief public comments after the motion was withdrawn and reintroduced because of the weather and the public’s travel. At the final vote, the subcommittee recommended inexpedient to legislate on a 3-2 vote, with the chair noting that the full committee would take up other bills at a later subcommittee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it</c><00:14:28.640><c> off</c><00:14:28.800><c> to</c><00:14:28.880><c> my</c><00:14:29.000><c>
• ><c> but</c><00:14:30.720><c> I</c><00:14:30.760><c> just</c><00:14:31.000><c> I</c><00:14:31.080><c>
• </c><00:14:38.600><c> You</c><00:14:38.680><c> know,</c><00:14:38.880><c> stories</c><00:14:39.320><c
• c><00:14:47.240><c> a</c><00:14:47.360><c> have</c><00:14:47.520><c> a</c><00:14:47.560><c> story.
• :14:50.760><c> have</c><00:14:50.880><c> an</c><00:14:51.000><c> opportunity</c><00:14:51.440><c> to<

Keywords: 1183, house