Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
• Senate pursuant to adjournment Monday, January 6, 2026, was read and approved as read. >> Presentation
• To Deputy Majority Leader Senator January, thank you.
• >> There is no further business at the desk. >> I move to adjourn until Monday, January 12, 3 p.m., with
• The Senate stands adjourned until Monday, January 12, 3 p.m., with the intervening days being legislative

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines. Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor. The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• and<01:12:11.040> you<01:12:11.199> know<01:12:11.360> I'm<01:12:11.679>
• ><01:12:13.840> a<01:12:14.000> change<01:12:14.400> but<01:12:15.040> I<
• <01:12:22.880> you've<01:12:23.120> seen<01:12:23.280> around<01:12:23.520><
• this<01:12:40.320> program<01:12:40.719> in<01:12:40.960> a<01:12:41.199>
• :12:43.600> you<01:12:43.760> know,<01:12:43.840> it's<01:12:44.080> also

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• BUT THEN PRESIDENT TRUMP WAS SWORN IN ON JANUARY 20.
• OF JANUARY 3, 2025, THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM TEXAS, MS.
• Birth certificate from a state agency, that's $12 in Virginia.
• Birth certificate from a state agency, that's $12 in Virginia.
• Birth certificate from a state agency, that's $12 in Virginia.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 31, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we've<01:12:14.720> got<01:12:14.880> a<01:12:14.960> great<01:12:15.360>
• c><01:12:16.760> to<01:12:16.920> be<01:12:17.160> the<01:12:17.320> liaison<
• , or make<01:12:23.560> a<01:12:23.680> safer,<01:12:24.480> you<01:12:24.560>
• :12:26.640> counties<01:12:27.080> and<01:12:27.240> cities,<01:12:27.880> um
• Um,<01:12:53.880> or<01:12:54.040> if<01:12:54.160> you're<01:12:54.280> in

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Budget Process 00:02:28 Allotment Process 00:10:30 School Facilities Construction Commission 00:29:10 Role of KDE in School Facilities Funding 00:47:00 Kentucky School Boards Association 01:13:25 Elementary and Secondary School Construction 01:20:40 Perkins V Funding 01:35:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking at the review report, Review Subcommittee F-12.
• Okay, that would be, in your packet, F-12. Okay. Go down to item...
• There is no E-4 or 5 on F-12. There is no E4 or 5 on F-12. I think it's page 31 in that packet.
• this, of the 12 that are remaining, how many of the 12 are visually impaired or blind?
• or middle of January.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then with the 1971 Legislative Assembly, they repealed 52-12.
• So like with House Bill 1216, that was effective on January 1, 2025.
• They allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
• It provides up to 12 weeks of family leave, partially paid.
• We will recess the committee until 12:30 and then we will convene again on the 12:30, and then we will

Summary: The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects. The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis. After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:12:05.440> exception<02:12:05.760> of<02:12:06.000> shore<02:12:06.320><
• So for<02:12:22.320> a<02:12:22.560> cruise<02:12:22.800> ship<02:12:22.960>
• to<02:12:23.119> come<02:12:23.280> into<02:12:23.599> port<02:12:24.079>
• 24.560> need<02:12:24.639> to<02:12:24.719> make<02:12:24.880> sure<02:12
• :26.880> does<02:12:27.040> some<02:12:27.199> of<02:12:27.280> it,<02:12

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very premature to have something<00:12:52.080> in<00:12:52.160> a<00:12:52.240>
• bill<00:12:52.440> this<00:12:52.680> year<00:12:53.480> when<00:12:54.040>
• :54.320> even<00:12:54.520> looking<00:12:54.760> at<00:12:54.839> a<00:12
• So, I would strongly<00:12:58.640> oppose<00:12:58.960> that<00:12:59.160> part<
• 00:12:59.400> of<00:12:59.440> the<00:12:59.520> bill<00:12:59.800> as strongly

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several cesspool-related measures. HB 1730 HD2 would create a cesspool conversion implementation working group to help the Department of Health review rules and practices and develop changes to make conversions more affordable. DOH and DLNR stood on written testimony, while environmental and wastewater advocates strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for dedicated staffing, technical expertise, and smaller, more focused advisory groups. Members discussed the high cost of upgrades and the need for new technologies that reduce excavation and leach field costs. The bill was passed with amendments, including clarifying the DOH director’s discretion over the size of the working group, and the committee noted DOH’s appropriation request for consideration. HB 1985 HD1 would extend certain cesspool conversion deadlines and authorize funding for consultants, while also advancing outreach and education. Testimony split sharply: advocates supported the education component but opposed deadline extensions as premature, arguing the state still has many years before the 2050 mandate and should not weaken the conversion timeline. The committee agreed to amend the bill to delete the deadline-extension portion, keep technical changes, and note DOH’s position request. HB 1749 HD2 would require sellers to disclose cesspools to buyers before a real estate purchase contract is executed and direct DOH and the Real Estate Commission to create a standardized form. Realtors supported the intent but asked to avoid duplicative statutory form requirements, and advocates stressed that disclosure should be prominent and not buried in paperwork. The committee adopted amendments removing the standardized-form mandate and passed the bill. HB 1921 HD2 would allow certain existing cesspools in priority level three areas to continue serving dwellings with additional bedrooms under conditions. DOH brought the measure, and supporters from the real estate and environmental sectors discussed innovative wastewater technologies, retrofits, and composting toilets as ways to reduce costs while improving treatment. The committee amended the bill to require DOH director-approved wastewater technology using solid waste separation for bedroom-count increases and to clarify priority-level determinations using block-level data from the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool, then passed it. The committee also heard HB 2310, an emergency appropriation for the Department of Human Services to restore funding used to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the federal shutdown; DHS, public health, children’s advocates, and others supported it, and members questioned why it was not handled through the budget. The discussion clarified that the bill sought new money to move quickly for ACA-related premium support. No final vote on HB 2310 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:11.680> a misdemeanor.<00:12:14.959> Prior<00:12:15.279> to<00:12:15.440>
• <00:12:21.200> And<00:12:21.360> the<00:12:21.519> day<00:12:21.680> he
• of<00:12:25.680> this<00:12:25.920> family,<00:12:26.480> he<00:12:27.079>
• That's<00:12:38.480> 14<00:12:39.120> times<00:12:39.519> that<00:12:40.200>
• :12:50.160> a misdemeanor.<00:12:54.160> My<00:12:54.560> question<00:12:54.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So they will be in two places come January? Is that what we can expect? Mr.
• But the request for proposals are due about mid-January.
• The public comment period started December 9 and ends on January 12, 2026.
• This would also include 12 semester hours in teaching bilingual education.
• I mean, the January one almost doesn't count, just like ready to dive in.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the the contract<00:12:38.240> that<00:12:38.480> we<00:12:38.720> had<00:12:
• 00:12:41.519> this<00:12:41.839> to<00:12:42.560> um<00:12:43.120> contract
• The<00:12:52.959> hourly<00:12:53.440> rate<00:12:53.760> for<00:12:54.079> the
• <00:12:54.240> attorney<00:12:54.639> is<00:12:55.519> 125 The hourly rate for
• > $40<00:12:58.240> per<00:12:58.560> hour<00:12:59.360> for<00:12:59.680

Keywords: Part two will take place after first executive session., 958, all

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters. Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC. The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I keep saying it, because we're looking more at a 12- to 14-year build-out.
• If you take 12, 15 years ago, it was a $50 million budget. Now we're talking hundreds.
• We'd like this bill back in January when we voted for it almost unanimously.
• Madam President, we passed this bill in January 15th, 44 to 3, and we ask again for a green vote.
• The Senate will stand adjourned until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and handled a mix of conference committee appointments, appropriations bills, policy bills, and House amendments. Early in the session, the chamber appointed conference committees for SB 2399 and for House-amended SBs 2213 and 2354, and also named conference committees for HB 103, HB 1308, and HB 1169. The Senate then took up several appropriations measures, including HB 1612, which creates the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at UND; the Senate adopted an amendment shifting the funding to a one-time $250,000 Community Health Trust Fund appropriation with a required $250,000 match from other sources, and the bill passed 39-7. HB 1193, the “Back the Blue” grant, was amended to make the funding one-time and focus on officer retention, then passed 41-5. HB 1329, a government spending database proposal for school districts, was amended into a legislative study and passed 42-4. HB 1020, the water budget, received extensive amendments reducing and reallocating funding across major water projects, adding studies and oversight changes, and passed 45-0 with the emergency clause. HB 1581, a tribal tourism grant, also passed 40-6. The Senate rejected HB 1330, which would have authorized divestment from direct investments in Chinese companies; after debate over the prudent investor rule, trade impacts, and whether the bill singled out one nation in law, it failed 20-26. HB 1534, limiting property valuation increases, and HB 1266, adjusting the disabled veterans property tax credit, both failed unanimously or nearly so after committee recommendations against them. HB 1566, which would have created a regulatory framework for a product discussed as kratom, was amended on the floor to convert it into a study and then passed 31-15. The chamber also passed HB 2241 on charter schools after a House amendment changed the funding formula to the statewide average from the prior year, and HB 2022, the indigent legal counsel budget, after House changes added funding flexibility, offset lost fee revenue, and included a study on a public defender office. The Senate concurred in several House amendments and then passed a number of Senate bills. SB 2375, allowing joint negotiations between dental providers and insurers under Attorney General oversight, passed 44-2. SB 2251, clarifying that open records requests during state audits should be referred to the audited agency, passed 46-0. SB 2159, related to nuclear energy research, passed 43-3 after House amendments required Industrial Commission approval and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. SB 2155, changing gratis antelope license rules, passed 30-16 after debate over landowner rights and tag distribution. SB 251, setting fees and an audit for the Private Investigative and Security Board, passed 44-2. SB 2280, the prior authorization health insurance bill, passed 43-3 with a House-added study and consumer protections. SB 2023, the Racing Commission budget, passed 41-5 after a House change made internship funding one-time. SB 2232, changing prenatal substance exposure reporting requirements and related toxicology rules, passed 44-2. SB 2241, authorizing public charter schools, passed 39-7. The session ended while the Senate was still processing SB 2022’s final passage vote, but the bill had already cleared concurrence on House amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:12:02.880> the<00:12:03.040> governor's<00:12:03.440> plan<00:12:03.680>
• to provide educational<00:12:12.399> re<00:12:12.720> rehabilitative<00:12:13.600>
• and other programming<00:12:14.639> for<00:12:14.880> people<00:12:15.120> who<
• This<00:12:17.200> project<00:12:17.440> will<00:12:17.680> give<00:12:17.839>
• > uh<00:12:22.560> religious,<00:12:23.200> medical,<00:12:23.519> and<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee will come to order. Sienna, please call the roll.
• want to kick off by welcoming everyone to our first interim committee meeting of the Pre-K through 12
• one of you as we work toward building the budget that truly impacts our future in the Pre-K through 12
• I want to introduce our Pre-K through 12 budget staff that we will be working closely with over this
• Members, before we conclude, I want to close. ...through 12 budget.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:46.000> be<01:12:46.239> amended<01:12:46.800> as<01:12:47.040> it the
• c> starting<01:12:48.159> on<01:12:48.400> page<01:12:48.719> 3906<01:12:49.760
• 12:54.960> bill<01:12:55.440> ought<01:12:55.600> to<01:12:55.760> pass amendment
• > revenues<01:12:57.760> of<01:12:57.920> the<01:12:58.000> state.
• The bill<01:12:58.719> was<01:12:58.960> referred<01:12:59.280> to<01:12:59.360>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.199> they<01:12:25.440> allow<01:12:25.760> me<01:12:25.920> to<01:12
• :26.159> have<01:12:26.480> Sam<01:12:27.040> who<01:12:27.280> is<01:12:
• :29.679> within<01:12:30.000> the<01:12:30.159> last<01:12:30.400> month<
• > helped<01:12:32.560> me<01:12:32.719> out<01:12:32.960> with<01:12:33.440>
• my anxiety and<01:12:34.480> has<01:12:34.719> given<01:12:35.040> me<01:12:36.320

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, if you see since January, the collections have been fairly weak.
• I've got a 12% growth rate in there.
• I've got 12% growth in that.
• So the department collects grand total, all the taxes, about 12.
• But the department collects $12 billion.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast. The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted. Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11 and 12 be agreed to in accordance with the recommendation of the Governor.
• At the bottom of page 12, House Bill 285 is now before you.
• The Governor's amendment delays enactment from January 1 to July 1, 2027.
• We moved it to January 1st, 2027, by the Governor's amendment. I move, Mr.
• And under this bill, treasurer's liens are capped at $12. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if you retire for 12 months, this apply. if you retire for 12 months, this apply.
• clause saying it effected 1st of January clause saying it effected 1st of January 2026 2026 2026
• if you retire before that date that 12 if you retire before that date that 12 month<00:05:05.759
• physician's advisory board physician's advisory board >> that<00:12:58.079> doesn't<00:12
• :58.320> exist<00:12:58.800> that<00:12:58.959> language<00:12:59.279> in

Bills: HB245, HB138, HB151, HB152, HB245, HB138, HB151, HB152

Keywords: inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision, perinatal care, prenatal care, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:57.960> 1, fixed rate of 1.5% beginning January 1, fixed rate of 1.5% beginning January
• period to begin receiving a COLA by 12 period to begin receiving a COLA by 12 months. months. months
• on January 1st and so this will become effective with payrolls beginning on January 1st of 2027.
• about somewhere between um 10 and 12 about somewhere between um 10 and 12 million<01:13:31.440><
• January um 1st of 2027. January um 1st of 2027.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 14, 2026 meeting minutes without objection. It then took up Senate File 4860 / House File 4812, the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association bill, which would reduce the employee contribution rate for coordinated members from 9% to 8% starting after June 30, 2026, raise the retiree COLA from 1% to 1.5% beginning January 1, 2027, and increase the state-funded employer contribution by 2.7%. Staff said the bill’s cost is just over $12 million per year over 15 years. Representative Lilly said the bill was intended to bring parity to St. Paul teachers after prior work in this area left some behind. Several St. Paul teachers testified in support, describing financial strain, burnout, and the difficulty of balancing teaching with family responsibilities. Hannah Geimer said the 1% contribution change would make a meaningful difference in her budget as a single parent. Eric Erickson said he and his wife have spent decades working extra hours and coaching, and argued that St. Paul educators pay more and receive less in retirement than other teachers. Arzoo Faroozan Yazdani, a Central High teacher, said the higher contribution rate and lower COLA make it hard to stay in the district and raise a family. Lisa Hodek said teachers are undercompensated for the demands of the job and that the pension disparity has created frustration and a sense of betrayal. Phil Tensic, the SPTRFA director, summarized the request as seeking an 8% contribution and 1.5% COLA to match TRA, and noted that the plan’s members are spread across legislative districts, not just in St. Paul. Members discussed the history behind the pension disparity. Senator Nelson questioned whether “parity” was the right term given the plan’s funding problems and the legacy of the “big red box,” referring to past underfunding. Tensic and Senator Pappas explained that the state had previously allowed St. Paul schools not to contribute for a period of years, that supplemental district and state aid began in 2018, and that the plan is projected to be amortized by 2039 and must be paid off by 2048. Members also noted that the bill and related pension proposals depend on available funding; Representative O’Driscoll and others said no final financing agreement had been reached, though leadership was continuing discussions. The committee received letters of support from Education Minnesota, the St. Paul Federation of Educators, and 40 individual supporters. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.