Transcript Highlights:

• In Collier County, Clayton Miller, a 14-year-old, lost his life.
• So they have a way to kind of like report, and that report would be due in October of this year, and

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard two member bills. The first, CS for HB 243 on electric bicycles, was presented as a safety and data-collection measure prompted by fatalities and serious injuries involving e-bikes and similar devices. The sponsor said the bill would create a task force, require law enforcement crash data collection, and focus on education and enforcement rather than licensing changes. Testimony in support came from law enforcement, AARP, and local officials, who said statewide data is inconsistent and current classifications do not reflect the speed and use of newer devices. Members discussed the need for better reporting and bike safety, and the bill passed favorably by roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for HB 679, which would modernize Florida’s trademark registration system by aligning it more closely with federal standards, requiring clearer identification of goods and services, proof of use in commerce, and allowing streamlined online filing and renewal. The only public testimony was a supportive appearance from the Florida Bar’s business law section. There were no questions or debate, and the bill also passed favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There<03:14:50.240> is<03:14:50.440> no<03:14:50.760> money<03:14:51.440> for
• Dozens of school<03:14:55.480> districts<03:14:55.960> are<03:14:56.080> in<03:14
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Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In September or October of 2020, the Census Bureau was scheduled to do a review of what I call group
• note to that yeah um i'll ask later i'll ask susan straight to confirm this for me um in september october
• Yeah, you have 13 counties, 14 counties.
• After Census 2020, the Bureau operated the non-response follow-up program between August and October
• After Census 2020, the Bureau operated the non-response follow-up program between August and October

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census met on December 8 at 9:32 a.m. to examine the dynamics that drive census undercounts and overcounts, with testimony first from Joseph Salvo and then from Susan Strait of the UMass Donahue Institute. Salvo explained the Census Bureau’s two main evaluation tools: demographic analysis, which uses vital records, migration estimates, and Medicare data to produce a national benchmark, and the post-enumeration survey (PES), which compares a separate sample-based count to the census. He said the 2020 census showed a small national net undercount, but larger age- and race-based disparities, including the highest undercount among children ages 0 to 4, higher undercounts for men, substantial undercounts for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations, and overcounts among some older and college-age groups. He also described how self-response, non-response follow-up, administrative records, proxy responses, and imputation affected data quality, arguing that proxies and imputation were especially weak and that outreach remains critical for 2030. Committee members asked Salvo to clarify the methods and error bands, the role of international migration estimates, and how the PES differs from the census address list and LUCA. He explained that PES is based on a separate sample of blocks and can add units within sampled blocks, but it does not measure units missed entirely from the original address list; LUCA matters because it improves that list before enumeration. He also discussed age heaping, duplicate responses among older adults, and why group quarters and COVID-related disruptions complicated the 2020 count. Senator Driscoll briefly interrupted to describe Randolph’s successful appeal of its 2020 count after an undercount in disability care homes, and Salvo noted that the post-census group quarters review helped correct some missed facilities. Susan Strait then focused on Massachusetts-specific results. She said Massachusetts’ 2020 count was strong overall, with population growth above the national average and a PES-based finding that the state was overcounted by 2.24 percent, though she emphasized that this did not mean all areas were accurately counted. Using demographic analysis, she said Massachusetts had an estimated 4.15 percent undercount of children ages 0 to 4, with the largest county-level undercounts in Hampden, Suffolk, and Essex, and she linked higher child undercounts to lower educational attainment and female-headed households. Strait also reviewed operational metrics showing that Massachusetts had relatively strong internet self-response, but that non-response follow-up relied heavily on household interviews, administrative records, proxies, and imputation in different counties. She highlighted higher proxy use in college-heavy counties such as Hampshire and Suffolk, and said counties with more minority residents were more likely to have population-count-only cases and other indicators of harder-to-count populations. The hearing ended with discussion of how these findings could inform outreach and census planning for 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of August, the department began a pilot project on 14 vehicles and began full deployment in
• late October.
• When I was talking about the pilot program, when we picked our vendor, we initially just installed 14
• Since then, right, we’ve taken 14 vehicles and installed it in another, right, 1,300 vehicles.

Summary: The Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum and heard several presentations on state fleet management. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services described its new fleet tracking rollout using AT&T/GeoTab devices, funded with $804,000, to monitor vehicle location, fuel use, idle time, driver behavior, and maintenance needs in real time. Members asked about whether the system was unique to FDACS and whether it duplicated reporting to the Department of Management Services; the agency said it was still implementing the system and would follow up on those questions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presented on its large and diverse fleet, including more than 4,000 assets, and explained that it uses both the statewide FleetWave system and the Samsara telematics platform. FWC said FleetWave is used for monthly reporting and replacement tracking, while Samsara provides real-time location and diagnostics, reducing administrative burden and improving accountability. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol then outlined their fleet operations, emphasizing that most assets support law enforcement, that multiple manual systems create data inaccuracies, and that they are seeking a $750,000 increase to modernize fleet management with telematics, automated receipt processing, and a centralized database to improve safety and efficiency. The committee also considered SPB 7010, which would authorize the Department of Financial Services and local governmental entities to allow post-tax Roth contributions in deferred compensation plans, in addition to existing pre-tax contributions. After a brief explanation, there was no debate or public testimony, and the committee voted to submit the bill as a committee bill. The roll call showed the measure was favorably reported, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A case I was involved in personally was on October 16th, 2020.
• This girl is 14 years old. Her name is Elliston.
• This bill ensures that situations like this, like 14-year-old Elliston, do not happen again, and it makes
• This bill ensures that situations like this, like 14-year-old Elliston, do not happen again, and it makes

Summary: The Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties met with a quorum present and first handled witness-registration corrections for House Bill 2461, changing one witness from support to neutral and deleting another registration; HB 2461 was left pending. The subcommittee then heard House Bill 3507, which would create a tiered penalty structure for repeat theft offenders by increasing penalties for those with five or more prior theft convictions. Representative Wharton and Walker County District Attorney Will Durham testified in support, arguing current law treats chronic shoplifters the same regardless of how many prior convictions they have. No opposition was presented, and HB 3507 was left pending. The committee next heard House Bill 1871, which would increase penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, raise the minimum sentence to 25 years, and deny parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted. Representative Dyson, Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, Lieutenant Ed Ramirez, and Chief Deputy Constable Calder Lively testified in support, describing attacks on officers and arguing the bill would provide stronger deterrence and truth in sentencing. No questions or opposition were recorded, and HB 1871 was left pending. House Bill 4911 followed, updating child exploitation laws to address AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse material by expanding definitions and criminalizing knowing possession or viewing of fake or computer-generated images depicting minors. Representative Fairly and Harris County DA’s Office division chief Steven Driver supported the bill, saying technology had outpaced existing law and that the measure would help protect children. A committee member raised concerns about broad affirmative defenses in the bill, and Representative Fairly said the office would work on an amendment. HB 4911 was left pending. Finally, on HB 795, Representative Bowers moved that the subcommittee report completion of deliberations and recommend the bill for full committee consideration; the motion passed 3-2, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AS YOU ARE ALL AWARE SOMETIME IN EARLY OCTOBER 2024 SATEEN WIRED $10 MILLION TO DCF'S DIRECT SUPPORT
• BECAUSE OCTOBER 13th JOSH HAY THE CHAIR OF THE HOPE FLORIDA FOUNDATION BOARD RECEIVED AN UNSOLICITED
• HAY TESTIFIED UNDER OATH IT WAS JEFF ARON THE BOARD'S ATTORNEY, WHO INFORMED HIM BEFORE THEIR OCTOBER
• HAY OCTOBER 14th TO OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD TO ISSUE GRANTS WITHOUT PRIOR BOARD APPROVAL OR
• BETWEEN OCTOBER 17th AND OCTOBER 29th SECURE FLORIDA FUTURE AN ARM OF THE FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Transcript Highlights:

• We were at about 13 to 14 million on the enrollment side.
• It reflects approximately $14 million in funds from the Endo bankruptcy and $13 million in funds from
• One year later, in October of 2023, we applied to be in cohort one.
• Our provider lists were not actually approved until late October of 2024.
• All 14 community supports are available in 24 counties.

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• appointed the board of trustees, there are 5 Board of Board of Trustees. 5 trustees I should say on October
• So the ESE update, 53 students with disabilities may graduation requirements over 1000 IEP or 5 of 14
• A 505 of 14 means convened. 7 evaluations are evaluations in eligibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• A case I was involved in personally was on October 6th... 16th, 2020.
• This girl, she's 14 years old; her name is Elliston.
• This bill ensures that situations like this, like 14-year-old Elliston, do not happen again, and it makes

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• October 1st, 2019. October 1st, 2019.
• We'd have to take off the October 1st thing because then they would—We've adopted the amendment of October
• We've adopted the amendment of October 1st, 2019. So... Oh.
• We've adopted the amendment of October 1st, 2019, so there's no firm... Thank you.
• We also have an amendment, yeah, cities incorporated after October 1st, 2019.

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• October 1st, 2019. October 1st, 2019.
• We'd have to take off the October 1st thing because then they would...
• We've adopted the amendment of October 1st. We've adopted the amendment of October 1st, 2019, so...
• We've adopted the amendment of October 1st, 2019, so there's no firm... Thank you, so...
• We also have an amendment: cities incorporated after October 1, 2019.

Summary: The Municipal Program of Cultural Affairs Committee met with a quorum and took up three Senate bills by Senator Edmonds, all related to the new City of St. George. The first bill, SB 348, would allow a local enforcement agency to contract with third-party vendors for administrative support in motor vehicle liability enforcement, such as plate processing, insurance verification, and notices, while making clear the vendors would not have police powers. Members raised concerns that the bill as drafted appeared statewide rather than local to St. George, and discussed how to limit it properly. After debate, the committee adopted amendments to narrow SB 348 to cities incorporated after October 1, 2019 and to sunset the authority on July 31, 2028, with the understanding that St. George could return later with a properly advertised local bill. The bill then received favorable action. The committee then considered SB 485, which transfers authority to levy and collect the insurance premium tax within St. George to the city beginning January 1, 2027; it was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee heard SB 444, which gives St. George expropriation authority for public infrastructure projects such as roads, drainage, flood protection, water, sewer, and utilities, using procedures similar to other Louisiana municipalities and DOTD. Members asked about the process and confirmed it was standard municipal authority and not related to private industry. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members and a reminder that this was the committee’s last meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once that ratification occurs, we need to know that we are done by October 1st.
• Once that ratification occurs, we need to know that we are done by October 1st.
• Once these contracts are completed by October 1 of 2026, our director will look at the costs for 2027
• Once we get those tentative agreements done on October 1, between October 1 and mid-December, OFM determines
• But all of those awards must be submitted by October 1.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to receive updates on upcoming collective bargaining for the 2027–29 biennium. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan reviewed the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains constrained by hiring limits and civil service rules, and bargaining goals include financially feasible agreements, maintaining labor relations, supporting an inclusive workplace, and addressing issues such as AI use, leave, and immigration-related workplace protections. She also outlined the bargaining calendar, the role of the June revenue forecast in determining what compensation proposals can be funded, and the need to reach tentative agreements by September 2026 for October 1 submission and legislative consideration. She described recent bargaining themes from unions, including limits on AI, expanded leave, access to union members in hybrid workplaces, and classification changes, and she summarized prior-cycle costs, including about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion in total funds for 2025–27 awards, excluding the delayed WPEA agreements that were later funded after a return to bargaining. The committee then heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of re-opener clauses tied to state budget decisions, and concerns about the instability of the state “fund split,” which shifts compensation costs between state funds and tuition revenue. Western also emphasized that student employees are increasingly central to retention and urged inclusion of student compensation in the wage base. UW similarly described its large and diverse workforce, the split between RCW 41.56 and 41.80 bargaining frameworks, and the reliance on state funding, tuition, and other revenue sources to cover compensation increases. UW highlighted the financial strain of the fund split, the lack of state funding for academic student employee compensation, and the impact of rising ASE costs on class sizes and the university’s teaching and research missions. OFM also presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are covered, that bargaining began in 2024, and that current agreements include addenda for WMS-specific provisions. The presentation noted that WMS bargaining is still limited in scope, with only a few represented units, and that compensation bargaining generally covers band minimums and maximums rather than all salary levels. Finally, OFM reviewed interest arbitration rules for certain state employee groups, explaining that arbitration is available for some essential-service and statutorily covered employees, that arbitrators decide disputed contract language based on statutory criteria, and that awards still must be found financially feasible by OFM. Committee members asked about PFML treatment, the timing of arbitration, and the budget pressures facing bargaining, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once that ratification occurs, we need to know that we are done by October 1st.
• So when we went back to bargaining, we met the October 1, 2025 deadline, and this legislature did fund
• Once we get those tentative agreements done on October 1, between October 1 and mid-December, OFM determines
• For the October 1 financial feasibility determination.
• But all of those awards must be submitted by October 1.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment. Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1. The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• My last question is on page 14, again the top slide.
• We'll be doing a Q&A session in a few minutes, going in on October 1st.
• Table 14, but more specifically to San Juan County, Senator [ID: member_12846], this is an important
• I hope after October 1st I can afford to go visit the parks. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Typically, it's preferred to age meat for 14 to 21 days, and they're struggling to do that.

Transcript Highlights:

• I, of course, can't make a guarantee as I sit here in September or October of 2025.
• That eclipsed the 2023–2024 value, which came in at $48 million at 14 million pounds, and the 2022–2023
• The task force is going to meet again in two weeks, October 15th and 16th.
• The task force is going to meet again in two weeks, October 15th and 16th.
• The task force is going to meet again in two weeks, October 15th and 16th.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's on October 10th and 11th; Saturday the 11th is when the parade starts at 10.
• Currently, we are up to. 14 gaming tribes and 22 gaming facilities.
• Slide 14 discusses our coordination with Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes.
• It is also important to mention that the upcoming hearing will be held on October 9th from 9 to 11 at
• . meetings that will be happening in October, and I'll detail those in my email to you as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see a summary of those partnerships in Table 14, and I can tell you very excitedly that in the
• And then on page 14 Endorsement area hours for people who want to specialize in special ed.
• Those other charts on page 14 and 16 with bilingual ed and special ed courses are in this chart under
• And then when you look on page 14, now seeing the information in black and white, this is really Sad
• So we have that in we have advertised for construction in October.

Transcript Highlights:

• BILL 1144 AND 46 BY SENATOR BURGESS HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY POSTPONED AND SO UP FIRST WE TAKE UP TAB 14
• SENATE BILL 1200. >> Senator Gruters: THIS IS A CLEAN BILL ON BEHALF OF LP, A MINOR WHO WAS STABBED 14
• THANK YOU. >> TAB 14 AFFIRMATIVE. >> Sen. Trumbull: ANYONE ELSE? >> Sen. Davis: YES. THANK YOU MR.
• I WOULD LIKE TO BE RECORDED ON THE AFFIRMATIVE IN TAB ONE, TAB 11, TAB 10, TAB 14.
• I NEED TO RECORD A VOTE IN THE AFFIRMATIVE ON TAB ONE, FOUR, 10, 11 AND 14. IS THEIR OBJECTION?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we're going to go to Tab 14 Cs for SB 806 on the riveting Florida dress code.
• was a 25 percent drop the road fatalities in October, there was a 25 percent drop in deaths and Ohio
• One SB 14 on relief of the state of and you know, be on the air by the city of Miami Beach.
• Sb 14 is reported favorably next tab. 2 SB 20 on Relief of Jn a minor by Hillsborough County.
• Madam Chair, Affirmative tab. 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 1920. >> Is there any objection to all those

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a quorum, and it is not October. It is April, so let me make that correction.
• Senate Bill 14. All right, staff will read in Senate Bill 14. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senate Bill 14 is based on recommendations from the 2025 Senate Study Resolution Work Group.
• Representative Bill has made a motion to move SB 14 favorably. All right.
• Representative Bill has made a motion to move SB 14 favorably.

Bills: SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB416, SB455, SB456, SB477

Keywords: Municipal Employees' Retirement System, Louisiana, participation, employer, retirement, SB 10, Act 222, Louisiana State Police Retirement System, state police retirement, retirement system funding, employer contributions, actuarial gains, amortization, Permanent Benefit Increase, PBI account, benefit increase reserve, supplemental permanent benefit increase, public retirement systems, state pension, pension funding

Summary: The Retirement Committee met on April 29, 2026, established a quorum, and heard a series of retirement-related bills, mostly cleanup or technical measures affecting various public retirement systems. SB 22 would extend Municipal Employees Retirement System eligibility to certain positions in the Second City Court constable’s office in New Orleans. SB 17 would create a funding deposit account for cost-of-living adjustments for registrars of voters’ employees’ retirement system. SB 455 would allow certain district and parish courts to participate in the Parochial Employees Retirement System. SB 456 would update compensation rules for assigned retired judges, and SB 8 would add the Louisiana Asset Management Pool as a participating employer in MERS. All of these bills were described as aligning statutes with current practice or expanding participation options, and each was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard several Louisiana State Police retirement bills. SB 10 would repeal outdated priority allocation and retiree raise rules and adjust handling of surplus employee contributions; SB 11 would increase the funding cap for benefit increases from 2.5% to 3.5%; and SB 12 would update membership and definition language to reflect the State Police Commission rather than the Civil Service Commission. SB 18 would repeal a special exception allowing certain MERS retirees to return to part-time work while collecting full benefits, while protecting roughly 30 current participants. SB 20 and SB 21 would update actuarial gain/loss and unfunded liability funding rules for school employees’ retirement and LASERS, respectively, in light of the new permanent benefit increase funding structure. Each of these bills was supported by system officials as cleanup or modernization measures and was reported favorably. The committee spent the most time on education and return-to-work issues for teachers and public employees. SB 16 would reduce annual trustee training requirements for retirement system boards from 16 hours back to 12 hours, which witnesses said would better fit smaller systems and match the original intent of the law. SB 13 would similarly update TRSL’s actuarial funding rules after the sunset of the experience account. SB 14, based on a 2025 study work group, would consolidate and simplify TRSL return-to-work rules and expand options for retired teachers, with witnesses emphasizing teacher shortages and the need to retain experienced educators. All three were reported favorably. Finally, SB 416 would allow certain Department of Public Safety and Corrections retirees to return to critical shortage positions after one year, and SB 477 would classify the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board as a full-time state employee for retirement purposes. Both bills drew questions and discussion, especially SB 416, and both were reported favorably. The chair announced the committee’s next meeting would be moved from Monday to Tuesday, and the meeting adjourned.