Transcript Highlights:

• These factors combine to make it critical now more than ever for our higher education system to These
• factors combine to make it critical now more than ever for our higher education system to adapt to meet
• These factors combine make it critical now more than ever for our higher education system to, These factors

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on community college procurement, higher education access, and student support. SB 1154 by Senator Reyes would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. Supporters, including San Bernardino Valley College, the San Bernardino Community College District, labor groups, and several districts, said it would improve delivery of complex facilities and align community colleges with other education systems. Opponents, including the Associated General Contractors, argued the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce requirements and labor-compliance scoring would narrow the bidder pool and raise costs. The committee passed the bill to the Assembly Floor on a due-pass vote, with some members voting no or not recorded. SB 1255, also by Senator Reyes, would create a California Hispanic-serving institution designation. Supporters from HACU, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, UC, community colleges, and other education organizations said the designation would recognize campuses that serve large numbers of Latino and low-income students and strengthen accountability and student success. The committee approved the bill as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, with one no vote. SB 1328, presented on behalf of Senator Cervantes, would require LGBTQ+ points of contact at satellite or branch campuses of CSU and community colleges, either through designated staff or regular office hours. Testimony emphasized gaps in access at remote centers and the need for confidential support; one member raised concerns about staffing, costs, and whether existing systems could meet the need remotely. The bill was passed as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 960 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand the circumstances under which community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in response to unmet workforce needs, especially where CSU programs are impacted or not realistically accessible locally. Supporters said the bill would help meet workforce demand and expand access for place-bound and adult learners. CSU and faculty representatives opposed unless amended, urging stronger partnership requirements, clearer workforce-need standards, and safeguards around duplication and Prop 98 funding. Members discussed impaction, regional access, and the role of partnerships; the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 632 by Senator Otagan would extend the California College Promise fee waiver to part-time community college students enrolled in nine units. Supporters said many students cannot attend full time because of work, caregiving, and living costs, and the bill would better reflect student realities; the transcript ends during testimony on this measure, before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• a written finding as to whether a parent's disability causes actual harm to their child and is a factor
• parent's disability causes potential harm to the child if the parent's disability is to be used as a factor
• records, but this is going to be the sort of things that they look at, and this fails to consider other factors
• It provides a framework for considering sole and shared custody and certain factors for that shared custody

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on a wide range of state, probate, and family bills, with chairs Edwards and Day outlining strict testimony limits and accepting written testimony. Early testimony focused on H. 1911/S. 1138, which would clarify that a durable power of attorney may create a trust if that authority is expressly granted; sponsors and elder law advocates said the bill would resolve uncertainty created by the Barbetti decision and align Massachusetts with other states. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1102, a proposal to establish medical panels in Probate and Family Court. Supporters, including attorneys, parents, physicians, and advocates, said neutral three-doctor panels would help judges resolve disputed medical issues in guardianship and custody cases involving children, elders, and people with disabilities. Testifiers described cases where medical treatment was blocked or contested by one parent or guardian, arguing the panels would provide impartial expertise and protect vulnerable people. The committee also heard support for bills addressing disability discrimination in family court, military parents’ custody rights, and a shared parenting bill, H. 1710, which drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and others who said a 50-50 presumption could harm survivors and children. The committee also took testimony on several probate and court-administration measures. Senator Lovely supported a bill on nominee trust partition, and Senator Comerford and probate officials backed legislation to codify additional registry staff positions and modernize registry operations. Other bills discussed included foster care liability insurance, with providers warning that rising premiums and loss of coverage could force program closures; health care proxy storage and activation; access to decedents’ email accounts; uniform trust decanting; the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act; heirs’ property partition protections; a constitutional right to health care; alimony-related reforms; child-centered family law; and a right of disposition for funeral arrangements. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is the first time that environmental harm has been such a big factor in elections that has been
• So this is the first time that environmental harm has been such a big factor in elections that has been
• There are many factors supporting healthy tooth and enamel: less sugar, adequate minerals, including
• In public health, a 10-fold safety factor is typically required to protect vulnerable populations.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• think the retaliation, I think the very fear of the initial engagement, are all very big motivating factors
• separation from a primary caregiver, sibling relationships have been shown to be a strong protective factor
• to be placed with each other due to foster home availability and other uncontrollable department factors
• Massachusetts does at a rate 60% above the national average, even when rates of family poverty are factored

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a package of Department of Children and Families bills focused on care and protection proceedings, sibling placement, parenting time, foster parent eligibility, adoption timelines, and a proposed Harmony Montgomery Commission. Rep. Marjorie Decker framed her bills as a set intended to reduce trauma for children removed from home by promoting sibling placement, visitation, cultural continuity, and limits on barriers to foster/adoptive placement. Witnesses from CASA, the Massachusetts Child Welfare Coalition, CPCS, and others generally supported the sibling-placement and parenting-time bills and the Harmony Commission, while several urged that the commission include a birth parent with lived experience and that its scope remain focused on child safety and family rights. A former juvenile court judge also supported the Harmony Commission, citing failures in the Harmony Montgomery case and broader concerns about DCF power and child representation. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing focused on Senate 114, the “Family Protection and Transparency Act,” which would require DCF to provide families with written and verbal notice of their rights during investigations, including the right to remain silent, consult counsel, and refuse entry absent legal authority except in emergencies. Supporters included parents, former foster youth, attorneys, advocates, and a peer mentor, many of whom described personal experiences of confusion, coercion, retaliation, and family separation when DCF became involved. They argued the bill would improve due process, language access, transparency, and accountability without limiting DCF’s emergency powers. Several witnesses also described intergenerational DCF involvement and said families often need resources and legal guidance rather than punitive intervention. Testimony on House 268 emphasized the importance of keeping siblings together in foster care whenever possible. Advocates cited research showing better mental health, educational, and reunification outcomes when siblings remain together, and several young people testified about being separated from brothers and sisters and the lasting impact of that separation. CPCS supported the bill and said regular sibling visitation should be required when joint placement is not possible. House 269, 270, 271, 288, and 293 were also on the notice, but the transcript reflects little or no testimony on some of those measures. The hearing concluded after the committee heard from all scheduled witnesses and invited written testimony for additional details.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the number one factor in whether a family rebuilt or not was insurance, the industry that we're discussing
• Today, California has limited information about key employment factors, including hours worked in occupation
• Today, California has limited information about key employment factors, including hours worked in occupation
• Today, California has limited information about key employment factors, including hours worked in occupation

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on insurance transparency, claims handling, privacy, and regulatory enforcement. SB 877 and SB 878 by Senator Pérez addressed post-disaster claims practices: SB 877 would require insurers to disclose original and revised loss estimates and related claim materials to policyholders, while SB 878 would add automatic interest penalties for delayed claim decisions or payments and require written identification of disputed items. Fire survivors, consumer groups, AARP, the Department of Insurance, and other advocates supported both bills, while insurer groups moved to neutral after amendments. Both bills were voted out on roll call and reported to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand data sharing and reporting to improve workforce program evaluation and help counties verify work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using employer-reported hours worked. County officials, workforce advocates, and the Department of Insurance supported the measure, and no opposition was heard. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Labor and Employment. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, presented with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the commissioner stronger enforcement tools to require insurers to carry out corrective actions identified in market conduct examinations, including fines and hearings for noncompliance. The commissioner and author said the bill would close an enforcement gap and improve accountability; there was no opposition testimony, but the bill was left on call after the roll. The committee also heard SB 354 on insurance privacy, presented by Senator Padilla on behalf of Pro Tem Limón, which would modernize insurance privacy rules by expanding consumer rights over personal data, limiting sale and use of sensitive information, and increasing disclosure requirements. Supporters said the bill updates outdated 1980s-era rules, while insurers, agents, and business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance burdens, and small-business impacts. Members indicated the bill was still being negotiated and would return in a revised form in the Privacy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of the conference factors, there's clearly some interest on the House side, too.
• 00:17:32.240><c> of</c><00:17:32.320><c> the</c><00:17:32.400><c> conference</c><00:17:32.760><c> factors
• ,</c> In terms of the conference factors, In terms of the conference factors, there's<00:17:33.800><c

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues. A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief. The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.

Transcript Highlights:

• sexual orientation, even where statistical correlations may exist, because we recognize that some factors
• availability to get insured under the FAIR Plan, either because of the limitations on coverage or other factors
• availability to get insured under the fair plan, either because of the limitations on coverage or other factors
• to be answered by the opposition witnesses, but nothing about this bill would change any of those factors

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy insurance-focused agenda, including special-order bills on wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan accountability, aerial imagery, genetic testing, and wildfire moratoriums. AB 1888 would require California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be performed by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; it drew support from the author, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and labor representatives, with no opposition heard. AB 1680, the “Make-It-Fair Act,” would impose accountability and consumer-protection reforms on the California FAIR Plan in response to Department of Insurance examination findings; it passed out on a do-pass motion to Appropriations, though the FAIR Plan Association remained opposed unless amended. AB 1559 would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial images of homes and allow in-person inspection requests; it passed on a do-pass motion to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with broad support and one “concern” witness. The committee also took up AB 1798, which would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing, for underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. Supporters, including the author, the Insurance Commissioner, the ALS Association, and several consumer and biotech groups, argued the bill would reduce fear of genetic discrimination and encourage testing and research. Opponents from life insurance and financial advisor groups argued the bill could impair risk-based underwriting and raise premiums, especially in the middle market. After extensive back-and-forth on the distinction between predictive genetic data and doctor-assessed medical risk, the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a do-pass vote, with several members voting no. AB 2038 would extend wildfire-related nonrenewal moratoriums from two to three years for total-loss homes and from one to two years for homes in and around fire zones. Supporters said the change better matches the real rebuilding timeline after major fires and protects displaced homeowners from losing coverage while rebuilding. Insurers and trade groups opposed the measure, warning that longer moratoriums could force carriers to reduce exposure elsewhere and worsen the broader availability crisis. The bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote. The committee also approved AB 1800, which adds eyewear to portable electronics insurance coverage, and moved a consent calendar of additional bills, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471. Later, AB 2198 was introduced to clarify title-rate filing responsibilities between title insurers and underwritten title companies and to require rate schedules to be posted publicly.

Transcript Highlights:

• sexual orientation, even where statistical correlations may exist, because we recognize that some factors
• availability to get insured under the FAIR Plan, either because of the limitations on coverage or other factors
• to be answered by the opposition witnesses, but nothing about this bill would change any of those factors
• to be answered by the opposition witnesses, but nothing about this bill would change any of those factors

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there's kind of two factors going on here.
• Now, there's kind of two factors going on here.
• finally, what we do is make sure that the funding mechanism that stays in Now, there's kind of two factors
• going Now, there's kind of two factors going on<00:25:21.000><c> here.

Committee: House Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Of those 750 applicants, 23 Idahoans were selected based on a variety of factors.
• Wildlife populations are affected by many factors beyond the control of the commission.
• Wildlife populations are affected by many factors beyond the control of the Commission.
• And if you factor in the amount of time that the volunteers put into it, it was very extensive.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Those risk factors are already recognized for other protected employees.
• 00:01:45.840><c> and</c><00:01:46.079><c> evictions</c><00:01:46.880><c> risk</c><00:01:47.280><c> factors
• </c> denials, and evictions risk factors denials, and evictions risk factors already<00:01:48.320><c>

Bills: HF4141 , HF3951

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes out the words 'the inflationary growth factor for assessment growth' and inserts in lieu thereof
• perfection today with the title that's still up there on the board about the inflationary growth factor
• from Jackson's question here, and the bill itself here, start on line, so the inflationary growth factor
• Looking at the makeup of the consumer price index, the biggest factor is food costs and housing costs

Summary: The House met after a quorum was established and began with several introductions of special guests, including job shadows, 4-H participants, and interns. The chamber then moved to House Bills for Perfection, taking up HB 1707, which would stop sales tax from being imposed on credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members asked for clarification about the bill’s scope and the title amendment, and the bill sponsor explained that the measure simply prevents tax from being charged on those fees. HB 1707 was then ordered perfected and printed. The House next considered HB 2819, a bill responding to the end of penny minting by authorizing rounding of cash sales to the nearest five cents. Supporters said the bill would give businesses a clear legal framework and reduce compliance risk. The chamber adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then took up HB 2103, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill aimed at strengthening penalties, requiring warning signs in recorder of deeds offices, and speeding court review for alleged victims. Supporters said it was needed to deter fraudulent deed filings and protect homeowners, while opponents argued it focused too much on notaries and recorders rather than the people committing the fraud. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. The House also debated HB 1800, which would lower the inflationary cap on certain property-tax revenue growth from 5% to 3%. The discussion centered on whether the change would protect taxpayers or reduce funding for schools, fire districts, libraries, and other local services. An amendment was adopted that broadened the title and added property-assessment language, and the bill was then ordered perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered HB 2600, dealing with ambulance district consolidation and governance. The bill was described as a response to struggling rural EMS systems, with provisions for consolidation plans, public hearings, and voter involvement. An amendment modified the process for subdistricts, at-large districts, timing, and merger procedures, and the committee substitute as amended was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then moved to announcements and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are other factors at play.
• It's got to be a big factor. Because it's assembly-line, right?
• They have limited significantly over the years because of the factors that go into the cost.
• They have limited significantly over the years because of the factors that go into the cost.

Committee: House Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes out the words “the inflationary growth factor for assessment growth” and inserts in lieu thereof
• perfection today with the title that's still up there on the board about the inflationary growth factor
• question here and the bill itself here, start on like In the bill itself here, the inflationary growth factor
• Looking at the makeup of the consumer price index, the biggest factor is food costs and housing costs

Summary: The House met after a quorum call and several members introduced job shadows, interns, and 4-H guests. Once 93 members were present, the chamber moved to House Bills for Perfection. House Bill 1707 was taken up first and amended with a title change; sponsors said it would stop the Department of Revenue from taxing credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members described it as a small-business measure, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed as amended. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2819, which would authorize rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents in light of the penny’s elimination. Supporters said it would give businesses clear authority to round and avoid compliance problems or lawsuits. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2103 followed, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill that would require warning signs in recorder offices, increase penalties for false filings and notary-related fraud, and raise fines for notary seal vendors. Supporters said it was aimed at deterring deed fraud and protecting homeowners; some members questioned whether it went far enough or whether it could burden honest notaries. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 1800, dealing with the Hancock Amendment inflationary growth factor for property tax assessments, drew the most debate. An amendment changed the title and another amendment lowered the cap on revenue growth from 5% to 3% when inflation exceeds that level. Supporters argued it would help taxpayers keep more of their money; opponents warned it would reduce funding for schools, fire districts, ambulance districts, libraries, and community colleges and could force more frequent ballot measures. The amendment and the bill were both adopted, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2600, which would create a clearer process for ambulance district consolidation and improve rural EMS access, was also amended to preserve county commission authority over subdistricts, allow at-large districts in some cases, require voter approval for mergers, and tighten timing and election procedures. Members said the changes would help struggling ambulance districts while keeping local control, and the substitute was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then adjourned after announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, with the earlier setting of the phase-in factor, our campuses are able to include the Middle
• remaining after that is the MCS eligibility based on the present budget, and that's where the phase-in factor
• the awards of folks over $200,000 are averaging over $4,000 if you take into account all of those factors
• We believe that one factor driving the increase in recipients is the fact that the California Community

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, with the earlier setting of the phasing factor, our campuses are able to include the Middle
• remaining after that is the MCS eligibility based on the present budget, and that's where the phase-in factor
• the awards of folks over $200,000 are averaging over $4,000 if you take into account all of those factors
• We believe that one factor driving the increase in recipients is the fact that the California Community

Summary: The subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s budget proposals and higher education financial aid trends, with a major focus on the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), Cal Grant spending, and the effects of recent federal student aid changes. The Department of Finance said the budget would fully fund Cal Grant at projected levels and reduce MCS coverage from 35% to 17.5% of unmet need in 2026-27, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office supported considering the reduction as a cost-saving measure given out-year deficits. UC and CSU representatives opposed the cut, saying MCS is important to affordability and debt-free degree goals; they estimated average awards would fall substantially and that campuses do not have funds to backfill the loss. The Student Aid Commission said the proposal would reduce aid but simplify administration, and members questioned how lower awards would affect students, borrowing, and work-study options. No vote was taken, and the issue was held open for possible future action. The committee then discussed federal changes to student loans and Pell Grant policy under H.R. 1, including caps on Parent PLUS loans, elimination of Grad PLUS loans, and new proration rules for federal direct loans based on enrollment intensity. The LAO said these changes would likely push some borrowers into the private market, especially graduate and professional students and some parents of students at private institutions. CSU said the changes would affect thousands of graduate and part-time students and could reduce access by about $97 million in loan availability for part-time borrowers, while UC said the new definitions of professional degrees were too restrictive and would reduce access for nursing, teaching, law, dentistry, and other programs. Community colleges said they use relatively little federal loan aid but are monitoring Workforce Pell. Members raised concerns about workforce impacts, social mobility, and whether the state should consider alternative loan programs or other ways to reduce student costs. This issue was also held open. In the segment financial aid update, the LAO reported Cal Grant spending is projected to rise to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by more recipients and higher awards tied to UC and CSU tuition increases, while CSAC said FAFSA and CADAA applications are up significantly year over year. CSU, community colleges, and UC described their aid packaging and rising aid totals, with CSU reporting over $5.5 billion in aid to 381,000 students, community colleges reporting over $4.3 billion to more than 920,000 students, and UC reporting $3.17 billion in grant aid to undergraduates. Members asked about Cal Grant reform, application trends, and long-term outcomes; UC and community colleges pointed to alumni and wage dashboards, and the LAO noted the state’s Cradle to Career data effort. The committee then took public comment, including testimony on library funding and other education-related priorities, and concluded by holding the issues open without formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona's child custody domestic violence statute to make a domestic violence finding a dominant factor
• Madam Whip, members, House Bill 2330 adds the total character of an area to the factors to be considered
• Madam Whip, members, House Bill 2341, as amended by ENRU, outlines additional determining factors for
• of the depreciated cost for specified renewable energy and storage equipment, depending on certain factors

Summary: The meeting was a lengthy caucus-style review of many bills and resolutions across multiple committees, with staff giving brief descriptions and most items placed on consent or third-read consent calendars. Topics included appropriations, commerce, education, government, health and human services, environment, public safety, and transportation. Measures discussed ranged from school policy and board continuations to housing, water, public safety, licensing, and election-related changes. Several bills were noted as strike-everything amendments or as having been amended in committee. A number of bills drew sponsor comments or brief questions. In education, members discussed bills on teacher strikes, school math placement, school meals, student clubs, bond election disclosures, and a proposed commission on student outcomes. In health and human services, members discussed nursing board rules, pharmacist testing and treatment authority, medical records timelines, opioid antagonist expiration dates, and a proposed constitutional amendment on the right to refuse medical mandates. In government and public safety, members debated funding and staffing issues for DPS and corrections, including a proposed public safety parity fund, as well as bills on county sheriffs, legal representation for DPS, and corrections oversight funding. There was also discussion of election and local government measures, including inactive voter list procedures, circulator disclosure rules, and committee termination filings. Other topics included housing affordability districts, development fees, historic-area middle housing exemptions, water and groundwater management, environmental compatibility siting, and trade-related commissions. One notable exchange involved HB 4044, where members debated whether using rainy day fund interest for public safety pay was fiscally responsible; supporters argued it was a practical way to fund raises, while opponents said it would weaken the fund and should instead be handled through the general fund. No roll-call votes were taken in the transcript, and most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or third-read consent calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for our friends from the fire departments, I wanted to ask a question about what factors are driving
• question departments, I wanted to ask a question about<00:19:14.640><c> what</c><00:19:14.880><c> factors
• </c><00:19:15.280><c> are</c><00:19:15.440><c> driving</c><00:19:15.760><c> the</c> about what factors
• are driving the about what factors are driving the financial<00:19:16.400><c> pressure</c><00:19:16.799

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We have no factors that were found to increase the normal cost.
• And that was because all of those factors lined up to help us.
• And I finish each of these reports with something called actuarial equivalence factors, which are things
• Most important to that would be option factors when people want to choose to cover someone other than

Summary: The Public Retirement System Actuarial Committee met on February 23, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and heard no public comment. The committee then reviewed actuarial valuation reports and, for most systems, accompanying experience studies. The actuaries reported generally favorable investment and demographic experience across the systems, with funded ratios improving and employer contribution rates declining in several plans. They also explained the role of funding deposit accounts, frozen unfunded liabilities in some plans, and how recent legislative changes, especially the move to five-year DROP periods in some systems, affected assumptions and costs. For the Louisiana Clerk of Court Retirement Relief Fund, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum recommended employer rate of 14.75%. For the District Attorney’s Retirement System, it adopted the valuation and experience study and recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 3.00%. For the Firefighters’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 25.5%, and noted that DROP balances left on deposit will earn the market rate of return of 11.7%. The committee also adopted the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System valuation for both Plan A and Plan B, recognizing fiscal 2027 minimum rates of 20.75% and 8.75%, respectively. It adopted the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 26.5%, a DROP crediting rate of 7.4%, and a policy range up to 29.35% for future contributions. For the Registrars of Voters Employees’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 0%, and noted a $207,683 allocation to the Member Supplemental Savings Fund for fiscal 2026. Finally, it adopted the Sheriff’s Pension and Relief Fund valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 7.75%. All motions passed without objection, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A key factor in organizational transformation was looking out for the mental health and well-being of
• </c> A<00:14:27.279><c> key</c><00:14:27.440><c> factor</c><00:14:27.680><c> in</c><00:14:27.920><c>
• organizational</c> A key factor in organizational A key factor in organizational transformation transformation