Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:20.720> as<00:11:21.040> as<00:11:21.240> if<00:11:21.320> you
• > there's<00:11:43.200> no<00:11:43.360> reason<00:11:43.639> to<00:11:43.760
• > uh<01:11:45.120> one<01:11:45.239> of<01:11:45.400> our<01:11:45.639>
• <01:11:49.840> we<01:11:50.280> discover<01:11:51.080> that<01:11:51.440>
• > sacred<01:11:52.960> five<01:11:53.199> letters<01:11:54.000> are<01:11

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:40.120> that<00:11:40.440> is<00:11:40.640> marked<00:11:41.000> on
• on the map<00:11:42.400> that<00:11:42.640> is<00:11:43.080> uh<00:11:43.280>
• > shown<00:11:46.680> on<00:11:46.800> that<00:11:47.040> map<00:11:47.280
• And<00:11:52.560> uh<00:11:52.760> that<00:11:53.080> would<00:11:53.240> be<
• <00:11:58.960> Chair,<00:11:59.160> members<00:11:59.480> of<00:11:59.560>

Bills: HF3643, HF3426, HF4222, HF4224

Keywords: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• I brought<01:11:00.800> that<01:11:01.040> driver's<01:11:01.520> license,<01:11
• > marriage<01:11:05.840> license,<01:11:06.719> and<01:11:06.960> was<01:11:
• <01:11:11.760> been<01:11:11.920> doing<01:11:12.239> this<01:11:12.880> for<
• <01:11:18.800> to<01:11:19.040> vote<01:11:19.760> in<01:11:20.080> this<
• <01:11:30.719> Um,<01:11:31.440> and<01:11:31.600> and<01:11:32.000> I

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 4240, an elections administration bill, was introduced as a package of updates to absentee voting, statewide voter registration system use, early voting procedures, recordkeeping, removal of outdated statutory language, and reimbursement for municipalities and counties that administer certain special elections. The author, Rep. Freiberg, described the bill as a modernization and efficiency measure that would clarify procedures while maintaining election security. Several amendments were adopted. The A4 amendment, offered by Rep. Freiberg, was described as aligning language with the Senate and passed without objection. The A6 amendment, offered by Rep. Cosnik, would give school districts more direction on polling locations for special elections in multi-county districts; Rep. Lee raised concerns that it could affect many districts statewide and questioned whether it applied to early voting, while Rep. Cosnik said it was narrowly tailored and intended to prevent disenfranchisement. Rep. Freiberg and Rep. Lee both said they would support it as a voter-access measure despite possible costs, and it was adopted. The A5 amendment, offered by Rep. Schultz, would require the Secretary of State to provide voter information to the U.S. Department of Justice upon request for civil-rights and federal voting-law enforcement; it was debated at length, with supporters framing it as election integrity and opponents arguing it would jeopardize voter privacy and could be used by the Trump administration to pressure Minnesota. The amendment was adopted after a roll call request. The debate on A5 was especially contentious, with Republicans arguing the state should cooperate with federal efforts to clean voter rolls and Democrats arguing the DOJ had overreached, mishandled civil-rights investigations, and sought voter data without a lawful need. Members on both sides cited voter fraud, privacy, and federal-state election authority, and several speakers referenced recent DOJ actions and court disputes. The transcript ends during further discussion of the federal role in elections, with no final disposition on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:17.720> Um<00:11:18.720> what<00:11:18.880> are<00:11:19.040> the<
• And when<00:11:22.240> we<00:11:22.399> get<00:11:22.560> to<00:11:22.800> the
• formula<00:11:25.200> which<00:11:25.440> we<00:11:25.760> have<00:11:26.160
• /c><00:11:30.000> a<00:11:30.240> a<00:11:30.640> student<00:11:30.880> in
• ><00:11:31.120> the<00:11:31.360> state<00:11:32.160> is<00:11:32.880> uh

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its second meeting on House Bill 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and discussed whether to also examine differentiated aid within the adequacy formula. The chair said the committee had previously heard from HHS/Medicaid officials and now wanted to hear from local special education directors about how the aid system works in practice, including billing, training, data collection, and whether districts handle claims consistently. Members also referenced Arkansas as a possible comparison state and said they hoped to develop ideas by November to address the current funding process. Committee members focused on the current special education aid thresholds and the impact of proration. The chair described the existing formula as requiring districts to absorb costs up to 3.5 times the state average per student, with the state paying 80% from 3.5 times through 10 times and paying above that, and said FY25 appropriated about $34 million while actual claims were about $50.1 million, leaving roughly a $16 million shortfall that caused proration. Members also raised the possibility of lowering the threshold to 2.5 times and asked how that would affect the number of eligible students and costs. Another member asked about how districts decide whether services are education-related or medical-related and how Medicaid or private insurance reimbursement affects later state aid claims. District representatives from Boothby Therapy Services, Bedford, and Guilford introduced themselves and described their roles. Guilford’s director said the district tracks students with paraprofessional support, nurses, transportation, or specialized programming, uses a data system to log every service touchpoint, and tries to maximize both Medicaid and special education aid; she said a lower threshold would likely capture all students with paras or nurses and that rising staffing and service costs would increase the number of students over the cap. Bedford’s assistant director said the district uses a different system, tracks roughly 60 to 80 students a year, and pursues Medicaid and special education aid simultaneously but does not pursue private insurance if it would affect FAPE; she said reducing the threshold to 2.5 times would likely double the number of qualifying students. Members asked follow-up questions about software, data entry, and how districts decide whether to bill Medicaid or seek state catastrophic aid, and the directors explained that their systems log services by staff type and student, with some districts using the same data for both Medicaid and state reimbursement claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03.120> yes<00:11:03.320> and<00:11:03.399> I'd<00:11:03.600> like<00:11
• you<00:11:06.399> should<00:11:06.639> have<00:11:06.800> on<00:11:06.959
• of that testimony<00:11:38.839> and<00:11:39.000> I<00:11:39.200> blended<00:11
• then<00:11:43.040> I<00:11:43.160> sent<00:11:43.440> it<00:11:43.639> back<
• :11:46.000> for<00:11:46.240> review<00:11:47.200> and<00:11:47.320> they

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we said,<01:11:16.040> "Well,<01:11:16.320> it<01:11:16.600> is<01:11:16.880
• "<01:11:22.240> And<01:11:22.440> so,<01:11:22.560> we<01:11:22.720> had<
• <01:11:25.880> I<01:11:26.400> I<01:11:26.440> think<01:11:26.640> this
• :44.920> we<01:11:45.000> did<01:11:45.200> assist<01:11:45.480> in<01:11
• c><03:11:35.400> we<03:11:35.520> can<03:11:35.720> do<03:11:35.920> that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.959> And<00:11:11.120> with<00:11:11.360> me<00:11:11.600> today<00:11
• <00:11:14.000> the<00:11:14.240> director<00:11:14.560> of<00:11:14.720> our<
• :23.680> than<00:11:23.839> the<00:11:24.079> one<00:11:24.240> that<00:11
• still<00:11:45.600> be<00:11:45.760> tasked<00:11:46.079> with<00:11:46.240>
• I think<00:11:47.839> it's<00:11:48.160> intended<00:11:48.480> to<00:11:48.640>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.880> with<00:11:03.040> the<00:11:03.200> names<00:11:03.440> of
• of all their<00:11:03.839> guests<00:11:04.160> for<00:11:04.399> public<00:11:
• 11:13.680> back<00:11:13.839> of<00:11:14.000> the<00:11:14.160> door<00:
• :11:26.480> travelers<00:11:26.880> are<00:11:27.120> checking<00:11:27.360>
• > the<00:11:31.120> room<00:11:31.440> or<00:11:31.680> in<00:11:31.839><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a budget-related issue involving liquor commission enforcement staff and tobacco enforcement funding. A member explained that proposed cuts to “group two” enforcement positions at the liquor commission could jeopardize the tobacco enforcement money that flows to Health and Human Services, and expressed confidence that the enforcement division would ultimately be preserved. The main hearing was on Senate Bill 19, which would modernize hotel and motel statutes by repealing outdated requirements. The sponsor and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the bill would remove obsolete rules such as the old guest book/card system and antiquated posting requirements for room rates and motel signs. Members questioned whether the bill would eliminate the requirement to record guest departure dates or affect inspection rights, and the witnesses said the intent was only to remove the book-and-card reference while leaving the rest of the recordkeeping requirement in place. Supporters argued the rate-posting rules are widely ignored, hard to enforce, and outdated in an era of digital reservations and variable pricing; the committee also discussed whether any consumer-protection purpose remained. The public hearing on SB 19 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 280FN, which would require food delivery services to have an agreement with a restaurant or food retail store before offering delivery from that business. The sponsor said the bill restores a prior law that had sunset and was intended to prevent third-party platforms from listing restaurants without consent. Restaurant industry testimony strongly supported the bill, describing problems with unauthorized listings, delayed deliveries, and reimbursement disputes, and saying the agreement requirement protects restaurant brands and consumer expectations. Members shared examples of delivery problems and voiced support for reinstating the safeguard.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:00.160> You<00:11:00.280> know,<00:11:00.640> I<00:11:00.680> want
• has<00:11:21.640> been<00:11:22.280> established<00:11:23.120> under<00:11:23.880
• Because it would<00:11:45.680> seem<00:11:46.000> that<00:11:46.720> by<00:11:46.920
• Yeah, I I<00:11:54.600> think<00:11:55.120> uh<00:11:55.200> thank<00:11:55.360>
• Uh<00:11:56.720> I<00:11:56.920> believe<00:11:57.960> by<00:11:58.400> coming

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:01.600> We<00:11:01.839> appreciate<00:11:02.320> the<00:11:02.560>
• c><00:11:04.399> subject<00:11:04.640> matter<00:11:05.040> expert<00:11:05.360>
• :05.760> room<00:11:06.240> if<00:11:06.399> you<00:11:06.560> have<00:11
• <00:11:33.040> years<00:11:33.279> or<00:11:33.519> so<00:11:33.839> just
• just emphasizing the<00:11:34.959> need<00:11:35.120> for<00:11:35.360> us<00:11

Bills: HB1602, HB2246, HB1707, HB2216, HB2594, HB2595, HB2155, HB2113, HB2207, HB1832, HB2015, HB2152, HB2548

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio

Transcript Highlights:

• > with<00:11:23.680> one<00:11:24.000> item<00:11:25.120> um<00:11:25.519
• acquire<00:11:43.600> the<00:11:43.920> necessary<00:11:44.480> skills<00:11:44.959
• 11:06.320> Peace<01:11:06.960> and<01:11:07.199> the<01:11:07.360> coordinator
• <01:11:12.000> We<01:11:12.239> will<01:11:12.480> update<01:11:12.880> the
• And<01:11:16.320> I<01:11:16.560> believe<01:11:16.800> that's<01:11:17.120>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Education and Higher Education first heard HCR 75 and HR 67, which ask the Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi to assess criteria for building an educational pipeline and curriculum for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The Department of Education said it would stand on its written testimony, and UH supported the measure, noting existing community college and four-year programs related to the topic. Members asked how DOE promotes cybersecurity opportunities and whether it provides funding; DOE said schools usually connect with partners and its office works with them, but it does not have separate funding for such efforts. UH also explained that some advanced manufacturing concepts may overlap with 3D printing, material sciences, and entrepreneurship, and described P20 as a forum for aligning K-12 and higher education pathways. The committees then recessed the joint hearing and moved to the Education Committee agenda. The committee next heard HCR 46 and HR 39, which would make DOE recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. DOE said it already uses facilities agreements with insurance, liability waivers, indemnification, and certificates of insurance to protect schools. The Attorney General opposed the resolutions, warning that unrestricted public use without safeguards could create substantial liability and cost risks for the state. The measure’s introducer said the goal was to help underserved communities that lack access to public recreation spaces, and DOE said it would be open to joint-use arrangements with larger organizations but remained concerned about vandalism and liability. The committee also heard HCR 86 and HR 80 on creating an Aloha Civics working group, with DOE offering comments and Common Cause Hawaiʻi strongly supporting the idea. DOE described a civic learning and engagement task force that met with stakeholders, including UH and the PACE Commission, and produced recommendations such as building partnership inventories, integrating civic learning across grade levels, and aligning the work with DOE’s HA framework and learner outcomes. Common Cause said civic education can be implemented effectively and affordably, citing existing school projects such as ranked-choice voting and classroom constitutions. Later, the committee took up HCR 87 and HR 81, urging an annual Climate Week in public schools. DOE again stood on written comments, while the Climate Change and Health Working Group, Climate Future Forum, a student from Kaimuki High School, and other supporters argued that a dedicated week would ensure consistent climate education, build resilience, and connect climate issues to health, food security, and disaster preparedness. Supporters said existing climate-related opportunities are uneven across schools and that a formal Climate Week would create a more equitable approach. The committee then heard HCR 95 and HR 91 on informing students about changes to gun safety and storage laws; DOE asked for clarification on the measure’s intended outcome, and one individual testified in support. Finally, the committee heard HCR 104 and HR 100 on strengthening farm-to-school initiatives. DOE said it is already working to improve menus, emphasize local products, and meet with distributors to increase local procurement, while the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience offered food science, nutrition, and extension support. Climate Future Forum, the Hawaii Youth Food Council, and other supporters said farm-to-school efforts are important for student health, local farmers, and food sovereignty, noting that local food procurement in schools remains far below the state’s 30% by 2030 goal. DOE explained it is trying to provide distributors and farmers with more predictable demand and is meeting with distributors to set up next year’s supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• ago<01:11:02.880> that<01:11:03.040> I<01:11:03.120> was<01:11:03.320>
• > rules<01:11:05.000> process<01:11:05.840> again<01:11:06.080> it<01:11:
• c><01:11:08.080> say<01:11:08.320> none<01:11:08.480> of<01:11:08.719> the
• their<01:11:19.440> input<01:11:20.440> and<01:11:20.560> that<01:11:20.719>
• <01:11:48.440> you<01:11:48.560> madam<01:11:48.840> speaker<01:11:49.679>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call with 48 members present and three excused, deferred reading of the journal, and received Senate communications noting adoption of House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and guests, including Congresswoman Jill Tuda, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii participants and students, Okinawan visitors, Farrington High School students, James Campbell High School students, and Waiau High School students, many of whom were introduced in connection with Chamber Week activities and educational presentations. The main business was unfinished business on House Resolutions 6 and 7, which adopted the House rules for the 33rd Legislature, including rules for the Committee on Standards of Conduct. Members generally supported the rules package as a transparency and modernization update, citing earlier public access to testimony, a public list of Speaker appointees, changes to conference committee eligibility, telework for staff, social media guidance, and a public list of bills introduced by request. Several members raised reservations or opposition, focusing on concerns about staff involvement in approving written remarks, budget information timing, the Vice Speaker’s role, social media/free speech issues, and whether some changes reduced public access or conflicted with constitutional open-meeting requirements. No vote on the rules package is recorded in the excerpt. The debate ended with multiple members yielding time and the discussion continuing on the merits of the proposed rule changes, especially the balance between transparency, internal House procedure, and public participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.639> to<00:11:01.200> a<00:11:01.399> component<00:11:01.880> of<00:11
• 00:11:27.320> ALS<00:11:28.200> that<00:11:28.680> besides<00:11:29.480> could
• > I<00:11:32.320> mean<00:11:33.040> I<00:11:33.200> know<00:11:33.519>
• and<00:11:49.760> then<00:11:49.920> they<00:11:50.079> put<00:11:50.279>
• c><00:11:51.920> also<00:11:52.120> been<00:11:52.480> pets<00:11:53.040> who

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:11:37.160> chair<00:11:37.360> will<00:11:37.520> receive<00:11:37.800>
• <00:11:46.920> 2245,<00:11:48.360> an<00:11:48.520> act<00:11:48.720> to<
• the<00:11:49.120> Digital<00:11:49.480> Coast<00:11:49.800> Act<00:11:50.040
• > of<00:11:52.640> data<00:11:53.440> of<00:11:53.520> the<00:11:53.600><
• <00:11:56.480> of<00:11:56.560> the<00:11:56.640> House<00:11:56.880> is<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<01:11:01.760> you<01:11:01.920> know,<01:11:02.080> if<01:11:02.320>
• c> we<01:11:09.520> need<01:11:09.679> to<01:11:09.920> change<01:11:10.080>
• Chair.<01:11:28.480> I<01:11:28.719> just<01:11:28.960> wanted<01:11:29.120>
• > is<01:11:31.120> aware<01:11:31.840> that<01:11:32.320> it<01:11:32.560
• made<01:11:34.800> the<01:11:35.120> decision<01:11:35.440> to<01:11:35.679>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for folks<00:11:01.040> who<00:11:01.279> didn't<00:11:01.600> follow<00:11:
• :11:05.839> to<00:11:06.079> what<00:11:06.399> happened<00:11:06.560> in
• in<00:11:07.680> a<00:11:07.920> bunch<00:11:08.079> of<00:11:08.240> states
• <00:11:08.480> where<00:11:08.720> there<00:11:08.959> was<00:11:09.120>
• <00:11:10.320> If<00:11:10.480> there<00:11:10.640> was<00:11:10.800> a

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.920> it<00:11:02.040> takes<00:11:02.279> a<00:11:02.440> full<00:11:
• <00:11:18.360> we<00:11:18.480> do<00:11:18.639> not<00:11:18.880> believe
• parent um we<00:11:27.040> are<00:11:27.279> concerned<00:11:27.760> that<00:11:
• <00:11:40.200> opening<00:11:40.600> up<00:11:40.720> to<00:11:40.880> their<
• 11:48.360> the<00:11:48.600> parent<00:11:49.600> but<00:11:49.839> because

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:10.239> We<01:11:10.480> talk<01:11:10.560> a<01:11:10.719> lot
• Um,<01:11:13.600> and<01:11:14.000> programs<01:11:14.400> like<01:11:14.560>
• a way<01:11:26.400> to<01:11:26.560> protect<01:11:26.960> public<01:11:27.280>
• Um, and you<01:11:29.199> know,<01:11:29.280> a<01:11:29.520> lot<01:11:29.679><
• /c><01:11:32.560> and<01:11:32.880> investments<01:11:33.360> has<01:11:33.600><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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• Well, I'm<00:11:14.880> I'm<00:11:15.120> not<00:11:15.279> an<00:11:15.440>
• actuary,<00:11:15.839> but<00:11:16.079> I<00:11:16.160> just<00:11:16.320><
• 00:11:23.519> you<00:11:23.680> don't<00:11:24.640> I<00:11:24.959> don't
• /c><00:11:25.360> you<00:11:25.600> wouldn't<00:11:25.760> want<00:11:25.920>

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

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• I don't care<00:11:23.680> what<00:11:23.920> a<00:11:24.079> town<00:11:24.320>
• If<00:11:27.360> Gofftown<00:11:28.000> wants<00:11:28.320> to<00:11:28.640>
• buildings<00:11:30.720> in<00:11:30.959> their<00:11:31.200> town<00:11:31.920>
• <00:11:36.800> But<00:11:36.959> it<00:11:37.120> should<00:11:37.360> be

Keywords: 1189, house, all