Video & Transcript Research : 'longevity step'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 24th, 2025

S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of this committee may need to step away for other legislative duties, including presenting bills
  • Maintain water quality, ensure the longevity of these reservoirs, and accurate data collection from these
  • But gaining access to these rivers is the first step to ensuring accuracy.
  • You know, going a step further, that variation from where it typically sits, whether it is at the full
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 05-06-2026 09:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • By strengthening the GIA program, the state is taking a proactive step to maintain stability and protect
  • ... step to maintain stability and protect key programs during a period of federal uncertainty.
  • House Bill 1890 makes a clear and responsible step forward.
  • It codifies annual step increases and...
  • It codifies annual step increases and longevity progression in law, while still respecting the collective
Keywords: 912, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Education Finance Committee 3/25/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • /c><00:08:01.039> Carlton<00:08:02.039> my<00:08:02.199> two<00:08:02.440> step
  • a 2004 graduate of Carlton my two step a 2004 graduate of Carlton my two step children<00:08:03.000
  • I could see it ending up being kind of messy if folks have a disagreement about the longevity of the
  • Um, I'm going to have the testifier step aside.
  • Um, I'm going to have the testifier step aside.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Feb 26th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're stepping it up from a class A misdemeanor up to the felony.
  • But the judge can already step up the counts. It could be 10 counts of reckless endangerment.
  • And then also if you use a dangerous instrument, then that's where it steps it up again.
  • Uh which it I steps up the the penalty.
  • I mean, we're going to step up the penalty because so many more lives were at risk of being lost. >>
Keywords: 1136, house, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 19, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is just the first step.
  • <03:31:09.840> to Today, let's take a critical step to Today, let's take a critical step to
  • <03:58:44.640> to bipartisan and common sense step to bipartisan and common sense step to
  • <04:57:21.520> This step by Trump administration. This step by Trump administration.
  • I steps was to go to the Naval Academy.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • And I believe we believe that Kamina Homes is a step in the right direction to get to enable more of
  • <00:36:42.240> in believe that Kamina Homes is a step in believe that Kamina Homes is a step
  • But we think that this is an important step to keeping local working families here, and I am available
  • <00:45:32.240> away this and why the uh we need to step away this and why the uh we need to
  • step away from<00:45:32.640> the<00:45:32.800> current<00:45:33.200> 100%<00:45
Summary: The House Housing Committee met on February 4 and heard testimony on several housing measures, beginning with HB1721, which clarifies insurance, indemnification, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for expedited permits. Testimony on HB1721 was uniformly supportive from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Grassroot Institute, and individual testifiers, who said the bill would fix insurance issues for design professionals and encourage more participation in the expedited-permit program. No opposition was heard and no questions were raised. The committee then heard HB1714, which would raise salary caps for the executive director and deputy executive director positions at the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and allow more autonomy in personnel matters, including employment contracts. HHFDC supported the bill, saying greater flexibility is needed to recruit and retain staff and that current pay ceilings are not the main issue because the agency lacks operating funds to reach them. The Department of Human Resources Development offered comments and raised concerns about autonomous personnel authority and employment contracts, saying state personnel matters are governed by existing statutes and collective bargaining rules; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority also offered comments, and one board member and one individual opposed the measure. Members questioned whether performance-based pay or existing incentive policies could address retention instead of statutory salary changes. The committee also heard HB1718, which would make permanent county authority to facilitate mixed-use developments and issue county bonds for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Support came from OPSD, HHFDC, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Housing and Land Management, and Housing Hawaii’s Future, all emphasizing that permanent authority is needed to finance long-term mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. A member asked whether the sunset provision would make bonding impractical, and the city representative agreed that temporary authority would make financing difficult because development takes time. Later, the committee took up HB1732, establishing the Kamina Homes program to fund counties’ purchase of voluntary deed restrictions from eligible buyers. The Department of Taxation and several groups, including HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Holomua Collaborative, and others testified, with most supporting the bill as a way to help local families remain in Hawaii and age in place. Holomua said a recent survey found 75% of 3,200 working families were considering moving, and argued the bill could preserve housing for local residents. Members asked about the bill’s 8% cap on deed-restriction cost and why the program focuses on residency rather than resale restrictions; the bill’s proponents said the cap allows flexibility for county negotiations and that the measure is aimed at workforce preservation rather than land-trust-style appreciation limits. Finally, the committee heard HB1740, which would modify a prior HHFDC housing pathway by reducing the qualified-resident requirement from 100% to 80% and allowing more flexibility for long-term rental instead of owner occupancy. HHFDC and Holomua Collaborative supported the change, saying the earlier 100% requirement had produced no developments or applicants and that the revised standard would make projects more feasible while still preserving housing for local residents. The committee did not take final votes on these measures during the portion of the hearing provided.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (3-4-26)

Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:10:35.600> and applications um teacher longevity and applications um teacher longevity
  • Just a note, I am on the agenda to present a bill in licensing and occupation, so I may have to step
  • So I may have to<01:13:07.120> step<01:13:07.360> out<01:13:07.600> here.
  • 08.239> so,<01:13:08.560> Chair<01:13:08.800> Lewis<01:13:09.120> is to step
  • If so, Chair Lewis is to step out here.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee began with introductions of student guests, including an FCCLA national officer who spoke in support of career and technical education. She emphasized that CTE connects classroom learning to real careers, builds leadership and employability skills, and deserves continued state supplemental funding to keep programs current, expand offerings, and support student organizations. Members thanked her for her remarks and for representing FCCLA students. The committee then considered House Bill 67, a cleanup bill to address unintended consequences from last session’s Senate Bill 181 on traceable communication in schools. Rep. Josh Calloway explained that the substitute clarified definitions of family members, coaches, volunteers, certified/classified/contract employees, and virtual instruction; exempted group messaging, public social media posts, translation services, parent-provided phone numbers, emergency communications, and field trip/work-based learning contacts; and allowed teachers to disclose outside commercial or nonprofit involvement so they can communicate with students for those purposes. He said the bill was developed with input from school boards, administrators, KDE, school HR groups, Kentucky League of Cities, and Farm Bureau. The committee approved the substitute and passed HB 67 favorably. Next, the committee heard House Bill 759, which KDE described as a consistency bill for teacher certification pathways. The bill renames and standardizes alternative certification routes, clarifies content mastery requirements, allows teachers to add certifications more consistently, and lets educators extend certification into lower grade bands if they already hold higher-level certification and pedagogical knowledge. Members asked about chemistry majors, CTE occupational pathways, the veterans pathway, and grade-band “bandwidth”; KDE said the bill preserves the veterans route, does not create a new pathway but reorganizes existing ones, and will help make certification options easier to understand. HB 759 also passed favorably. Finally, Rep. Shane Baker presented House Bill 654, a follow-up to last year’s effort to reduce administrative burdens on schools. He said the bill would eliminate additional reporting requirements, bar KDE from requiring components of a comprehensive improvement plan not expressly required by statute or federal law, and allow EARS to temporarily authorize reports when the legislature is not in session while preserving necessary reporting tied to SEEK funding and school operations. The committee took up the substitute and began discussion of the bill.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Apr 1st, 2025

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • to seek the appropriate CMS federal approval for a newly created adult pathways waiver, which is a step
  • It is very important to recognize that it's a difficult position, but it requires longevity in order
  • I think it's a step in the right direction.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to children, families, elder affairs, mental health, disability services, and child care. SB 1050 on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was amended and reported favorably after discussion of expanding the voluntary IDD managed care pilot statewide, improving transparency on the APD wait list, creating a statewide family care council, addressing transition services for youth leaving foster care, and seeking federal approval for an adult pathways waiver. Testimony from providers and a parent emphasized workforce capacity, county-level identification of clients, Medicaid delays, and the importance of keeping the pilot voluntary; the bill passed with support and some discussion about possible future clarifications on services and Medicaid eligibility. The committee also passed SB 1310, which directs OPPAGA to evaluate student mental health outcomes tied to school mental health assistance funding, and members discussed the need for better data, coordination with managing entities, and avoiding duplication of services. SB 976 on court-appointed social investigators was amended and approved, with the sponsor describing due process protections and fee-shifting provisions for parents challenging court-appointed psychologists. SB 886, creating a crisis care coordination team pilot in Volusia and Polk counties to reduce Baker Act recidivism and improve follow-up care, was reported favorably after the sponsor described its law enforcement and community provider partnerships and an independent evaluation requirement. Later, SB 614 on child care facility and program background screening requirements was amended and passed; the bill requires a public educational webpage explaining Level 2 screening, the clearinghouse, disqualifying offenses, exemptions, and related job listings and timelines. Finally, SB 276 on sheltering or aiding unmarried minors was approved; it increases the offense from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, creates a presumption regarding knowledge of the minor’s age, and adds a defense when the conduct was necessary to protect the minor from danger. All bills considered were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • toward implementing the remaining 25 recommendations and in some cases has taken several different steps
  • Fourth, the board adopted complaint-handling timelines for each step in its process, including the number
  • When I stepped into my role as executive director in 2002, the board previously, before my tenure, had
  • Okay, I'm going to step back, Madam Chair.
  • It provides a step-by-step process that district management can use to identify the district's financial
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee first heard the January 2026 follow-up to the special audit of the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The auditor’s contractor reported that the board had implemented or was in the process of implementing most of the 28 recommendations from the 2024 audit, but three remained unimplemented: resolving complaints within 180 days and two open meeting law recommendations. The follow-up also identified new concerns about outdated or incomplete public disciplinary records and the lack of a complete public records request log and response procedures. Committee members pressed the board on open meeting compliance, complaint delays, transparency, and lobbying activities, while the executive director said the board had adopted new policies, added staff and investigators, created an intake committee, improved complaint prioritization, and was transitioning to a new licensing platform. She also said the board had ended broad subpoenas, improved conflict-of-interest tracking, and was working to formalize its practices in rule. The committee did not take a vote or other formal action in the transcript provided. The committee then received the Arizona school district financial risk analysis for January 2026. The Auditor General’s office reported that the number of highest-risk districts increased from two to nine, and districts approaching the highest-risk category increased from seven to nine. The presentation explained the financial risk measures used, common risk patterns among the highest-risk districts, and the district action plans posted on the report website. Tucson Unified School District was used as an example of a highest-risk district, and Scottsdale Unified as an approaching-highest-risk district. Members asked about declining enrollment, reserve balances, negative fund balances, and the use of capital monies for operations. Sierra Vista Unified School District then presented its response to being identified as financially at risk. The superintendent said she had recently taken over and was implementing a turnaround plan that included a school closure, staffing reductions through attrition, spending freezes, tighter purchase controls, a three-year sustainable spending plan, and efforts to stabilize enrollment through outreach, customer-service changes, and alternative program offerings. She also said the district was redirecting some capital assistance to operations, renegotiating contracts, and improving communication with families and staff. Committee members questioned the district about declining enrollment, instructional spending, school safety, academic performance, and whether the action plan adequately addressed those issues. No formal vote or action was taken on the school district item in the transcript provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HED Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:15 PM HST

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • feasibility, assuming the funding is still available in the next year or two, on how we can take next steps
  • it to be established right now, but I think in the next year or two, this study will guide future steps
  • So the first step is you asked to get authorization to plan. That was approved.
  • So the first step is you asked to Yeah.
  • This is an important first step in beginning to address the shortage in the animal care field.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Higher Education held a resolutions hearing on March 19 and heard testimony on a series of University of Hawaii-related measures. Topics included exploring an Alzheimer’s disease research center and federal funding requirements, establishing a BSN program at UH Maui, expanding student mental health services, supporting Hawaiian language resources at the Kawaihuani Center, creating a homeless student stability and housing resource program, forming a veterinary medicine expansion working group, and compiling a list of bachelor’s programs aligned with regional job needs. Testimony was generally supportive, with UH representatives often noting that several initiatives were already underway or that systemwide assessments and planning processes were in progress. For the veterinary medicine measure, UH said Windward Community College would not be the ideal location for a doctoral program, but the system would be willing to study the issue systemwide. For the Maui nursing program, UH said it had already received authorization to plan and was working through the curriculum approval process, with a goal of offering the program in fall 2026. For the student basic needs resolution, UH said a systemwide assessment covered all campuses and islands, with a report expected in summer or fall. In decision making, the committee recommended passage of HCR 31/HR 30, HCR 73/HR 66, HCR 96/HR 92, and HCR 97/HR 93 as is, and all were adopted without objection. HCR 124/HR 120 and HCR 125/HR 121 were passed with amendments, including a technical amendment and a request to send a certified copy to the Kawaihuani Center director. HCR 195/HR 188 was passed with amendments to add a UH Hilo representative to the veterinary working group, and HCR 196/HR 189 was passed with amendments to include UH and HMC in the list of schools developing job-aligned bachelor’s program lists and to incorporate HMSO style changes. The committee then adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 14th, 2026 at 02:15 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because we are self-funded, when there are legislative increases or the implementation of longevity or
  • If they do not come into compliance, our enforcement bureau steps in at that point, and then it turns
Keywords: 996, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • Three decades of Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, and that longevity matters.
  • I happily step over into existence, into our canyons, our rivers, our mountains, our valleys,” “Into
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held the joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, opening with a tribal blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders, elders, and guests, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes in issues such as water, energy, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. The tribal address was delivered by Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused heavily on Colorado River water rights, drought, climate change, and the need to include tribes in any future river management framework as current guidelines expire. He also discussed tribal economic development, education, public safety, border security, and the importance of protecting culture, language, land, and water. Thana Autumn Nation Chairman Verlin Jose similarly stressed unity, tribal sovereignty, border issues, water stewardship, and the economic impact of tribal gaming, arguing that tribes should be full partners in state and federal policy discussions and opposing a fixed border wall. Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation gave a poetry reading and spoke about her background, the importance of language and oral tradition, and her role as Arizona State Poet Laureate. Her poems centered on food, water, weaving, and homeland. The session concluded with closing remarks from legislative leaders thanking participants for their perspectives and contributions, and the joint protocol session was dissolved. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill is a simple yet essential step to protect worker health, prevent employer overreach, and maintain
  • Ultimately, workers know their bodies best, and protecting their own health and longevity with something
Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 24th, 2025

S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of this committee may need to step away for other legislative duties, including presenting bills
  • have hindered the ability for San Antonio River Authority to maintain water quality and ensure the longevity
  • But gaining access to these river, uh, to the rivers is the first step to ensuring accuracy.
  • Uh, you know, going a step further, that variation from where it typically sits, whether it, whichever
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a common-sense bipartisan step to shine a light on justice, safeguard our neighborhoods, and hold
  • AB 432 is a major step toward getting women essential menopause care. Thank you.
  • With shortages throughout the field of medicine, it is critical that we take steps to minimize delays
  • With shortages throughout the field of medicine, it is critical that we take steps to minimize delays
  • This is a very small step, and we think it is clarification of existing law, which already... ...very
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support. The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations. Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

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

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, it's good to see such a serious effort or serious step or commitment toward beginning to address
  • Uh, it's good to see such a serious effort or serious step or commitment toward beginning to address
  • Uh, it's good to see such a serious effort or serious step or commitment toward beginning to address
  • Uh, it's good to see such a serious effort or serious step or commitment toward beginning to address
  • Uh, it's good to see such a serious effort or serious step or commitment toward beginning to address
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.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025 at 09:32 am

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm joined today by our Vice Chair, Representative Sarah Silva, who has graciously stepped in for Representative
  • As I stepped into this role in July of Because we've been around for, like I said, 69 years, right?
  • As I stepped into this role in July of Last year, my goal is to get us involved, right?
  • So we're ready to move our timeline and our Next steps. We got the construction priorities going.
  • What's their longevity? How long will they be in place?
Keywords: 996, all
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Jan 29th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the investment in these the longevity of the investment in these teachers<00:48:41.200> because
  • <00:49:21.359> and<00:49:21.680> how thought because of the longevity and how thought
  • That's not a good investment because of longevity and the number of years that the average teacher is
  • I don't think is something that is good for us to be doing because of the longevity and the number of
  • That's not a good investment because of longevity and the number of years that the average teacher is
Keywords: 1136, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Pension Policy Jun 17th, 2025

Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • once-every-six-years review of our demographic experience studies—so likelihood of people retiring, terminating, longevity—so
  • And my only reticence there is there’s a number of steps that will have to take place.
  • There’s a number of steps that will have to take place.
  • And so it’s a matter of making sure we get through all of those steps.
  • All of those steps.
Summary: The committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote and then received brief updates from the Attorney General’s office and the Office of the State Actuary. The AG’s office said it would handle legal analysis related to the committee’s work, while the actuary reported that staff were at capacity this summer due to annual valuation work, experience studies, and other retirement system projects, but would have more capacity in the fall. Members also requested access to fiscal note and actuarial materials related to the LEOFF 1 study and related legislation. The main discussion focused on the LEOFF 1 study, including actuarial funding, a proposed merger/termination/restatement approach, and the possibility of a permanent COLA for Plan 1 members. Several members supported keeping COLA recommendations in the committee’s work, while others raised concerns about whether merging or restating plans could affect benefits, legal status, or IRS tax treatment. The actuary explained that the temporary pause in certain funding rates reflected prior overfunding buffers and assumptions about future investment returns, and said future base-rate funding could still be needed depending on experience. Members also discussed constituent correspondence, which staff said largely fell into four categories: the LEOFF 1 study, Plan 1 benefits and COLAs, fossil fuel divestment, and ESSB 5357. The committee agreed that divestment concerns are more appropriately directed to the State Investment Board, not this committee. In reviewing the draft interim work plan, members added or adjusted several topics for future meetings, including a July educational briefing on LEOFF 1 history and tax/IRS issues, a September discussion of COLAs, and a December placeholder for excess compensation/pension spiking, pending coordination with the LEOFF 2 Board. The committee then approved the July agenda and adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs May 12th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're asking for private sector to step in and help where the, the disparities.
  • It just codifies existing case precedent for clarity and for longevity and the protection of fundamental
  • It is a foundational step toward truth-based governance.
  • One example, Florida has already taken proactive steps to document the real-time economic burden of illegal
  • Last session, we passed SB 1133, a significant step forward in ensuring our ag landowners receive compensation