Video & Transcript Research : 'contingency reserves'
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, L&I maintains a contingency reserve to stabilize rates and cover unexpected future events
- In recent years, L&I has used this reserve to keep premium rate increases lower than the actual expected
- They chose to set that rate at 4.9, and they covered the difference out of reserve funds.
- Seeing none, Senator Hunt. taking money out of reserves fund.
- And of course, buying down rates with reserves is sometimes prudent. Rate caps can be prudent.
Keywords:
workers' compensation, industrial insurance, premium rates, rate transparency, actuarial rates, contingency reserves, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, risk classifications, employer premiums, insurance regulation, rate setting, premium increase limits, workers' compensation advisory committee, retrospective rating, state insurance fund, accident and medical aid funds, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training
Summary:
The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several Labor and Industries-related bills. SB 6039 would allow L&I to send notices electronically, with an opt-out option for recipients; the sponsor and L&I described it as a simple modernization and transparency measure. SB 6136 would require L&I to publish actuarially indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rate increases are capped below those levels; the sponsor said it would show when reserve funds are used to hold rates down and improve transparency. SB 6188 would expand L&I’s authority to set asbestos certification rules beyond only those specifically required to match federal law; the sponsor and L&I said it was needed to strengthen worker safety and training standards, while a business group raised concern about diverging from federal rules. SB 6014 would make technical fixes to pregnancy and postpartum workplace accommodation law, including a public records exemption for complainants and participants in investigations and a correction to a cross-reference so basic accommodations remain protected without a doctor’s note requirement; a supportive witness said it restored the intended standard and protected privacy. SB 6058 would give L&I discretion to investigate wage complaints under the Wage Payment Act and allow penalties for willful violations when the department initiates an investigation; L&I supported the bill and requested an amendment already adopted in the House companion to reduce costs and avoid conflict with another wage recovery bill.
The committee then took executive action on five bills. E2SSB 5061, requiring annual prevailing wage adjustments in public works contracts, was amended to allow a change order only when the wage increase exceeds 5% and to delay the effective date to July 1, 2028; the committee adopted the effective-date amendment but rejected the change-order amendment, then passed the bill 7-2. SSB 5874, allowing ESD to waive penalties for minor unemployment insurance reporting errors, passed 9-0. SB 5944, making missed-appointment payments part of bargained compensation for language access providers, also passed 9-0. SSB 5972, expanding binding interest arbitration for correctional officers in city and county jails regardless of county size, had two proposed amendments to limit the binding effect and require consideration of employer finances; both were rejected, and the bill passed 8-1. ESSB 6302, requiring L&I to investigate possible misclassification when three or more independent contractors perform finishing work on a public works project, passed 9-0. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 24th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill before you, Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292,... ...maintain a financial reserve to cover
- rate collection year 2030 and each subsequent year, close the rate collection year with a four-month reserve
- rate collection year 2030 and each subsequent year, close the rate collection year with a four-month reserve
- It adds a four-month reserve in addition to the existing solvency requirement.
- and couldn't waste the opportunity to not come here and talk about my concerns about the four-month reserve
Keywords:
unemployment insurance, UI benefits, striking workers, strike, labor dispute, retroactive wages, overpayment assessment, overpayment recovery, Employment Security Department, ESD, claimant notice, benefit recoupment, Washington unemployment law, worker notice, federal unemployment tax credit, state unemployment fund, workers' compensation, industrial insurance, premium rates, rate transparency
Summary:
The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several labor-related bills. Senate Bill 6197 would change plumbing license suspension standards from three violations in three years to five violations in five years, remove the requirement that the Advisory Board of Plumbers recommend suspension, and require L&I enforcement updates; the sponsor and industry witnesses said the revised version was stakeholder-supported, though some wanted clarification about how prior infractions would be treated. Senate Bill 6134 would require the Employment Security Department to notify striking workers applying for unemployment benefits that they may later owe overpayments if they receive retroactive wages; testimony generally supported the bill as a safeguard. Senate Bill 5292 would replace the PFML program’s statutory look-back premium formula with a forward-looking actuarial rate-setting method while keeping the 1.2% cap; labor, business, and advisory board witnesses supported it, while one policy witness supported the rate-setting change but opposed the added four-month reserve requirement. Senate Bill 6106 would amend the state WARN-style layoff notice law to exempt tribes and protect employee names and addresses from public disclosure; ESD and business supported the privacy and tribal-government changes, while agricultural witnesses asked for a separate seasonal agriculture fix. The committee also heard testimony on SB 6197 from plumbing industry groups, with support for stronger enforcement but disagreement over retroactive treatment of infractions.
In executive session, the committee acted on six bills. It adopted amendments and reported out Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, which expands access to medical care in workers’ compensation, including allowing some out-of-network attending providers and authorizing additional claims managers; the bill passed 7-2. Substitute Senate Bill 6014, a cleanup bill correcting a date typo and protecting sensitive L&I records from public disclosure, passed unanimously. Substitute Senate Bill 6039, allowing L&I to use electronic communications while preserving a non-electronic option, also passed unanimously. Engrossed Senate Bill 6058, giving L&I discretion to prioritize wage complaints, passed unanimously after a clarifying amendment. Senate Bill 6136, requiring publication of actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates and disclosure when rates are set below those levels, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 6188, which would expand L&I’s asbestos rulemaking authority, passed 6-3 after the committee rejected an amendment that would have restored current-law limits and tied rules to the EPA model plan.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (1-28-26)
Keywords:
0:20 Rollcall
2:28 Definition of Legacy system and demands of modern workplaces
10:48 Discussion of funding and planned expenditures
22:26 Contingency funding
23:16 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard a presentation from the Commonwealth Office of Technology on legacy IT modernization funds and how they are used to address outdated, unsupported, or unsustainable systems. David Carter and Carrie Welch explained the state’s definition of a legacy system under KRS 7A.180, emphasizing not only vendor support issues but also changing business needs, regulatory compliance, and the loss of institutional knowledge for older systems. They described the office’s review process for determining whether a project qualifies, including assessing business risk, comparing options such as upgrades, replacements, shared solutions across agencies, or commercial products, and then matching the project to available funding.
The presenters said COT reports twice a year to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on progress with legacy modernization projects. They reported 30 projects funded to date, with 18 completed, and said remaining projects are still moving forward while agencies continue to identify modernization needs. They highlighted examples of completed work, including modernized security cameras, replacement of unsupported systems, migration of documents to the Commonwealth Enterprise Content Management Platform, restoration of vendor support, a digital policy acknowledgement portal, replacement of the State Police dispatch system, and digitization of paper records for faster retrieval and better disaster resilience.
Members asked for more detail on how the $10 million request would be allocated, including system-by-system spending, the split between software, hardware, vendor contracts, and staff time, and how the office determines when a system needs replacement. COT said it did not have a system-by-system or cost-category breakdown at the hearing but could provide one later, and explained that the funds are intended for development and first-time acquisition costs rather than ongoing maintenance. They also said the $5 million annual request was based on prior years’ experience and that agencies often contribute some funding themselves, so the program could still operate if appropriated less than the full amount. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions, and I reserve my right to close. Thank you.
- I will reserve your right to close. The chair calls Keith Lutz.” “Good morning, Judge.
- With that, I reserve the right to close and would be happy to answer any questions. All right.
- Under current TCEQ rules, they already have to adopt these drought contingency plans with these targets
- With that, I'll reserve my right to close and would be happy to answer any questions.
Keywords:
water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection
Summary:
The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable.
The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending.
House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions, and I reserve my right to close.
- Chair: I will reserve your right to close. The chair calls Keith Lutz. Chair: Good morning, Judge.
- With that, I reserve the right to close and would be happy to answer any questions.
- And we do appreciate getting some more teeth to enforce our drought contingency plans.
- With that, I'll reserve my right to close and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Keywords:
water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation (2-26-24)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_If_Z8gEtxw, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:40 Approval of Minutes
01:00 Revenue Sharing Flex Funding
21:44 Highway Contingency Projects
59:08 Adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation (1-29-24)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHieJIxk-34, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:00:09 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:01:15 Highway Construction Contingency Account
0:33:20 Governor’s Recommended Road Plan
1:09:48 Adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation (6-7-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxb11HNjod8, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00:03 Roll Call
00:01:13 Highway Construction Contingency Account
00:38:38 National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan
01:05:25 KYTC Cash Management Program
01:24:13 Adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (8-2-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrzvwCyjhrg, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:18
Approval of July Minutes 00:02:07
Kentucky Water Needs Discussion 00:04:00
Kentucky Reserves Discussion 00:38:44
Kentucky Riverport Needs Discussion 01:01:00
Kentucky Railroad Needs Discussion 01:29:06, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, I'm happy to answer any questions, and I reserve my right to close.
- I will reserve your right to close. The chair calls Keith Lutz. Good morning, judges.
- Members, House Bill 5559 relates to the enforcement of drought contingency plans by...
- With that, I reserve the right to close and would be happy to answer any questions.
- With that, I'll reserve my right to close and would be happy to answer any questions.
Keywords:
election, bonds, authorization, financial governance, public funding, HB 143, bond election, debt authorization, November uniform election date, Texas Election Code, emergency election, voter approval, municipal bonds, local government finance, public debt, school bonds, special election, uniform election date, bond issuance, water rights
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-03-25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants
FL
Keywords:
student volunteers, polling locations, election administration, community service, Florida statutes, speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, dyslexia, dyscalculia, education, screening, intervention, student support, educational facilities
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met with a quorum present and heard several education-related bills. The committee first considered CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would create a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, designate Speech and Debate Week, authorize a teacher endorsement, require FLVS to establish an institute for speech and debate, direct development of related coursework and credentials, and require annual district reporting. Supporters, including a parent and representatives of the Florida Debate Initiative and school groups, emphasized the academic and civic benefits of debate and the need for funding for travel and training. The committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and reported favorably SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, with testimony from an Orange County principal and others supporting a proposal to let educators bank professional learning hours, and SB 1646 on educational facilities, which revises how facility funding is calculated and prioritized, including safety and planning considerations.
The committee then took up CS/SB 564 on student volunteers at polling locations. An amendment clarified that high school students who are registered or pre-registered to vote may volunteer at polling places and count the service toward graduation or postsecondary financial aid requirements. Testimony from a county supervisor of elections and civic groups supported the bill as a way to engage students in elections and expand volunteer opportunities, while clarifying it would not conflict with existing election funding rules. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1340 on coordinated screening and progress monitoring, which requires school districts to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and dyscalculia, place identified students on support plans, and use evidence-based interventions, with State Board of Education rulemaking to implement the process. The sponsor and a supporting parent group stressed early identification and intervention. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Laila Collins to the State Board of Education, and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- delegated to the United States by the Constitution or prohibited to it by the Constitution, are reserved
- by</c><01:18:34.160><c> the</c><01:18:34.800><c> um</c><01:18:35.080><c> are</c><01:18:35.160><c> reserved
- </c><01:18:35.480><c> to</c><01:18:35.560><c> the</c> to it by the um are reserved to the to it by the
- um are reserved to the states.<01:18:36.400><c> And</c><01:18:36.960><c> the</c><01:18:37.040><c> police
Keywords:
disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- construction of additional refined product pipelines in Arizona, and establishment of strategic oil and gas reserves
- product pipelines, and the construction of refineries and the establishment of strategic oil and gas reserves
- We're sitting on some of the largest reserves of copper and rare minerals in the United States.
Bills:
HB2014, HB2055, HB2145, HB2150, HB2696, HB2755, HB2763, HB2781, HB2782, HB2787, HB2795, HB2889, HB2975, HB2985, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2020, HCR2038
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, Arizona Revised Statutes, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, state land department, mineral lease, renewals
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 35:11.680><c> their</c><00:35:11.920><c> response,</c><00:35:12.400><c> they</c><00:35:12.640><c> reserve
- In their response, they reserve window.
- In their response, they reserve the<00:35:13.200><c> right</c><00:35:13.359><c> to</c><00:35:13.599><
- important for the association: insurance, roof replacement, mandated structural repairs, or necessary reserve
Keywords:
common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan
TX
Bills:
SB 397, SB 481, SB 596, SB 760, SB 855, SB 1195, SB 1196, SB 1233, SB 1257, SB 1318, SB 1368, SB 1388, SB 1398, SB 1524, SB 1558, SB 1589, SB 1677, SB 1792, SB 2034
Keywords:
data privacy, consumer rights, technology, business regulation, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, nursing facilities, assisted living, resident safety, power outage, voting by mail, legal guardian, electoral process, foster care, medical consent, out-of-network, healthcare access, Medicaid, child protection, expungement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Keywords:
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll be happy to answer any questions I can answer, and I would like to reserve the opportunity to close
- I reserve the right to close and I have witnesses here who can answer any questions that may arise.
Bills:
HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And until I have that knowledge, I'm going to reserve my right to vote on the floor.
- Chair, you will be holding the asset if and when it's converted Bitcoin and the Bitcoin Reserve will
- What is the current contingency plan for a third party to take over?
- I think the contingency language you said for emergency only—I don’t know if that references language
- So, on consultation with our authorities, I reserve my right to change my vote to a yes, but currently
Keywords:
brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We will reserve your right to close and we'll start testimony then.
- Is that contingent upon something? I'm sorry.
- And I reserve my right to close. Thank you.
- With that, I reserve the right to remain silent.
- And so they didn't have contingency after contingency. And so I don't know.
Bills:
HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid