Transcript Highlights:

• </c> compensation claims. compensation claims. Okay. Okay. Okay. &gt;&gt; And<00:29:28.679><c> Mr.
• </c> process what those claims might cost. process what those claims might cost.
• as far as denial of a claim versus approving of the claim in workers’ unemployment?”
• </c><00:33:21.760><c> versus</c> denial of a claim versus denial of a claim versus uh<00:33:23.240><c
• of the claim uh approving of the claim in<00:33:25.120><c> workers'</c><00:33:25.920><c> unemployment

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The number two-ranked women's team beat top-seed Prescot 10 in a thrilling game to claim their fourth
• </c><02:53:48.600><c> quote</c> Childhood Cancer and claim quote Childhood Cancer and claim quote reversing
• </c><02:59:54.319><c> about</c> upgrades so any doomsday claims about upgrades so any doomsday claims
• He continues these misleading claims and lies to the American people, and Democrats are not going to
• Because he challenged the President about his claim that he's got a mandate to cut Medicaid.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> judicial branch put this claim to rest. judicial branch put this claim to rest.
• First, there is bringing such claims.
• And there is no reason that such claims should be allowed long after the case is over.
• They claimed that they had a warrant. They claimed that he was a man named Antonio. He is not.
• </c><03:31:25.200><c> were</c> on several villages it claims were on several villages it claims were

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• private</c><00:59:21.520><c> industry</c> While some claim that private industry While some claim that
• While some claim that this is easily done, there's no way. Mr.
• Over 2.3 processing claim is 165 days.
• :28.800><c> submitted,</c><02:47:29.359><c> and</c> million claims have been submitted, and million claims
• That's not just or resolve a claim.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Typically speaking, state law claims cannot proceed in the face of that.
• Um, those exceptions are times when a state claim can be litigated or proceed without needing to either
• ><c> in</c><00:06:47.520><c> the</c><00:06:47.600><c> face</c><00:06:47.840><c> of</c> claims cannot
• proceed in the face of claims cannot proceed in the face of that.<00:06:48.560><c> There's</c><00:06:
• </c> exceptions are times when a state claim exceptions are times when a state claim can<00:07:02.960

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in determining the validity of a claim, adds that if a cross-check indicates that a claim is ineligible
• or fraudulent, DES cannot pay the claim, and the claimant is disqualified from receiving UI benefits
• The second element is determining the validity of some of the claims.
• What's happening in many places is they come in, they make the claim, they're approved for the claim,
• Usually in December, my inbox is getting flooded with unemployment claims.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on multiple bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, create a process for minors or adults to request takedown of content, and add restrictions on sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google supported it as model legislation; members raised questions about compliance, age 13 access to earnings, and removal rights at 18. It passed 9-0 with 2 present. HB 2501, an agency bill conforming Arizona’s appraisal management company definition to federal law, also passed unanimously 11-0. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements through statewide chambers or business leagues, passed 8-1 after an amendment; one member cited possible federal preemption in opposing it. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill requiring clearer “buy/purchase” language and prorated refunds when access changes, passed unanimously after amendment, with supporters calling it a consumer protection measure and retailers warning about compliance burdens and possible preemption. The committee then considered HB 2279, which would exempt commercial river outfitters in Grand Canyon National Park from liability for injuries or deaths arising from inherent risks of river trips, while preserving liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Supporters said it aligns Arizona with other western states and reflects existing federal oversight; opponents argued it could violate Arizona’s anti-abrogation clause and improperly define inherent risk. The bill passed 7-4. HB 2690, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring more work-search actions, weekly reporting, and pre-claim data cross-checks, drew strong opposition from advocates who said it would add red tape and harm eligible claimants; supporters said it would reduce fraud and encourage work. It passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. The committee also approved HB 2555, requiring retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and prohibiting cash fees, after an amendment exempting rentals and mobile home vendors; supporters emphasized access for unbanked consumers and small purchases, while one member objected that businesses should self-govern. It passed 10-0. HB 2199, which requires RV park managers to complete education on landlord-tenant laws similar to mobile home park managers, passed 7-0 with 3 present after testimony from homeowner advocates and park groups in support. Finally, HB 2459 was introduced at the end of the meeting; it would allow landlords to pass through utility charges actually imposed by providers and add an administrative fee for submetering, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• a private right of action for which a political party or other candidate with standing may bring a claim
• Is your intention to remove from the Internet false claims that are made about an individual? Mr.
• So thank you for supporting people who have been damaged and for those who might That was a false claim
• conducted a gamma radiation survey, then they, in fact, have a defense against a strict liability claim
• The bill permits landlords to send critical notices, including eviction and security deposit claims,

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and considered several bills. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow service of process on scammers through the same nontraditional communication methods they use; it passed 8-0. CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification would create an enforceable party-affiliation requirement and a private right of action to disqualify noncompliant candidates; it passed unanimously. CS/SB 948 on flood disclosures was amended to extend disclosure requirements to residential leases, condo developer leases, and mobile homes, with tenant remedies if disclosures are not provided and flooding causes major losses; it passed 8-0. The committee also advanced CS/SB 498 on IOTA interest rates after a lengthy debate over legal aid funding and bank regulation. Supporters argued the bill would restore sustainability and fairness to the program by setting alternative interest-rate benchmarks, while opponents said it would cut funding for civil legal aid and that banks participate voluntarily. After testimony from legal aid leaders and bankers, the bill passed 7-2. SB 774, requiring clerks to electronically transmit certain mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection orders to sheriffs within six hours, was presented in response to a fatal Volusia County incident and passed 11-0. CS/SB 752 on defamation and online publication was amended to require removal from a website rather than the internet, then passed 8-2 after testimony from the media, a private attorney, and supporters who said it would help people harmed by false online reports. The committee also heard SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, which would create a narrow defense against strict liability claims if notice and gamma radiation survey requirements are met. The bill was amended to clarify notice provisions and received support from industry and technical witnesses describing radiation surveys and reclamation practices. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 832, so no committee action on that bill is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, how many claims did you have last year?
• claimed claimed that<01:05:44.960><c> it's</c><01:05:45.080><c> quite</c><01:05:45.320><c> a</c><01:
• were able to get about $46,000 collected and distributed to workers via these wage claims.
• </c><01:24:48.240><c> and</c> uh and and but these uh wage claim and uh and and but these uh wage claim
• . claims. claims.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• people who have had real-world experience sitting in judgment and to evaluate those cases and those claims
• That's what we need. ...claims.
• And so she has a unique ability to understand the workplace and to understand these claims that arise
• first aid, to revise provisions regarding immunity of persons giving emergency first aid from damage claims
• first aid, to revise provisions regarding immunity of persons giving emergency first aid from damage claims

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One would think they would decline to issue or. renew or cancel because of claims or because of other
• So, we want to know how many claims did you deny, refuse to renew, or cancel?
• insurance company that might deny coverage of, say, officer and director liability or sexual harassment claims
• The reporting is about the reason for denial, and so if we're talking about financial risk of claims,
• The idea is, if they're non-renewable my insurance, it ought to be based on claims, on risk, on underwriting

Bills: SJR57 , SCR8 , SB8 , SB14 , SB24 , SB108 , SB112 , SB125 , SB213 , SB251 , SB315 , SB318 , SB371 , SB378 , SB379 , SB472 , SB487 , SB502 , SB513 , SB565 , SB621 , SB650 , SB689 , SB707 , SB710 , SB761 , SB763 , SB815 , SB854 , SB875 , SB896 , SB916 , SB925 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB973 , SB987 , SB990 , SB995 , SB1006 , SB1018 , SB1019 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1146 , SB1194 , SB1198 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1527 , SB1532 , SB1547 , SB1596 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB925 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB815 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB502 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB24 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB761 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB896 , SB1352 , SB973 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB1547 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB513 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1198 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SJR37 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• Those claims are described in Attachment B.
• So with those new claims, there are a total of 21 claims totaling 6,498,000?
• So with those new claims, there are a total of 21 claims totaling 6,498,000?
• So with those new claims, there are a total of 21 claims totaling 6,498,000?
• </c> attachment B so with those new claims attachment B so with those new claims there<04:27:17.600><

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but with the process that was pursued by the Department of Administration on the private insurance claim
• So what this bill does is it puts into place requirements as it relates to any claims over $100,000.
• Now, the agency and the Department of Administration have to be in agreement on that claim.
• If the claim itself and the damage that has resulted on the property results in a change of services
• If you cannot submit a claim for services that are not covered, that are elective under your plan, and

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the same token, if we go after that person for filing that malicious or false claim, then we're
• And to be clear, the things that will go into the departmental file are: Unsubstantiated claims.
• That is not a high enough standard for us to feel like unsubstantiated claims are false complaints.
• My understanding of this bill is to seal unsubstantiated claims to be used against an officer.
• But you're saying this goes beyond that and seals everything, not just the substantiated claims?

Bills: SB 15

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He represents the area of USF, and I know I'm joined by Senator Collins, Senator Gruders, who also claims
• There are by all counts across the country right now 952,173 claims that are currently over 125 days,
• There are 241,601 claims backlogged beyond that.
• That is the claims bill. So the bill is the claims bill. Are there amendments?
• This is a bill with a settled excess judgment claim for $200,000.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> claims as well. Correct. claims as well. Correct.
• workers' compensation claims?
• there to pay medical claims that are there to pay medical claims that are approved<00:07:55.039><c> for
• claims? claims?
• </c><00:08:28.000><c> may</c> the person making the work claim may the person making the work claim may

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So proponents of Senate Bill 14 have claimed that the purpose of the bill is to ensure that Kentucky
• So proponents of Senate Bill 14 have claimed that the purpose of the bill is to ensure that Kentucky
• So proponents of Senate Bill 14 have claimed that the purpose of the bill is to ensure that Kentucky
• So proponents of Senate Bill 14 have claimed that the purpose of the bill is to ensure that Kentucky
• that the bill will improve also claimed that the bill will improve access<00:38:19.800><c> to</c><00

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seen perpetrators file defamation claims, even from prison.
• It involved a child, and the claim of defamation was that the child reported to their mother.
• When I sued for retaliation, Massachusetts law no longer allowed me to include sexual harassment claims
• And what happens is it comes down to defense counsel having to incur cost to vet through these claims
• And of those 88 claims, only seven appear to be viable.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn. On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees. The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• In litigation harvesting financing, outside capital is used to mass solicit legal claims, convert them
• In litigation harvesting financing, outside capital is used to mass solicit legal claims, convert them
• They expected 50,000 claims in Louisiana and similar-sized litigation portfolios in Texas, Colorado,
• This is also not about smaller dollar claims.
• It doesn't stay in the shade, but it allows and facilitates a better resolution of these claims.

Bills: S0144 , S0192 , S0332 , S0532 , S0620 , S0694 , S0820 , S0888 , S1000 , S1224 , S1396 , S1500

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: public records, employee protection, Judicial Qualifications Commission, information exemption, confidentiality, chiropractic physician, chiropractor, patient trust funds, escrow, advance payments, prepaid treatment, trust account, fiduciary duty, patient property, Florida Statutes 460.413, Board of Chiropractic Medicine, disciplinary action, commingling of funds, client funds, medical billing

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and first postponed SB 532. It then heard and approved SB 620, which requires candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board office to disclose any citizenship other than U.S. citizenship. The bill drew one waiver in opposition from Common Cause and passed 8-0. The committee also heard SB 1396 on litigation financing consumer protection. Supporters said it would add transparency, limit funder control over litigation, and require disclosure of foreign entities involved in funding; opponents argued it would create strategic advantages for defendants and could burden plaintiffs. The bill passed 7-2. The committee later approved SB 192, repealing a $1,500 cap on patient funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, and SB 888, extending limits on indemnity and insurance requirements for design professionals in private contracts; both passed unanimously among those voting. The committee also approved several Judiciary-related measures. CS/SB 332, as amended, creates a narrow temporary public meetings/public records exemption for certain pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions by local governments, and passed 7-0. SB 820, which strengthens quarterly reporting requirements for problem-solving courts, passed 10-0. SB 1500, implementing probate process recommendations to raise small-estate thresholds, clarify access to safe deposit boxes, and improve enforcement in uncontested probate, also passed 10-0. SB 144, creating a public records exemption for personal information of current and former Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families due to harassment concerns, passed 9-1. The committee then approved CS/SB 1224, as amended, making it a third-degree felony to fraudulently obtain possession of a rental unit through false written statements, counterfeit documents, or impersonation; the bill passed 10-0. SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate, passed 10-0 after testimony from banking and credit union representatives and support from Senate leadership. Finally, CS/SB 694, providing compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four, was heard with emotional testimony from family members and advocates describing the wrongful convictions, killings, and decades-long effort for redress; an amendment specified equal shares for the four families, and the bill passed 10-0. Several members requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I get to say and claim somebody as a gang member in your bill. I can say, yeah, he's with me.
• Claim somebody as a gang member in your bill? I can say, yeah, he's with me. He's also in my gang?
• When it comes to affiliation and claiming of an individual, When it comes to affiliation and claiming
• of an individual, a gang member will not claim another.
• But you can have vindictive spouses making claims about certain things. Okay, thanks. Yes, sir.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2242, which directs DHS to select a single state pharmacy benefit manager to process all pharmacy claims
• That's just medical assistance. $22 billion in claims, and Representative Liebling and I disagree with
• But in $22 billion in claims, they lost money.
• is high-claims payments—that's what they're doing.
• These are just high claims. That's all.

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health