Transcript Highlights:

• And so the A-8 reflects the recommendations of that dental access working group that has done work over
• And so the A-8 reflects the recommendations of that dental access working group that has done work over
• And so the A-8 reflects the recommendations of that dental access working group that has done work over
• And so the A-8 reflects the recommendations of that dental access working group that has done work over
• group that has uh dental access working group that has done<00:53:08.920> work<00:53:09.240><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Heath Williams, Office of Group Benefits. Heath Williams, Office of Group Benefits.
• I mean, OGB group health plans...
• As a result of that, we do fiscal notes, and it's true we do work with our vendors, we work...
• Keith has worked very hard the last couple of years working to get the independent pharmacist a fair
• I mean, you work for us; you work for this, so you're here. But coincidentally, no one else is.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on May 18, 2026, with eight members present and began by noting the state’s projected REC budget deficit and the need to consider fiscal impacts carefully. The committee first advanced HB 12, which extends the $250,000 surviving spouse benefit to reserve officers killed in the line of duty. Members noted the bill is prospective and that it draws from the same capped fund as other related bills, but it was reported favorable without opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and reported HB 874 favorable as amended; the bill allows colleges, technical schools, the Louisiana Bar Association, and additional credentials to be added to LA Wallet, with the amendment changing mandatory language to permissive language. HB 951 was then reported favorable, creating an employer-facing workforce unit within Louisiana Works, to be funded through repurposed state and federal funds and existing staff, with a floor amendment expected to rename the unit. The committee also reported HB 979 favorable with amendments after reducing the proposed increase in survivor benefits because members learned several bills were drawing from the same $5 million fund, and HB 1193 favorable as amended, after striking a section that would have extended IDIQ authority to supply contracts for CPR. The committee then heard HB 909, which would require commercial payers to cover behavioral health crisis services. Representative Spell and LDH officials said the measure is intended to support crisis response centers and steer patients away from emergency rooms when appropriate, and they testified that it should be cost-neutral or absorbed within existing funding. Despite concerns raised by Senator Andrews about premiums, the bill was reported favorable after discussion of its potential savings and a possible pilot in Acadiana. HB 222, requiring Medicaid to cover dental procedures when needed to complete another medically covered procedure, was also reported favorable; LDH said it would absorb the cost within its existing budget and draw down federal matching funds. HB 291, which prevents health plans from penalizing hospitals when an out-of-network physician is involved in an otherwise covered hospital service, generated extensive debate over a disputed fiscal note and the No Surprises Act. OGB officials said any network “leakage” could cost the plan money, while supporters argued the policy is preventative and that the fiscal estimates were speculative. The committee adopted amendment 3941 to exempt OGB from the bill, then reported HB 291 favorable as amended. Later, the committee took up HB 145, which expands the authority of the law enforcement and firefighter survivor benefit board to cover extraordinary medical and dental expenses. Because members learned it also draws from the same fund as HB 12 and HB 979, an amendment reduced the amount from $50,000 to $25,000, and the bill was reported favorable as amended. HB 430, a local bill for Lafayette to continue paying health insurance costs for surviving families of fallen officers until Medicare eligibility, was reported favorable. Finally, HB 821, which establishes the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools within the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Administration and transfers related duties from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, was introduced and discussed as a move with a one-time general fund expenditure already included in HB 1. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will serve as the administrator of this program and the working group.
• groups that have purposes of working groups that have been<01:14:16.080> made<01:14:16.320>
• And the working group shall but past.
• c> submit<01:15:03.120> its The working group shall submit its The working group shall submit
• <01:15:13.280> June working group shall be dissolved June working group shall be dissolved

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Group.
• You are perpetuating harm, and I think a lot of the work that the Incarcerated Women's Work Group has
• I want to thank the legislature for their support on these issues, including funding for a working group
• The legislature has entrusted the sexual assault response and prevention working group to communicate
• After my release, I began working for Planting Justice.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in Buji. drive about 35 miles to work uh each way drive about 35 miles to work uh each way and<00:16
• I've worked here for 20 years.
• to introduce yourself for the the group to introduce yourself for the the group and<00:43:03.440
• <00:49:57.079> of have identified a number of groups of have identified a number of groups
• I work at Division of Indian Work as a beat school attendance liaison and a not-a-number facilitator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > stakeholders But most working group stakeholders But most working group stakeholders believed<00
• <01:09:47.799> group, the building energy code working group, the building energy code working
• builders, code working group heard from builders, code working group heard from builders, regional
• My question here is, in looking at the 2023, 2024, and 2025 working group, the 2025 working group in
• <01:23:32.000> groups<01:23:33.120> um working groups um working groups um things<01:23

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first suspended the rules briefly to make announcements, including welcoming former representative Doug Gage to the gallery. It then returned to House Bill 211 on data brokers and personal information, where the Appropriations Committee explained a $50,000 appropriation to the Secretary of State for a consultant-led study on an accessible deletion mechanism for consumers to delete personal data held by data brokers, with interim and final reports due in 2027 and 2028. The committee reported a 9-0-2 vote in favor, and the House agreed to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee’s amendment and ordered third reading. Floor debate on H. 211 focused heavily on the bill’s deletion and exemption framework. Supporters argued the bill is needed to give Vermonters meaningful control over their data and to prevent data brokers from commingling information for unrelated uses. Opponents warned the bill could conflict with existing federal frameworks such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, and the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, and could make credit, banking, insurance, fraud prevention, and identity verification harder. In response, the sponsor said the bill uses use-case-based exemptions rather than broad entity-level exemptions, noted testimony from banks, insurers, a data broker, a former data broker employee, and the Attorney General, and said no constitutional concerns were raised. The House ultimately adopted the amendment and advanced the bill. After H. 211, the House moved to House Bill 577, establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Committee reports from Health Care, Ways and Means, and Appropriations were read into the record, and the Colchester member described the bill as a way to lower prescription drug costs by joining the multi-state Array Rx program. The bill would let any Vermont resident obtain a free discount card for FDA-approved prescription drugs, with claimed savings up to 80% on generics and 20% on brand-name drugs. The House then proceeded to second reading on H. 577.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two Army combat arms brigades, two combat support groups, an Army support group, an Army headquarters
• , and an Air Force... ...combat support groups, an Army support group, an Army headquarters, an Air Force
• fighter wing, and an Air Force Air Operations Group.
• We have to work on strength management.
• It's really an amazing group of folks.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, and Domestic Security met for its first meeting of the 2025-26 session and heard presentations from Major General John Haas, Adjutant General of Florida, and Tim McGregor, executive director of the Florida Defense Support Commission. General Haas reviewed the Florida National Guard’s missions, statewide footprint, domestic disaster response, and federal deployments, emphasizing the Guard’s role in hurricanes, border-related support, and other state operations. He also discussed recruiting and retention, noting that recruiting remains strong but retention is challenged by the Guard’s high operational tempo, and he outlined efforts to expand force structure, improve facilities, and modernize units, including Camp Blanding upgrades, new armories, additional infantry, engineer, military police, and aviation assets, and the Air National Guard’s F-35 conversion. Members asked questions about recruiting methods, typical brigade size, and how many personnel would be needed to reduce the average duty burden back toward the statutory 39 days. Haas explained that Florida’s large population helps recruiting, especially through community and school outreach, but that the state’s frequent domestic missions make the current 12,000-member force too small for its workload. He said the Guard’s high tempo is the main reason members leave for the reserves and argued that more force structure is needed to reduce strain. Committee members also discussed prior efforts to influence National Guard stationing decisions based on population shifts and domestic mission demands. McGregor then described the Florida Defense Support Commission’s work to protect military installations, prevent encroachment, support workforce and economic development, and improve the military-friendly environment for service members and families. He highlighted the commission’s grant programs, the military benefits guide, and a spouse license reciprocity matrix, as well as site visits to installations and defense-related facilities across the state. Members asked about Lockheed Martin’s innovation and simulation work in Orlando and discussed the value of military spouse reciprocity compacts. No bills were heard, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's work to be done. Mr. Simmons. Good morning. Welcome to your Texas capital.
• I appreciate your work and your advocacy that extends beyond your time in the classroom.
• Their work as an inspiration to us all.
• San Antonio continues to be one of the best places to live and work in Texas.
• This group represents the best of San Antonio.

Transcript Highlights:

• to do it as a group. to do it as a group.
• I mean, the IT system doesn't work.
• work on. work on. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
• group that was reviewing all of that. group that was reviewing all of that.
• main project that he was working on. main project that he was working on.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts held a confirmation hearing on GM 742 for John Komeiji, the gubernatorial nominee to serve as chairperson of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority through 6/30/2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. The executive director of the authority, representatives of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation and the Mauna Kea observatories, and authority member Noenoe Wong-Wilson all praised Komeiji’s leadership, describing him as fair, transparent, steady, and effective at building trust and relationships among stakeholders. Chris Matsuda also supported the nomination, citing Komeiji’s presence at community workshops, his neutral facilitation of public discussion, and his careful handling of the authority’s work on observatory leases and the comprehensive EIS. In his remarks, Komeiji described the authority’s work as implementing Act 255 by building a new state agency, developing a master plan, drafting rules and regulations, and beginning the process for a comprehensive environmental impact statement related to observatory leases. He said the authority is trying to balance community voice, cultural and spiritual concerns, and the state’s policy supporting astronomy. He also discussed staffing and recruitment challenges, saying the authority is repurposing positions, using special project positions, and looking for creative ways to recruit qualified staff despite the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea. He noted that the authority is working through asset transfers from UH, managing operational needs, and addressing a projected $4 million federal funding gap affecting CMS. Members asked about timelines, contingency planning, staffing capacity, and financial sustainability. Komeiji said the authority is on track for the master plan and EIS, but would return to the legislature if delays require more time. He acknowledged that no detailed contingency plans have been developed yet for possible IT or other implementation problems, but said the board is continuing to monitor progress. He also said the authority is accelerating contracts to encumber funds while available and expects to cover planned EIS and master plan consultant costs if funding remains at current levels. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent; the chair and acting vice chair voted aye, with excused absences noted for Senators Inouye, Chang, and Lamosao. The measure was adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also serve as a work-study site for eligible students to receive a veteran's work-study allowance.
• So currently, we employ four veteran work-study students who work on supporting our veterans here. on
• We work closely with our UNM Albuquerque.
• Chair, we are working with the county right now. I have, I'm working with, his name is Wilford.
• Is there any plans to expand your group?

Transcript Highlights:

• I've talked with our groups about rubrics and... ...with our groups about rubrics and ways to select
• This group is obviously already in the community and can engage in ways that others cannot.
• This group is extremely embedded in the community.
• H.B.S. has worked with us for many years.
• We have one amendment with our contract with the Brewman Group for added money.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roundabouts work much better.
• working with companies.
• Yeah, we'll work on this for now.
• I think that's important because the goal that you and your group are working toward... ...that international
• So this is our core group here in Santa Teresa. There's this group.

Transcript Highlights:

• How does this work with car seats?
• It's work that I agree with.
• I worked at a university. I served on the, um, sex... Who then, you know, I worked at a university.
• And so thank you for helping us work through that, and thank you for being here, and yeah, let's work
• I want to help work to end anti-Semitism.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for us, and thank you for the work that you're doing day in and day out as well.
• Group.
• These folks are members of the Rural Water Working Group.
• So join me in welcoming this group to the Senate. Welcome to the Senate.
• That's what this work study would do.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cigna covers us under group group plans. Cigna covers us under group plans. plans. plans.
• for their group premiums. for their group premiums.
• <02:03:41.840> Um work full time. Um work full time.
• It wouldn't be such a bad idea except I saw how a study committee or a work group did not work well together
• group did not work well together.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We worked during the summer. We also worked even after we had some issues with the bill.
• Krista and Chris, my cowboy, I've worked with them last year on the bill.
• My sincere thanks for your work with me on this bill.
• Once we're done with the state group insurance, we are going to go after all...
• So looking forward to continuing to work with every single one of you.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee met and heard two bills. HB 141, by Rep. Woodson, would require the state group insurance program to cover out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations for covered employees, with the goal of improving early detection and reducing the chance that patients skip follow-up imaging because of cost. Woodson described her personal experience with breast cancer screening and emphasized that the bill would help state employees get recommended mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, and related tests without financial barriers. The American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network supported the bill, and several members spoke in strong support, citing the importance of early detection and employee retention. The committee voted 15-0 to report HB 141 favorably. The committee then heard CS for HB 839, by Rep. Booth, which would shorten the period for health insurers to seek overpayment claims against participating psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, aligning psychologists with other health care providers and applying to claims on or after January 1, 2026. Booth said the change would improve access to mental health care by encouraging more psychologists to participate in insurance networks. The Florida Psychological Association appeared in support, and there was no debate. The committee voted 15-0 to report the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, the vice chair, ranking member, and chair each offered brief remarks thanking members and staff for their work during the session. The chair noted the committee had focused on implementation and oversight issues and described the process as member-driven. The meeting then adjourned by motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:19:08.240> looking<00:19:08.520> into working group back in 2024 looking into working
• the members of the working group.
• Um on the Charter School Working Group.
• Uh we will also add that working group.
• <01:04:31.400> group included in the list of working group included in the list of working

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members. The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt. Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• in zoom um and I believe that uh working in zoom um and I believe that uh working group<00:29:27.760
• Let the working groups work, finish, review their recommendations, and determine the best course of action
• Let the working groups work, finish, review their recommendations, and determine the best course of action
• <00:48:03.839> So working group on on this matter. So working group on on this matter.
• Um, and I didn't bring it working group.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I KNOW YOU CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THIS AND I WANT TO WORK WITH YOU SO I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING NOT.
• WORKED TOGETHER ON.
• IS THERE ANY LIST OF WHAT GROUPS ARE PART OF THIS?
• OF THIS GROUP .
• SO SUPER CONCERNED BUT I KNOW THE WORK THEY ARE TRYING TO DO IS GOOD WORK.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:01.920> uh<00:58:02.160> on<00:58:02.799> common the work group from
• uh this uh on common the work group from uh this uh on common interest<00:58:03.319> communities
• I worked with a particular group who had to replace all of their windows, and it cost them millions of
• Representative Her continued: “I worked with a particular group who had to replace all of their windows
• during the uh Workforce uh the working during the uh Workforce uh the working group<01:16:58.719

Bills: HF1865, HF2014, HF2028

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements