Video & Transcript Research : 'statutory amendment'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So they're seeking a way to get... ...out from under this statutory requirement that's sort of been there
- Yet the statutory and administrative structure still treats us like we're operating a full health plan
- I strongly recommend that the committee amend House Bill 5580 to mandate full participation in the 287G
- That's my understanding, and so you could use that statutory definition as well.
- Under that model, we've heard that they may amend that or may do that somewhat.
Keywords:
transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That is my amendment. amendment. amendment.
- . amendment. amendment.
- A8 Amendment. A8 Amendment.
- amendment is not adopted. amendment is not adopted.
- We had very reasonable amendments. amendments. amendments.
Bills:
HF3879
Keywords:
outdoor heritage, conservation, habitat restoration, natural resources, wildlife management, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3879, the Legacy Finance Outdoor Heritage bill. The committee adopted the DE1 author’s amendment, which incorporated the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council’s revised recommendations and made technical corrections, and staff explained that the bill appropriates about $191.081 million in Outdoor Heritage funding, plus carryforwards and an extension for a carp deterrent project at Lock and Dam. Staff also noted the bill makes no changes to the Clean Water Fund or Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and the bill was moved to the Committee on Ways and Means.
A large portion of the meeting focused on the Roseau Lake rehabilitation/Roseau River restoration project and related concerns about landowner impacts, eminent domain, drainage, and whether Outdoor Heritage dollars are being used on private property. Landowners and their attorney testified that the project threatens private farmland, that they do not consent to easements or takings, and that funding should be paused until litigation and legal questions are resolved. They described flooding, drainage problems, financial burdens, and long-term harm to family farms, and asked the committee to suspend funding for the project.
Supporters of the project, including Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian and farmer/watershed district manager Jason Bratton, said the project is part of a broader flood-mitigation effort following the 2002 Roseau flood and would help control water, reduce flood damage, and improve conditions for downstream farmers. After testimony, the committee considered the A5 amendment, offered by Representative Heintzeman, which would delete the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project Phase 3 from the bill. Members debated the amendment, with some emphasizing landowner concerns and pending litigation and others defending the project and the council’s vetting process. The transcript cuts off during continued discussion, and no final vote on the A5 is shown in the provided text.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I have an amendment, Mr. Speaker. Okay. Clerk, see the amendment. Frasier on his accomplishments.
- >> I have an I have an amendment, Mr. >> I have an I have an amendment, Mr.
- Move for adoption as amended. All in favor say I. Any opposed? It is adopted. the amendment.
- adoption as amended. adoption as amended.
- sure get just get rid of the statutory sure get just get rid of the statutory requirement.<02:26
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- to pass with amendments. Uh Chair Lee. to pass with amendments. Uh Chair Lee. >> I.
- aftermath, I there is not a statutory aftermath, I there is not a statutory position<00:43:39.800
- proposed amendments. proposed amendments.
- just technical amendments. just technical amendments.
- >> Amended. >> Amended. >> Amended. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay.
Bills:
SB2041
Keywords:
land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees.
The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments.
Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-WTL, CPN-LBT, CPN-TCA, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-EDT DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- amendments yes the proposed<00:10:13.519>
amendments <00:10:14.440>uh <00:10:14.600> - Non-Vice Chair, for the vote with amendments? Chair votes aye for the amendments.
- The recommendation is to pass with amendments. The amendments are technical in nature.
- The recommendation is to pass with amendments. The amendments are technical in nature.
- uh adopting amendments with amendments uh adopting amendments to<01:20:15.800>
address <01:20:
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred.
The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred.
The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- . amendment. amendment.
- , amendment, my original A15 amendment, amendment, my original A15 amendment, what<01:29:53.120><
- . amendments. amendments.
- > the my A60 amendment uh on that amends the my A60 amendment uh on that amends the A15.<02:04:42.719
- This is the A5 amendment. amendment. amendment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm open to further suggestions if people have amendments or if hospitals particularly feel that
- Is the third year statutory?
- Is the third year statutory? You recognize? Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, Senator.
- Third year statutory? You recognize? Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, Senator.
- But it is statutory. Madam Chair, yes. So this is just something I didn't hear.
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably.
The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably.
A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no.
The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legacy finance bill, HF2563, heard in House Ways and Means Committee 4/21/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The State Arts Board received its statutory 47%.
- The state arts board<00:03:11.840>
received <00:03:12.080>its <00:03:12.319>statutory - <00:03:14.000>
Uh <00:03:14.319>we board received its statutory 47%. - Uh we board received its statutory 47%.
- committee would indulge me for just a moment, since it is Mary Murphy Day, I would note that the legacy amendment
Summary:
House File 2563, the Omnibus Legacy Bill, was presented as a roughly $779 million package funding projects across Minnesota through the four Legacy funds: Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Chairs Vang and McDonald described the bill as a responsible one-time spending measure with no ongoing base funding, emphasizing habitat restoration, water protection, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the spreadsheet, explaining that the bill largely follows the recommendations of the relevant councils and governor, with some additions such as a Wilderness Inquiry partnership, an Ash River sewer extension, competitive grant funding, and several arts and history projects.
Staff highlighted the major allocations and structure of the bill: Outdoor Heritage funding for land and habitat projects, Clean Water funding for water-quality work, Parks and Trails funding following the traditional 40-40-20 split, and Arts and Cultural Heritage funding for the State Arts Board, Minnesota Historical Society, Humanities Center, Indian Affairs Council, Department of Education, and other recipients. They also noted policy provisions requiring Clean Water Council recommendations to be broken out by fiscal year, requiring recent 990 forms for arts grantees, limiting arts funds from being used for capital construction except in specified cases, and extending a prior appropriation for the Sunni Lee memorial project. Members asked about land acquisition, the new 990 requirement, and reduced funding for children’s museums; chairs and staff responded that Outdoor Heritage includes land acquisition, the 990 is simply a documentation requirement, and children’s museum funding is lower because more money is now placed in a competitive grant pool.
The chairs said the bill reflects compromise and an effort to keep the bill relatively clean of earmarks, while also noting that a Department of Revenue transfer of more than $31 million from legacy funds affected available funding and forced difficult choices. After discussion, the committee laid the bill over, with the chair noting it was also being done in honor of Representative Mary Murphy.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/11/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- bill or amendments to 146A. bill or amendments to 146A.
- Hillary Patzer. amendment. Um all those in favor, please amendment.
- in the amendment in the A2 amendment. in the amendment in the A2 amendment.
- , the A1 amendment.
- Um author's amendment, the A1 amendment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate bills 241, 24 with amendments, 80 with amendments, 283 with amendments, 804 with amendments
- , Senate concurrent resolution 25 with amendments and Senate bill 50 with amendments.
- All amendments will be deemed adopted.
- So with that, let me present AB 101, which amends SB, excuse me, AB 102, which amends.
- Ayes 52, nos 13, Senate amendments are concurred in.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I also cover the environment issues and then the Legacy Amendment as well.
- I also cover the environment issues and then the Legacy Amendment as well.
- Uh, there's statutory or standing appropriations.
- It's kind of a subset of a statutory appropriation.
- <00:32:30.360>
appropriation <00:32:30.880>that right now a statutory appropriation
Summary:
The committee met for an organizational hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several legislators noting their backgrounds in farming, mining, water management, and outdoor recreation, and the chair reviewed draft committee rules emphasizing decorum, quorum, timely starts, and submitting bill hearing requests to the committee administrator. The committee also heard from nonpartisan staff and caucus staff who will support the committee this session.
House Research and House Fiscal staff then provided an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the major agencies and programs it oversees. The presentation covered the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Quality Board, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Metropolitan Council regional parks and water resources, Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoological Board, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Staff summarized the main statutory chapters and subject areas under each, including wildlife, state lands, mining, water use, air and water permitting, environmental review, wetlands, drainage, and natural resources funding.
The finance portion explained the committee’s appropriation types and major funding sources, including direct, statutory, and open appropriations. Staff highlighted the general fund, bonding, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Game and Fish Fund, and the Heritage Enhancement Account, along with how those dollars are typically used for parks and trails, habitat, land acquisition, flood and drainage projects, and agency operations. Members also discussed whether DNR and BWSR responsibilities in overlapping water statutes can conflict; staff said responsibilities are generally clear in statute, though conflicts can occur and are usually resolved.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
March 2, 2026 - 05:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to start by taking up a proposed report recommending an amendment to House Rule 15.3.
- Per the report, the amendment to House Rules would authorize certain pre-scheduled fundraising activities
- What matters in this case is the terms of statutory communication.
- Show the proposed amendment adopted. Thank you, members.
- Just a reminder, members, that the amendment deadline for Thursday's session is tomorrow, and amendments
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 11/19/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- have ID verification through login amend have ID verification through login amend or<00:07:46.800
- So, um, the statutory citation would be section 268B.185 under benefit overpayments.
- It's a statutory qualification, but my concern is how do you validate somebody that's in Mosmb beek?
- is not the only component to that amend is not the only component to that but<01:08:12.319>
it's< - If somebody is trying to gain the system, there are ample statutory tools for us to, you know, to not
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- moving this bill and continuing to collaborate with my fellow senators and potentially some floor amendments
- Is there a way that you could suggest we amend the bill in order to meet your needs and also address
- I believe that this bill addresses your concerns as it is, or do you have suggested amendments?
- I'm the statutory probate court judge here in Travis County.
- Democratic and Republican statutory probate courts.
Keywords:
flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (05/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- . amendments. amendments.
- This amendment to SB 69 really includes two amendments.
- Uh, this amendment<00:07:50.560>
to <00:07:51.199>SB69 amendment to SB69 amendment to SB69 - So, what does this amendment well. So, what does this amendment do?
- So that basically is the amendment. Um, basically is the amendment.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year.
Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements.
Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- that we make and the laws that we amend that we make and the laws that we amend and<03:03:13.960
- that is coming, so since there is an idea of an amendment, assuming that it sounds like the amendment
- the biggest thing that this amendment the biggest thing that this amendment<03:59:27.159>
is < - to speak on the bill not the amendment to speak on the bill not the amendment okay<03:59:32.680>
- the wrist this way this is the amendment the wrist this way this is the amendment to to to hb10<
Summary:
The House Children and Family Law Committee opened its February 4, 2025 hearing with a business item on House Bill 553, appointing a subcommittee chaired by Representative Greg and including several named members. The committee then took up House Bill 486, which would revise New Hampshire’s grandparents’ visitation law. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to address gaps in current law, especially in situations involving divorce, separation, kinship care, and parental substance use, so that children can maintain important relationships with grandparents or other kin caregivers. He emphasized that the proposal was meant to supplement existing law rather than replace it, and said the language was modeled on statutes from other states.
Several witnesses testified in support of HB 486, describing painful family separations and arguing that current law can be interpreted too narrowly. One grandmother said the existing statute had been used to dismiss her visitation case because she was restricted while the parents were separated, and she asked for language changes so courts could still order visitation in similar circumstances. Another witness, testifying online, urged passage of the bill as being in the best interest of children. A third witness described a family living arrangement in which grandparents had been a consistent presence in their grandchildren’s lives but were later cut off during a contentious separation, and said the bill would help repair those relationships. Committee members asked about the six-month timeframe in the bill, whether the proposed language would affect cases where a grandparent does not live with the child but is still a regular caregiver, and whether the sponsor had written amendment language; the sponsor said the six-month language was taken from other states’ statutes and that the new language would not change existing visitation rights but would add to them.
After hearing the testimony, the chair said the committee would hold HB 486 aside for a week or two while awaiting additional information before voting. The hearing then moved to House Bill 320, an act relative to enforcement of marital property settlements. The sponsor explained that the bill would require courts to enforce final property decrees and would clarify the difference between enforcement and contempt, arguing that courts should have clear authority to fashion remedies and that litigants, especially self-represented parties, need clearer statutory guidance. Committee members questioned the legal distinctions the sponsor drew, including whether the bill was aimed at enforcement rather than contempt and how the proposed language would operate in practice. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 320.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 26, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- File 61 as amended? File 61 as amended?
- 61 as amended. Representative Banks. 61 as amended. Representative Banks. >> I.
- Another issue that statutory duties.
- <00:55:41.520>
I committee of the whole amendment. I committee of the whole amendment. - <00:55:49.359>
drafted committee of the whole amendment drafted committee of the whole amendment
Keywords:
Indian child welfare, tribal relations, sunset repeal, Wyoming law, child custody, sales tax, motor vehicle, family transfer, tax exemption, Wyoming legislation, driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/02/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- She moved the A1 amendment. The A1 amendment was adopted.
- the amendments adopted. the amendments adopted.
- just move that amendment. just move that amendment.
- we should see that amendment. we should see that amendment.
- A1 amendments adopted. A1 amendments adopted.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I. amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I.
- <01:52:49.119>
Are amendments. All members are present. Are amendments. - this forward with one slight amendment. this forward with one slight amendment.
- way to do it. with those uh amendments. way to do it. with those uh amendments.
- <02:04:44.800>
Are amendments. All members are present. Are amendments.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects.
Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers.
Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We can do separate assessments, but we would need statutory authority to do that.
- I mean, so we would need statutory flexibility to do that. I see.
- <00:57:52.079>
flexibility so we would need statutory flexibility so we would need statutory - So we brought it in as a non-germane amendment. We had a separate hearing on it.
- We also have a statutory role to administer.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt on the New Hampshire Insurance Department budget. He said the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers based on New Hampshire premium volume, with about $8 billion in premiums written in the state and a department budget of roughly $15.5 million. He explained that the department has 88 authorized positions, eight vacancies, and that three full-time positions were unfunded after the governor’s requested 4% reduction exercise. He also said the department is trying to balance staffing needs with not overburdening carriers during a hard insurance market.
A major topic was the department’s $2.6 million rebate to industry from the prior fiscal year, which Bettencourt described as a credit against the next assessment rather than a direct cash payment. Members questioned why that credit was not reflected as a reduction in the upcoming budget, and Bettencourt and staff explained that the budget assumes full staffing and full spending, with any year-end surplus returned to insurers. The commissioner said the department had added staff in recent years for succession planning and to preserve institutional expertise, and that the rebate reflects careful budgeting rather than excess spending.
Members also asked about staffing changes by division, including positions unfunded in fraud, property and casualty examinations, life and health examinations, and tax. Bettencourt said fraud investigations remain strong and that the department can use outside contractors for examinations, with those costs billed to the company being examined. He also described the department’s examination process, including periodic financial exams and targeted market conduct reviews triggered by consumer complaints or trends. Additional questions covered OIT transfers, the department’s oversight of fully insured health coverage, the insurance premium tax and fines going to the general fund, and the department’s limited role in auto repair reimbursement disputes, where he said complaints have recently declined.