Transcript Highlights:

• Nick Tempus, a previous commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, recently joined
• Nick Tempus, a previous commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, recently joined
• The idea arose from Senator Reirden's work as a Merrimack County Commissioner and the possibility of
• <00:35:13.280> and<00:35:13.520> the Marramac County Commissioner and the Marramac
• at<00:36:50.160> the commissioner in November at the commissioner in November at the election

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:32:29.240> and being covered by insurance, and being covered by insurance, and therefore
• > that So, having insurance coverage that So, having insurance coverage that provides<00:35:48.360
• How many people, um, you know, had employer insurance?
• know, insurance? know, insurance?
• I said, "How many people know insurance.

Bills: HF4401, HF4466

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access

Transcript Highlights:

• I assume you have insurance that is a requirement.
• what what does the insurance requirement what what does the insurance company<01:21:55.080> require
• I mean generally so the insurance I mean generally speaking<01:22:02.440> insurance<01:22:03.000
• > companies<01:22:04.120> require speaking insurance companies require speaking insurance
• <01:39:07.760> at kpo I'm the assistant commissioner at kpo I'm the assistant commissioner

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And you have insurance. You have federal insurance. And Medicaid is still paying for this child.
• , families that have private insurance, families that have private insurance, uh,<01:08:03.560>
• <01:09:17.880> does here, and so commercial insurance does here, and so commercial insurance
• insurance does not cover residential. insurance does not cover residential.
• insurance companies to pay. insurance companies to pay.

Keywords: Roll Call - 00:10 Discussion on SCR 61 – 01:46 Vote on SCR 61 – 11:33 Discussion on SR 18 – 12:30 Vote on SR 18 - 30:01 Discussion on Ky Residential Autism Services – 32:34 Questions & Comments – 56:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0. The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers. Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner duties that the commissioner must review all information provided in the subdivisions one
• . commissioners. commissioners.
• Commissioner<00:03:14.000> duties<00:03:14.720> that Commissioner duties that Commissioner
• under subdivision 2, the commissioner under subdivision 2, the commissioner has<00:03:39.440>
• It does require that the<01:31:21.640> commissioner the commissioner the commissioner puts<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On the, Senator Jenkins, with the insurance, when they've received the insurance payments, that means
• If they tried to tear it down before while the insurance claim is still pending, then there's a question
• of spoliation, so that's one of the reasons why it seems to me why if the insurance has been paid, it's
• So they file suit, but if I say, wait, I can't tear it down because we're fighting with the insurance
• And a lot of disappointment with the actions that have been taken by the commissioners.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Requirements include registration, maintaining liability insurance, and providing proper documentation
• So an example of that would be during the coastal insurance crisis.
• The Texas Department of Insurance didn't act unilaterally to fill that gap in the market.
• We lost our health insurance and had to go to COBRA, which was $3,200 a month.
• And so, because the members say is 1 in 5, 1 in 7, 1 in 9, or a county commissioner similarly.

Bills: HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of Commissioner Doug Goring.
• So the commissioner has it where it's soybeans of... ...soybeans on 100,000 acres.
• There's a commissioner-hosted basin meeting near you. We encourage you to attend.
• But for those maybe over five years, the commissioners know that land is inundated.
• Commissioners are frustrated.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of Commissioner Doug Goring.
• So the commissioner has it where it's soybeans of 100,000 acres.
• There's a commissioner-hosted basin meeting near you. We encourage you to attend.
• But for those maybe over five years, the commissioners know that land is inundated.
• Yeah, Madam Chair and Representative Munson, 100% commissioners are frustrated.

Summary: The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online. Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm not going to ask insurance to pay for any... ...and reduces the risk for insurance.
• I've spoken with Commissioner Temple about it. I've spoken with my own insurers about it.
• the insurance needed.
• the insurance needed.
• companies and insureds. ...help try to foster a better market for both insurance companies and insureds

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on May 6 with a quorum and first reported favorably House Resolution 196 by Rep. Owen. The resolution creates a special study committee to examine the impact of fallen trees on residential property, property values, daily life, and the insurance market. Rep. Owen said the goal is to study whether homeowners who remove risky trees should be considered for incentives or discounts, and members discussed whether homeowners association restrictions on tree removal should also be examined. The committee next reported favorably Senate Bill 100 by Sen. Jenkins, which requires transportation network company drivers to provide the correct proof of insurance after an accident and disclose whether they were logged into the ride-share app or on a prearranged ride. Supporters said the bill would ensure the proper ride-share-specific coverage is produced and reduce administrative problems when accidents occur. House Bill 408 by Rep. Jordan, dealing with homeowners insurance cancellations after a homeowner timely mitigates risks, drew opposition from the insurance industry. Opponents argued the bill addressed a problem they said does not generally occur and could create confusion or litigation, especially given existing notice rules. After discussion, the committee adopted a committee amendment changing a notice period from 90 days to 60 days, and Rep. Jordan voluntarily deferred the bill. The committee then took up House Bill 625 by Rep. Jordan on peer-to-peer car sharing programs. Members adopted technical amendments and a substantive amendment requiring a state-admitted or approved physical damage policy when no contractual protection package is in place, with a deductible cap and subrogation rights. Enterprise representative Ryan Haney said the company supported the broader effort but disagreed with the amended approach; the committee nevertheless reported the bill favorably as amended. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And probably insurance rates would probably be less.
• Uh, good afternoon, uh, Chairman, um, commissioner, or, uh.
• insurance carrier that will insure you against intentional acts.
• Ellis conceded that most of them are covered by general liability insurance.
• So, thank you, Commissioner. I've got a question over here for you. Thank you, Commissioner.

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1525, HB 1530, HB 1535, HB 2068, HB 2091, HB 2347, HB 2372, HB 2805, HB 2815, HB 2867, HB 3154, HB 3482, HB 3483, HB 3663, HB 3781, HB 3901, HB 3915, HB 4135, HB 4153, HB 4158, HB 4329, HB 4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Garcia Vice Chair Martin and committee members Commissioner Glass and says apologies for his absence
• My name is Payton Pollard and a deputy commissioner of investigations and forensic services for FDLE.
• One of Commissioner Commissioner glasses priorities for FDLE was to create a strategic vision to help
• I've had the opportunity to stand alongside Martin Commissioner Glass with many chiefs and sheriffs who
• entire state has a friend of services needed alcohol testing program ensures the alcohol testing insurance

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County Boards of Commissioners um County Boards of Commissioners um reflecting<00:14:27.000> strong
• <00:14:38.440> Rick me today Lake County Commissioner Rick me today Lake County Commissioner
• Louis County Commissioner, correct?
• Commissioners here today if you wouldn't Commissioners here today if you wouldn't mind<00:31:41.039><
• Louis County Commissioner, correct?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• never, this is hard work, Commissioner. never, this is hard work, Commissioner.
• Commissioner, thank you into a debate. Commissioner, thank you for<00:30:16.559> coming.
• Madame<01:09:48.080> Commissioner, Madame Commissioner, Madame Commissioner, actually<01:09:50.000
• Hennon or Commissioner Clark.
• representative commissioner Mr. Mr. representative commissioner Mr. Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I was seeking out new insurance in October this year, found an insurance company that was going to
• /c> found an insurance company that was found an insurance company that was going<00:58:43.520> to
• going to cover home and auto insurance going to cover home and auto insurance um<00:58:46.960>
• that's actually looking for uh insurance that's actually looking for uh insurance coverage<01:05
• :11.120> when you would lose your auto insurance when you would lose your auto insurance when

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:11.120> Fund, Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund
• the Maryland automobile insurance the Maryland automobile insurance excuse<00:27:36.480> me
• MedCom, and the county commissioners. MedCom, and the county commissioners.
• Mutual Insurance Holding Company's conversion to mutual insurance. >> Senate Bill 982.
• . insurance. insurance.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner" >> Uh yeah. Yes. Uh I think it's uh an >> Uh yeah. Yes.
• <00:17:02.959> Commissioner Support it. Thank you.
• Commissioner Landry, did you want to speak at all on this bill?
• This is the associate commissioner here. Yeah. Would you like to comment?
• The deputy commissioner, Adam Crapo, is interested in following where this goes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how insurance works.
• , in their auto insurance.
• , in their auto insurance.
• You see many, many different companies that would love to have your insurance, your auto insurance.
• copy of that long-term care insurance policy to the insured or a representative of the insured within

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Insurance Division, State of Hawaii, DCCA, is providing comment.
• My insurance covered a hundred of it.' He says it's not adequately covered.
• have coverage for insurance they don't have coverage for insurance they only<00:10:51.720> get
• commissioner is stating what it's stating.
• commissioner is stating what it's stating.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 1419, SB 1494, and SB 1495, which were taken out of order to accommodate ASL/Death Blind Task Force testimony. SB 1419, relating to Act 253 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2023), drew support from the Department of Human Services and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, with testimony emphasizing use of the term “low vision” and support for the program timeline. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes and updated appropriation fiscal years, and the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present. SB 1494, concerning hearing aids, drew broad support from disability advocates and others who argued that hearing aids improve health, reduce accidents, and may help reduce dementia risk. Testifiers also urged that the bill define hearing aids as prescription hearing aids rather than including over-the-counter devices, and the Department of the Auditor and Insurance Division raised cost and coverage questions. The committee recommended passage with amendments, changing the coverage approach to optional coverage similar to vision and dental and requesting a sunrise analysis for prescription hearing aids; that recommendation was adopted. SB 1495, which exempts hearing aids from the general excise tax, also received support, while the Attorney General flagged a possible single-subject issue and the Tax Department estimated a potential $1.1 million revenue impact. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including deletion of the challenged language, technical fixes, and noting the revenue estimate; that recommendation was adopted. The committee then moved through additional measures with mostly supportive testimony. SB 1421 on medical records prompted questions about what happens when a solo practitioner dies or closes practice, and the discussion centered on ensuring patients can obtain records, including a proposed amendment requiring a successor provider to send records to the patient’s last known address. SB 1422, dealing with a special fund and vital statistics funding, was supported by the Department of Health, which said the special fund did not meet criteria and that deposits should instead go to the Vital Statistics Improvement Special Fund. SB 1423 on certificate of need exemptions for Department of Health facilities drew support, with discussion of possibly extending exemptions to dialysis and behavioral health/psychiatric services; the Department indicated it would not oppose that change. SB 1424 on credentialing of health care providers also received support, and SB 1425 on the State Emergency Medical Services Committee focused on reducing quorum requirements because many members are active first responders and cannot always attend meetings. The committee also heard support for SB 1426 on emergency medical services, SB 1431 on viral hepatitis, and SB 1433 on harm reduction, with testimony on hepatitis outreach funding and syringe access best practices; for SB 1433, the Department of Health identified a blank in the bill and recommended a six-month period for the syringe-possession exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you had Commissioner Jeff Holt and Commissioner Rich Paces on the river actively that morning
• Then you had both your other commissioners, County Commissioner Donner...
• I know you had Commissioner Jeff Holt and Commissioner Rich Paces on the river actively that morning
• Then you had both your other commissioners, County Commissioner Don Harris and County Commissioner Tom
• They don't have money to pay for flood insurance. They don't have money to pay for flood insurance.

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.