Video & Transcript Research : 'liability immunity'
Page 127 of 297
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we talk about cyber security, or the biggest topic right now is our asset-liability risks and
- We have<00:15:03.519>
an <00:15:03.680>asset <00:15:04.160>liability <00:15:04.959 - >
committee, <00:15:05.839>an <00:15:06.560>uh have an asset liability committee - <00:16:52.880>
management how does asset liability management how does asset liability management - it's never been more important liability it's never been more important than<00:25:12.080>
it
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow state-chartered credit unions to compensate board members if the membership approves it. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, intended to help credit unions recruit and retain qualified directors and align New Hampshire with other states that already allow such compensation. Credit union representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank supported the bill, saying board service has become more complex because of cybersecurity, asset-liability management, and other regulatory demands, and that compensation could be modest and take forms such as meeting fees or educational reimbursement. In response to committee questions, they said compensation would be set by the membership, disclosed in advance, and subject to bylaws and internal policies; they also noted that board members must be credit union members and that voting procedures vary by institution, with some using mailed ballots rather than proxy voting.
Members raised questions about why credit union boards were historically excluded, what kinds of compensation were contemplated, whether there would be a cap, and how voting and confidentiality would work. Testimony explained that the historical rationale was the nonprofit, volunteer mission of credit unions, but witnesses argued that the modern environment and competition for talent justify a change. They also said the bill would not mandate compensation and would not create a salary structure comparable to banks, but would allow members to approve modest compensation or reimbursements. After no further testimony, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25.
The committee then opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Senator Howard Pearl, concerning the definition of deposits in land sales and escrowed accounts. Pearl said the bill would clarify that buyer funds for upgrades and luxury items in new-home construction are not treated as refundable deposits that must be held in escrow, arguing that the current Attorney General interpretation raises builder costs, increases home prices, and can limit buyer choices. He said the proposal would allow those upgrade funds to be paid directly to builders for construction, with signed disclosures making clear that the buyer requested the items and bears the risk if financing falls through. The hearing on Senate Bill 26 had just begun when the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 12/4/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We estimate tax year 2024 income tax liability is higher largely because capital gains, interest, and
- Much of the higher tax liability carries forward into tax years 2025 and 2026, increasing the revenue
- <00:15:52.160>
and <00:15:52.399>is tax year 2024 liability and is tax year 2024 liability - is higher largely because liability is higher largely because capital<00:16:08.240>
gains, <00 - <00:16:15.759>
into <00:16:16.079>tax tax liability carries forward into tax tax liability
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Aaron Campbell, State Economist Dr. Tony Becker, and State Budget Director Anna Mingi presented the November 2025 budget and economic forecast. Campbell said the state now projects a nearly $2.5 billion surplus at the end of the 2026-27 biennium, about $575 million better than the end-of-session estimate, but also a projected negative balance of about $2.9 billion in FY 2028-29, reflecting a worsening structural imbalance. He said the budget reserve stands at $3.4 billion, with cash flow and budget reserves totaling $3.8 billion after a $244 million addition, and emphasized that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy remain strengths even as future sessions will need to address the long-term gap.
Becker said the national economic outlook has changed only modestly since February, but growth remains below trend through the forecast horizon. He cited slower consumer spending, weak private investment, continued tariff uncertainty, lower projected immigration, and modest inflation that stays near 3% through 2026 before easing. Revenue forecasts for the next biennium were revised up to $66.3 billion, driven mainly by higher individual income tax receipts and other revenue, partly offset by lower sales and corporate tax forecasts. He also noted risks from federal policy changes, the recent shutdown’s effect on data availability, and possible equity market volatility.
Mingi said general fund spending is projected to rise sharply, with current biennium spending up $3.4 billion from end-of-session estimates and planning-year spending up $1.9 billion. She attributed much of the increase to carryforward from prior one-time appropriations, discretionary inflation, and especially Medical Assistance. MA costs are projected to be about $2.5 billion higher over 2025-29, largely because managed care rates rose more than expected due to higher utilization and higher-cost services, including pharmacy costs, while long-term care and disability waiver costs also increased. In response to questions, officials said the federal reconciliation bill had only a relatively small effect on the health care changes, and that the carryforward amounts reflect unspent prior appropriations that now show up in later years rather than new spending.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The credit is designed to compensate for the increased tax liability experienced by couples when one
- experienced by couples when liability experienced by couples when one<00:32:37.600>
sorry <00: - This increased tax liability is jointly.
- . liability. liability.
- That increased tax liability is their marriage penalty.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and federal level, including advocating for the passage of my legislation, the Ending Qualified Immunity
- 10.559>
Qualified my legislation the Ending Qualified my legislation the Ending Qualified Immunity - Act to hold law enforcement Immunity Act to hold law enforcement accountable<01:00:14.480>
when - Again, veterans are not immune to that.
- Again, veterans are not immune to that. Again, veterans are not immune to that.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- opposed to Senate Bill 1083 because of the potential risk created for student safety, as well as liability
- It also exposes us to extensive liability for creating the risk of childhood sexual assault.
- Leilaniaki Naldo, on behalf of the School's Access Liability Fund.
- In addition, we believe that SB 1083 would expand potential liability because of the ALJ process that
- on behalf of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, respectfully opposed for the liability
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with SB 1166 by Senator Arreguín, which would allow AC Transit and its employees to use the Public Employment Relations Board to resolve unfair labor practice charges instead of the courts. The author and union supporters said PERB would provide a faster, fairer, and more specialized process, while no opposition testified. The committee members expressed support, and SB 1166 was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to Appropriations.
The committee also took up consent items SB 1024, SB 1207, and SB 1444, which were moved on consent and placed on hold for absent members. Later, SB 1083 by Senator Perez was heard; it would refine last year’s school misconduct database law by adding an administrative law judge review process for classified employees, requiring stronger employer notification and record-sharing procedures, and extending vetting requirements to certain contracted workers. Supporters, including classified employees and labor groups, argued the bill adds due process and fairness while preserving student safety. Opponents, including school administrators, school districts, and liability organizations, argued it could create gaps in misconduct records, increase liability, and weaken protections for students.
After discussion, the author said he was continuing to work with opponents on amendments and emphasized the bill’s goal of balancing due process with child safety, referencing his own experience with grooming as a student. SB 1083 was passed on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Education. The chair then announced that all bills had passed and adjourned the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- respectfully opposes Senate Bill 1083 because of the potential risk created for student safety, as well as liability
- It also exposes us to extensive liability for creating the risk of childhood sexual assault.
- Leilaniaki Naldo on behalf of the School's Access Liability Fund.
- In addition, we believe that SB 1083 would expand potential liability because of the ALJ process that
- on behalf of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities, respectfully opposed for the liability
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
SB 2374 Conference Committee Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- some additional language referring to a study on towing and recovery coverage for vehicles with liability
- with... ...in the past couple years that there's getting to be a problem with motorists who carry liability
- vehicles... ...the point where towing services may not come and remove vehicles if the owner has liability
- aspect of the insurance company won't pay to have that vehicle towed for these policies that have liability
- semi-white... ...was it February Blaine, where a, actually a semi went into Lake Ashdabula, and they had liability
Summary:
The conference committee on Senate Bill 2374 discussed proposed amendments to the insurance rebating provisions and a new study on towing and recovery issues. Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Arnold explained that, after working with industry representatives, the compromise was to remove the large commercial rebating exemption language and keep the rest of the bill intact, while also clarifying that federal crop insurance remains subject to the state’s rebating laws. Members asked several questions about how the large commercial risk definition would work, how the rules would apply to nonresident producers and border-area farm policies, and whether the changes would affect long-standing industry practices.
The committee also considered Commissioner Godfrey’s request for a study on who pays to remove vehicles from the roadside when the owner has liability-only coverage, especially in cases involving totaled or abandoned vehicles. Arnold said the issue has been raised by Highway Patrol and towing interests and that the study language was intended to examine possible solutions for the next legislative session. Some members expressed concern about shifting costs to the insurance industry, but others supported the study as a way to gain clarity.
The committee adopted the amendment package, including the towing study language, by a 6-0 roll call vote. It then passed Senate Bill 2374 as amended by another 6-0 vote. The committee noted that the bill would need floor carriers on both chambers, with Representative Johnson and Senator Klein indicating they would carry it.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will turn over to tab 15 and take up Senate Bill 1284 on civil liability for the wrongful death of
- I'm urging you to vote no on this bill because I believe that it would increase liabilities for OBGYN
- And on top of that potential civil liability by an estranged father and for taking the fetus because
- And now and on top of it, this potential for civil liability.
- One more bill by Senator Martin that Senate Bill 724 related to property owner liability.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSG/TRN Joint Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 8:59 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- of those people who are prone to being in a situation or age group that can attract this kind of liability
- of those people who are prone to being in a situation or age group that can attract this kind of liability
- but the bottom line is we feel liability but the bottom line is we feel that<00:39:21.280>
is - of possibly losing up with the liability of possibly losing their<00:50:46.680>
license <00:50 - At the time of the inspection, that picture will release you of any liability, because like myself or
Summary:
The meeting included a joint public hearing of the House Housing and Transportation committees, followed by a Transportation Committee hearing. In the joint hearing, members considered SB 662 SD1, which concerned transportation and included two parts: transferring certain streets to the city and clarifying police authority on state streets. The chair recommended moving the bill out as an HD1 with Part One removed, explaining that the street-transfer issue should be worked out by the county and state and that removing it would improve the bill’s chances. The committees voted to pass the measure with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted.
The Transportation Committee then heard several bills. SB 1095, relating to license plates, would increase decal size restrictions for special number plates; the Department of Transportation offered written comments, with testimony split between two individuals in opposition and one in support, and no questions were raised. SB 344 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets; DOT supported the bill, as did TRIAA Hawaii, the Injury Prevention Coalition, and other individuals, while two individuals opposed it. SB 30 would require all moped riders to wear helmets regardless of age; DOT supported it, but Moped Doctors and Hawaiian Style Rentals and Sales opposed it, arguing the bill was overreaching, could be hard to enforce, and should be more narrowly targeted or replaced with education efforts.
The committee also heard SB 1216, which would tighten noisy muffler and exhaust enforcement by conditioning inspection certificates, adding inspection-station penalties, increasing fines, and prohibiting repair or installation of noisy systems. DOT supported the measure, and Waiʻanae Neighborhood Board testified in support, while Moped Doctors and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it, saying the bill would burden inspection stations, create liability concerns, and raise questions about insurance-related language as applied to mopeds. The hearing included discussion of enforcement, inspection burdens, and whether the bill’s insurance references applied to mopeds. No final vote was taken on the Transportation Committee bills in the portion provided, and the hearing adjourned after testimony and discussion.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I would say that I do think there absolutely would be dram shop liability if there's proof that,
- absolutely would be drram shop liability absolutely would be drram shop liability if<00:36:58.240
- if if this transaction caused liability if if this transaction caused um<00:37:44.800>
a <00:37 - And so the question of where does that liability fall? That was my main concern.
- Just so we're clear, you're not extending any criminal liability to a retailer or someone who's selling
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 774, the Cost, Fines, and Fees Reporting Act, which would require data collection and reporting on criminal and traffic-related costs, fines, fees, interest, and late fees in Kentucky. Vice Chair Decker said the bill is intended to improve transparency and accountability, not to change collection policy. A representative from Reason Foundation supported the measure, saying policymakers need reliable data on legal financial obligations. Representative Marzian asked whether the bill would help enforce collection, and Decker replied that it is only a study/data bill. During roll call, some members raised concerns about funding, but Decker said Kentucky Stats already has the staff and systems in place. The bill passed favorably with 18 yes votes, no no votes, and two pass votes.
The committee then took up House Bill 542, relating to eminent domain and declared an emergency, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony. The sponsor described the bill as the product of extensive revisions and said it was aimed at improving notice, communication, transparency, and fairness in condemnation proceedings. He said property owners would have to be notified by certified mail or hand delivery, with sworn proof if delivery failed, and that condemning authorities could not make false or misleading statements during negotiations. A guest, Stephanie Barnett, described problems in her own eminent domain experience, including notices going to the wrong address and learning after the fact that people had been on her property. Members generally supported the bill as a fairness measure. It passed the committee substitute unanimously, 20-0.
Finally, Representatives Flannery and Whitaker presented House Bill 563, a DUI-related measure intended to reduce deaths and injuries caused by repeat drunk drivers. They said the bill would apply to a fourth DUI offense within 10 years and would place a two-year restriction on alcohol sales, marked on the person’s license or ID, with the goal of both public safety and encouraging treatment. Flannery cited the death of his mother by a repeat drunk driver and shared statistics on fatal crashes and the economic costs of drunk driving. The committee began discussion on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (12-12-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it not create an unfunded liability? >> That is 100% correct. >> Okay.
- <00:31:32.559>
That not create an unfunded liability. - That not create an unfunded liability. That is<00:31:33.039>
100% <00:31:33.679>correct. - can assume that there is some liability can assume that there is some liability there.<00:39:53.760
- increase in the unfunded liability. increase in the unfunded liability.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty on a bill to expand minimum hazardous-duty retirement and health benefits for certain public safety workers injured in the line of duty. She used a video and examples from Floyd County to describe officers and an emergency management director who were catastrophically injured but did not qualify for existing hazardous-duty coverage because their employers had enrolled them in non-hazardous retirement plans. The bill would provide a minimum benefit of 25% of pay, plus 10% for dependent children and limited health coverage, for eligible workers who cannot return to hazardous work. Laferty said the proposal would apply retroactively through a five-year window, estimated to affect a limited number of workers statewide, and would be funded by small increases in employer contribution rates. Committee members questioned how many former employees might qualify, how the bill interacts with the pension system, and who would pay the added cost. Discussion also noted that local governments choose whether to place employees in hazardous or non-hazardous coverage, largely based on cost. The sheriff’s association was present online in support, and no vote was taken.
The committee then heard Rep. Daniel Gber present a revised bill allowing teachers and school district employees to use accumulated sick leave to observe religious holidays not already on the school calendar, if they provide a personal statement and sufficient advance notice. He said the measure is intended to address the rigid school calendar and the difficulty teachers face in observing non-school holidays without losing service credit toward retirement. He noted that the earlier version of the bill had allowed make-up work time, but the current draft is shorter and focused on sick leave use. He also referenced a supporting letter from a constituent who could not attend because of weather. The bill was presented for discussion only, with no committee action reported.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and there is no liability here.
- Um, and there is no liability here.
- Um, and there is no liability here.
- Um, and there is no liability here.
- Um, and there is no liability here.
Summary:
The House convened with 129 members present, read the prior journal, and then took up a series of third-reading bills. Early action included unanimous passage of HB 159 (mail theft), HB 412 (child support and driver’s license suspension), HB 912 (trap-neuter-return policies for community cats), HB 914 (Worcester County Board of License Commissioners membership), HB 558 (Prince George’s County wine festival licenses), HB 1400 (shellfish aquaculture penalties), and HB 1463 (Anne Arundel County Board of Education constituent services liaison). HB 582, dealing with Prince George’s County alcoholic beverages licenses and voter registration requirements, drew brief debate over whether it removed or retained a voter registration condition; it ultimately passed 119-12. HB 846, a property tax exemption for the Hagerstown multi-use sports and events facility, passed 126-7 after a system delay interrupted proceedings.
Several bills prompted more substantive discussion. HB 1218, the Safe and Healthy Homes for All Act, drew opposing explanations over a proposed public registry of properties with housing violations; supporters said it would help identify serious housing problems and improve compliance, while opponents objected to publicly naming private properties based on administrative findings. It passed 99-36. HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, passed 135-1 after questions about enforcement, with supporters comparing it to ordinary classroom discipline. HB 1483, allowing out-of-state clinical professional counseling and social work providers to use telehealth for continuity of care, passed 135-0 after clarification that it applies to people moving into Maryland and allows a six-month continuity period. HB 1504, the Pedestrian Safety Act, passed unanimously.
Later, HB 664 (Cecil County alcoholic beverages license quota) passed 134-1, and HB 837 (cardiovascular pre-screening for student athletic activities) passed 133-2 after the sponsor explained that reporting requirements were removed for cost reasons and the bill now mainly requires screening questions. HB 925, regulating PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, generated the most extended debate: one delegate argued the bill’s limits were too weak and lacked liability for industry actors, while supporters said it establishes the first limits, requires wastewater treatment plants to reduce PFAS, and leaves room for future tightening; it passed 130-7. HB 1370, authorizing a pilot stop-sign monitoring program in Rising Sun, passed 109-26. HB 649, expanding Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforcement to higher education discrimination claims, passed 100-35 after supporters said current protections are stronger for K-12 than for colleges. The House also passed HB 512 on compensation for Anne Arundel County license commissioners and inspectors, and the session continued into HB 661 on commemorative months.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 35 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the residency requirement for town manager, local approval received; House Bill 3204, reducing tax liability
- Tewksbury to modify the residency requirement for town manager, Senate Bill 1446; an act reducing tax liability
- Tewksbury to modify the residency requirement for town manager, Senate Bill 1446; an act reducing tax liability
- An act reducing tax liability for grandparents raising grandchildren, House Bill 3204.
Summary:
The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules recommendations. It adopted two commemorative resolutions: one honoring the Norton Public Library during 2026 National Library Week and another commemorating Middleton’s new Municipal Complex. The House also adopted an order extending until May 22, 2026, the reporting deadline for the Committee on Education on House Order C 5367, and concurred in a Senate petition concerning the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. In addition, Joint Rule 12 was suspended for a petition on assisted living residences, referred to the Committee on Aging and Independence.
The Committee on Steering and Policy recommended several bills for House consideration, including a Tewksbury charter change on the town manager residency requirement, a bill reducing tax liability for grandparents raising grandchildren, a bill on fraternal organizations conducting bazaars, a Boston land/easements bill, and a Bourne alcohol license bill. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave these bills second readings, and ordered them to a third reading. It then passed House Bill 4621, changing the Boylston Board of Selectmen to Select Board, to be enacted.
Under orders of the day, the House passed to be engrossed House Bills 4702 (exempting certain Leominster police positions from civil service), 5053 (establishing a charter for Orange), and 5097 (allowing Salem to convert seasonal alcohol licenses to annual licenses). House Bill 4201, changing Chicopee’s mayoral term from two years to four years, was amended to specify that the change would be held in 2027, and then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House also adopted an order to meet again the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That's due to one-time funding last session, which was provided to eliminate the unfunded liability of
- The bullet there in the middle of the page says the actuarially accrued liability is $189.8 million at
- Really, what I should have put there is the unfunded actuarially accrued liability. So what's...
- The agency is requesting $7.2 million over the biennium to help with your unfunded liability.
- Part 1 and state contributions are not sufficient to provide the normal cost and unfunded liabilities
Bills:
SB 1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken.
The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information.
The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- County, the issue of liability is a real one. We've been talking a lot about that in L.A. County.
- I know you all want the most, of our institutions from crippling liability.
- that liability, and that's why the bill last year was so important.
- And yet, if there's to be liability heading forward, That there are horrible impacts on local governments
- that liability, and that's why the bill last year was so important.
Summary:
The committee heard SB 921, which would create a tax credit to help agricultural employers offset overtime premium costs for farmworkers. Senator Grove and supporters, including farmworkers, the California Farm Bureau, and agricultural groups, argued the bill would restore lost hours and take-home pay after California’s agricultural overtime law reduced schedules. Opponents, including the California Federation of Labor Unions and CRLA Foundation, argued the proposal would subsidize employers with taxpayer dollars and undermine the principle that employers should pay overtime themselves. The bill was held in subcommittee until more members arrived.
The committee then took up SB 1083, a cleanup bill to the prior year’s school employee misconduct database law. The author and supporters said it would add due process protections for classified school employees, require an administrative law judge review before placement in the database, and improve notice and vetting rules for contractors and non-permanent staff. School employer groups and other opponents warned the bill could slow investigations and weaken child-safety protections. The committee approved the bill 3-0 and sent it to Senate Appropriations.
Members also considered SB 1089, which would require CalPERS health plans to cover GLP-1 medications and expand access through CalRX for chronic weight management and related health conditions. The author and supporters, including the American Diabetes Association and medical groups, said the drugs can prevent diabetes and improve health outcomes but remain unaffordable for many. Pharma representatives expressed concerns about the bill as drafted but said they were open to continued discussions. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar 4-0.
Later, the committee heard SB 954, which would narrow and add guardrails to last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing, including environmental review near disadvantaged communities and labor standards such as prevailing wage and skilled-and-trained workforce requirements. Labor, environmental, and community groups supported the bill as a cleanup of an overly broad exemption, while business and manufacturing groups opposed it, warning it would discourage investment and worsen California’s competitiveness. The bill passed 3-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1299, a fire sprinkler fitter certification bill, was heard and passed 3-0 to Appropriations with support from the sprinkler fitters and building trades and no recorded opposition.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-JDC, WAM DEFER, WAM, WAM DEFER Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- This is relating to liability.
- This is relating to liability.<00:32:15.760>
specifies <00:32:16.159>as <00:32:16.320> <00:32:16.480>- > a
state <00:32:16.640>or liability. specifies as a state or liability - So there is no joint and several liability, and we'll make conforming amendments to the preamble.
- >
we'll <00:32:57.039>make several liability and we'll make several liability and we'll
Summary:
The committee took up a long decision-making agenda on numerous House bills, largely in the tax, appropriations, public safety, agriculture, and land-use areas. Early action included HB 476, which passed with amendments after discussion of tax impacts and a committee report change; HB 796 also passed with amendments to protect several individual income tax credits from the bill’s effect. Other measures were advanced with amendments or without changes, including HB 1059, HB 1145, HB 1173, HB 1439, HB 800, HB 934, HB 990, HB 101, HB 106, and a series of bills in the 1026–1055 range, many of which were passed unamended or with technical/effective-date changes. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1147, HB 807, and later items on the agenda.
The committee also approved a number of policy and agency-structure changes. HB 430 was amended to create or expand an internship/workforce development program with reporting requirements; HB 505 and HB 506 were amended to adjust appropriations and FTEs; HB 774 added an appropriation section for two FTEs; HB 1052 limited use of universal service fund money; HB 1296 shifted a reporting requirement from BNF to the Department of Defense; and HB 1064 moved the State Fire Council and Fire Marshal Selection Commission to the Department of Law Enforcement and set the fire marshal salary. HB 427 made major biosecurity-related changes, including moving the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity in 2026 and adding new appropriations. HB 830 was amended to allow third-party historic preservation reviewers under ethics and conflict rules, with a two-year sunset and committee-report comments on vacancies.
Public safety and regulatory bills also moved forward. HB 302 on cannabis drew opposition from Senator Awa, who said it would shut down a medical provider in his district; the bill nevertheless passed with amendments adding criminal penalties, enforcement authority, and a 2027 effective date for cultivator licenses. HB 306 on water code penalties passed unamended, HB 860 on liability for road resurfacing passed with amendments to limit liability to the work actually performed and eliminate joint and several liability, and HB 141 on public land leases passed with technical amendments. HB 1159 establishing a commercial harbor emergency evacuation working group passed as is, and HB 1482 on hemp passed with amendments exempting existing permit holders and certain retailers, aligning THC limits, and setting a far-future effective date. Most votes were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on specific measures.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Number two, it gives the option for them to purchase less expensive liability insurance, but yet cover
- Number two, it gives the option for them to purchase less expensive liability insurance, but yet cover
- <00:15:54.560>
cost is a cost and unfunded liability cost is a cost and unfunded liability - <00:16:05.759>
also <00:16:06.040>limit <00:16:06.600>that <00:16:06.759>liability - <00:16:07.279>
to <00:16:07.399>the but also limit that liability to the but also limit
Keywords:
Consideration of SB 176 01:52
Consideration of SB 104 05:03
Consideration of SB 9 08:09
Consideration of SB 129 18:50
Consideration of SB 178 31:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, adopting committee substitutes where offered. Senate Bill 176, relating to statutory committees within the Legislative Research Commission, was presented by Senator Matt Nunn as a cleanup and process-streamlining measure for appointments, vacancies, and appointing authorities. It passed the committee 15-0 with a title amendment.
Senate Bill 104, presented by Senator Scott Maiden and the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority, would update deferred compensation law by adding a fiduciary standard, allowing less expensive liability insurance, making federal-law compliance self-correcting, and authorizing a self-directed brokerage account option. It passed 15-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 9, presented by Senator Jimmy Higdon, would change teacher retirement-related leave provisions, including up to 30 days of maternity leave, a 13-day annual rollover toward retirement, limits on using annual leave to increase retirement benefits, reporting requirements, and related cleanup provisions. After questions about maternity leave, district flexibility, and the actuarial cost of additional days, it passed 15-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Bill 129, presented by Senator Rocky Adams and House sponsor Representative John Hudson, was described as a housing and redevelopment measure aimed at vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties in Louisville. Testimony focused on allowing qualified nonprofits to purchase certain tax-delinquent properties after a waiting period, along with provisions on density development, accessory dwelling units, urban development incentives, fire and code enforcement recovery, a Central Business District tax fix, and changes to binding elements. Members raised concerns about nonprofit qualifications, land bank overlap, and county clerk burden; the bill passed 13-1 with one pass and received a title amendment. Senate Bill 178, presented by Senator Mike Nemes, was a short reorganization bill to codify the transfer of the Department of Disability Determination Services Program from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Labor Cabinet. It passed 12-0. The committee then recorded additional votes and adjourned, with the chair thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the final meeting of the year.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that the stabilization fund is at this high balance, he said they are looking at other long-term liabilities
- that are a hindrance for future budgets of the Commonwealth, most notably the unfunded pension liability
- , reducing that liability for years to come.
- conference committee report include the aforementioned excess capital gains for the unfunded pension liability
- conference community report include the aforementioned excess capital gains for the unfunded pension liability
Summary:
The Senate first took up and passed several House bills establishing sick leave banks, including House 4182 for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and House 1590 for Eric J. Awaniak. It also advanced and then enacted House 4237, a fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill providing interim funding before final action on the general appropriations act. During the session, Senator Collins also recognized Chaplain Clementina Cherry of the Lewis D. Brown Peace Institute as a distinguished guest, with remarks entered into the record.
The main business was the conference committee report on the fiscal year 2026 state budget, House 4001/House 4240. Senate Ways and Means leadership described the budget as balanced, on time, and fiscally responsible, with $61.01 billion in spending, no new taxes or fees, and a $33 million deposit to the stabilization fund. They highlighted major investments in Chapter 70 school aid, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, unrestricted local aid, MassEducate, universal free school meals, MBTA and regional transit funding, MassHealth, food security, and mental health services. The report also included policy items such as broker fee responsibility, fare-free regional transit, housing studies, a gold star family annuity provision, and a crumbling concrete commission.
Minority leader Senator Tarr and others questioned the spending reductions, use of one-time funds, and the treatment of excess capital gains, arguing for greater fiscal caution and concern about future federal actions and long-term spending growth. Supporters responded that the reductions reflected revenue uncertainty, federal policy risks, and the need to preserve budget stability, while using some one-time sources to balance the plan. The conference report was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-2, the emergency preamble for House 4240 was approved by standing vote, and the FY26 general appropriations bill was then enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate also adopted an order to dispense with printing a calendar for the next session and adjourned until Thursday at 11 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 2361 updates California law governing vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platforms
- by aligning liability with fault while preserving strong insurance protection for injured parties.
- by aligning liability with fault while preserving strong insurance protection for injured parties.
- No other state imposes uncapped vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platforms.
- The bill brings California in line with other states by limiting liability to fault.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules.
Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue.
Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- business policies. ...potentially driving payment services out of the state or exposing them to liability
- This bill is just trying to add a specific civil liability to physicians who theoretically could provide
- This bill is just trying to add a specific civil liability to physicians who theoretically could provide
- It creates a civil liability for a doctor who provides gender transition surgical procedures to a minor
- We already have a statute that creates civil liability for a doctor that does that in ARS 12-561... .