Transcript Highlights:

• On page 47, Senate bill health insurers. On page 47, Senate bill health insurers.
• We got got got um the health insurance. We're here um the health insurance.
• So, have workers compensation insurance. So, have workers compensation insurance.
• Mr. insurers. BR pending. Mr. insurers. BR pending. Mr.
• . others regarding health insurers. others regarding health insurers.

Bills: SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SB 227 , SB 269 , SB 330 , SB 434 , SB 437 , SB 438 , SB 463 , SB 528 , SB 584 , SB 604 , SB 663 , SB 668 , SB 682 , SB 747 , SB 841 , SB 912 , SB 968 , SB 1013 , SB 1020 , SB 1044 , SB 1137 , SB 1138 , SB 1143 , SB 1164 , SB 1169 , SB 1200 , SB 1236 , SB 1244 , SB 1299 , SB 1325 , SB 1335 , SB 1369 , SB 1410 , SB 1418 , SB 1422 , SB 1455 , SB 1468 , SB 1495 , SB 1534 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1612 , SB 1624 , SB 1667 , SB 1734 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 1760 , SB 1784 , SB 1860 , SB 1862 , SB 1864 , SB 1896 , SB 1898 , SB 1920 , SB 1940 , SB 1952 , SB 1998 , SB 1999 , SB 2004 , SB 2032 , SB 2052 , SB 2068 , SB 2073 , SB 2121 , SB 2127 , SB 2141 , SB 2145 , SB 2161 , SB 2167 , SB 2196 , SB 2207 , SB 2216 , SB 2246 , SB 2323 , SB 2332 , SB 2395 , SB 2429 , SB 2431 , SB 2439 , SB 2443 , SB 2581 , SB 2601 , SB 2629 , SB 2702 , SB 2705 , SB 2717 , SB 2798 , SB 2873 , SB 2881 , SB 2964 , SB 3034 , SCR 4 , SCR 38 , SB 39 , SB 227 , SB 240 , SB 330 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 506 , SB 512 , SB 527 , SB 584 , SB 618 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 648 , SB 663 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 758 , SB 801 , SB 843 , SB 847 , SB 870 , SB 957 , SB 1013 , SB 1020 , SB 1065 , SB 1152 , SB 1164 , SB 1181 , SB 1183 , SB 1257 , SB 1283 , SB 1299 , SB 1325 , SB 1349 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1455 , SB 1490 , SB 1558 , SB 1574 , SB 1624 , SB 1626 , SB 1640 , SB 1717 , SB 1718 , SB 1727 , SB 1734 , SB 1756 , SB 1757 , SB 1789 , SB 1832 , SB 1845 , SB 1868 , SB 1920 , SB 1924 , SB 1964 , SB 2004 , SB 2018 , SB 2031 , SB 2037 , SB 2052 , SB 2073 , SB 2075 , SB 2080 , SB 2111 , SB 2117 , SB 2154 , SB 2161 , SB 2196 , SB 2206 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2322 , SB 2323 , SB 2349 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2570 , SB 2623 , SB 2626 , SB 2658 , SB 2660 , SB 2692 , SB 2705 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2753 , SB 2788 , SB 2877 , SB 2900 , SB 2920 , SB 3031 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 1 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SB 2023 , SB 1257 , SB 240 , SB 1727 , SB 870 , SB 618 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 1860 , SB 2037 , SB 1924 , SB 2253 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 1490 , SB 1868 , SB 2314 , SB 434 , SB 2046 , SB 1667 , SB 2127 , SB 1975 , SB 1760 , SB 1734 , SB 1335 , SB 2246 , SB 2439 , SB 1624 , SB 1244 , SB 1468 , SB 2717 , SB 1612 , SB 1262 , SB 604 , SB 2395 , SB 1832 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 2207 , SB 1784 , SB 1524 , SB 528 , SB 437 , SB 269 , SB 1137 , SB 968 , SB 636 , SB 747 , SB 1325 , SB 1455 , SB 2056 , SB 1940 , SB 2052 , SB 1579 , SB 2068 , SB 3034 , SB 1920 , SB 1558 , SB 1236 , SB 1044 , SB 884 , SB 463 , SB 227 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1626 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2216 , SB 2681 , SB 1717 , SB 2141 , SB 2323 , SB 2200 , SB 2332 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 1138 , SB 2458 , SB 1864 , SB 2201 , SB 1862 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 1898 , SB 2662 , SB 2161 , SB 2964 , SB 2881 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2743 , SB 2533 , SB 2073 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 2702 , SB 2629 , SB 2443 , SB 2349 , SB 2167 , SB 2145 , SB 2121 , SB 758 , SB 648 , SB 647 , SB 512 , SB 438 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 1495 , SB 2705 , SB 2366 , SB 1422 , SB 1369 , SB 1013 , SB 682 , SB 2692 , SB 2570 , SB 2797 , SB 2111 , SB 1896 , SB 1164 , SB 1020 , SB 663 , SB 2371 , SB 1152 , SB 2196 , SB 2383 , SB 2581 , SB 2798 , SB 330 , SB 646 , SB 843 , SB 1998 , SB 1418 , SB 2788 , SB 1169 , SB 2873 , SB 1754 , SB 1534 , SB 1718 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 1143 , SB 1756 , SB 912 , SB 2119 , SB 2032 , SB 527 , SB 1580 , SB 1952 , SB 2601 , SB 2322 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 407 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 3031 , SB 2877 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1395 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 1183 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 2117 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1964 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 39 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2658 , SB 1574 , SB 2900 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 401 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 2031 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 843 , SB 1152 , SB 1164 , SB 1299 , SB 1349 , SB 1868 , SB 2037 , SB 2349 , SB 2788 , SB 39 , SB 1183 , SB 1717 , SB 1832 , SB 2743 , SR 429 , SR 432 , SCR 38 , SB 39 , SB 240 , SB 618 , SB 870 , SB 1183 , SB 1257 , SB 1717 , SB 1727 , SB 1832 , SB 2743 , SB 2 , SB 3058 , SB 3059 , HB 6 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 100 , HB 136 , HB 149 , HB 204 , HB 206 , HB 307 , HB 467 , HB 685 , HB 1130 , HB 1393 , HB 1644 , HB 2027 , HB 2118 , HB 2176 , HB 2468 , HB 2488 , HB 2525 , HB 2596 , HB 2890 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3114 , HB 3204 , SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SB 269 , SB 330 , SB 434 , SB 437 , SB 438 , SB 463 , SB 528 , SB 604 , SB 663 , SB 668 , SB 682 , SB 747 , SB 841 , SB 912 , SB 968 , SB 1020 , SB 1044 , SB 1138 , SB 1143 , SB 1236 , SB 1244 , SB 1325 , SB 1335 , SB 1369 , SB 1418 , SB 1422 , SB 1455 , SB 1468 , SB 1495 , SB 1534 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1612 , SB 1624 , SB 1667 , SB 1734 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 1760 , SB 1784 , SB 1860 , SB 1862 , SB 1864 , SB 1896 , SB 1898 , SB 1920 , SB 1940 , SB 1952 , SB 1998 , SB 2032 , SB 2052 , SB 2068 , SB 2073 , SB 2121 , SB 2127 , SB 2141 , SB 2145 , SB 2161 , SB 2167 , SB 2196 , SB 2207 , SB 2216 , SB 2246 , SB 2323 , SB 2332 , SB 2395 , SB 2431 , SB 2439 , SB 2443 , SB 2581 , SB 2601 , SB 2629 , SB 2702 , SB 2705 , SB 2798 , SB 2873 , SB 2881 , SB 2964 , SB 3034 , SB 227 , SB 584 , SB 1013 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1200 , SB 1299 , SB 1410 , SB 1999 , SB 2004 , SB 2429 , SB 2717 , SB 3058 , SB 3059 , HB 6 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 100 , HB 136 , HB 149 , HB 204 , HB 206 , HB 307 , HB 467 , HB 685 , HB 1130 , HB 1393 , HB 1644 , HB 2027 , HB 2118 , HB 2176 , HB 2468 , HB 2488 , HB 2525 , HB 2596 , HB 2890 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3114 , HB 3204

Keywords: Pflugerville, Trail Capital, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, community connectivity, patriotism, town designation, community engagement, Trophy Club, Texas Town of Patriotism, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Fishing Capital of Texas, Texas fishing, coastal tourism, charter fishing, deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing, angling

Transcript Highlights:

• So unemployment insurance, paid family, and this to be... Project to have already gone live.
• The vast majority of insurers and self- Franchise Tax Board and CDTFA.
• The vast majority of insurers and self-insured employers already transmit their payment via EFT, but
• When we started encouraging insurance companies and self-insured employers to pay the annual assessment
• company or a self-insured employer paid by check, we would actually contact them.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Existing law from SB 824 by then-Senator and now Insurance Commissioner Lara allows the Department of
• Insurance to prevent insurers from canceling residential policies after a declared emergency.
• Wildfire survivors should not have to worry about losing their insurance coverage while they are still
• insurance commissioner and our government to address the underlying causes of the insurance crisis.
• insurance commissioner and our government to address the underlying causes of the insurance crisis.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now creating a third tier of individuals with certain access to health insurance.
• We are now creating a third tier of individuals with certain access to health insurance.
• Who are here legally will have less insurance than the undocumented population.
• The third tier, I don't know how we're going to propose to maintain people on health insurance.
• It has to do with the unemployment insurance that was brought up earlier today.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget and presentations from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Chair Laird described the proposal as roughly balanced with $23 billion in reserves, while Vice Chair Niello argued the revenue estimates were overly optimistic and warned of a structural deficit, calling for a deeper review of programs and concern over the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance debt. Finance said the budget is balanced in the budget year but still leaves a roughly $2.9 billion deficit, with out-year gaps above $20 billion, and characterized the plan as largely a workload budget with limited new spending or cuts. The LAO said its office sees substantial downside risk to the revenue forecast, emphasized the volatility of stock-market-driven revenues, and urged the Legislature to begin addressing the structural deficit now rather than waiting until May. Members focused on the implications of federal policy changes, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and the MCO tax, as well as the state’s reserve strategy. Senators Menjivar and Richardson raised concerns about health coverage reductions, county costs, hospital finances, and the lack of a broader revenue solution, while Finance said the state cannot fully backfill federal cuts and is still assessing the impacts. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal to suspend the rainy day fund deposit and setting aside the proposed Proposition 98 settle-up rather than using it for spending. Finance defended both proposals as necessary to balance the budget year and said it plans to begin discussions with legislative leaders before the May Revision. The committee also discussed climate and transportation funding, including cap-and-trade/GGRF allocations for Cal Fire, interest earnings from the fund, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and AB 617 air quality investments. Senator Reyes questioned the focus on light-duty ZEV incentives instead of heavy-duty vehicles, and Finance said the proposal is intended to partially replace the federal consumer tax credit and that some heavy-duty funding remains from prior years. Senator Richardson also raised concerns about Olympics-related infrastructure, courthouse repairs, and displaced workers, while other members stressed homelessness funding and the need for more immediate action on out-year budget problems. No formal votes or actions were taken during the portion provided; the hearing was informational and moved into member questions after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> there is uh a health insurance there is uh a health insurance contribution<00:32:24.000><c> that
• </c> then there is a health and insurance then there is a health and insurance contribution<00:32:28.080
• Insurance funding statuses are volatile.
• Insurance funding statuses are volatile.
• Insurance um, funding slowmoving.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:07 Attendance Roll Call: 00:13 Approval of Minutes: 02:28 2025 RS SB 9: TRS Leave Audit Requirements & Process: 03:05 2025 RS SB 10: Overview of Enacted Legislation & Discussion: 28:38 Adjournment: 42:13, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call, a quorum was confirmed, and the minutes were approved. The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 9, which concerns TRS sick leave audit requirements and process. Auditor Allison Ball’s staff said the audit is an information-gathering review of how teacher sick leave is accumulated, current balances, how many employers use the sick leave function, and the policies and procedures governing sick leave. Members discussed how unused sick leave affects retirement calculations, the distinction between the state’s financial responsibility and school districts’ responsibility, and whether the audit would also examine related leave categories such as personal leave, annual leave, and leave of absence. Committee members emphasized that Senate Bill 9 was intended to add accountability and standardize reporting, including preventing annual leave from being rolled into sick leave. Several members asked for clarification on how sick leave is factored into retirement benefits. Witnesses and members explained that, under the system described, accumulated sick leave can be converted into retirement credit based on a teacher’s daily rate and then multiplied by a percentage, with the school district often bearing the cost. Members also noted nuances in the law, including different accumulation limits by hire date and tier, and that the audit may help the public better understand why some educators retire relatively young. The auditor’s office said it is still early in the process, has met with TRS leadership, and will report back once the audit progresses. The committee also asked whether maternity leave would be included; the auditor’s office said it was not specifically mandated but could be examined if the body requests it. The committee then received an overview of Senate Bill 10 from KPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Rebecca Atkins. They explained that the bill enhances retiree health insurance benefits for certain CRS members who are non-Medicare participants and meet specified career thresholds, with different rules for hazardous and non-hazardous service. They described the benefit as $40 per month per year of service for non-hazardous service and $50 per month per year for hazardous service, both inflated annually, and clarified that these amounts are not cumulative with prior benefit formulas. Members asked about the interaction between the new amounts and existing benefits, and the presenters explained that the bill also changes current employee health insurance contribution rates effective July 1, 2026, with different impacts by tier and hazardous status. The committee discussed the need for clear communication to affected employees and reviewed example calculations showing how the new contribution structure would work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're able to keep folks insured and healthy.
• We're able to keep folks insured and healthy.
• get their insurance.
• Share on their insurance, whether it's Blue Cross, Blue Shield, I don't care where they get their insurance
• So, to be clear, the tax is imposed on health insurance plans and not on consumers.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• take that into account when they're insuring vehicles.
• We're making it much more... ...when they're insuring vehicles.
• But also, colleagues, we need your help with insurance.
• So can I get my insurance rates to go back down?
• Tasha Carter, Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate, the Office of the Insurance, DFS, waves in support

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules took up a long agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included CS for SB 678, allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital, and SB 466, which designates St. Johns County as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History and creates a board to work with the supporting foundation and county officials. Senators and public speakers largely supported the museum bill, though some members asked about feasibility studies and long-term planning. The committee also approved CS for SB 578 on wine containers, SB 582 on penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, CS for SB 1168 creating an aggravated offense for unlawful tracking-device use in furtherance of crimes, CS for SB 806 clarifying that only the Florida Attorney General may represent beneficiaries of Florida charitable trusts as a public official, and SB 1228 to support spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee and Santa Fe springs. The committee then heard and favorably reported CS for CS for SB 304, which addresses child protective investigations involving infants and young children with genetic or other pre-existing medical conditions. The bill requires a qualified medical opinion before permanent removal in cases where injuries may be explained by an underlying condition, and it drew strong support from the sponsor and several speakers. Members also approved SB 1286 clarifying that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities, such as biking or playing outside, do not by themselves constitute neglect unless reckless, and SB 1318, a hands-free driving bill that renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the handheld-device prohibition, and adds penalties for handheld use in work and school zones and for certain serious crashes. The hands-free bill prompted the most debate, with supporters citing crash and fatality data and families sharing personal losses, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, and potential disparate impacts on lower-income and minority drivers; the bill was still reported favorably after amendments. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 14 and SB 20, two claims bills for injuries and deaths involving local governments, and CS for SB 68, which updates health facilities authority financing rules to reflect modern hospital structures. The committee also approved CS for SB 172 on health care practitioner specialty titles and designations after adopting an amendment protecting CRNA titles; the bill generated questions about whether licensed practitioners with doctoral degrees may still use the title doctor under their practice acts. Throughout the meeting, most bills were adopted without opposition, and the committee repeatedly voted to report them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• penalties when insurers delay making coverage decisions or issuing payments.
• Senate Bill 1301 by Senator Allen, an act relating to insurance.
• In the country for insurance.
• not to renew someone's property insurance policy, known as the non-renewal process.
• This doesn't tell the insurers that they have to keep anybody.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And some insurance companies will not provide you full insurance.
• So now you're looking at multiple... ...insurance companies will not provide you full insurance.
• , utilities... ...for associations to fund critical operations like insurance, utilities, maintenance
• SB 1090 will provide disaster-impacted survivors with the insurance and stability they need to focus
• SB 1090 will provide disaster-impacted survivors with the insurance and stability they need to focus

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that's Medi-Cal or other kinds of insurance.
• , I go to that doctor, they take my health insurance,’ but on the Central Coast, in particular, we’ve
• That annual fee can range in amount, and oftentimes they do not bill insurance.”
• and I can't get a doctor; I've lost insurance and I can't get a doctor; my status is, you know, I'm
• insurance, occurs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing focused first on the impact of H.R. 1 on medical student financing and physician access, then on state residency-support programs. The chair framed the discussion around expected federal Medicaid and student loan changes, warning that higher borrowing barriers could reduce access to medical school for lower-income students and worsen physician shortages, especially in underserved regions. The LAO explained that H.R. 1 would cap federal loans for professional students, eliminate Grad PLUS for new borrowers, and likely shift more students toward private loans with less favorable terms; it said the bigger concern may be who can afford to attend medical school rather than a sharp drop in enrollment. HCAI described three physician loan repayment programs—the State Loan Repayment Program, the Stephen M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program, and the County Medical Services Program loan repayment program—and said retention data show many awardees remain in California and in underserved or safety-net settings after service obligations end. University of California and UCSF witnesses described California’s physician workforce shortages, especially on the Central Coast and in rural and agricultural communities, and said affordability, limited medical school capacity, and burnout are pushing some doctors into concierge practice or out of underserved areas. They emphasized that students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented communities are more likely to be affected by loan limits and that residency location strongly influences where physicians ultimately practice. Members asked about medical school capacity, out-of-state students, residency retention, and whether the state could expand slots or better target aid to keep physicians in California and in high-need communities. Public commenters urged the Legislature to consider shortages in anesthesia, pediatric subspecialties, midwifery, and culturally concordant care, and to support broader workforce pathways and public-service loan programs. The second panel reviewed graduate medical education programs, especially CalMedForce, CalMedForce Plus, and Song-Brown. UC and HCAI said CalMedForce has supported new residency slots since 2018, while Song-Brown funds primary care residency training and has recently supported new programs in rural areas such as Del Norte County. The LAO said the state should decide whether residency support should remain a budget priority, whether these competitive grant programs are the best mechanism, and whether their structures are too rigid or duplicative. It noted that most awardees receive funding more than once and that the programs overlap substantially, suggesting possible coordination or consolidation. A family physician from the California Academy of Family Physicians argued that stable funding for primary care residencies is essential, that many California-trained physicians stay where they train, and that future funding should be more deliberately directed to primary care and high-need communities. The hearing ended with discussion of emergency room crowding, geographic inequities in residency distribution, and HCAI’s plan to develop supply-and-demand models to guide future funding decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , they go to make an appointment, ...they would like to see a doctor, they have insurance, they go to
• that's Medi-Cal or other kinds of insurance.
• , I go to that doctor, they take my health insurance,’ but on the Central Coast, in particular, we’ve
• That annual fee can range in amount, and oftentimes they do not bill insurance.”
• insurance, occurs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't deal with commercial insurance or with managed care plans.
• Insurance allows for preventative screenings, treatment after a diagnosis, and ongoing management.
• There's a reason insurance companies often pay out instead of investigating every tiny claim.
• So you lose your health insurance, but you have a little bit of work.
• And then maybe they would get a better job that actually provides insurance and pays well.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered SB 268, a public records bill for emergency physicians. A strike-all amendment narrowed and clarified the exemption, and the sponsor said it was intended to protect current emergency department physicians and eligible family members who submit a written request. Emergency physician Dr. Sean Patterson and several health care organizations supported the bill, citing threats, harassment, and safety concerns tied to mandatory reporting and patient encounters. The committee adopted the amendment and reported SB 268 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then heard SB 514, creating the Doula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for pregnant and postpartum women, with priority for those affected by substance use disorder. Members discussed how the Department of Health would implement the pilot, collect data, and work with existing maternal health partners. An amendment changed the funding source to specific appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. Supporters said doula care can improve maternal and infant outcomes and help address Florida’s maternal health crisis. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 36, on use of professional nursing titles, drew extensive debate over whether nurses with doctoral degrees should be able to use the title “doctor” in clinical and advertising settings while clearly identifying themselves as nurses. The sponsor said the bill was about transparency and patient clarity, while several senators raised concerns that patients could confuse DNPs with physicians. Supporters from nursing groups said the bill protects earned credentials and does not expand scope of practice. The committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House version and reported SB 36 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also reported favorably SB 864, creating a public records exemption for uterine fibroid research data; SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care management for certain health professionals; SB 1404, revising memory care licensing for assisted living facilities; and SB 914, clarifying dry needling authority for occupational therapists. Finally, the committee took up SB 1758, a broad public assistance bill affecting Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described reforms including stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services through a waiver, pharmacy program changes, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. Members questioned the work requirement, implementation costs, eligibility verification, and due process concerns, while the sponsor said the bill would require federal approval and legislative review before implementation. Three amendments were adopted to adjust drug list update timing, expand public testimony on the high-cost drug list, and require faster prior authorization responses with a temporary supply in emergencies. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of SB 1758.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which we have no control over, but most governing documents require an association to be fully insured
• And some insurance companies will not provide you full insurance.
• , utilities, for associations to fund critical operations like insurance, utilities, maintenance, all
• SB 1090 will provide disaster-impacted survivors with the insurance and stability they need to focus
• These calls are often framed as offers to help, like remediation services or insurance assistance, but

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused on health care planning, mental health, housing, homeowners associations, groundwater enforcement, pet-friendly rental disclosures, and post-disaster property protections. SB 1088 would modernize POLST and DNR forms by renaming POLST to “portable orders for life-sustaining treatment,” allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to sign, clarifying that the forms are voluntary, recognizing out-of-state forms, and permitting electronic signatures. It drew support from the Coalition for Compassionate Care and related groups and no opposition was presented. SB 1242 would allow family members who originally petitioned in CARE Court to continue participating for care coordination and information-sharing, subject to judicial discretion; supporters said it would improve treatment coordination, while Disability Rights California opposed it as coercive and a threat to confidentiality. The committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1242, and it was placed on call. The committee also considered SB 1007, which would require more HOA transparency, including clearer budget comparisons and disclosure of evidence for violations, and would lower the threshold for regular assessment increases without a homeowner vote. Supporters argued it would curb steep fee hikes and improve accountability, while HOA industry groups warned it could undermine funding for insurance, maintenance, and other operating costs. Members raised concerns about the cap on assessments, but the bill advanced on a 6-1 vote and was placed on call. SB 1364, as amended, would bar custody or visitation rights for a person who impregnated a survivor through sexual assault, using a clear-and-convincing evidence standard rather than requiring a criminal conviction; supporters said it protects survivors and may increase federal funding, while opponents argued it could deny children a relationship with a parent. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. Additional measures included SB 997, which would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and sustainability rules; it had support from local water, farm, and county representatives and passed 9-0. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies up front in applications, ads, and websites and allow application-fee refunds if disclosure was not made before payment; supporters said it would reduce wasted fees and pet relinquishment, while rental housing groups raised concerns about signage, ADA language, and vaccination disclosures. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. Finally, SB 1090 would prohibit large property owners from making unsolicited purchase offers for five years in wildfire disaster areas, aiming to curb post-disaster speculation; supporters described aggressive investor pressure after the Eaton and Palisades fires, while real estate and title groups raised implementation and enforcement concerns. The committee was still discussing the bill when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, insurance paused coverage and he regained 20 lb in just 3 months.
• However, insurance paused normalized.
• :09:09.640><c> 100</c> Minnesota to insurers of 100 Minnesota to insurers of 100 &gt;&gt; 30-second<00
• </c><00:09:51.480><c> doesn't</c> dose, but sometimes insurance doesn't dose, but sometimes insurance
• </c> insulin, which I know saves my insurance insulin, which I know saves my insurance company<00:20:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, on the wheelchair insurance coverage, can you show me in the bill?
• She is the Director of Health and Life Insurance at the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.
• So, Senator, in the bill on this insurance coverage, do the insurance companies do they dictate based
• Is there insurance coverage for batteries on wheelchairs? Mr. President, Senator, yes. Mr.
• So there was a big kerfuffle over which type of insurance was going to pay for that.

Bills: SB273 , SB37 , SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• It is covered by Medicare, most commercial insurances, and even Medicaid plans in many other states,
• It is covered by Medicare, most commercial insurances, and even Medicaid plans in many other states,
• I did everything insurance required. I did physical therapy. I did imaging.
• I did everything insurance required. I did physical therapy. I did imaging.
• There are also claims that 340B increases costs for insurers and employers. This is incorrect.

Bills: SB5904 , SB5915 , SB6025 , SB5933 , SB5990 , SB5981

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• It is covered by Medicare, most commercial insurances, and even Medicaid plans in many other states,
• I did everything insurance required. I did physical therapy. I did imaging.
• There are also claims that 340B increases costs for insurers and employers. This is incorrect.
• BIA offers a health insurance program to its members and works very hard to keep pricing and benefit
• BIW offers a health insurance program to its members and works very hard to keep pricing and benefit

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a hearing on several bills. SB 5904 would prohibit non-human entities from using nursing titles; the sponsor and nursing groups said it is meant to increase transparency around AI and ensure patients know when they are interacting with a real nurse. SB 5915 would change Health Technology Assessment Program review criteria and timelines, with supporters arguing it would better account for Medicare coverage and national guidelines, especially for rare and life-threatening conditions. SB 6025 would update the definition of fetal death to allow gestational age to be determined by the best clinically accurate method rather than last menstrual period, and medical professionals and the sponsor said this would reduce emotional, financial, and legal burdens on grieving families. SB 5933 would require near real-time sharing of overdose data into ODMAP; public health, local government, and recovery advocates said it would improve overdose response, while one witness asked that poison center data be included and clarified separately. SB 5990 would allow APRNs and physician assistants to serve as local health officers in counties under 100,000 population; rural county officials supported the added flexibility, while public health groups and naturopathic physicians raised concerns about qualifications and asked that naturopathic doctors be included as well. SB 5981 would restrict drug manufacturers from limiting 340B drug access through contract pharmacies or requiring data as a condition of discounts; safety-net hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, and patients said it protects access and reinvestment in care, while manufacturers, employer groups, and industry representatives argued it increases costs, lacks transparency, and may not ensure savings reach patients. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript; each bill was heard and testimony was closed. Sign-in counts were reported for several bills, including strong pro support for SB 5904, SB 5915, SB 5933, and SB 5981, and mixed or substantial opposition on SB 6025 and SB 5990.

Transcript Highlights:

• And... ...rocketing insurance costs.
• And then they look at who your insurance carrier is. A lot of times it's a two-fold deal.
• And, unfortunately, in insurance companies, rather than go to trial, they'll write a check.
• Just curious whether or not your insurance costs have stayed flat, have they gone up?
• A 20% increase in insurance costs. Okay. Over what period of time, sir? The last three years.

Bills: HB223

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do allow them the ability, for example, to have insurance, and insurance would be obviously for equipment
• It also moves up the sunset dates for the Texas Department of Insurance, the Office of Public Insurance
• HB 5331 makes it clear that an insurance policy should not be allowed to override state law.
• Commercial lines of insurance only, and the substitute requires that an insurer deliver a notice of declination
• for an application for a commercial line of insurance to the applicant's agent.

Bills: HB146 , HB150 , HB1500 , HB1545 , HB1562 , HB2067 , HB2520 , HB2818 , HB3214 , HB3250 , HB3466 , HB3512 , HB3623 , HB4063 , HB4395 , HB4464 , HB4668 , HB4690 , HB5331 , HB3833 , HB146 , HB150

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 146, Texas Capitol, State Capitol, State Preservation Board, Congress Avenue, Travis County, traffic lanes, lane closure, road closure, municipal authority, local control, Capitol area, downtown Austin, special events, construction traffic plan, pedestrian safety, public works, transportation policy, government code chapter 443, cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• I think a study on the impact of insurance costs for our schools and really for our families and for
• our businesses and industry would be beneficial. and I think a study on the impact of insurance costs
• Yes, we have an insurance commissioner, but there are not a lot of teeth in that position.
• going up, and... ...property insurance and then of course, you know, costs associated with health insurance
• Construction costs have gone up exponentially because of labor, insurance, and material costs.

Bills: HB2

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, 1185, senate, all