Video & Transcript Research : 'answer keys'
Page 140 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I can't answer that to any degree of certainty.
- I can't answer that to any degree of certainty.
- And the answer was no. There's nothing.
- And so I think I've answered all of your questions.
- And he answers.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions and recognitions. The Rules Chair moved CS/CS/SB 622 to the end of the special order calendar, which was adopted without objection. SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed, as were later bills SB 716 and CS/CS/CS/SB 1348.
The chamber then took up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and adopting amendments before final passage. Measures approved included a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan (HB 295, 38-0), mitigation banking and land development changes with a phosphate mining lands amendment (CS/CS/SB 492, 35-3), aggravated animal cruelty with a searchable FDLE database and sentencing multiplier (HB 255, 37-0), the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism and related training/funding (HB 711, 37-0), newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (CS/CS/HB 1089, 36-0), and revisions to the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects and adjust approval thresholds (CS/CS/HB 393, 37-0).
The Senate also passed workforce education legislation allowing charter schools access to grant funding and expanding money-back guarantees (HB 1145, 37-0), a statewide study on automation and workforce impact (HB 827, 35-0), parole guideline revisions (HB 181, 37-0), court-appointed psychologist procedures in family law cases (HB 901, 37-0), sexual cyber harassment protections covering digitally forged intimate images (HB 1451, 37-0), a home health aide program for medically fragile children with training and reimbursement provisions (CS/CS/SB 1156, 37-0), substance abuse and mental health care changes including 988 oversight and involuntary examination procedures (HB 1091, 37-0), a feasibility study for a statewide pond data database (HB 1359, 37-0), and Department of Law Enforcement housekeeping changes and retired police dog reimbursements (HB 1053, 37-0). The most extensive debate centered on the charter schools bill (HB 443), which expanded charter autonomy, reporting parity, enrollment flexibility, and governance rules; after a delete-all amendment and a friendly amendment, it was placed on the third-reading calendar rather than immediately voted on. Several bills were briefly discussed with concerns about transparency, accountability, funding, and constitutional issues, but all bills brought to a vote during this segment passed.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Human services panel hears HF729 2/26/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Home Care Program as a whole and I just wanted to let my testifier walk through the bill and I'll answer
- /c><00:02:53.200>
and <00:02:53.360>I'll <00:02:53.959>I'll <00:02:54.159>answer - <00:02:54.400>
any the bill and I'll I'll answer any the bill and I'll I'll answer any questions - I would love to answer that question.
- that question I would love to answer that question I would<00:14:24.399>
need <00:14:24.600>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 25, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But anecdotally, answer those questions.
- I don't know if somebody's answer is.
- We've answered many questions resources.
- <03:11:20.960>
and effects for native Hawaiian kei and effects for native Hawaiian kei and - I'm available to answer any to testify.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places.
Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii.
A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-HHS, WAM-EDU Informational Briefings 01-14-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- questions<00:03:58.720>
dealing He'll be um answering questions dealing He'll be um answering - <01:10:29.600>
Hello, answer that first. Sure. Hello, answer that first. Sure. - No, can I answer that directly?
- No, can I answer that directly? >> Yeah. No, can I answer that directly?
- The answer is no.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Members and questions?
- So with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. Members, any questions? Seeing none.
- Chairman, members, happy to answer any questions.
- Happy to answer any questions. Mr. Chairman. Mr.
- Happy to answer any questions. Mr. Chairman. Mr.
Bills:
SB1071, SB1315, SB1317, SB1416, SB1493, SB1537, SB1542, SB1584, SB1626, SB1740, SB1751, SB1804, SCR1047, SCR1049
Keywords:
Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, school safety, interoperable communications, law enforcement, emergency response, funding, reentry programs, criminal justice, grants, recidivism, attorney general, missing children, kidnapping, reporting requirements, child safety, training
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1071, which would repeal the statutory framework for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the bill was about accountability and transparency, citing concerns about missing training and firearms qualification records; Arizona Rangers representatives and several sheriffs opposed the bill, saying the Rangers provide valuable volunteer support and that the real issue was adding oversight rather than eliminating protections. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1071 a do pass recommendation, with members noting they expected amendments later.
The committee then heard SB 1315, requiring school districts and charter schools to maintain interoperable emergency communications with law enforcement and to submit annual affidavits confirming testing and compliance. Testimony from school safety officials and sheriffs emphasized the value of real-time communication during emergencies and the need for secure sharing of campus maps and floor plans; concerns about cost and information security were addressed by supporters. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0. The committee also advanced SB 1317, which appropriates opioid settlement funds for county reentry planning programs; sheriffs and association representatives supported it, citing reduced recidivism and jail populations, and it passed 7-0.
Several public safety and missing-children measures were considered next. SB 1416, as amended, revises missing child reporting requirements, adds runaway children back into reporting, requires faster photo and information sharing, and expands training requirements; advocates for missing children and law enforcement supported the compromise language, and the bill passed 7-0. SB 1740, which updates Turquoise Alert training and procedures, was also advanced 7-0 after discussion about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts and the need to keep alerts effective. Later, SB 1493, a strike-everything amendment affecting police officer termination appeals and fee shifting when an employer rejects a favorable administrative ruling, passed 5-2 despite opposition from chiefs’ representatives. SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund and repealing its advisory commission, passed 5-2.
The committee also approved SB 1751 and SCR 1049, which expand execution methods to include lethal gas and firing squad and make firing squad mandatory in certain cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer; opponents raised constitutional, ethical, and practical concerns, while supporters framed the measures as aligning Arizona with other states and providing additional options. Both measures passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1542, which would create a framework and funding for MDMA research and treatment for PTSD in first responders and peace officers contingent on FDA approval, was heard with testimony describing promising clinical trial results and the need for Arizona research; the bill was then moved forward, though the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- And if I can't provide the answer, I'll make certain that we get it. Cool. Thank you, Senator Cruz.
- So I do have Rebecca Byrd here with me in case there's any questions I can't answer.
- If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
- If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
- While education is a key component to preventing fraud, the problem continues to escalate.
Bills:
HB373
Keywords:
infused beverages, THC, alcohol control, regulation, non-intoxicating cannabinoids, marijuana, legalization, taxation
Summary:
The Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee met in hybrid format and heard testimony on several bills. HB 373, as amended, would regulate hemp-derived THC-infused beverages by defining the products, limiting them to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC per container, restricting sales to package stores and licensed marijuana retail stores, requiring testing and labeling, and imposing a 50-cent per container tax; the sponsor said the bill is intended to create guardrails and protect youth, and a wholesaler representative testified in support. HB 398 would allow racinos to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and remove local authority to require earlier closing times; the sponsor and Bally’s representative said it would help Delaware remain competitive and increase revenue, and no opposition was heard. HB 433 would let municipalities and counties extend last call for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.; a witness from Connect Delaware supported it as a competitiveness and retention measure, emphasizing that it is permissive rather than mandatory.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 441, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks/crypto ATMs in Delaware and require existing machines to be removed within 90 days. The sponsor and supporters, including AARP, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the League of Women Voters, argued the machines are heavily used in scams, especially against older adults, and that regulation has not been effective. CoinFlip opposed the bill, saying it is a regulated operator, that the fraud statistics are overstated or incomplete, and that Delaware should instead adopt a regulatory framework and amendment. HB 465 would update the criminal code to formally define virtual currency and incorporate it into theft, money laundering, racketeering, and search-and-seizure provisions; the sponsor said it would align Delaware law with modern crypto-related crimes, and no opposition was presented.
The committee then heard HB 467, which would prevent landlords from requiring renters to buy insurance from a specific company while still allowing them to require coverage meeting lease terms; the sponsor described it as a consumer-choice bill and there was no public opposition. HB 435 would require payment parity for certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians when the same services are provided; the sponsor, nurse anesthetists, the Delaware Health Care Association, the Department of Insurance, and ChristianaCare supported it as a workforce and access-to-care measure, with no opposition. Finally, HS 1 for HB 450, the Road DE Act, would overhaul permitting and traffic-impact review, emphasize peak-hour traffic, set density standards in growth areas, create a transportation impact fee, and direct some revenue to open space, farmland, and coastal restoration; realtors, builders, environmental groups, engineers, and GEAR supported it as a way to speed permitting, reduce sprawl, and improve infrastructure planning. The committee adjourned after public comment; no votes were recorded in the transcript.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 39 Apr 13th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm not really sure I understood your answer.
- Could you go over just some of the key differences between the one you sent over there and this one?
- I mean, that doesn't have a whole lot to do with this bill, but I'm glad to answer that.
- Speaker, that that question would not be answered is because if you answer that...
- She is on the soccer and cross-country team in the key club and BPA.
Bills:
SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314
Keywords:
2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Key point there is may.
- And thank you for your time, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
- I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.
- And I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. Thank you for your testimony.
- I'm here to answer any questions, but that's all I have unless you need me. Thank you.
Keywords:
judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending.
Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending.
The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/03/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- be happy to answer any questions. be happy to answer any questions.
- >> that answered my question. >> that answered my question.
- for your answer. for your answer.
- <04:48:45.920>
by trying to answer uh has been answered by trying to answer uh has been answered - Do we have an answer?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, if I had a perfect answer I would tell you.
- Happy to answer any questions. Chair: I think we understand.
- I don't know the answer, but I'm willing and eager to work with you on that answer.
- But you didn't really answer my question.
- With that, I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Bills:
HB200
Keywords:
HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- answer any questions. answer any questions.
- Lenberg, would you like to answer that?
- We are happy to answer consideration.
- Lenberg, would you like to answer that? Lenberg, would you like to answer that?
- So, uh, to answer your reimburse them."
Keywords:
beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The second one, the answer is yes.
- I do not have that exact answer. I really couldn't answer it, honestly. Okay. What percentage of?
- Did that answer your question? Dr. Casarro. Did that answer your question? Dr.
- Mays has an answer to my question. I do have an answer to your question for Tuck districts.
- Whether we are talking about the digital keys to the Texans' wallet or the educational keys to the Texas
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Throw us both on the email; we’ll get the email to the appropriate person or answer if needed.
- person or answer if needed we'll<00:08:06.639>
both <00:08:06.840>be <00:08:07.000> - So, a little bit of a complicated answer, right, because I don't exactly know.
- I don't know the answer on exactly which ones come in, but they are not in the governor's budget.
- We do not know all the answers, but we are good at getting answers.
Summary:
The meeting was an introductory Division One budget briefing led by Legislative Budget Assistant staff Melissa Rollins and Jack Mullen. They explained staff roles and agency assignments within Division One, noting that Jack is taking over the General Government category while Melissa handles Categories 2 and 3, and that members can contact either staffer with questions. They also reviewed the upcoming budget calendar, including the governor’s budget presentation expected in mid-February, agency hearings beginning around February 17–20, a Division One deadline around March 26, and House Finance reporting deadlines in early April.
A major portion of the discussion focused on how to read fiscal notes and the difference between expenditures and appropriations. Staff used sample language to explain that a bill may show an expenditure estimate without actually authorizing funding or new positions, and that a zero appropriation means the agency is not authorized to spend the estimated amount unless the bill is amended. Members asked questions about why a bill could show costs but still not authorize spending or hiring, and staff clarified that new positions require specific legislative authorization and classification detail. They also noted that many bills will have expenditure lines without appropriations, and that amendments may be needed if the committee wants to fund or authorize the program.
The rest of the meeting walked members through the HB 1 and HB 2 tracking documents used by the division. Staff explained that HB 1 tracking sheets record additional agency requests not included in the governor’s budget, including requests that may be zero-net transfers, corrections, or new spending items, and that grayed-out items indicate actions already taken. They said HB 2 will be handled through a similar tracking process, with amendments routed through LBA staff and the Office of Legislative Services. Members were told that the division will review agency budgets, class lines, and proposed changes over roughly six weeks, with the goal of preparing a detailed change report for full House Finance.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- spaces, and the condition of key spaces, and the condition of key landmarks<02:32:20.160>
became - We would be demanding answers about this war.
- Beautiful Commission made up of key Beautiful Commission made up of key federal<04:22:48.880>
- Key federal and beautifification plan.
- Key federal going to repeat that one.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 18, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reliability in the future is key. reliability in the future is key.
- We want to make sure things are key.
- So today we all join answering them.
- Charlie knew the answers.
- The most uh other incredible answers.
WI
Transcript Highlights:
- And so they're up here also if there's any questions that come up that can help answer those.
- Findings from the reports and focus on some of the key themes as we go through it today.
- And so I think to answer your question, it's a big problem.
- And so I think to answer your question, it's a big problem.
- Cole, for your presentation and also for answering our questions.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll answer: I'm pretty sure that was not considered. But we wish... I'll answer.
- The answer was yes, we could do it for cheaper.
- Chair, and this is mostly asked and answered.
- You're recognized to answer. No, I appreciate it, Senator. You recognize to answer.
- Senator Pizzo, you know, I think the short answer...
Summary:
The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability.
Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/11/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you all for the opportunity to testify today, and I'm happy to answer any questions now or in the
- <00:10:05.399>
any and I'm also happy to answer any and I'm also happy to answer any questions - Olson, Madam Chair, Senator Draheim, there are a few key differences between GO bonds and HIBs.
- differences between goo bonds few key differences between goo bonds and<00:18:33.240>
hibs <00 - communities is the key key to thriving communities is the key key to thriving communities attracting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 394 strengthens protections in three key ways.
- The post guidelines focus on three key areas, use of force standards.
- This is an answer for that.
- Key to protecting the economic security and dignity of California workers.
- You can answer in your closing. Without objection, or do you wish to answer in your close?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 01/30/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, doesn't really answer the question.
- Chair, so then the answer is they can only go up annually.
- <00:33:32.960>
that <00:33:33.960>Senator answer that Senator answer that Senator Klein - I just want to make sure I'm answering right, Senator Matthews.
- <01:36:01.040>
to question I think I know the answer to question I think I know the answer
Summary:
The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date.
Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate.
Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.