Video & Transcript Research : 'alternative certification'
Page 141 of 478
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- determine whether AI models meet those outcomes and then verify AI systems that voluntarily seek certification
- As someone who has built or complied with audit and certification programs at both startups and large
- And so your right to consent or not consent, to have alternatives or to not buy anything at all, is severely
- compromised. ...or not consent, or to have alternatives, or to not buy anything at all, is severely
- think at least one element of it solves that problem by allowing you to do factory testing and certification
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on artificial intelligence, child safety, mental health, and privacy. SB 574 by Senator Umberg would require transparency and human oversight when attorneys, judges, and court neutrals use AI; it drew support from privacy advocates and committee members, with no opposition. SB 1276, the End Child Exploitation Act, would update child sexual exploitation laws to cover live-streamed and AI-generated abuse material and clarify that viewing such content can be criminally punishable; prosecutors, child advocacy groups, and others supported it, while no one appeared in opposition despite opposition on file. SB 813 would create a California AI standards and safety commission and a voluntary two-tier certification framework for AI safety standards; supporters said it would create scalable, independent oversight, while TechNet and CalChamber opposed it as duplicative, under-defined, and likely to create a de facto mandate. The committee discussed market pressure, federal preemption concerns, and the role of voluntary standards, but no final vote was taken in the excerpt.
Senator Padilla also presented SB 300, which would strengthen protections for minors from sexually explicit chatbot content by moving from a reasonableness standard to an affirmative duty to prevent such exposure and to prohibit facilitation. Supporters said new evidence showed greater risks and that companies can and should build stronger safeguards; opponents, including TechNet and CCIA, argued the bill was premature because SB 243 had only recently taken effect and warned it could create strict-liability-like exposure. Padilla then presented SB 903, which would bar AI chatbots from being advertised as therapists, require licensed clinician oversight and informed consent for AI use in psychotherapy, and protect patient confidentiality; it received broad support from mental health professionals and labor groups, while industry and health associations were opposed unless amended over triage and crisis-detection language. The committee members emphasized the need for human judgment in mental health care and noted ongoing negotiations on amendments.
The committee also heard SB 1119, a companion to AB 2020, which would require annual risk assessments, crisis-response protocols, default child settings, parental controls, limits on data use, public incident reporting, and third-party audits for chatbots used by children. Supporters argued the bill would address documented harms and improve transparency, while industry groups objected to ambiguous standards, liability exposure, and the private right of action. A roll call vote was taken on SB 1119 after quorum was established; the motion to pass to Appropriations succeeded on a 5-1 vote, with one no vote and the measure left on call for absent members. Finally, SB 354, a privacy bill for insurance consumers, would modernize outdated insurance privacy rules, bar sale of personal information, and expand consumer rights to know, correct, and delete data. Supporters said it would implement Proposition 24’s privacy mandate, while a large coalition of insurers, agents, brokers, and related businesses opposed unless amended, mainly seeking a small-business exemption and narrower treatment of publicly available information; members and the author said negotiations were ongoing and the bill had already been substantially revised.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Human Services - 03/11/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We met with five traditional banks that turned us down and three alternative, non-traditional lending
- We met with five traditional banks that turned us down and three alternative, non-traditional lending
- We met with five traditional banks that turned us down and three alternative, non-traditional lending
- We met with five traditional banks that turned us down and three alternative, non-traditional lending
- We met with five traditional banks that turned us down and three alternative, non-traditional lending
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Nine - Tuesday, April 28
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And for instance, one in here that we're getting rid of is the alternative fuel tax credit.
- So I'm looking at tax credits like for businesses in distressed communities, the alternative fuel tax
- Like for an example, you had mentioned the alternative fuel. It expired in 2018. Correct. Expired.
- Yeah, that means if there's no father listed on the birth certificate, that just clarifies that we are
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 58th day by roll call vote, 123-1. Members also introduced a number of special guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, and a police chief, before moving to third reading and perfection of bills.
House Bill 1758, dealing with permanent daylight saving time in Missouri, was debated at length. Supporters said it would end the twice-yearly clock changes and argued it could benefit children, productivity, and quality of life. Opponents warned it would create darker morning commutes, safety concerns, and health issues tied to circadian rhythms. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 107-31 with two present.
The chamber then perfected and printed House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which clarifies that SALT/pass-through entity provisions are deductions rather than tax credits for Department of Revenue processing. Both bills were described as cleanup and efficiency measures, with supporters emphasizing accountability and reduced manual work at DOR; both moved forward without opposition in committee and were approved on the floor.
Finally, House Bill 2426, a parental rights bill, drew extensive debate and an amendment. The bill would elevate parents’ rights in education, medical, privacy, and related decisions to a fundamental-rights standard and add provisions on school records, recordings, evaluations, and certain health-care decisions. Critics argued it was overly broad, could interfere with school operations and existing protections, and might create problems in areas such as IEPs, truancy, and medical consent; supporters said it simply codified and strengthened parental authority. House Amendment 1, focused on IEP procedures and requiring parental consent for major changes, was adopted 98-25 with six present, and debate on the underlying bill continued.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Education Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Education Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- address having us select better principals if we're self-selecting because you need to go get a certification
- What are some of the advantages that you see for LEAs for choosing an alternative test?
- Teachers, you know, I mean, putting more on them, they have to do an alternative test, just like we talked
- about, alternative projects and citizenship and so on.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/18/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:30:31.520>
bureau <02:30:32.080>to licensing and certification bureau to licensing - Three, choosing a therapeutically equivalent alternative. Or four, paying cash instead of a co-pay.
- Or four, paying equivalent alternative.
- <02:46:34.560>
are <02:46:34.880>deliberately affordable alternatives are deliberately - affordable alternatives are deliberately left<02:46:36.240>
unpresented <02:46:37.200>at
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So while I understand that philosophical alternative approach, the thing about playing with profits and
- Regulation to use state, federal, and local criminal records to issue, deny, suspend, or revoke certificates
- of authority licenses or certificates and it Over for third reading.
- So that would be prescription medication, but obviously there are other alternative forms of birth control
- So that would be prescription medication, but obviously there are other alternative forms of birth control
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed.
On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- At the time, existing state law was clear that after the certification of election results, the chain
- Current law requires a person to obtain a firearm safety certificate, or FSC, before they can purchase
- Criminals do not attend mandatory training courses or comply with certificate requirements.
- Rather, this bill places additional... ...or comply with certificate requirements.
- requirement for those that are getting a firearm safety certificate, including live firearm training
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached.
SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation.
SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard.
Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with time equally allocated between the parties
- Now, that would be important years later because at the request of The Chair will alternate recognition
- , the Declaration of birth certificate, the Declaration of Independence.<05:59:36.878>
That <05 - Meanwhile, ethical alternatives for research and treatment are available and effective.
- Meanwhile, ethical alternatives tissue.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- It ensures electrification and non-pipeline alternatives are treated as a default, not a nice to have
- California's current regulatory framework for the certification of public and shared electric vehicle
- I mean, certainly, Certainly, things like alternative financing, and then again, this just allows the
- PUC to evaluate alternative financing.
- The bill does not specify technology pathways to compliance, and it explicitly considers alternative
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- or Lee, lead Hansen, for speaking so kindly of my bill as being the more conservative and better alternative
- 50.480>
better being the more conservative and better being the more conservative and better alternative - getting $26 million for the upgrading of equipment for farmers, also for the Ag water quality certification
- There is a 401 permit or 404 federal permit, and the agency does a 401 certification of that 404 wetlands
- of the agency does a 401 certification of that<01:12:37.120>
404 <01:12:37.800>Wetlands
Keywords:
human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT
Transcript Highlights:
- Johnson**: The claim explanation described it as an administrative error, that one of her certifications
- nurse specialist was removed from her base pay due to administrative error. ...that one of her certifications
- ATRS denied liability and moved to dismiss the claim, or in the alternative, to stay the proceeding until
Summary:
The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items.
The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report.
The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement.
The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Jul 21st, 2025
Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- and they're renting and they're trying to transition, and in that transition you can't get your certificate
- of occupancy right to certificate of occupancy because they're not being inspected.
- Are there alternative materials that we should be looking at?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Long-term feasibility of alternative permitting procedures for airports, provides requirements to obtain
- Contractor certification requirements.
- Palliative, this bill allows physicians to utilize finance practice registered nurses to file that certificates
Bills:
SJR85, SCR29, SCR38, SCR42, SB23, SB39, SB209, SB227, SB240, SB330, SB527, SB584, SB618, SB619, SB636, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB825, SB826, SB843, SB844, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB912, SB957, SB1013, SB1020, SB1065, SB1143, SB1152, SB1164, SB1183, SB1257, SB1299, SB1325, SB1349, SB1413, SB1455, SB1539, SB1558, SB1574, SB1583, SB1624, SB1642, SB1643, SB1667, SB1717, SB1718, SB1727, SB1734, SB1756, SB1757, SB1784, SB1789, SB1832, SB1868, SB1870, SB1883, SB1896, SB1920, SB1924, SB1963, SB2010, SB2018, SB2024, SB2037, SB2052, SB2073, SB2111, SB2161, SB2196, SB2207, SB2253, SB2268, SB2322, SB2323, SB2332, SB2349, SB2371, SB2533, SB2570, SB2601, SB2626, SB2692, SB2705, SB2717, SB2774, SB2788, SB2877, SB2920, SB2, SB260, SB1786, SB1, HJR4, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR85, SJR84, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR42, SCR29, SCR4, SCR18, SCR43, SCR46, SB2023, SB825, SB2010, SB1870, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB1505, SB583, SB957, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB618, SB393, SB1791, SB826, SB1257, SB870, SB529, SB209, SB1883, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1860, SB2037, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB1963, SB1643, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB1085, SB2431, SB1490, SB1868, SB2314, SB434, SB2046, SB1667, SB1727, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB1784, SB1524, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1789, SB1455, SB2056, SB1940, SB2052, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB844, SB1920, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB884, SB463, SB227, SB240, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2141, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1642, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2626, SB2458, SB1864, SB2201, SB1862, SB1583, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB1413, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2774, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1183, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB39, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB23, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, HB135, HB 1109, SCR48, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SJR85, SB23, SB826, SB844, SB957, SB1413, SB1539, SB1583, SB1642, SB1643, SB1789, SB1883, SB1963, SB2024, SB2626, SB2774, SB825, SB1870, SB2010, SB240, SB618, SB870, SB1257, SB1727, SR424, SR428, SCR29, SCR42, SCR49, SB3056, SB3057, HB2, HB20, HB 120, HB142, HB210, HB215, HB451, HB 1022, HB 1151, HB1458, HB1700, HB2000, HB3093, SB3056, SB3057, HB2, HB20, HB 120, HB142, HB210, HB215, HB451, HB 1022, HB 1151, HB1458, HB1700, HB2000, HB3093
Keywords:
Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval, school district revenue, tax rollback, disabled persons exemption, El Paso
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- workforce development and I'm very excited about the 20 of the 12 million dollars for the graduate alternative
- I also hold a certificate in education finance from Georgetown University.
- qualified workforce members by offering career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 27th, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We are trying to stick with one line here, and we have made alternate arrangements.
- I'm certain that there will be a mechanism that will require some sort of certification or process that
- be a medication assistant, a medication aid, a certified nursing assistant who comes out of a certification
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, doesn't the bill provide a slightly different alternative?
- That’s one alternative.
- That's one alternative. medications. That's one alternative.
- obtaining and maintaining a certificate obtaining and maintaining a certificate of<03:34:00.000>
- ,<05:32:54.480>
Health present a viable alternative, Health present a viable alternative,
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, thank you for bringing some alternative because I think when asking about the physical note
- :26:54.880>
for <00:26:55.040>bringing <00:26:55.360>some <00:26:55.560>alternative - thank you for bringing some alternative thank you for bringing some alternative because<00:26:56.400
- No, I just want to give you kudos for thinking through it and still trying to come up with an alternative
- regional coordinators, they would really be able to saturate the marketplace more with the NBCT certifications
Bills:
HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, HB517, HB98, HB235, HB236, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB565, SB380
Keywords:
underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- companies that may offer alternative companies that may offer alternative services<00:37:05.599>
- We do, of course, purchase corporate debt and commercial paper, certificates of deposit.
- We do, of course, purchase corporate debt, commercial paper, certificates of deposit.
- .<01:36:07.520>
DJJ <01:36:08.159>detention <01:36:08.719>facilities alternatives - DJJ detention facilities alternatives.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- This would include safety certification for all electronic devices and systems used by the public and
- This would include safety certification for all electronic devices and systems used by the public and
- And like I said, there's an alternative way to do it by handwriting, but that's really puts more work
- A supplemental count is simply a second count before certification. It is not an audit or recount.
- second count before certification second count before certification it<04:34:41.959>
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/20/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to emphasize that Minnesotans without access to an affordable VoIP alternative will be
- First, FCC broadband maps must show that the consumer has an internet alternative with location fabric
- First, I want to emphasize that Minnesotans without access to an affordable VoIP alternative will be
- I don't have a good alternative.
- <00:42:47.040>
This don't have a good alternative. This don't have a good alternative.