Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Commissioner. Questions for Commissioner Rayton? If not, thank you very much.
• Tommes and I serve as the commissioner Tommes and I serve as the commissioner of<00:48:05.440>
• Questions for the commissioner.
• Um, Commissioner, I the commissioner.
• So I'm sorry to disagree with you on commissioners and the chairs of the commissioners and the chairs

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, next up, we have the Insurance Department with us today.
• We have the Insurance Department with us today. Okay, thanks. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you.
• I serve as the Chief of Staff for the North Dakota Insurance and Securities Department.
• I am the State Fire Marshal of North Dakota, and I work with the Insurance Department.
• insure these buildings?

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Terrell Clark, Stearns County Commissioner, District 1.
• have Commissioner Clark testifying have Commissioner Clark testifying remotely.<00:26:25.200>
• Welcome, Commissioner.
• ><00:34:22.639> David with mestead county commissioner David with mestead county commissioner
• <00:36:05.280> No, Thank you, Commissioner. See you. No, Thank you, Commissioner.

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:21.640> of Commissioner with the Department of Commissioner with the Department of
• Thank you, Assistant Commissioner. Commissioner. Commissioner. Co-Chair<00:29:03.480> Nash.
• I wrote to the commissioner or to the admin.
• Assistant Commissioner Betsy Hayes: Thank you.
• Deputy Commissioner Deputy Commissioner I I I if<01:20:48.120> the<01:20:48.320> chair

Bills: HF3643, HF4470, HF4462, HF4366, HF4172, HF3629, HF4356, HF3093

Keywords: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, HF4470

Transcript Highlights:

• Also requires a statewide study to evaluate how nature-based solutions can reduce flood risk, lower insurance
• premiums, and improve community ratings under the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Service, and the Florida Forest Service is a division under the Department of Agriculture led by Commissioner
• We've had tremendous support over the last few years from the Legislature and from Commissioner Simpson

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone. The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh written by the deputy commissioner.
• When I became commissioner a little over eight years ago, the previous commissioner told me the department
• When I became commissioner a little over eight years ago, the previous commissioner told me the department
• When I became commissioner a little over eight years ago, the previous commissioner told me the department
• Appreciate your commissioner? Thank you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I want to direct this to the commissioners.
• Commissioner?
• Commissioners, Mr. Chairman, we have a few more questions.
• commissioners.
• I mean is that, as Commissioner...

Bills: SB 28, SB 687, SJR 34, SCR 9, SB 523, SB 62, SB 847, SB 706, SB 869, SB 890, SB 992

Keywords: lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, SB 687, land surveyor, land surveying, surveying services, construction contract, anti-indemnity, indemnity, hold harmless, defense obligation, standard of care, professional negligence, civil practice and remedies code, local government code, governmental agency, public contracts

Summary: The meeting was a crucial session for discussing several important bills including SB992, which aims to establish a clear time frame for the Attorney General's approval on outside legal counsel for state agencies. Senator Nichols presented the bill, emphasizing its necessity for timely responses to ensure efficient legal processing. Another notable discussion centered around SB523, which seeks to allow parole and probation officers to use a business address on their driver's licenses for safety and security purposes. This bill passed favorably out of the committee, with public testimony supporting the need for such provisions due to the risks these officers face.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lines 14.4 to 14.7 require certification by the Commissioner of Revenue.
• <00:13:11.000> of certification by the Commissioner of certification by the Commissioner of
• This aid comes from a percentage of<00:25:45.120> insurance<00:25:45.680> premiums<00:25
• premiums that people pay in of insurance premiums that people pay in the<00:25:47.960> state<
• > has<01:08:09.120> reasonable Um if the commissioner has reasonable Um if the commissioner

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite high insurance coverage rates, these patterns are visible in Massachusetts.
• Despite high insurance coverage rates, these patterns are visible in Massachusetts.
• A job that grants you health insurance, a job, and it...
• Because it's amazing to me just how we're spending $400, $500 on insurance and on cars.
• Asian was 75% from their employer-sponsored insurance and 13% from MassHealth.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held a hearing on the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, the fourth in a series on federal impacts on racial equity. Chair Bud Williams and Chair Miranda opened by emphasizing that no bills were being heard and that the committee would instead take testimony from invited witnesses; public written testimony was also accepted. The chairs and witnesses repeatedly cited long-standing wealth disparities affecting Black and brown communities, including homeownership, wages, business ownership, and access to capital, and linked those disparities to federal policy changes, housing, education, health care, and workforce development. Administration officials testified first. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones described persistent labor market disparities, including higher unemployment for Black and Latino residents, lower median hourly wages, and underemployment among degree holders, and highlighted state efforts such as ESOL-for-work funding, workforce training grants, MassHire career centers, skills-based hiring, and the state equity dashboards. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiami Mahania argued that poverty drives poor health, not the reverse, and said wealth gaps contribute to chronic disease, maternal health inequities, medical debt, and shorter life expectancy; she pointed to the Advancing Health Equity Massachusetts initiative, a health care affordability working group, and the governor’s push to bar medical debt from credit reporting. Assistant Secretary Juan Vega of EOED focused on entrepreneurship and procurement, citing technical assistance grants, founder support programs, place-based investment, the Business Front Door, and the need to broaden access to contracts, capital, and business growth opportunities. Committee members pressed the panel on the effects of the federal “big beautiful bill” on households, especially single-parent and Black women-led households, and on whether the state could develop more timely data systems instead of relying on federal numbers. Officials said the impacts were still being monitored, but warned that Medicaid and SNAP changes would likely hit lower-income households and community institutions hard. Members also asked about unions and apprenticeships, microbusiness definitions, supplier diversity, pay equity, and degree inflation; the administration said registered apprenticeships and skills-based hiring are key tools, and noted that wage equity reporting is still in its early stages. Later testimony from BECMA’s Nicole O’Bean stressed that tariffs, DEI rollbacks, immigration enforcement, capital gaps, and federal funding cuts are constraining Black-owned businesses and inclusive procurement, while Gastón Institute researchers described severe Latino homeownership and rent burdens, educational inequities, and the need for housing, labor, and education policy changes to close the wealth gap.

Transcript Highlights:

• But no, they think it's better to have health insurance, so they go and buy a health insurance product
• But no, they think it's better to have health insurance, so they go and buy a health insurance product
• to just the health insurance providers. to just the health insurance providers.
• Um, currently the insurance plans are working on health insurance premiums for 2026, and they have a
• Insurance should not cover that cost. Insurance should not cover that cost.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony and support from Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito.
• <00:55:01.760> commissioner<00:55:03.040> testimony from um insurance commissioner
• testimony from um insurance commissioner testimony comments<00:55:04.559> from<00:55:04.760>
• Insurance Commissioner: On our written testimony, providing comments from the Department of Education
• Insurance Insurance Council<01:42:36.119> testimony<01:42:37.080> uh<01:42:37.239>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then maybe 10% people with insurance.
• , and then maybe 10% people with insurance.
• the problem is the insurance the problem is the insurance reimbursements<00:50:34.960> so
• on the pricing because the insurance on the pricing because the insurance weren't<00:51:03.280><
• reimbursement at another time insurance reimbursement at another time but<00:51:38.760> that<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• done in I believe in insurance fraud. done in I believe in insurance fraud.
• Insurance fraud under 638 col 20- small A that establishes venue and insurance fraud.
• Insurance fraud under 638 col 20- small A that establishes venue and insurance fraud.
• /c><00:52:42.000> in<00:52:42.160> New the insurance fraud happen in New the insurance
• want<01:05:00.880> to commissioner enforcement, I want to commissioner enforcement, I

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I don't think this insurance is going to be it.
• No, I don't think this insurance is going to be it. I guess that's going to be it. No, well, no.
• She's our Revenue Commissioner from Russell County. She is 8 months pregnant.

Bills: HB30, HB35, HB72, HB89, HB30, HB35

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, we have staff who previously investigated health care fraud at private insurance companies
• And I personally went back to MINUTE Commissioner Tarek Tomes and said.
• it says it's a $20 billion annual budget, which my colleague referenced, and we had unemployment insurance
• I'm an Assistant Commissioner with the Department of Administration.
• Assistant Commissioner Hayes.

Bills: HF3043, HF2891

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• What about the city councilors and the county commissioners? Mr.
• And then who are the other, the County commissioner for, oh, Mr.
• Speaker, represented the County commissioner for the area and the city councilor. OK.
• It was, it was much, it was pared down much narrower now just to co-insurance.
• This deduction would cover the copay deductible and now co-insurance for the patient pay portion of that

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, next up, we have the Insurance Department with us today.
• We have the Insurance Department with us today. Okay, thanks. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you.
• I serve as the chief of staff for the North Dakota Insurance and Securities Department.
• I am the State Fire Marshal of North Dakota, and I work under the Insurance Department.
• insure these buildings?

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:51:04.000> of<00:51:04.160> the in cases where the commissioner of the in cases
• that will continue to increase to offset those insurance losses.
• <01:18:46.239> Now<01:18:46.560> multiply those insurance losses.
• Now multiply those insurance losses.
• ,<02:13:49.119> with select board, county commissioners, with select board, county commissioners

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• then when she went to go about her business of finding a new place to live, you know, getting more insurance
• Lambert: Substitute for House Bill 3805 relating to certain enforcement powers of the banking commissioner
• Currently in code, the commissioner has the Chairman Lambert: Authority to prohibit or remove someone
• also adds a provision to Section 185.106 Chairman Lambert: Relating to additional activity the commissioner
• That is the commissioner thinks it is threatening and the trust company thinks it is not.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ken Warden, Commissioner, Division of Higher Education.
• And those two areas are re-employment, otherwise formerly known as unemployment insurance.
• Senator English, Ken Wharton, Commissioner, Division of Higher Education.
• Yeah, I just wanted to elaborate maybe on Commissioner Warden's comment.
• I think Commissioner Warden mentioned it earlier.

Summary: The meeting focused on Arkansas’s proposed workforce system overhaul, including a combined WIOA/Perkins state plan and a package of federal waiver requests intended to consolidate workforce governance, reduce administrative costs, and redirect more funding to training and supportive services. Commerce officials said the plan would replace the current structure of 10 local workforce boards and more than 200 board members with a single statewide board and one administrative entity, while keeping local offices open and using regional business councils to preserve employer and local input. They said the state has already reduced Commerce headcount and operating costs, and that the changes would improve coordination with higher education, adult education, vocational rehabilitation, DHS, and Arkansas Industry Connect. Much of the discussion centered on the waiver package, especially the proposal to make the state board function as the local board, allow more flexible movement of funds across regions, eliminate the WIOA “last dollar” requirement for training and supportive services, create affiliate sites instead of requiring every area to maintain a comprehensive center, and relax the 14 youth program element requirement. Officials said the State Board of Workforce Development approved the waiver package 11-3 before it was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, and that implementation would begin only after federal approval and a closeout process, likely taking up to a year. They also described plans to streamline referrals and data sharing, expand mobile and virtual services, and use a more centralized model to improve customer service and employer engagement. Members raised repeated concerns about rural representation, local control, board composition, and whether jobs and relationships would be lost if local boards were eliminated. Commerce officials responded that local offices would remain open, some current staff could be rehired by the state, and regional business councils would help ensure local employer voice. Several members also questioned how the funding was being used, citing audit findings that only about $1.8 million to $1.9 million of roughly $14 million to $15 million in federal workforce funds had gone to training and supportive services. Officials said the reorganization could increase annual training spending to roughly $6 million to $7 million by reducing overhead, one-stop operator contracts, and board administration. The committee also discussed how the changes might support workforce training facilities, apprenticeships, child care and transportation assistance, and employer-driven training in fields such as manufacturing, health care, technology, and welding. The Division of Higher Education also briefed members on Workforce Pell. Officials explained that the new federal program would extend Pell eligibility to short-term programs, but only within narrow limits, such as 150 to 599 clock hours and 8 to 15 weeks of instruction, with additional completion and employment benchmarks. They said Arkansas is working with colleges and universities to identify programs that fit the criteria and that the governor has designated the Division of Higher Education to lead implementation. No votes were taken by the committee during this portion of the meeting.