Transcript Highlights:

• We are at the combined rate property tax cap.
• , including the state $0.17 rate.
• They will put in what they can at the tax rate.
• So a property tax rate is included as a revenue rate that we're going to try to figure out how to get
• Blending down the interest rates, as we know the interest rates are still pretty high, so this can come

Committee: Senate Government Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> nuclear from a factory at a faster rate nuclear from a factory at a faster rate that<00:12:18.560
• Uh but once again, rate is to a person.
• </c> at such a low production uh a low rate at such a low production uh a low rate of<00:33:11.519><c
• Um I pressure vessels rated for ASME3.
• </c> could cost us $und00 million to rate could cost us $und00 million to rate payers<01:56:18.000><c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• My goals are to be able to rates.
• </c> of solar is the only PUC approved rate of solar is the only PUC approved rate that<01:18:06.400>
• For me, it's not costing XL or anybody money because their rates are based on their rates.
• Uh, for me, it's not costing XL or anybody money because their rates are based on their rates.
• </c> at a two or three or four times rate at a two or three or four times rate than<01:58:58.080><c>

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see we have job vacancy rates high above that.
• </c><01:25:56.840><c> for</c> mortality rate for the death rate for mortality rate for the death rate
• And then this is a regional look at rates of suicide by geography.
• </c><01:34:41.880><c> for</c> reimburse at a much lower rate for reimburse at a much lower rate for licensed
• We won't get a good response rate if we make that stuff voluntary.

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The unemployment rate is not very useful, in my opinion.
• </c><00:53:43.359><c> I'm</c> uh labor force participation rates I'm uh labor force participation rates
• And I don't know what the return rate is on that. And now this is old data.
• And I don't know what the return rate is on that. And now this is old data.
• And I don't know what the return rate is on that. And now this is old data.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• The data from our report shows that poverty rates in Western Mass are consistently worse than in other
• Poverty rates rose 0.7 percentage points in just one year.
• That was the lowest rate of poverty we've had in recorded history.
• That was the lowest rate of poverty we've had in recorded history.
• That was the lowest rate of poverty we've had in recorded history.

Bills: H5085 , H5286

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on miscellaneous bills, including H. 5286, which would require DCF to consult a medical professional when a parent presents evidence of a pre-existing diagnosis that could explain symptoms mistaken for abuse or neglect. Representative Brian Mario said the bill would give DCF another tool in difficult cases. Jennifer Fernandes testified about her family’s experience with her grandson being removed after doctors initially suspected a skull fracture that later proved unfounded, saying the bill could help prevent similar outcomes. Committee members expressed sympathy and indicated interest in further discussion. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H. 5085/S. 3095, the omnibus “An Act Significantly Alleviating Poverty.” Supporters described the bill as a comprehensive anti-poverty package built from the Poverty Commission’s work, combining higher cash assistance grants, matched savings, baby bonds, a guaranteed stipend for youth aging out of foster care, expanded tax credits, language access, clean slate record sealing, and worker protections. Senator Eldridge, Senator Miranda, Representative Decker, and many advocates argued that poverty is tied to housing instability, child welfare involvement, health harms, and racial and gender inequities, and that the bill would help families meet basic needs, build wealth, and reduce the benefits cliff. Witnesses from social service, legal aid, labor, immigrant advocacy, and public health groups strongly supported the bill’s provisions. Several focused on specific sections: child support pass-through and a broader good-cause exception for TAFDC recipients; extending the state EITC to ITIN filers; creating baby bonds and matched savings programs; automating criminal record sealing; improving language access at state agencies; and ending the subminimum wage for farm workers. Former foster youth and service providers said the guaranteed stipend would help young adults avoid homelessness and transition more safely into adulthood. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly noted the limited time and encouraged written testimony and follow-up conversations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Flat rate—you know, every city pays into that—and then it's worked reasonably well.
• And more importantly, if they ever have a claim, that rate will not go up. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• We have high graduation rates. That's not good.
• The vacancy rates are over 400 in the troopers. It’s over 400 in corrections.
• Jeff Hawkins: The vacancy rates are over 400 in troopers. It’s over 400 in corrections.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with HB 263, which would appropriate $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Representative Blackman argued the office is needed to address serious problems in the Department of Corrections, including lawsuits, staffing shortages, injuries, and safety concerns, and said he was open to shifting existing dollars to cover the cost. A supportive witness from Justice Action Network said the funding would make the oversight office operational and is a small investment compared with the department’s overall budget. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 17-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 2993, as amended, which would let the Department of Public Safety spend money on legal services independent of the Attorney General and move $5 million from the Consumer Protection/Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Speaker Montenegro said the bill was intended to support law enforcement and shift resources toward frontline public safety work. The amendment changed the destination of the $5 million from the Peace Officers Training Fund to GITEM, and the bill passed 11-7. HB 2271 followed, dealing with firefighter cancer insurance reimbursement and rate deviations for insurers. Witnesses described it as a technical, unfinished consensus measure meant to bring fire districts into the existing cancer reimbursement structure without changing claim handling for firefighters. Members repeatedly noted more work was needed, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation on a 16-1-1 vote. HB 2416 appropriated $20 million to DPS for local border support, including law enforcement positions, prosecution and detention costs, and equipment. Sheriffs and the Arizona Sheriffs Association testified in support, saying the funding has been used for drug interdiction, fentanyl seizures, and joint task forces, while opponents argued the money should go elsewhere. The bill passed 11-6-1. HB 2692, a procurement bill, would create or revise rules for construction delivery methods, including one-step competition and progressive design-build for federally funded public infrastructure projects. Construction and procurement stakeholders said it was a long-negotiated consensus measure, while some members worried about taxpayer risk and wanted more information; it passed 10-7-1. The committee also amended and passed HB 2478, which creates the Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes and funds it with Classroom Site Fund dollars to study K-12 accountability, standards, graduation requirements, early childhood education, and a possible trade pathways diploma. Supporters said Arizona needs a broader conversation about student outcomes and school accountability, while opponents questioned the funding source and whether the work should instead be done by existing education agencies. The amended bill passed 11-7. Finally, HB 4044 was introduced to create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and Corrections salaries using proceeds from forfeited digital assets and interest from the Budget Stabilization Fund; the sponsor and a troopers association witness said it would help address long-standing pay parity and vacancy problems, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Justice Administration, the budget includes $5.1 million to enhance fee rates for court-appointed
• With these current rate changes, the FRS continues to be funded on a sound actuarial basis.
• Senators, the 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
• With these current rate changes, the FRS continues to be funded on a sound actuarial basis.
• Senators, the 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the State of Hawaii fringe rate.
• </c> state of Hawaii furn rate well thank you state of Hawaii furn rate well thank you for<00:13:46.360
• For civil service, the rate is 28%, but overall we have a 30% vacancy rate.
• study this is now the the we did a rate study this is now the the rate<01:13:48.600><c> adjustment</
• </c> or the mirror of the um vaccination rate or the mirror of the um vaccination rate decline<01:31:

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Health and Human Services committees heard Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s biennium budget request, with testimony from HHSC leadership on the Hilo/Big Island region (HTH 212) and the Oahu region (HTH 215), plus discussion of capital improvement projects and systemwide partnerships. HHSC described its role as the rural healthcare safety net, serving a high share of Medicare, Medicaid/Quest, and uninsured patients, and said its costs are elevated by state employee fringe benefits, which it said are about 64% compared with roughly 30% in the private sector. HHSC also said pandemic-era federal aid, including relief funds and PPP loans totaling about $100 million, reduced the need for general fund support in prior years. For HTH 212, HHSC said its general fund request for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 was higher than the governor’s recommendation because of rising insurance, pharmaceutical, and contractor labor costs, and because it includes $13.2 million in FY 2026 and $2.3 million in FY 2027 for Epic electronic medical record implementation in East Hawaii. For HTH 215, HHSC said the requested general funds were aligned with the governor’s recommendation, in part because of increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for long-term care facilities under prior legislation. HHSC also said it was restoring a special fund ceiling so the region could spend its cash collections on operations. Members asked about the 64% fringe rate, and HHSC explained the difference was mainly due to defined-benefit pension and retiree health insurance costs, which private hospitals generally do not bear at the same level. Members also asked about the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home, and HHSC said operations would be funded through the general fund corporation for the home when it opens, with management by Ohana Pacific, but no additional legislative operating funds were being requested at that time. Other questions focused on staffing and vacancies, including an abolished procurement position and an ongoing IT help desk recruitment need. HHSC highlighted several capital and partnership projects, including a $25 million state CIP request matched by $25 million from the Benioff family for the Benioff Health Center, an ER expansion and reconfiguration at Corner Community Hospital, and $7.5 million in each fiscal year for Kauai EMR capital funds to join the Epic platform. Testimony also described collaborations with Queen’s, the University of California San Francisco, Hawaii Pacific Health, the Hawaii Cancer Consortium, the Department of Health, and the state hospital to improve specialty access, clinical trials, behavioral health, and patient placement across the system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, how is that just not decrease in overall quality of care and wage rates and things like that?
• New Hampshire has the largest rate of people of deceased becoming cremated.
• </c> Now, New Hampshire sees a cremation rate Now, New Hampshire sees a cremation rate of<00:30:45.320
• </c><00:31:42.240><c> for</c> Compounding that, retention rates for Compounding that, retention rates
• c> amendments,</c> Yet, rate setting, plan amendments, Yet, rate setting, plan amendments, administrative

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• We keep emergency medical transport at reimbursement rates not to exceed the Medicaid allowable rates
• We currently have it at the Medicaid allowable rate.
• Our proposal in the amendment is that it may not exceed 110 percent of the Medicare allowable rate.
• We also keep the carve-outs, with room for community health care providers to negotiate rates above 110
• percent of the Medicare allowable rate if they enter into an agreement to: one, provide health care

Summary: The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, instead planning to roll it out the following week in coordination with House counterparts and Senate notice requirements. The chair also noted several members were excused or late, and the committee proceeded to the agenda items. The committee heard CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, relating to violations of pretrial release conditions for violent crimes. There was no debate, and the Florida Sheriffs Association waived in support. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee also took up SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard; no questions, appearances, or debate were recorded, and the bill was closed on without further action noted in the transcript. Next, the committee considered SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services. A leave-filed amendment was adopted that addressed correctional facility maintenance and repair deductions, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency medical transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth arrangements. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida spoke in information and indicated the amendment was a positive step, while the Florida Department of Corrections waived in support. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by roll call vote. Two additional agenda items, CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions, were temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the placement rates are really high.
• We call them adjuncts because we pay them, I think Sandy, full adjunct rate, right?
• Just now we’re looking at the unsubsidized, where that rate is the higher rate that the families are
• But at the time of this analysis, that’s what those rates were.
• We'd still maintain the rate at that undergraduate level.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the placement rates are really high.
• We call them adjuncts because we pay them, I think, Sandy, full adjunct rate, right?
• Just now we're looking at the unsubsidized, where that rate is the higher rate that the families are
• But at the time of this analysis, that's what those rates were.
• We'd still maintain the rate at that undergraduate level.

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• Young people today are experiencing a mental health crisis at rates we cannot ignore.
• So from 20% was their suspension rate two years ago to 10% last year.
• So from 20% was their suspension rate two years ago to 10% last year.
• double the rate for white students, with rates of 22% and 12% respectively.
• However, rates do remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, regarding the payment error rate, as with other policy changes of this scale, the time limit
• could increase the payment error rate in federal fiscal year 2027.
• , cured sanctions, and also prevented program disruptions, as well as keeping error rates down.
• Resulting in an increase from 32% to 61% of cases meeting required participation hours, sanction rates
• for K-12 students, and high school graduation rates.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, all-cause mortality, cancer death rates, and cardiovascular death rates dropped to all-time
• rates, and the highest life expectancy in the nation.
• Earlier, I mentioned decreasing death rates in many areas, yet we're seeing increasing death rates in
• As far as death rates, 25- to 44-year-olds, we have increasing death rates, and the leading cause of
• We use that to track disease rates and things like that.

Transcript Highlights:

• the insurance companies, to the reinsurers, to the rating agencies, to the underwriters.
• How does this statute of limitations generally affect insurance rates?
• So how likely is it that rates would go down if we were to pass this legislation?
• If the tax rate is 4%, I can plan for 4%. I know that I'm going to pay that every year.
• Are they seeing lower rates of payout, and are they seeing more affordable insurance rates right now?

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1645, which would reduce Missouri’s general personal injury statute of limitations from five years to two years for claims after August 28, 2026, while also extending the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims from 10 years to 20 years after the victim turns 21. Representative Overcast and supporters from the insurance and business communities argued the change would improve Missouri’s business climate, lower insurance costs, and align the state with most others; opponents, including trial lawyers and victim advocates, warned that shortening the filing window would harm injured adults and sexual abuse survivors who need more time to come forward. Representative Sites supported the child sexual abuse expansion but said broader retroactivity work was still ongoing. No vote was taken in the hearing itself, but the bill drew both support and opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1610 and House Bill 2182, both of which were described as similar proposals to shorten the general civil statute of limitations, with HB 1610 moving from five years to three years and HB 2182 moving from five years to two years. Supporters repeated the same business-climate and insurance-rate arguments, while opponents repeated concerns about access to justice and the time needed to investigate complex injuries. Several witnesses from the insurance, chamber, farm bureau, railroad, and business groups testified in support, and some said they preferred two years over three. The chair noted the testimony was largely repetitive across the bills, and the hearings concluded without recorded votes in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2714, which would change Missouri from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault system, barring recovery if a plaintiff is found more than 50% at fault. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would make Missouri more business-friendly and more consistent with neighboring states, while opponents from the trial bar argued it would unfairly cut off recovery for injured people and that juries already apportion fault under current law. Testimony focused on how fault percentages are determined, the effect on settlements and trials, and examples such as car crashes and product liability cases. The hearing ended with continued opposition testimony and no final committee action reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding these allocations, the other regulations the state has, which in many cases we have other rate
• Our middle-income households... and even others you know with the six rate increases we saw in the PG
• My question is, do you have insights in terms of how to intelligently lower rates, and one of the big
• Are there things that we can do that incentivize electrifying and with regards to rates perhaps?
• Exactly, so you get a twofer, you get lower home insurance and you get lower electricity rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul that is bringing crucial housing, both market rate and affordable housing, and economic development
• the dramatic increases in construction costs, a difficult lending environment, increased interest rates
• </c><00:20:01.520><c> of</c> um000 at a at a a sales tax rate of um000 at a at a a sales tax rate of
• </c><00:32:33.679><c> far</c> was continually escalating at a rate far was continually escalating at
• a rate far greater<00:32:34.240><c> than</c><00:32:34.640><c> our</c><00:32:35.519><c> contingency</c

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to the next bill. over interest rates uh uh and I think over interest rates uh uh and I think
• are set in something called a general rate case, but for companies like ours that are not in rate cases
• a rate um allows you to establish a rate um outside<01:17:27.520><c> of</c><01:17:27.639><c> a</c><01
• It's simply a means to allow us to get a renewable natural gas rate in place that's not tied to a rate
• It's simply a means to allow us to get a renewable natural gas rate in place that's not tied to a rate

Committee: House Finance