Video & Transcript : 'captive insurers' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's hearing is related to insurance.
- for both state and local governments lies in the escalating costs of providing non-Medicare health insurance
- So this bill provides a long-overdue solution by requiring the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission
- And as we all know, Medicare Part A deals with hospital insurance, hospital stays, and some home health
- So in sum, this would reduce the reliance on more expensive public health insurance offerings, while
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hybrid hearing focused on insurance and retirement-related bills. Representative Hendricks testified in support of H.2874, which would create a Medicare buy-in program for certain state retirees age 65 and older who are not currently Medicare eligible, with the Commonwealth paying Part A premiums and late penalties. He argued the bill would reduce retiree health costs for the state and municipalities while improving benefits for retirees. Don Buckley also testified in support of H.2874, describing his own situation as a long-serving state retiree without Medicare coverage and urging passage of the bill.
Paul Jakes of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Michael Riley of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems testified in support of H.2999/S.1862, which would provide fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. Riley also supported H.2933/S.1816, which would add a seat on the PRIM Board for non-state teacher retirement systems, and H.2954/H.1813, which would change the criteria and duration for systems considered underperforming in the public employee retirement system funding rules. He said the changes would better reflect current conditions and limit forced participation in PRIT to five years rather than in perpetuity.
Committee members asked no questions during the hearing. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the committee voted to adjourn.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Medicare Advantage products, and these are very helpful to our seniors, helping keep the cost of their insurance
- Insurance companies have to provide their applications and the products they're going to sell, and in
- With that, our good esteemed director of the Department of Insurance took action, issued a bulletin,
- This memorial is to show our support to the Department of Insurance and the director and to ask CMS to
- I'm the director of the Idaho Department of Insurance, and I'm grateful to be with you.
Summary:
The committee began by removing Senate Bill 1374 from the agenda at the chair’s request, citing the need for more time to meet with stakeholders and clarify the bill. The committee then took up House Joint Memorial 16, introduced by Representative Ben Furman, which expresses support for the Idaho Department of Insurance and asks the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify rules affecting Medicare Advantage marketing and commissions.
Representative Furman and Insurance Director Dean Cameron described problems in the Medicare Advantage market, including carriers withdrawing plans, limiting access to applications, and later refusing to pay commissions after enrollment periods. They said these practices have reduced consumer choice, especially in rural counties, and have made it harder for seniors to enroll through local agents. Cameron said the department issued a bulletin and cease-and-desist orders, some carriers sued, and the issue is now in federal court; he also noted that CMS and about 26 other states recognize the problem and are working on possible rule changes.
Senator Wintrow thanked Director Cameron for his work on behalf of seniors. Representative Furman closed by asking for support for the memorial, and the committee moved House Joint Memorial 16 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The motion passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 01/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Calendar 19, Senate Print 8772, Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
- Calendar 19, Senate Print 8772, Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Insurance Law. >> Read the last section
- >> The bill is passed. >> Calendar 29, Senate Print 8800, by Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Insurance
- 55, nays 1. >> The bill is passed. >> Calendar 34, 8807, by Senator Krueger, an act to amend the Insurance
- >> CALENDAR 34, 8807 BY SENATOR KRUEGER, AN ACT TO AMEND THE INSURANCE LAW.
Summary:
The Senate met on January 20, 2026, approved the Journal, and adopted the resolution calendar. It then took up Senate Resolution 1324, sponsored by Senator Stec, which memorializes the Governor to proclaim January 25-31, 2026, as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week. Senator Stec described the work of medicolegal death investigators and recognized guests from several districts; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then considered a series of bills on the calendar, including measures amending the Insurance, Labor, Workers’ Compensation, Public Health, State Finance, State Technology, Environmental Conservation, Criminal Procedure, Executive, and Veteran Services laws. Most bills passed with broad support, though several drew negative votes from individual senators or small groups, including Calendar 34 (Insurance Law), Calendar 47 (Environmental Conservation Law), Calendar 61 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 74 (Veteran Services Law). Senator Murray briefly explained his support for Calendar 62, a Criminal Procedure Law bill, suggesting additional confirmation for victim notifications if email notice is expanded.
The Senate also discharged Assembly Bill 9436 from Rules and substituted identical Senate Bill 8773. After completing the calendar, the Majority Conference committee assignments were filed in the Journal. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/14/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> includes health insurance, retirement includes health insurance, retirement plans,<00:08:44.480>
- </c> provides workers compensation insurance provides workers compensation insurance coverage<00:46:50.560
- </c><00:48:24.079><c> The</c> compensation insurance coverage. The compensation insurance coverage.
- </c> injury occurred and the insurance injury occurred and the insurance carrier,<00:53:14.480><c> whomever
- So this insurance coverage policy.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Why should an insurance company be afforded so much time to recoup a payment, yet we are restricted to
- The insurance company may say they have a process for denied claims, but I hope my words resonate today
- that their process is horribly broken and unfair and only benefits the insurance company.
- Insurance that minor correctable errors like a missing gestational age code do not result in permanent
- Chair and member, Stephanie Watkins, on behalf of the Association of California Life and Health Insurance
Committee:
House Health
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, the Commonwealth and its cities and towns provide retirement health insurance to employees
- I'm here to testify on House Bill 2888, An Act relative to the insurance advisory committee.
- This bill makes a targeted but important update to Section 3 of Chapter 32B, ensuring that insurance
- House 2888 would amend Section 32B, which governs municipal insurance advisory committees.
- As health insurance grows more complex and costs continue to rise, municipalities need committees that
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of retirement, municipal workforce, and public employee labor bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2749, a Plymouth home rule petition to classify Plymouth harbormaster employees as Group 4 for retirement purposes. Supporters, including local officials and retirement board representatives, argued the employees perform law-enforcement and rescue duties comparable to police and fire personnel, that the change would be fair, and that it would have little or no fiscal impact on the town. A separate harbormaster-related bill, H. 2743, was also introduced later in the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony on provisions of the Municipal Empowerment Act (H. 56), including a temporary critical-shortage exemption allowing retired state or municipal employees to return to work in hard-to-fill positions, and a renewed OPEB commission to study retiree health care costs. Administration and municipal officials said the measures were needed to address staffing shortages and rising benefit liabilities, while emphasizing the shortage exemption would be time-limited and require proof of recruitment efforts. Related retirement bills drew support and caution: advocates for higher COLA bases and enhanced COLA benefits urged relief for retirees, but some asked the committee to wait for recommendations from the special COLA commission before acting.
A major portion of the hearing concerned labor rights at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Union representatives and employees backed bills to extend just-cause protections, promotional rights, and collective bargaining rights to MWRA and CPCS workers, arguing they currently lack protections available to most other public employees. Testimony described unfair discipline, delayed promotions, and high turnover, and committee members indicated prior favorable action on similar MWRA bills and expressed support for addressing CPCS labor rights. The committee also heard from representatives of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and public higher education employees in support of H. 2820, which would require timely funding of ratified state employee contracts, with witnesses describing long delays in receiving negotiated raises and back pay. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and closed each panel after questions.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 4th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- And our insurance doesn't cover this for the most part.
- He said, no, your insurance doesn't cover it. You have to pay for it out of pocket.
- And our insurance don't cover this for the most part.
- He says, no, your insurance don't cover it. You have to pay for it out of pocket.
- Chair, members of the committee, Brandon Koch, with Missouri Insurance Coalition, here to...
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which would put a tax-reform proposal before voters. Members debated a failed amendment to change the ballot language, with supporters saying it would more honestly describe the measure as a tax replacement that could expand sales taxes, and opponents saying it would be misleading and overly restrictive. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the proposal, including a phased reduction in the individual income tax tied to revenue growth, and voted the substitute do pass by a 7-3 roll call.
The committee next took up House Bills 321 and 2531 under a new committee substitute. The substitute made a series of technical and policy changes involving redevelopment, tax increment financing, public safety funding, Missouri Opportunity Zones, baseline revenue calculations, and local property tax diversion, including reducing one diversion requirement from 50% to 25%. Members and the sponsor described the changes as clarifying agency roles and addressing constitutional and administrative concerns. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the combined bill do pass by a 9-0-1 vote.
In public hearing, House Bill 3230 by Rep. Hardwick would bar cities and counties from outright banning modular or qualified manufactured homes in areas where single-family homes are allowed, while still allowing reasonable safety, zoning, and compatibility standards. The sponsor and supporters from the Missouri Manufactured Housing Association argued the bill would expand affordable housing and prevent discriminatory local restrictions; the Missouri Municipal League said it supported the goal but wanted more work on language to preserve local flexibility. The committee also heard House Bill 2888 by Rep. Deal, which would limit standalone medical-monitoring claims without present physical injury. The sponsor and a civil justice coalition supporter said the bill would align Missouri law with court precedent and require an actual injury, while opponents and affected residents argued it would block needed monitoring for exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and could leave exposed communities without a remedy.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 25th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Would there be an opportunity to explore with insurance agencies that pool some sort of a fund together
- Well, I would hope that if we put something like this into effect, that the insurance companies would
- That could be insurance organizations, AAA, other organizations that meet the required...
- And while we're best known for our roadside assistance and insurance products, I'm here today on behalf
- Brandon Koch, from the Missouri Insurance Coalition, just going in support of the bill.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/24/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #7
Transcript Highlights:
- and requirements for an insurer who issues a zero estimated exposure policy.
- and specifically states that a certificate is not an insurance policy.
- and Financial Institutions can assess each licensee insurer up to $1,350.
- and specifically states that a certificate is not an insurance policy.
- and Financial Institutions can assess each licensee insurer up to $1,350.
Summary:
The meeting was a lengthy caucus-style review of many bills and resolutions across multiple committees, with staff giving brief descriptions and most items placed on consent or third-read consent calendars. Topics included appropriations, commerce, education, government, health and human services, environment, public safety, and transportation. Measures discussed ranged from school policy and board continuations to housing, water, public safety, licensing, and election-related changes. Several bills were noted as strike-everything amendments or as having been amended in committee.
A number of bills drew sponsor comments or brief questions. In education, members discussed bills on teacher strikes, school math placement, school meals, student clubs, bond election disclosures, and a proposed commission on student outcomes. In health and human services, members discussed nursing board rules, pharmacist testing and treatment authority, medical records timelines, opioid antagonist expiration dates, and a proposed constitutional amendment on the right to refuse medical mandates. In government and public safety, members debated funding and staffing issues for DPS and corrections, including a proposed public safety parity fund, as well as bills on county sheriffs, legal representation for DPS, and corrections oversight funding.
There was also discussion of election and local government measures, including inactive voter list procedures, circulator disclosure rules, and committee termination filings. Other topics included housing affordability districts, development fees, historic-area middle housing exemptions, water and groundwater management, environmental compatibility siting, and trade-related commissions. One notable exchange involved HB 4044, where members debated whether using rainy day fund interest for public safety pay was fiscally responsible; supporters argued it was a practical way to fund raises, while opponents said it would weaken the fund and should instead be handled through the general fund. No roll-call votes were taken in the transcript, and most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or third-read consent calendars.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Meeting Minnesota's Healthcare Needs / Relieving Undue Medical Debt / Encouraging New Volunteers Mar 30th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <c> companies</c><00:18:56.400><c> or</c><00:18:56.720><c> hospitals</c><00:18:57.280><c> or</c> insurance
- companies or hospitals or insurance companies or hospitals or other<00:18:57.919><c> medical</c><00:
- Instead of a health insurance system that helps patients stay healthy, we have companies that fleece
- Instead of a health insurance system that helps patients stay healthy, we have companies that fleece
- </c><00:21:38.960><c> system</c> Instead of a health insurance system Instead of a health insurance system
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 25th, 2026
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- , my commercial insurance, my insurance company that has state insurance, pays for counseling services
- You can see commercial insurance only pays for about 11.4, and Medicare 11.9% of the total.
- Their commercial insurance is turned off.
- , because obviously we would love people, all people, to have jobs where they have insurance through
- You can bill insurance for that CSU, you can bill Medicaid for that CSU, and then again, we were giving
Summary:
The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to a broad discussion of behavioral health policy, taking up work previously handled by a behavioral health working group. Representatives Wooldridge and Vaught described major gaps in Arkansas behavioral health care, emphasizing access problems, workforce shortages, rural service barriers, low reimbursement, and the need to move from a reactive crisis system to more proactive community-based care. Members discussed possible 2027-session priorities such as reducing red tape, improving provider licensing and supervision pathways, expanding billing codes and reimbursement structures, and considering interstate compacts and other workforce fixes.
A major focus was the state’s crisis and forensic system, including long waits for competency evaluations, the backlog at the Arkansas State Hospital, and the use of county jails for people awaiting treatment. DHS Director Paula Stone explained that Medicaid pays for most behavioral health services, but cannot pay for services in jails or state hospitals because those individuals are treated as inmates of public institutions, leaving state general revenue to cover much of that cost. She outlined DHS efforts including secured restoration beds, therapeutic communities, community mental health center contracts for jail-based services, and plans for an institution-for-mental-disease waiver that could allow Medicaid payment for certain hospital-based services.
Members also discussed crisis stabilization units, with DHS noting that Fort Smith and Jonesboro have been more successful than Fayetteville and Little Rock, largely because of location, partnerships, and law enforcement coordination. Questions covered reimbursement for county jails, step-down facilities, civil commitment options, non-emergency behavioral health transportation, and whether DHS should create a bed-availability dashboard similar to hospital systems. DHS said it does not currently have such a dashboard but is exploring the idea. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue the work, with more detailed discussion planned for August, and the subcommittee adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 25th, 2026
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- , my commercial insurance, my insurance company that has state insurance, pays for counseling services
- You can see commercial insurance only pays for about 11.4%, and Medicare 11.9% of the total.
- Their commercial insurance is turned off.
- We would love people, all people, to have jobs where they have insurance through their jobs.
- You can bill insurance for that CSU.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's an assessment board that meets and includes members of health insurers, all health insurers
- Every single health insurer in our state pays an assessment and an assessment fee...
- Director: Every single health insurer in our state pays an assessment, an assessment fee, that goes into
- And there's about a 40% savings that is realized to both insurers, including our state health insurance
- Again, the Department of Insurance really convenes those insurers.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations for several Department of Health and Welfare divisions, including Early Learning and Development, Public Health Services, and Family and Community Partnerships. The analyst and director explained recent reorganizations, such as moving the Idaho Child Care Program into Early Learning and Development, shifting Emergency Medical Services out of Public Health, and proposing to move the Idaho Home Visiting Program from Public Health to Early Learning and Development for efficiency. The presentations also covered ongoing and one-time funding requests for child care capacity, immunizations, HIV and hepatitis prevention, lab testing, disaster preparedness, and kinship navigation services.
A major focus was the Idaho Child Care Program capacity funding. Committee members asked about the source of the money, how much was already set aside, whether the funds would create new slots rather than subsidize existing ones, and how the department would verify proper use. The director said the money comes from the federal Child Care Development Block Grant, is intended to expand provider capacity in underserved and rural areas, and can support both licensed and unlicensed providers as long as federal health and safety requirements are met. Members also questioned the proposed five new program integrity positions, including a fraud investigator, and the director said they are needed for a full annual review of providers and beneficiaries; she later corrected that the positions are ongoing, not one-time, funding.
Public health questions centered on the effectiveness of HIV and hepatitis prevention spending, the immunization assessment fund, and the role of public health more broadly. The director said HIV and hepatitis funds support education, screening, and surveillance rather than treatment, that the state continues to see a need despite rising case counts, and that the department is revamping outcome reporting. On immunizations, she said the assessment fund is financed by insurer assessments and supports vaccine purchases at lower cost, with the governor recommending an increase based on the assessment board’s decision. Members also asked about the home visiting program’s funding history, the proposed transfer of funds between Youth Safety and Permanency and Switzie for rare complex cases, and the use of ARPA funds for one-time data modernization projects. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- from the LEO fund for Medicare Parts A and B premiums, and also requires reimbursement for health insurance
- of background, survivors of LEOs killed in the course of employment may participate in the health insurance
- Premiums for health insurance are reimbursed by the LEO retirement pension fund.
- for Medicare, to purchase Medicare Parts A and B coverage to go sort of underneath their health insurance
- by the Health Care Authority to public employees, the PEBB program, and premiums for health insurance
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
recycling, waste reduction, environmental policy, sustainability, municipal regulations, preK, education funding, childcare, youth development, state budget, HB 2441, line of duty death, survivor benefits, medical insurance premium reimbursement, surviving spouse, domestic partner, dependent children, public employee death benefits, retirement system, Washington State
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 3, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- No third-party insurer—Medicaid, Medicare—can do that, but you also don't want to pay and chase fraud
- So it's someone who's indigent, low income, they have no other insurer, they don't have a commercial
- commercial insurers.
- No insurance vendor was able to issue a fidelity bond in this form as required by statute.
- and reduces that administrative burden, allowing them to utilize traditional insurance coverage that's
Summary:
The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report.
Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability.
DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- way to address issues of uncompensated care by expanding employee pools for risk mitigation for insurance
- Health insurance was really important for my family as we started a small business, a farm, and our family
- They're going towards self-insurance. You know, that's where they're going.
- Going now. 27 percent of our constituents are in self-insured programs. 14 percent of our population
- And when people don't have insurance, they don't take preventive care. They can't.
Bills:
HF2435
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 22, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- company in going to the insurance companies, protocol for denials. >> Any further questions.
- Litigation standpoint from an insurance but will be up today.
- State group insurance program coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast Examinations.
- Entitled State Group Insurance Program called Ways for Diagnostic and Supplemental West Examination to
- But I was fortunate enough because I have insurance and I can afford to come up with the out of pocket
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida's unemployment insurance system is currently the 53rd worst in the nation.
- It's an insurance program.
- Its business insurance businesses pay currently $7 per employee per month as an insurance premium.
- If there are customers to patronize those businesses, that's what unemployment insurance is.
- The Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which was must remain at a certain level, fell below that level
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have George Fezhou from Florida Insurance Council, and you are... ...from Florida Insurance Council
- Florida drivers pay an average of 37% more than the national average for full-coverage auto insurance
- and 45% more than the national average for the most basic insurance.
- and 45% more than the national average for the most basic insurance.
- We have Joe Ryan from Nationwide Insurance waving in support. All right.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met and considered a series of bills, beginning with SB 266, which would exempt sales and use tax on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft sold from manufacturers to operators. Senator Harold said the measure is intended to help Florida attract an advanced air mobility industry and create jobs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of EVTOL aircraft and excluding drones, then reported the bill favorably. SB 350, by Senator DeSigley, was also reported favorably after a minor amendment; it allows local governments to permit vehicles to travel slowly on flooded streets without being treated as unlawfully impeding traffic. Supporters from the Florida PBA and Florida League of Cities waived in support.
The committee next approved SB 706, designating part of U.S. 92/Gandy Boulevard as the Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway. SB 628, Lucy’s Law, was heard with extensive emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s parents and others. The bill strengthens boating safety by increasing penalties for reckless boating, requiring boating safety education after certain violations, and aligning some boating penalties more closely with motor vehicle laws. A substitute amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 872, dealing with county and municipal price controls for the removal and storage of electric vehicles, was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from towing industry representatives about the added costs and storage constraints posed by damaged EVs; the Florida Insurance Council spoke in opposition.
The committee then approved SB 650, which expands hazardous walking condition criteria for elementary school students to include walkways along freeways, ramps, and interchanges, regardless of speed limit. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated substantial testimony from safety advocates and families affected by distracted driving; it would rename Florida’s texting law as a hands-free driving law and prohibit handheld use of wireless devices while driving. The committee also passed SB 994, increasing driver education requirements for standard and learner’s licenses, and SB 662, designating a portion of West Beaver Street in Duval County as Harry Frisch Street. Several senators recorded affirmative votes on bills after the roll calls, and the meeting adjourned after all listed measures were reported favorably.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, 8—yeah, so the Children's Health Insurance Program accounting unit is 7051.
- </c><01:14:57.280><c> program</c> children's health insurance program children's health insurance program
- </c><02:17:49.359><c> premium</c> that go to them as an insurance premium that go to them as an insurance
- You just don't want to say on Zoom that 6,000 people are going to lose their health insurance?
- </c> the insurance the insurance markets<03:31:35.479><c> and</c> markets and markets and um<03:31:37.840
Summary:
The House Finance Division Three work session on February 21, 2025 focused on the Division of Medicaid Services budget. The chair opened with procedural guidance, noting the division’s role is to make recommendations to the full Finance Committee, that the budget must be balanced, and that members should track possible amendments ahead of a March 26 target for House Bills 1 and 2. Members also discussed the importance of using official budget documents and online resources, and the chair said no motions would be taken at this session.
A major early topic was concern over a five-point Medicaid policy document and the timing of House Bill 2. Representative Tarki objected that the document appeared to be an unofficial draft and argued that significant Medicaid policy changes should have been transmitted by February 15 under state law. He said the lack of an official, posted document raised transparency concerns because the changes could affect tens of thousands of residents. Committee leadership responded that the five-point document was a working document, that it would be posted online within minutes, and that House Bill 2 is often delayed while the Office of Legislative Services finalizes and formats the governor’s proposed trailer bill.
DHHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman then began the budget presentation. White said the committee would use the PowerPoint as the document of record, starting with the governor’s operating budget pages 885-893, and noted that Medicaid is the largest accounting area in the state budget. He said the governor’s budget reflects about $60 million in reductions within the Medicaid area, with Granite Advantage handled off-budget and another $10 million in reductions there, for roughly a $70 million difference overall. Members asked whether the comparison was being made against an efficiency budget or a prioritized-needs budget, and White said the department could look at it different ways.
The presentation then outlined Medicaid’s role in New Hampshire: it provides health coverage, serves as the state’s direct interface with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and helps finance related services such as long-term supports, school-based services, adult dental coverage, and re-entry programs for people leaving correctional settings. White also reviewed enrollment and program context, saying New Hampshire has about one in seven residents enrolled in Medicaid, making it the fourth smallest Medicaid program in the country by enrollment, and described recent efforts such as youth re-entry and the Medicaid unwind after the end of the federal continuous coverage period. He said the state had to process more than 238,000 redeterminations after the public health emergency and that the department tried to avoid unnecessary coverage loss during that transition.