Transcript Highlights:

• As I understand it, oil tanks are covered by homeowners insurance, so when they let go, the insurance
• so when they let go the insurance so when they let go the insurance<00:31:53.360><c> kicks</c> insurance
• </c> for uh if the homeowner's insurance for uh if the homeowner's insurance doesn't<00:38:48.319><c>
• What if someone's homeowner's insurance or insurance doesn't cover?
• </c><00:57:06.839><c> or</c><00:57:07.079><c> insurance</c> homeowner's insurance or insurance homeowner's

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• is um the additional effective insurance is um the additional costs<00:18:33.120><c> that</c><00:18:
• So I think it's more about recognition than it is, you know, and in case of any liabilities for insurance
• </c><00:20:59.559><c> for</c><00:20:59.840><c> insurance</c> purposes<00:21:05.799><c> followup</c><00
• and they still have to be I liabilities and they still have to be I know<00:23:41.880><c> in</c><00:
• </c> they don't feel as though the insurance they don't feel as though the insurance money<03:37:48.239

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• That's largely because of the health insurance decrease.
• How much exactly does the state spend on health insurance?
• So how does the state determine its budget for health insurance?
• Why would we be paying for insurance for somebody that's not using insurance?
• flowing into the health insurance plan.

Summary: The committee received a broad budget overview from Legislative Services staff on the state’s fiscal position, focusing on the general fund, structural balance, cash reconciliation, and the governor’s budget recommendations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Staff explained that projected revenues are below the current budgeted level, creating a need for either budget reductions or the use of cash balances and reserve funds to maintain balance. They reviewed major drivers of spending growth over recent years, including Medicaid expansion, public schools, the State Public Defender, IT services, and water resources, and noted that these statutory and ongoing obligations are crowding out other spending. Members also discussed the governor’s proposed use of interest earnings and reserve balances from several funds, the Budget Stabilization Fund cap, and the policy question of whether changes to fund interest allocations would require legislation or could be handled through appropriation language. The committee also reviewed current-year adjustments, including supplementals, rescissions, deficiency warrants, and the governor’s proposed holdbacks. Specific items discussed included public school enrollment adjustments, the proposed rescission of Empowering Parents funding, Medicaid growth and provider rate changes, Department of Corrections costs tied to inmate placement and medical services, invasive species treatment funding, and a possible tax conformity impact tied to federal law changes. Members asked about fire suppression deficiency funding, the use of reserve balances, and the difference between current-law and governor-recommended spending levels. Staff emphasized that the governor’s budget relies on short-term money and reserve transfers to smooth the current deficit, while the legislature must decide whether to follow that approach or make deeper structural changes. Later, staff provided an overview of the budget hearing process and the Legislative Budget Book, explaining the standard reports, agency organization charts, fund analyses, performance measures, and five-year snapshots that committees will use during hearings. Another presentation clarified the difference between deficiency warrants and supplemental appropriations, noting that deficiency warrants cover certain last-year expenses authorized by statute, while supplementals adjust the current-year appropriation and can apply to general, dedicated, or federal funds. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on state health insurance costs, including rising medical claims, reserve balances, the 80/20 employee-employer cost split, and projected FY 2027 premium increases. Members asked about school district participation in the state plan, the role of the insurance carrier contract, and whether broader participation could lower costs. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2927 sets forth clarity on how settlement demands are handled in liability cases regarding
• liability, they can settle at any time under the 90 days.
• The problem that's being faced here is that the insurance companies, they get their time yanked back.
• All this does is provide assurance to the insurance companies that they can have a reasonable time to
• point of view, or even the insurance company's point of view, or even the... or out of work.

Transcript Highlights:

• there are long-term benefits in avoided suppression costs, reduced disaster impacts, and improved insurance
• provide an incentive for homeowners to do this work, to get a certificate and use that with their insurance
• company to get a reduction in... ...certificate and use that with their insurance company to get a reduction
• in insurance costs.
• nature, but they're not salaried employees over the course of the year, which reduces the increased liability

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service. A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options. Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortunately, the type of cost overrun insurance before they can commit to new projects.
• Fortunately, the ITC that I mentioned already provides cost overrun insurance.
• And this is currently a liability, a federal liability.
• And so what this does is it converts what's currently considered a liability into a resource.
• And so what this does is it converts what's currently considered a liability into a resource.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• You go try to pay to get a crown or get a deep cleaning without health insurance.
• of senators, that we will come back and, once we have the ability, we'll put them back on health insurance
• , because we know that if everyone has health insurance, that is a savings for Californians.
• health insurance plans by $1.5 billion for everyday people.
• The supermajority continues to fail businesses by not paying back the state's unemployment insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Our insurance wrote letters saying they have to have a perimeter fence. Cattle do get out.
• Our insurance wrote letters saying they have to have a perimeter fence. Cattle do get out.
• They can collect life insurance and they can pay this off.
• </c><00:36:54.200><c> and</c><00:36:54.280><c> they</c> They can collect life insurance and they They
• because you get over into liability because you get over into another<00:37:45.760><c> lane</c><00:37

Summary: The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value. Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict. Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's also disparity amongst the institutions in terms of how they offer various insurance insurances
• It's not a level playing field in terms of affordability or access to various insurances.
• While UNM offers health insurance to graduate workers, neither dental nor vision are included.
• through both the Public School Insurance Act as well as through HCA and through private and self-insurance
• and liability costs.

Bills: SB106 , SB171 , SB179

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Student health insurance is often costly with high premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Still quite a few do not have insurance or their coverage is minimal.
• So they choose to enroll in Rice's Student Health. insurance program.
• Requiring insurance coverage allows students to focus on their studies. and graduate and not have to
• Self-funded options, as a general matter, cut out that middleman of the insurer and allow for. lower

Bills: SB530 , SB757 , SB769 , SB1085 , SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1409 , SB1878 , SB2138 , SB2314 , SB2231 , SB2361 , SB2431 , SJR59

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• suspect most of you out there are here to testify on Senator McClain's principal offices of limited liability
• We can't get good health insurance. The families that depend on us ain't done nothing wrong.
• We can't get good health insurance. The families that depend on us ain't done nothing wrong.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• circumstances do I want to see us put our municipalities in a situation where they could incur a liability
• jurisdiction over a non-custodial parent, that judge may order the non-custodial parent to provide health insurance
• So, if you were ordered to provide insurance and you did not, and then the child ended up in the hospital

Bills: HB2 , HB43 , HB49 , HB94 , HB137 , HB156 , HB200 , HB250 , HB3 , HB42

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Contractor risk or insurance company, and they can be paid that way.
• It essentially is an Impact to the state's risk liability insurance, and so that's how it's covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Written waivers of liability must be obtained by parents or guardians.
• Written<00:09:34.160><c> waiverss</c><00:09:34.560><c> of</c><00:09:34.640><c> liability</c><00:09:35.120
• ><c> must</c><00:09:35.279><c> be</c> Written waiverss of liability must be Written waiverss of liability
• language and applicable references for motor scooters or motor-driven cycles across transportation and insurance

Summary: The conference committee first took up HB 496 HD2 SD1 on mamaki tea. Members described the agreed conference draft as prohibiting misleading use of Hawaiian words, imagery, place names, and motifs on tea packaging unless all tea or dried leaves were grown, harvested, and dried in Hawaii. The bill also included an appropriation for a measurement standards inspector position at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, with $65,000 in each of FY 2026 and FY 2027. The House and Senate managers recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by unanimous votes from the members present, with some members excused. The committee then recessed and reconvened several times to manage a larger agenda of conference bills, moving some items to later times and rooms. Among the measures adopted were HB 862, addressing school transportation shortages by allowing certain nontraditional vehicles under safety conditions; HB 667, retitled the Microchip Identification Act, requiring DOT and counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips and notify animal services; HB 958, regulating electric bicycles and other micromobility devices with safety, labeling, registration, and age requirements; HB 934, relating to broadband and the digital equity office, with appropriations and positions; HB 960, raising DOT capital advancement contract thresholds and annual caps; HB 697, updating automated speed enforcement rules and appropriating $2 million; and SB 26, creating an affordable housing land inventory task force with a $250,000 appropriation. Each of these measures was adopted with amendments by conference vote, with some members excused and several brief recesses taken for quorum or agenda management. Not all bills were resolved. HB 732, relating to the film industry tax credit cap, was deferred after conferees said they had not reached agreement, despite comments supporting the industry and local workers. HB 437, concerning an office in the Philippines under DBED, was also deferred for lack of agreement. The committee adjourned after stating that the remaining measures on the agenda would be deferred indefinitely.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we would both have, or should have, insurance.
• On your example, we both had insurance, different insurance, but we both had insurance, so we could both
• But in your circumstance, or in your scenario, we both had the insurance.
• liability floor.
• dollar liability floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is attempting to get in front of our tort liability problem by giving some tools to courts
• The Federal Affordable Care Act required a $1 per member per month premium to be set aside by insurance

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• And they require insurance to cover liability. Extension. They require marketing such Extension.
• And they require insurance to cover<07:20:31.760><c> liability.
• </c> cover liability. cover liability.
• So, if you are taking part in this program, you can't get liability insurance.
• You you can't get liability insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill was brought by insurers, insurance companies.
• I'm writing that: private insurers.
• That bill, that bill was brought by insurers, insurance companies.
• I'm writing that private insurers. No. "Insurance, no." Okay.
• Private insurers are not the only insurers that provide workers' comp to firefighters.

Summary: The caucus reviewed a large Minority Caucus Calendar and moved quickly through many bills, with staff often noting whether items were unanimous, party-line, or pulled from consent. Early items included HB 2130 on ADOA personnel financial systems, HB 2749 on felony sentence-completion designation, HCR 258 on Medicaid claim audits, and several agency or board continuation bills. Members also discussed HB 2745 on legislative subpoenas, HB 4027 naming Loop 202 the Charlie Kirk Highway, HB 2601 on Interstate 11 studies, and a number of education, health, labor, and public safety measures. Several bills were pulled from consent or flagged for later discussion, including HCR 258, HB 4027, HB 2375, HB 2601, HB 2408, HB 2444, HB 2923, HB 2182, HCR 2048, HB 2750, HB 2765, HB 2838, HB 4043, HB 2290, HB 2940, and others. Testimony and caucus debate focused on a range of policy concerns. Members objected to bills involving school strikes, weapons detection systems, public records fees for legislators, union activity, school safety felony penalties, and restrictions on school clubs. Education bills drew extended discussion, including HB 2423 on automatic advanced math placement, HB 2478 creating a student outcomes commission, HB 2579 for free school meals, HB 2992 on child sexual abuse prevention, HB 4041 on spending authority for low-reading-performing districts, and HB 4043 requiring CPR/AED training. Health and professional regulation bills also prompted debate, including HB 2408 on nursing board investigations and expungement, HB 2444 on pharmacist testing authority, HB 2697 on expired opioid antagonists, and HB 4010 establishing a genetic counselors board. Members raised concerns about fiscal impacts, stakeholder opposition, and whether some measures were unfunded mandates or needed more amendment work. The caucus also discussed immigration, labor, and public safety measures, including HB 2416 for DPS local border support, HB 2811 on obstructing governmental operations during lawful arrests, HB 2862 on unlawful masking penalties, HB 4070 on nonprofit incorporation restrictions tied to offenses, and HB 4117 creating a crime for disturbing religious services. Water, energy, and land-use bills were reviewed as well, such as HB 2099, HB 2263, HB 2330, HB 2341, HB 2492, HB 2757, HB 2782, HB 2912, HB 2918, and HCR 2020. The meeting ended with announcements, including an Affordability Award for Brian Garcia and a March 12 breakfast update on the Colorado River, before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• These losses will increase pressures on providers and health facilities as fewer people come in with insurance
• Statutory damages will also create a clear path forward for companies to evaluate exposure and liability
• This bill has been talked about as purely about product liability.
• I'll let my colleague address the remaining concerns regarding risk assessments and liability.
• Our concern is those ambiguities will create expectations that will ultimately expose operators to liability

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• , when it's in your yard; general liability, if something were to happen while you're towing the vehicle
• So, again, just to review what we've done: we have made sure that there is no liability, that everyone
• My only concern is to tag this for rules on the Good Samaritan liability.
• That liability piece is reading a little wonky to me.
• That liability piece is reading a little wonky to me.

Bills: HB2127 , HB2257 , HB2305 , HB2573 , HB2772 , HB2941 , HB2957

Committee: House Transportation & Infrastructure

Keywords: special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges, alcohol education, driver license, nonoperating identification license, medical indicia, health care directive