Video & Transcript Research : 'mandate'
Page 156 of 380
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/05/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- providers, to facilitate access to care for all residents; and overseeing the federally funded and mandated
- I do believe that if it's mandated by the court, it would be covered by the state, but don't quote me
- c><02:18:49.800>
it's I I do believe that um if if it's I I do believe that um if if it's mandated - mandated mandated by<02:18:52.080>
the <02:18:52.800>court <02:18:53.800>that <02 - <02:47:17.960>
so sentenced then they become mandated so sentenced then they become mandated
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-EDU, EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:05:28.640>
that instead imposes sweeping mandates that instead imposes sweeping mandates - to pass this bill today so that we can ensure them that they'll be protected as legislation and mandates
- to pass this bill today so that we can ensure them that they'll be protected as legislation and mandates
- to wait yourself that we're ultra focused on fixing facilities, and I hope you understand what the mandate
- to wait yourself that we're ultra focused on fixing facilities, and I hope you understand what the mandate
Bills:
SB2003
Keywords:
Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict.
Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose.
The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1.
The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gun Violence Prevention Working Group - 09/17/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and scope of office with the mandates and scope of work<01:56:28.480>
that <01:56:28.800>was - Should the state be mandating these controls, or shall we allow our local governments to determine what
- I make it, she figures out where it goes. should the state be mandating these should the state be mandating
- Um, but I should pass this as a mandate.
- I think for those school districts that want an SRO, correct me if I'm wrong, you're not mandating it
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- If the judge asks the question, are the parents then not mandated to report whether or not they have
- If the judge asks the question, are the parents then not mandated to report whether or not they have
- I thought about it this morning, of mandated reporting.
- it's bad enough that they their mandated it's bad enough that they their mandated reporter<03:33
- We’re all mandated reporters.
Summary:
The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents.
Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording.
Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It was an unfunded mandate. This would not be an unfunded mandate.
- Representative Howland: So there really isn't a significant mandate here.
- <01:37:24.400>
It's isn't a significant mandate here. - It's isn't a significant mandate here.
- folks who are concerned about mandates folks who are concerned about mandates from<05:47:55.600>
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee.
The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent.
The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written.
Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So HB 1 would maintain the 90-day license suspension for the first DUI and mandate the installation of
- HB 1 would maintain the 90-day license suspension for the first DUI and mandate the installation of the
- suspension for the first DUI and mandate suspension for the first DUI and mandate the<02:18:00.319
- that we don't have an unfunded mandate that we don't have an unfunded mandate that<02:36:11.439>
- and unfunded mandate that would be<02:39:48.160>
placed <02:39:48.479>on <02:39:48.720>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- But I think mandating that or making that a required directive is not something that I would support.
- that or making that a you know mandating that or making that a you know a<00:32:33.600>
required< - But I don't, again, think mandating who they have to actually consult with is going too far, Madam Chair
- Work is not free, so is that an unfunded mandate, or are you going to pay for it?
- or are you going to pay unfunded mandate or are you going to pay for<02:10:21.040>
it for it
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Are do they uh are they mandated to follow the requirements of HIPPA?
- Are do they uh are they<00:13:33.120>
mandated <00:13:34.079>to <00:13:34.480>follow - they mandated to follow the requirements of<00:13:35.839>
HIPPA? - <00:13:43.360>
medical >> because again it doesn't mandate medical >> because - <01:48:07.520>
the was put in there is mandating the was put in there is mandating the perjury
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/24/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We’re not currently mandated to address that, but absolutely welcome and would look forward to working
- I don’t think it mandates he personally do it. So I’m hearing that the language concerns that Mr.
- <00:45:29.520>
he that role I don't think it mandates he that role I don't think it mandates - The department is not currently mandated to actually execute that.
- And if a covered company, uh, business partners do not adhere to the mandates, the covered companies
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- However, public education is very transparent, accountable, and has many legally mandated constraints
- They’re not mandated to do so.
- <03:05:27.479>
for <03:05:28.080>special meet uh Federal mandates for special meet - <03:07:18.319>
to <03:07:18.520>do services they're not not mandated to do services - they're not not mandated to do so<03:07:19.640>
why <03:07:19.760>would <03:07:20.000><
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective.
Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator.
Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- The Biden White House published a congressionally mandated study favorable to government experiments
- The Biden White House published a congressionally mandated study favorable to government experiments
- The Biden White House published a congressionally mandated study favorable to government experiments
- You said early in your presentation that the Biden White House, um, mandated studies and, um, government
- You said early in your presentation that the Biden White House, um, mandated studies and, um, government
Bills:
HB60
Keywords:
geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02
Roll Call: 00:00:08
26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35
Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59
Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Apr 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- It's again, you know, we do want to the flexibility to do it rather than the mandate.
- It's again, you know, we do want the flexibility to do it rather than the mandate.
- It's again, you know, we do want the flexibility to do it rather than the mandate.
- It's again, you know, we do want the flexibility to do it rather than the mandate.
- I have a different mandate, you know, for fuel or other things like that, but for inflation, I mean,
Keywords:
SB3302, homemade food products, farm kitchens, home kitchens, Department of Health, DOH, food safety, food labeling, value-added agriculture, small farms, agricultural land, commercial food establishment permit, cottage food, direct-to-consumer sales, local food systems, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 91, farm-to-table, food processing, public health regulation
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard.
A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown.
The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - Part 1 - 03/27/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The problem that this bill seeks to remedy is that the existing language mandates that the panel be filled
- The problem that this bill seeks to remedy is that the existing language mandates that the panel be filled
- The problem that this bill seeks to remedy is that the existing language mandates that the panel be filled
- There's no mandates in here. It's encourage, encourage, encourage.
- And Senator Weber, we've had some pretty extensive conversations over the years about aesthetic mandates
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- that would be important is because she represents the protection and advocacy that is federally mandated
- that would be important is because she represents the protection and advocacy that is federally mandated
- The protection and advocacy that is federally mandated to the state of Minnesota.
- <00:05:06.760>
to <00:05:06.840>keep They have a federal mandate to keep They have - It's not one of the 11 mandated services under Medicaid, but it is an option.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it's right in line with the food mandate. So, it will help the state in reaching those goals.
- the process of mapping the entire state to look at what crops can be grown where to meet our food mandates
- 00:43:34.240>
food can be grown where to meet our food can be grown where to meet our food mandates - So we are in enthusiastic mandates.
- mean that you are forced to or mandated mean that you are forced to or mandated to<01:52:44.080>
Keywords:
agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it.
Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards.
Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Instead, you gave us a divine mandate to serve others.
- Correct. >> And you have mandated requirements to report on everybody.
- >
requirements <00:21:43.760>to <00:21:44.080>to >> And you have mandated - But as long as it's not a formalized agreement that mandates the cooperation."
- <00:42:29.839>
the formalized agreement that mandates the formalized agreement that mandates
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Patrick Claybourne of Bethl AM Church in Baltimore, introduced by the senator from the 40th district, who highlighted the church’s long history, community work, scholarships, food pantry, school partnerships, and a planned rise center. The Senate journalized the invocation and then recognized several guests, including the Bethesda Roosters U16 rugby team, which was congratulated for winning the Maryland state title and the 2025 National U16 Championship, and members of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland. The chamber also welcomed a Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board appointment letter, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and later a delegation from the Ghana Parliament legislative staff visiting with the Department of Legislative Services and NCSL representatives.
The main floor business centered on Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. The minority whip argued against the bill, saying it was unenforceable, an improper use of legislative time amid other state crises, and could create a system where local officers detain federal officers for a civil violation; he also said officers mask themselves because of threats and doxxing. Senators in support argued the bill was needed to address masked ICE agents, protect public safety, and respond to concerns about civil rights abuses and intimidation. After debate and vote explanations from senators, including one emphasizing immigrant heritage and another supporting the bill as a protection measure, SB 1 passed with 31 affirmative votes.
The Senate then passed Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill on alcoholic beverages related event promoters permits, by unanimous affirmative vote. It next took up Senate Bill 245, an emergency bill prohibiting immigration enforcement agreements. The minority leader questioned whether the bill would eliminate formalized 287(g) agreements and replace them with county-by-county policies, arguing that this could reduce uniformity, weaken safety, and create a patchwork of local practices. The bill’s sponsor responded that counties would still be bound by constitutional and legal limits, that the agreements provide minimal training and resources, and that the state should stop formally cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The sponsor also said the bill would not increase profiling and that public safety would remain intact. The debate continued with concerns about Montgomery County’s evolving policy and the impact on smaller counties, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 245.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (11-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Or is that a judge's courtroom issue that they're allowing the social workers, they're mandating the
- Or is that a judge's courtroom issue that they're allowing the social workers, they're mandating the
- something worth looking at. >> And just to add, it's not something we um it's federally uh it's a federal mandate
- something worth looking at. >> And just to add, it's not something we um it's federally uh it's a federal mandate
- continue to improve that. >> And just to add, it's not something we um it's federally uh it's a federal mandate
Summary:
The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend.
The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities.
Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, and frankly, the gravity that some counties face to adequately fund um the mandated standards uh
- :10.280>
uh <00:05:10.640>for <00:05:10.919>caring <00:05:11.280>for mandated - standards uh for caring for mandated standards uh for caring for inmates<00:05:11.960>
and <00 - So, we still have mandates to provide more than this one service, as you all know.
- We're asking to be mandated. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Nemes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:07
Roll Call 00:00:13
Approval of Minutes from August Meeting 00:01:55
Discussion of County Jails 00:03:31
Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 01:02:12
Adjournment 01:54:56, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 26 minutes, and then took up a discussion of county jail funding. KACO representatives and county officials said jail operations are an ongoing strain for counties because they must pay for inmate care, facilities, and mandated standards, while many counties also rely on jail revenue to offset costs. They described Kentucky’s jail system, including 77 jails, 43 closed counties without jails, and the mix of county, state, federal, and controlled-intake inmates. KACO emphasized that counties remain financially responsible for inmates even when they must contract with other jails, often at costs above the state’s per diem rate, and said it is developing a broader proposal to present later.
The testimony focused on rising expenses and shrinking revenue. KACO said counties spent about $374 million on jail operations in FY24, up 24% from FY19, and about $41 million on jail medical costs, up 40%. General fund support for jails was said to total $147 million in FY24, more than double pre-COVID levels. Speakers also noted that state inmate populations in county jails have fallen from about 11,500 in 2019 to 7,212 in 2025, while federal inmates have increased because they are more lucrative for counties. The state jail per diem of $35.34 was described as insufficient to cover actual costs, especially medical care.
County judges from Webster, Knox, and Hardin counties gave examples of local budget pressure. Webster County said it now houses 114 state prisoners, 47 county prisoners, and 24 out-of-county prisoners, and that it transferred $512,000 from its general fund to the jail last year, about $77 per taxpayer. Knox County said its jail budget has grown from an initial $2.8 million projection to $5.7 million, with $3 million coming from occupational tax revenue. Hardin County said its jail has an approximate $11 million expense budget against $5 million in revenue, creating a $6 million deficit, driven by higher payroll, medical, and insurance costs and a 29% drop in state prisoner revenue. The judge said the county has responded with property tax increases and an expanded occupational tax district, but still uses reserves to cover other county services.
A Grant County magistrate then began speaking from the perspective of magistrates and commissioners, describing her background working at a local jail before serving in county government. The discussion remained centered on the fiscal burden of jails and the need for counties and the legislature to work together on a long-term solution.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't mandate accessible policies.
- Uh we don't<00:25:01.360>
mandate <00:25:02.159>accessible <00:25:03.080>policies. - don't mandate accessible policies. don't mandate accessible policies.
- Am I seeing that we're not going to be mandating that towns get assisted all over the place? Right.
- that towns get going to be mandating that towns get assisted<00:36:00.880>
all <00:36:01.040><
Summary:
The subcommittee took up the pooled risk management program bill and reviewed a new amendment drafted with input from the Insurance Department and Legislative Services. Department witnesses explained that the proposal would move oversight of pooled risk management programs from the Secretary of State’s office to the Insurance Department, add a licensure requirement, preserve the programs’ non-insurer status, and exempt them from third-party administrator licensure. They also described a series of solvency tools in the draft, including financial reporting, risk-based capital standards, minimum capitalization, investment limits, commissioner examination and enforcement authority, rulemaking authority, merger and affiliate-transaction review, confidentiality protections, and a separability clause.
A major theme of the discussion was that pooled risk management programs differ from commercial insurers because the risk remains with the member local governments rather than being backed by a state guarantee fund. Witnesses said the bill is designed to emphasize solvency over return of premium and to give the Insurance Department a regulatory “toolbox” to prevent insolvency, including a proposed $5 million excess or stop-loss coverage benchmark, optional accessible policies, and a requirement that boards vote on dividends or premium returns when capital exceeds 600% of risk-based capital. Members questioned how this approach differed from the original Secretary of State bill and whether assessments on towns would still be possible; the department responded that the new framework would allow more flexible oversight and alternatives to immediate court action.
The committee also discussed why the statute should continue to say the programs are not insurers, with the department explaining that this preserves their autonomy and avoids applying unrelated insurance laws and premium taxes. Members asked about the department’s workload and were told the department believed it could absorb the new duties without additional funding. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I also want to reiterate that House Bill 1656 is not a mandate.
- So, if the bill doesn't do that, would it be an unfunded mandate?
- And let's just be honest: mandates don't have a great track record of working, and I can assure you on
- I'm the Executive Director of Texas Family Project, and I'm against House Bill 4553. ...of 53 mandates
- As far as infant death rates, traditional providers, such as MDs, are not legally mandated to disclose
Bills:
HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians