Transcript Highlights:

• And that's the cap for advanced premium tax credits.
• These premium tax credits are what are going to help our residents have access to health insurance.
• And this allows that fund to provide those premium assistance to all New Mexicans purchasing coverage
• A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $82,000 will see a premium increase of $19,000.
• President, this is the amount that would come in with the enhanced premium.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of the premium tax credits that were keeping rising health care premiums lower than they otherwise
• So the more people whose insurance premiums are paid, the more rebates the program gets.
• Overall, the insurance premiums only increased by about $150 per client.
• Last year, the cost of the premiums was about $160 million, and this year it's about $99 million.
• We want to help to ensure for the stability of this program that so many depend on. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just to help you understand the premiums for a minimum wage worker here would be $102 a year.
• They’d be paying $10,000 or more for the same average employee rather than paying a premium.
• And just to help you understand the premiums for a minimum wage worker here would be $102 a year.
• They’d be paying $10,000 or more for the same average employee rather than paying a premium.
• for some sense of financial stability for some sense of financial stability and<01:13:07.920>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee met on February 12 and heard several bills. HB 97, relating to travel insurance, drew only brief testimony: the Insurance Division stood on written testimony, one industry witness supported the bill and requested a minor amendment, and no one else testified or asked questions. HB 226, relating to window tinting, received support from the Department of Transportation, while the Honolulu Police Department offered comments on the proposed amendments, asking for clearer language on what it means to roll windows down, when the requirement applies, how it handles bad weather, and what sanctions would apply for noncompliance. No further testimony was offered on that measure. The committee also heard HB 1179, relating to rural emergency hospitals. The Department of Human Services stood on written testimony, and Maui Health Systems strongly supported the bill, saying it would help critical access hospitals better serve kūpuna and provide long-term care beds. There were no questions or additional testimony. HB 420, relating to remedies and the contractor repair act, generated extensive and sharply divided testimony. Opponents, including attorneys representing homeowners and AARP Hawaii, argued the bill was anti-consumer, would weaken homeowners’ ability to recover for construction defects, and would shift costs and risk to consumers. Supporters, including builders, realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and D.R. Horton Hawaii, said the bill would create a more balanced and efficient process, reduce unnecessary litigation, and help builders address legitimate defects more quickly. Testimony on HB 420 focused heavily on whether the contractor repair process and class actions help or hinder repairs. Opponents said the bill would delay or limit homeowner recovery, especially for life and safety defects, while supporters said current class-action litigation can prevent direct communication with homeowners and slow repairs. Committee members asked questions about when communication with homeowners stops and whether repairs could be made before a class is certified. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, are you referring to the expected health insurance premium increase that employees will be expected
• to pay, you know, their share of the premium in addition to inflation?
• the expected health insurance premium the expected health insurance premium increase<00:05:14.600
• premium in addition to inflation? premium in addition to inflation?
• are in order to maintain the stability are in order to maintain the stability of<00:19:28.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic stabilization fund balance of $28.5 billion in fiscal year 2027.
• Economic stabilization fund, also known as a rainy day fund, um, we're, we're hitting the cap on how
• You're also not factoring in risk premiums and other things, but the, I'm not arguing, you're arguing
• was another fund, um, that goes into GR that is based on insurance, but it's not on homeowners' premiums
• at least 3 years, a provision that both prevents misuse of funds and fosters long-term community stability

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• A premium increase of 22% in a single year. Family premiums cited at $1,000 a month.
• Family premiums 22% in a single year.
• Family premiums cited<00:04:42.400> at<00:04:42.800> $1,000<00:04:43.680> a<00:04
• It creates more financial stability while eliminating haves and have-nots among the districts.
• More stability and less administrative waste means less money going to companies like UnitedHealth Group

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Many believe they have to start paying premiums right away this year, and because they couldn't afford
• And I know you both fought to lower that premium from where it started, but it still poses an economic
• Because education has not only given me economic mobility and security and stability.
• Because education has not only given me economic mobility and security and stability.
• It given me, it has, it has been, it has been, it has a Mobility and security and stability.

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting now to re-stabilize.
• And how those costs translate into premiums and frankly ultimately?
• Gordon, NFIP has been experiencing a decline in direct premiums written. Mr.
• The average home insurance annual premium rate in the U.S. last year was $2,151.
• Do you have a sense of how much premiums like how much we We would estimate premiums would go up if NFIP

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:07.520> subsidy of them will be on the premium subsidy of them will be on the premium
• And so, the the 20% premium subsidy.
• premium. Am I right? premium. Am I right? Um,<01:00:19.359> Mr.
• If you're going to have a premium<01:55:17.199> of premium of premium of $1,000<01:55:18.880><
• <01:56:38.159> is the difference in how the premium is the difference in how the premium is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Javar is saying there's only so much that we should be adding on and the cost of premiums and things
• The analysis also found that the bill would have a negligible impact on health insurance premiums.
• We should focus on stabilizing and strengthening that market, not adding new requirements that could
• But I'm just wondering at this time, is it worth us increasing their premiums?
• It's about transparency and ensuring that we as premium payers, you know, you talked about increased

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• immigration status, so that the May Revision proposed increasing that premium to $50 from $30.
• It delays the imposition of increased Medi-Cal premiums.
• It seeks to retain and ensure our underinsured... ...position of increased Medi-Cal premiums.
• We are putting the state on a path to much greater fiscal stability.
• So we urge expanded and continuing funding to stabilize our safety net.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We create more flexibility for patients and stability for the system overall.
• The 85% minimum loss ratio will drive up premiums; that has been well documented in other states.
• Higher premiums mean fewer employees will contribute, and fewer individuals will be able to afford the
• The context you're talking about, your typical health premium is about $500 for an individual.
• Our age dental premium was $26, so 15% of $500...

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All proceeds from this bill cover Medi-Cal costs... ...in the form of higher premiums.
• It helps stabilize the finances of the Medi-Cal program and reduces the need for additional budgetary
• We understand some of the potential impacts on health care premiums from the new MCO tax, but let's be
• The best way to protect those premiums is for the federal government to reverse course and allow our
• Fathers, coaches, mentors, and others who provide care, stability, and guidance to children and youth

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would help stabilize, it would have, it would reduce the legal costs incurred both by insurers and
• utilities in resolving claims, help stabilize utility credit ratings, moderate ratepayer impacts, but
• But you’re going to pay a premium for that risk transfer, $3 to $4 billion a year.
• And we look at the structure to essentially ensure that there's safety, there's financial stability in
• California needs a solution to prevent future utility bankruptcy and stabilize insurance markets.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are premiums that insurance costs.
• It's about housing stability.
• It's about housing stability.
• It's about housing<00:44:22.800> stability.
• It is about ensuring housing stability.

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549, HB1737, HB1628, HB1769, HB2493, HB2264, HB1997, HB2168, HB2427, HB1805, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469, HB2233, HB2519, HB2141, HB1904, HB2201, HB2410, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2349, HB2235, HB1872, HB2416, HB2291, HB2292, HB2263, HB2359, HB2455, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB1648, HB2164, HB2323, HB1825, HB2172, HB1888, HB2005, HB2387, HB2358, HB2119, HB2276, HB2472, HB1714, HB2325, HB1541, HB1960, HB2140, HB2315, HB2367, HB2388, HB1696, HB2333, HB2138, HB2332, HB2283, HB2059, HB2057, HB2589, HB2417, HB2337, HB1588, HB2217, HB2020, HB1915, HB1742, HB2026, HB1965, HB1546, HB2360, HB1563, HB1749, HB2614, HB1511, HB1753, HB1849, HB1641, HB2161, HB2194, HB1721, HB2284, HB2188, HB1897, HB1880, HB1573, HB1876, HB20, HB2137

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• But basically, these people back in those days paid their premiums.
• We had subsidies for their premiums.
• Um, but the premiums went from about $350 for a family a month to about, you know, $1,500 or $2,000.
• Um, but the premiums went from about $350 for a family a month to about, you know, $1,500 or $2,000.
• don't just help individuals stabilize don't just help individuals stabilize and<00:38:42.160>

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The balance is close to a billion in the stabilization. No, stabilization 700.
• It is the stabilization. >> Okay. So, um, M.
• So we have the budget stabilization fund, and that's, you know, that's the rainy day fund.
• for the PHIP program to keep premiums for the PHIP program to keep premiums uh<00:32:05.679>
• having flat, level premiums.

Bills: SB344, SB344

Keywords: Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, monuments, historic preservation, memorial buildings, memorial schools, memorial streets, architecturally significant buildings, public property, waiver process, Committee on Alabama Monument Protection, Attorney General, civil penalty, historic marker, renaming, relocation, removal, public memorials, heritage preservation, state historic preservation fund, governmental entity

Transcript Highlights:

• The TRS board actually adopts premiums each year, which are designed to cover the cost. costs of the
• So, in a typical year, you will see premiums increase by, on average, you know, 5, 10.
• In that particular year, we did not increase premiums at all, we held them at zero.
• That's to keep premiums from going above 10% that they could go up to 10%. Yes, ma'am.
• Tax are divided evenly between the economic stabilization fund and the state highway fund after the 5%

Keywords: infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations

Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• CYFD needs to be fully funded to stabilize our workforce and have a solid base budget.
• It partially funds health insurance premiums and does not fund risk premiums or due rates.
• The 80/20 in health care premium does more than it does for a 1% or a 4% increase? Mr.
• How could they be a different code when they're both healthy insurance premiums?
• To ensure the stability of the office.

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• When Congress let the premium health care tax credits, darn it, when Congress let health care premiums
• <01:08:05.039> health When Congress let the premium health When Congress let the premium health
• up to stabilize our insurance stepped up to stabilize our insurance market<01:08:17.920> and<
• <01:08:26.880> tax fail to extend the enhanced premium tax fail to extend the enhanced premium
• We did that stabilization factor. We did that together. Yeah.

Keywords: 981, all