Video & Transcript Research : 'Government Code 552.117'
Page 165 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- has limited authority over surplus lines and risk retention groups, and we do not regulate The government
- code and the local government code allow governmental entities and political subdivisions to create
- fire origin and cause. conducting state building fire safety inspections, enforcing the state fire code
- Our reason our code, you know, like you said the exposure where we are by the coast and having so many
- TWIA is governed by a nine-member board of directors who are unpaid volunteers.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:27.840>
body higher source that this governing body higher source that this governing - We We pray this whole governing body.
- already an existing crime in the code. already an existing crime in the code. >> Mhm.
- placement of that new crime in the code placement of that new crime in the code and<02:22:12.400
- , or into the code rather. neglect.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Reginald Anderson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The journal and committee reports were dispensed with by voice vote. Early in the meeting, senators also introduced guests, including Dr. Adrian Gilliam Pierre as doctor of the day and several school groups and community visitors in the galleries.
A major portion of the session was devoted to recognizing student athletes and coaches through commendation resolutions. The Senate honored the Northside High School Gators boys basketball team for winning its first Class 2A state championship, the Morton High School Panthers boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Class 4A title, East Rankin Academy teams for multiple championships, Simpson County Academy’s boys cross country team and Lily Overby, Brookhaven Academy’s fast-pitch softball team, and several other schools and programs. The chamber also recognized Mississippi artist Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp) for his music contributions, and later introduced the Meridian High School Choir, Brookhaven Academy fifth graders, and David Hoke, who has delivered Bibles to all 50 state legislatures.
The Senate then took up nominations and approved three by advise-and-consent: Kent Gerard Nico to the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, Marcus Jones Martin to the State Tax Appeals Board, and Keith Allen Williams Jr. to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. After that, Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up a large block of commending resolutions, which the Senate agreed to consider together. The block included numerous resolutions honoring schools, athletes, educators, and community figures, and the Senate agreed to proceed to final passage by roll call with no objection noted.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, show up with a QR code or an email address and let me have them.
- It ensures the Florida Building Code is consistent with the International Code as it relates to tall
- It states that a local government Within a spaceport territory from the Florida Building Code.
- So allowing governments to purchase Israel bonds is a smart move.
- There is one amendment, bar code 649992.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill brings important updates to the way charter schools are governed and operated.
- of conduct must be handled by the school's governing board.
- Will the parents be involved in the development and approval of that student code?
- Will the parents be involved in the development and approval of that student code of conduct?
- Yes, I believe the parents will be involved in developing the student code of conduct. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee heard and advanced a series of education-related bills, beginning with SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, which would require age-appropriate disability history and awareness instruction across grade bands. The committee adopted a delete-all amendment, heard emotional testimony from Melissa Hartzell about her son Evan’s experience with disability and inclusion, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1296, creating a pilot study on school cellphone bans; SB 1590, creating a task force to review educator preparation, certification, and professional learning; SB 1702, a broad education bill with provisions on private school facilities, marching band credit, school readiness reimbursements, and charter school monitoring tools; SB 1150, exempting school social workers from certain certification testing requirements; SB 1708, revising School of Hope rules and adding a Miami-Dade co-location framework; SB 822, updating charter school governance and operations; SB 444, requiring annual human trafficking awareness training for school personnel; and SB 742, expanding workforce development and money-back guarantee programs. Most of these bills were amended before being reported favorably by committee vote.
The committee also considered and reported favorably SB 8, a claims bill providing a $1.2 million settlement for Marcus Button and his family arising from a 2006 Pasco County school bus crash that caused severe lifelong injuries. Senator Gaetz opposed claims bills in general, arguing the sovereign immunity cap should be raised so such cases can be resolved locally. Several bills drew questions and debate over implementation details, including concerns about charter school dress and hair policies under SB 822, the scope of human trafficking training under SB 444, and the zoning implications of private school facility provisions in SB 1702. Sponsor responses generally emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify existing policy or improve student safety, access, or educational outcomes.
The committee also took up confirmation appointments. It recommended confirmation of the slate of appointees on Tabs 12 and 14 through 21 by voice vote, and separately recommended confirmation of Daniel Fogunoli to the State Board of Education after debate in which Senator Davis and Senator Osgood opposed the appointment. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes, including Senator Burgess’s affirmative vote on SB 1150, and then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And they could flag potential ethics conflicts to the Office of Government Ethics.
- Government agencies have failed to be responsive at the VA, and I hope that you do better.
- I should also mention that given average attrition rates in the federal government.
- So, a government employee at a claims adjudicator can make the decision.
- When veterans use veterans preference in the hiring process, OPM codes them, may code them as probationary
Keywords:
veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Omnibus tax finance and policy bill, HF9, passed in Minnesota House 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is coded A25-000098.
- I want government to be years.
- I want trust in government dollars.
- <00:24:34.559>
So to state to city governments. What? So to state to city governments. - more red tape, more government more red tape, more government overreach,<00:41:11.760>
House<
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-16 (2:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 806 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
- COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1173 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
- SENATE BILL 84 CHANGES HOW GOVERNMENTS REVIEW AND APPROVE PLANTS, SPECIFICALLY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO REVIEW
- I'M ASSUMING AN ATTORNEY COULD CERTAINLY FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
- COMMERCIAL CODE.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2026 at 02:54 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, whether PED has an account code to track whether this is going to...
- , now you've got to code it this way.
- Chairman, a lot of the local governments struggle with project managers.
- When the general government, tribal government, and economic development work group met, there was a
- She said that in her committee and government today, they had a bill.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 17, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- >
manager I'm the government relations manager I'm the government relations manager with<00:25 - I don't know the code system very well.
- I don't know the code system very well.
- Home wiring remains governed by the National Electric Code; this bill does not bypass existing safety
- governed by the National Electric<01:22:05.120>
Code, Electric Code, Electric Code, this<01:22
Keywords:
driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services budget bill aimed at 'restoring trust' passes House 5/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is coded DEA 4338.
- The amendment is coded A8.
- The amendment is coded 019.
- The amendment is coded as amended. The amendment is coded RA26-016. RA26-016. RA26-016.
- The amendment is coded 4476 as amended. The amendment is coded RA26-018. RA26-018. RA26-018.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 4476, described as the human services program integrity package, and first adopted a motion declaring urgency so the bill could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language, followed by a technical A7 amendment clarifying that prepayment review would apply to all fee-for-service systems.
Members then debated the A5 amendment, which would have removed a sunset on the periodic data matching reporting requirement tied to eligibility checks for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. Supporters argued the report is essential for fraud prevention, accountability, and ensuring only eligible recipients receive benefits, citing missed or delayed reports and claiming the process can save the state money. Opponents said the report had been received, that federal HR1 changes would require different data-matching procedures, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, the A5 amendment failed, 63-67.
The House next debated the A6 amendment, which would require DHS reporting on homelessness programs, including outcomes, costs, and participant movement, and would allow recoupment of funds if reporting was not provided. Supporters said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness without clear results and needs better data to guide policy; opponents said homelessness reporting and stakeholder work are already underway and objected to the amendment’s approach. Debate continued with questions about the amendment’s details and stakeholder consultation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on A6.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Mar 18th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we'll call the State Government Committee meeting to order.
- um then you built per plans and per code um then you have<00:12:28.320>
you <00:12:28.639> - They are code specialists and they're very familiar with the building codes and are able to be that third-party
- >
American <00:20:47.520>with building codes, the American with building codes, the American - Uh, aside from the fact governments.
Keywords:
expungement, criminal records, courts, victim rights, rehabilitation, Alabama law, SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, 1136
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- It is because Israel is coded as white that Israel—” “Because Israel is coded as white, that Israel warrants
- That the federal government is an authoritarian...
- That the federal government is an authoritarian government and is using the smokescreen of anti-Semitism
- I didn't feel comfortable going to the federal government.
- They have to understand and process those codes.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met for its 11th meeting and approved the minutes from its August 7 meeting. Co-chairs said the commission had recently completed preliminary K-12 recommendations and would continue work on higher education, with additional topics such as workplace issues, the medical sector, and the arts to be addressed before the November 30 reporting deadline. They also said another public comment meeting would be held this fall.
The first testimony came from Dr. Mark Posnansky of Harvard Medical School, who described anti-Semitism affecting STEM, research, and higher education. He said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty reported ostracism, gaslighting, intimidation, discrimination, and hiding Jewish identity, and he urged clear leadership statements, mandatory anti-Semitism education, and stronger reporting and discipline procedures. Commissioners asked about Harvard training, spillover into teaching hospitals, and whether anti-Semitic climates were causing students to leave; he said some students had turned down opportunities because of the environment and that concerns also affected healthcare settings.
Lindsey Gabbo, a Harvard Law student and mother, testified that campus discourse after October 7 had made Jewish and Zionist students feel isolated and unwelcome, with protests, defaced hostage posters, and a student council BDS vote contributing to the climate. She said Harvard had sent some emails acknowledging anti-Semitism but that she had not seen meaningful steps to restore dialogue, and she argued the school needed more structured venues for conversation. Commissioners also asked about campus security, the effect on students’ mental health, and the impact of chants and protests that she said many Jewish students understood as calls to violence.
A panel of concerned Jewish faculty and staff then offered contrasting views. Professor Jeremy Menchick argued the commission should use data carefully, include non-Zionist Jews in its analysis, and avoid reinforcing divisions within the Jewish community. Professor Hilary Lustick described restorative-practice approaches and said structured dialogue could address conflict without immediate punishment. Professor Jonathan Feingold warned that anti-Semitism was being weaponized by the Trump administration and right-wing groups to attack universities and DEI, and he urged the commission not to adopt approaches that could be used to undermine civil rights institutions. Commissioners pushed back on claims that the problem was being exaggerated or reduced to a “problem” rather than a “crisis,” and the discussion ended with continued debate over data, context, and how to balance anti-Semitism concerns with broader civil-rights protections.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/11/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- codes.
- codes.
- Review Board looks at the fire code as well as the rest of the building codes.
- government functions with government funds without any transparency.
- doing core government the government doing core government functions<03:48:03.680>
with <03:48
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 04/28/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so we are governed by the Senate rules, and for the Senate rules, you are to contact the chair.
- My question is, what about structural engineering code, electrical code that may be localized?
- Would their electrical code be able to be applicable, or would this..."
- "Would their electrical code be able to be applicable, or would this, if this bill becomes law, would
- "When it comes to electrical codes. Okay. And so only in commercial districts.
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee met under Chair Kevin Parker and considered a series of energy, utility, and clean transportation bills. The committee first advanced a bill by Senator Connery on make-ready electric infrastructure for public-serving EV charging, after members raised concerns that the costs of preparing school bus charging infrastructure could be shifted to ratepayers. The committee then advanced Senator Parker’s pilot program for resilient EV charging microgrids, with discussion focused on using existing NYSERDA resources, the role of batteries, and the bill’s purpose in supporting emergency charging during outages. Another bill on heavy distribution centers and EV charging was also advanced after debate over its application to large warehouse and e-commerce facilities.
The committee also considered a bill on carport-mounted solar systems that would limit local zoning restrictions. A motion to substitute in a different bill was ruled improper for lack of notice, and the chair’s ruling was upheld on appeal. Members then advanced a PSC guidebook bill on gas and electric rate-making, and a utility shutoff protection bill for medical emergencies, life support equipment, and elderly, blind, or disabled customers, with questions about age definitions and the scope of medical documentation. The committee also advanced the Home Utility Weatherization Jobs Act, which would create a pilot program for electrification and weatherization in disadvantaged communities, with members discussing whether the program would be available at no cost to building owners and how utilities would access capital.
Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about who would pay for the programs, whether ratepayers or taxpayers would bear the costs, and how much local control would remain under the solar siting bill. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed a recent NYISO report warning about possible summer reliability issues and urged the committee and the PSC to review it closely. The chair noted the report should be considered alongside other state planning documents, and the meeting then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM, PSM-EDU Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- First up between the joint committees is relating to the State Building Code Council and for the State
- First up between the joint committees is relating to the State Building Code Council and the State Office
- The recommendation is adopted. state building code, two co-chairs have state building code, two co-chairs
- <00:16:30.320>
The <00:16:30.959>um building code council. - The um building code council.
Summary:
The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted.
The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation.
In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Whoever's coding is coding it to the, I don't know, opinion or whatever of whoever's coding it.
- I don't know, opinion or whatever of whoever's coding it.
- or by the state government, or there is a civil court.
- Regulated by the federal government or by the state government, or there is a civil court remedy for
- , would that have to come from the state government?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To Education Code Section 66270. Sounds great.
- elsewhere, is already in that code.
- Let's ensure our student governance...
- We certainly can direct government staff as to what sort of information government staff with taxpayer
- We certainly can direct government staff as to what sort of information government staff with taxpayer
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Local Government (6-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- which obviously uh the state government which obviously uh the state government uh<00:48:45.839>
- ,<00:50:50.480>
urban consolidated local government, urban consolidated local government, - government.
- the<01:02:48.960>
Kentucky government affairs for the Kentucky government affairs for the - general operations of city governments general operations of city governments that<01:04:36.000>
Summary:
The committee first heard an update from representatives of the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. They reviewed the 2021 task force work, the legislation and budget funding that followed, and the requirements for county clerks to provide online search portals and complete 30-year property record searches, with a 60-year standard expected next summer. Speakers said most counties are still working through scanning and verification, with only a small number fully complete, and emphasized that verification of records is the main bottleneck because it requires staff time and careful matching of indexes to deeds. They also noted limited vendor availability, differences among counties in what records are already digitized, and that the association and land title attorneys are now working more closely on future “continuous improvement” legislation.
The clerks also raised related issues, including concerns about deed fraud as more records become searchable online. They said some counties already offer notification services that alert property owners when a document is recorded, which can help owners respond quickly to suspicious filings. They also discussed the filing document storage fee and KDLA digitization grants, saying the funding structure has generally worked but that two grant cycles have been missed. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and searchable, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive. In response to committee questions, the witnesses said the remaining delays are less about money than staffing shortages and the need for more manpower to complete verification, and they said they would follow up on the balance in the KDLA fund and other details.
The committee then received a presentation from an Area Development District representative, who described the districts as regional, nonpartisan service organizations that help cities and counties pool resources, provide technical assistance, and leverage public and private partnerships. He highlighted examples of regional cooperation, including veterans-directed care and other shared programs, and argued that the districts create efficiencies and economies of scale for local governments and the state. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- one potential suggested addition to the list of goals was evaluating the impact of our current tax code
- Members, also testimony in support from NFIB and the Hawaii Government Employees Association.
- Members, also testimony in support from the University of Hawaii system, NFIB, and the Hawaii Government
- > Hawaii<00:21:21.440>
residents <00:21:21.840>of <00:21:22.039>different code - from nfib and the Hawaii government from nfib and the Hawaii government employees<00:21:46.679><
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Before the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government subsidized Medicare drug coverage through
- Now, instead of paying carriers on the back end for high claims, the federal government sends an upfront
- Patrick explained that it is really the federal government subsidizing the Part D plan.
- They can do, you know, they have armies of people out there making sure that the coding is correct from
- PD like you currently are, that's great because you have all the coding there, the risk score is going
Summary:
The committee received an update from Grant Wallace on the rebid and possible decoupling of the state’s Medicare Advantage retiree coverage. He said the state is exploring splitting medical and pharmacy benefits for post-65 retirees, with UnitedHealthcare as the incumbent vendor, and that preliminary estimates suggested savings of about $100 to $200 per participant per month. He outlined the expected timeline for final CMS rate announcements in April 2026, with contract amendments likely to come before the committee in May or June after review by the EBD Advisory Commission and State Board of Finance.
Representatives from Segal Consulting then reviewed the history and current structure of the Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan, explaining that the plan was adopted after a 2021 recommendation and launched in 2023 alongside the existing Med-Sup option. They said the Medicare Advantage option has produced substantial savings, including a lower monthly rate than the Med-Sup plan and about $40 million in savings from initial enrollment, while also restoring pharmacy benefits for some retirees. The presenters then explained recent federal changes under the Inflation Reduction Act, including major changes to Part D funding, the direct subsidy, and risk-score methodology, which they said have made risk adjustment much more important and are driving interest in separating medical and pharmacy contracts.
In response to questions from senators, the presenters said the Medicare Advantage plan covers post-65 teacher and state employee retirees, including retirees from state agencies and K-12 public schools. They also explained that the new Part D structure has reduced out-of-pocket costs for members, with a $2,000 annual cap and lower average member spending to reach it, while shifting more cost to the plan. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported; the committee simply received the update and was told to expect further information after the April rate notice. The meeting adjourned with the committee scheduled to return on May 13.