Video & Transcript Research : 'Insurance Commissioner'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I am deputy commissioner of Commerce for Energy, and I'm here today in support of the bill you lead,
- I am deputy commissioner of Pete Woff.
- I am deputy commissioner of Commerce<00:09:26.080>
for <00:09:26.320>Energy, <00:09:27.279 - Commissioner Kash. Commissioner Kash. Deep<00:46:52.560>
breath. - It's looking like home insurance risk.
Bills:
HF3556
Summary:
The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony.
Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota.
Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/22/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- >> for represent for the commissioner. >> for represent for the commissioner.
- >> You want the commissioner? >> Yeah, I I am. I don't— >> Thank you, Commissioner.
- Does it weak enough<02:00:43.920>
commissioner? enough commissioner? enough commissioner? - >> You want the commissioner? >> You want the commissioner?
- >> Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Jeremiah Reman here on behalf of the County Commissioners Association.
- Uh, unfortunately, House Bill 141 is not something that the commissioners can support in its current
- And prior to that, I was a planning commissioner for eight years.
- <01:48:40.159>
for that, I was a planning commissioner for that, I was a planning commissioner - that if the sure there's some insurance that if the positions<02:26:55.760>
go <02:26:56.000><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Safety Committee Meeting - 2026-03-25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Safia Khan, and I'm the Deputy Commissioner of Corrections.
- and I'm record, my name is Safia Khan and I'm the<00:17:29.840>
Deputy <00:17:30.120>Commissioner - the Deputy Commissioner of Corrections. the Deputy Commissioner of Corrections.
- I just want to reiterate again thanks to Representative Pinto for working with myself and Commissioner
- with uh myself and Commissioner with uh myself and Commissioner uh<00:36:23.080>
Evans <00
Keywords:
HF4371, Minnesota background checks, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Legislative Auditor, criminal history records, national criminal history record information, public safety, statutory amendment, section 299C.76, requesting agency, state audit, oversight, background screening, criminal records, county agencies, MNsure, Department of Revenue, Department of Human Services
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We saw the same thing already happened on the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, which just approved
- The county commissioners here in Tarrant County, just like our Tarrant County commissioners, we're afraid
- This is no different that when we have been fighting up here in Tarrant County, the county commissioners
- here in Tarrant County, just like our Tarrant County commissioners, the county commissioners here in
- Tarrant County, just like our Tarrant County commissioners, we're afraid that they might lose power
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts.
A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony.
Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- county commissioners county commissioners uh<01:21:04.800>
to <01:21:05.120>up uh - <02:04:43.360>
premium 2008 retirey health insurance premium 2008 retirey health insurance - So the the county commissioners.
- >
authority commissioners designate their authority commissioners designate their authority to - <03:00:53.439>
Maybe county commissioners ask for. Maybe county commissioners ask for.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, again, it ranges depending on the insurance also, but what do they make a year, I guess
- Chair now calls Rick Thompson, County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, for the bill.
- I'm the legislative director for the County Judges Commissioners Association.
- The Commissioners Court has to approve it.
- So once the Commissioners Court approves it, they may Rick Thompson: Go buy it and then, if there is
Bills:
HB158
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/04/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- those um maybe it should be insuring those um maybe it should be uring<00:32:48.159>
those <00 - It would simply clarify that the Electric Assistance Program Advisory Board advises the commissioner
- It would simply clarify that the Electric Assistance Program Advisory Board advises the commissioner
- Thank you for the record, Chris Alms, Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy.
- For the record, Deputy Commissioner Chris Elms of the New Hampshire Department of Energy.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The<00:05:22.000>
Banking <00:05:22.320>and <00:05:22.639>Insurance <00:05:22.960 - >
Committee <00:05:23.360>has The Banking and Insurance Committee has The Banking and Insurance - Senate Bill 136 is an act relating to unemployment insurance fraud.
- President, I move for passage of Senate Bill 136. insurance fraud.
- It is very simple and insurance fraud.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 38 members present and approved the journal from February 9, 2026. Committee reports were received on several bills, including Agriculture reporting Senate Bills 45 and 155 favorably, Banking and Insurance reporting Senate Bills 118 and 153 with committee substitutes, Families and Children reporting Senate Bill 160, and Licensing and Occupations reporting Senate Bills 98 and 145. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 748 and requested concurrence. New measures were introduced, including bills on pharmacy technician supervision, a Kentucky Health Command, campaign finance, and speech-language pathologists, along with several resolutions honoring individuals and memorializing Steven D. Dittle.
The chamber then considered Senate Bill 136, relating to unemployment insurance fraud. Supporters said the bill clarifies which agencies are involved in fraud cases and helps ensure recovered funds are returned to the unemployment trust fund. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 38-0. Senators also debated Senate Bill 183, concerning the regulation of proxy advisory services. Supporters argued it would increase transparency and require disclosure when proxy advice is influenced by non-financial considerations, while opponents said it would create bureaucracy, chill speech, and raise constitutional concerns. After debate, the bill passed 32-6.
After floor action on those bills, Senate Bill 172 on utility fuel adjustment was taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given first reading, and returned to committee. The remainder of the meeting featured extended remarks from a senator from Grayson focused on rural Kentucky, including ambulance access, healthcare delivery, economic decline, Medicaid costs, and the need for greater state investment in rural communities. No further votes were taken on those remarks.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the presiding commissioner in Iron County.
- I'm the presiding commissioner in Iron County, home of the lead belt.
- Mark Shahan, presiding commissioner of Adair County.
- I am Presiding Commissioner of St. Genevieve County, and thank you for being here.
- Commissioner, I've got time for one more, so do I have any more in?
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Oct 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Is the ascension of AVs going to change the insurance market for auto insurance and so forth, Mr.
- As you said, our insurance rates should go down.
- It's difficult to get insurance right now.
- Insurance doesn't cover it all. FEMA's only going to cover so much.
- The Commissioner is Gary Tonjes.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House tax panel considers HF526 4/8/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, these efforts have resulted in the area of insurance service, uh, um, organization ISO
- resulted in the area of insurance resulted in the area of insurance service<00:01:49.439>
uh< - impact your homeowners insurance rates. impact your homeowners insurance rates.
- The other one's more complicated because it drives insurance dollars and stuff like that.
- The other one's more complicated because it drives insurance dollars and stuff like that.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:45:28.719>
program otherwise um do in an insurance program otherwise um do in an insurance - <02:53:11.920>
for purchasing health insurance for purchasing health insurance for themselves - to be insured.
- <03:07:27.319>
their when parents have health insurance their when parents have health insurance - children are more likely to be insured children are more likely to be insured so<03:07:30.200>
Summary:
The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds.
Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts.
The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So this does give some authority to the Cabinet or to the Department of Insurance to take action.
- So this does give some authority to the Cabinet or to the Department of Insurance to take action.
- This does give some authority to the Cabinet or to the Department of Insurance to take action.
- Hospitals want to get insured patients.
- <01:22:23.880>
patients hospitals want to get insured patients hospitals want to get insured
Keywords:
00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785
00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785
00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61
00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61
00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788
00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14
01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685
01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language.
Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions.
Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Dec 3rd, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- then when I got done playing a boy's game, I had to enter the real world, and my father owned an insurance
- opportunity to sell to a company named Foundation Risk Partners, and we operate under a Century Insurance
- then when I got done playing a boy's game, I had to enter the real world, and my father owned an insurance
- Our customers are the largest airlines, largest banks, largest insurance companies. They depend.
- Every market, our customers are the largest airlines, largest banks, largest insurance companies.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes.
One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate.
The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ALLOWING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY AND HERE IN THE HALF OF THE MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
- THIS TO HER ROOM DOES AND THEN WE HAVE DO THESE TERRIBLE THINGS OF BEEN DONE TO THEM AND AS THE COMMISSIONER
- DOCTORS COMPANY SPEAKING AGAINST. >> I AM HERE REPRESENTING THE DOCTORS COMPANY WHICH IS THE LARGEST INSURER
- THIS IS A VERY WELL-INTENTIONED BILL AND SHOULDN'T BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF TRIAL LAWYERS VERSUS INSURANCE
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Fri Jan 31, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- the latest evidence not insurance the latest evidence not insurance companies<00:12:52.120>
this - sector folks including our insurance sector folks including our insurance industry<01:16:00.440>
- commissioner, who is the appropriate authority regulating insurance and consumer protection in Hawaii
- insurance um under on dcca the insurance insurance um under on dcca the insurance Division<01:24
- <01:26:06.280>
and serendipitously changed insurances and serendipitously changed insurances
Summary:
The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously.
For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees.
The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We're joined by Commissioner Carl Zaylack, Commissioner Stone, and Commissioner McLean, business leaders
- In the East Gallery, we have Commissioner Marlene Bastion, who is on the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners
- Commissioner, if you can stand up and be recognized, welcome to the Florida Senate.
- of Commissioners in District 2, who is here.
- Commissioner, if you can stand up and be recognized, welcome to the Florida Senate.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed.
The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1).
A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the human services finance bill, HF2434 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What this does is allow are the three commissioners and the are the three commissioners and the three
- It commissioners that don't support it.
- <01:31:34.560>
in largest source of health insurance in largest source of health insurance - commissioner and county commissioner and unfortunately<01:38:11.840>
the unfortunately the unfortunately - ,<02:25:23.840>
and <02:25:24.000>DCT the commissioner, and DCT the commissioner, and
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/09/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a bill that makes a technical correction to certain insurance laws.
- <00:23:35.280>
So, insurance agency is self-funded. So, insurance agency is self-funded. - Three commissioners sitting.
- she recommended the deputy commissioner she recommended the deputy commissioner of<01:20:40.560>
- Three commissioners<01:20:59.440>
sitting. commissioners sitting. commissioners sitting.
Summary:
The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern.
The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent.
The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee.
Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.