Transcript Highlights:

• So then when you're talking about waste disposal surcharge charges, you have to charge the same surcharge
• So then when you're talking about waste disposal surcharge charges, you have to charge the same surcharge
• So then when you're talking about waste disposal surcharge charges, you have to charge the same surcharge
• So then when you're talking about waste disposal surcharge charges, you have to charge the same surcharge
• So then when you're talking about waste disposal surcharge charges, you have to charge the same surcharge

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to use his nomenclature there: the mystery gasoline surcharge, or MGS.
• Here is the graph that shows the calculation of the mystery gasoline surcharge.
• So the question is, what changed in 2015 that made this mystery gasoline surcharge appear?
• the mystery gasoline surcharge for unbranded gasoline is 34 cents per gallon.
• Have you looked at that at all and seen if that helps explain a little bit the mystery surcharge?

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think of the surcharge as the cash flow.
• There is lead time necessary to increase surcharges.
• There is lead time necessary to increase surcharges.
• There is lead time necessary to increase surcharges.
• It is fair to expect that the surcharge will increase.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is really about the 12-cent per access line surcharge.
• What I worry about is that we put the same level of surcharge, and what if the cost...
• What I worry about is that we put the same level of surcharge, and what if the cost decrease over time
• I just wanted to address the concern regarding the surcharge being collected but not the full amount
• And so the percentage of the surcharge that is collected as allocated towards the DDTP, the Deaf and

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• care system completely fall apart, we've discussed many of the sweeping impacts, including nearly $911
• The program is funded through a $25 surcharge from renewal and licensure fees, collected by the Department

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the OSI should have to set those surcharges at the minimum rate.
• Two, they make up a lot of the surcharges over, Half the surcharges that are paid in.
• This would require the superintendent to set those surcharges at no less than what is recommended by
• My question for the Senator is on page 18 there is an addition that says the surcharge for hospitals
• and outpatient healthcare facilities shall be no less than the actuaries' recommended surcharge based

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• North Miami Beach also supports the statutory 25% outside city surcharge limit.
• Any discussion of affordability must consider the full cost stack, not just the utility surcharge.
• This bill also requires certain legacy surcharges tied to debt to be phased out as that debt is retired
• I'm thinking of it in a municipal scenario where we have a municipality that might be levying a surcharge
• You can also do a 25% surcharge. The additional 50% is if you held a public meeting, right?

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just passed a bill that reinforces federal law that you cannot put a surcharge on a debit card.
• We do not believe that what is being charged qualifies as a surcharge.
• what is being charged to these citizens for the convenience of the service doesn't constitute a surcharge
• similar legislation, including Texas, I think, was pretty recent, does not qualify these costs as a surcharge
• It's still a surcharge, okay? So, I mean, we can talk about it.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also adjusts the fee percentages for the telecom surcharge and the PRC inspection fees to pay for
• Improvements in the 988 and the 911 systems, uh, to improve the speeds and location accuracy with other
• I have Cecilia Moromaidis with, um, DFA 911, uh, Miranda Mascarenas with PRC, and Heather Jordan with

Transcript Highlights:

• I just passed a bill that reinforces federal law that you cannot put a surcharge on a debit card.
• We do not believe that what is being charged qualifies as a surcharge.
• what is being charged to these citizens for the convenience of the service doesn't constitute a surcharge
• similar legislation, including Texas, I think, was pretty recent, does not qualify these costs as a surcharge
• It's still a surcharge, okay? So, I mean, we can talk about it.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 28, 2026, approved the May 19 minutes, and then considered three third-party convenience fee schedules for online payments. The first was for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, presented by Rebecca Dupree with Louisiana Interactive; members confirmed the online payment option would be voluntary and approved the fee schedule without objection. The second was for the Department of Health’s Safe Drinking Water Program, presented by Karen Benjamin, and generated extended discussion about a $2.50 flat fee plus a 2.5% card-processing charge, especially whether that charge would violate recently passed Senate Bill 254 regarding debit card surcharges. Senators Mizell, Lambert, and Luneau questioned the structure, and department representatives said they believed the fee was not a surcharge and that ACH payments would avoid the percentage charge; the committee approved the fee schedule but urged the department to review it for compliance with SB 254. The third fee schedule was for the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, presented by Lindsay Savoy and Garrett Lee, covering online payments for the conveyance program and the Fire Emergency Training Academy. Senators again raised concerns about the 2.5% card charge in light of SB 254, and the presenters said they intended to comply with the new law and would discuss the issue further. The committee approved this fee schedule as well, with a similar reminder to consider the bill’s impact going forward. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, gentle lady, the Healthcare Affordability Fund is funded by that surcharge. Mr.
• Speaker, gentle lady, that surcharge, the majority of the...
• Whenever the federal government eliminated the surcharge on the premium on private market premiums...
• We're giving the small businesses who are actually generating the surcharge, those independent people
• We continue to apply surcharges here, surcharges there, and we're doing this in a year when we had a

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we would take in more surcharges from the nursing homes.
• And so this forecast assumes that those new surcharges, the add to the surcharges and the corresponding
• And so we would take in more surcharges from the nursing homes.
• And so this forecast assumes that those new surcharges, the add to the surcharges and the corresponding
• And so this forecast assumes that SOS new surcharges, the add to the surcharges in the corresponding

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So at the same time of paying your tabs, the EV surcharge is imposed.
• A second change in this legislative modification was to expand the surcharge to also include plug-in
• , as Matt discussed, and added the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle surcharge.
• And that's part of the reduction on the surcharge.
• moment, you mentioned these surcharge charges are seeking to replace lost gas tax revenue.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• North Miami Beach also supports the statutory 25% outside city surcharge limit.
• Any discussions of affordability must consider the full cost stack, not just the utility surcharge.
• This bill also requires certain legacy surcharges tied to debt to be phased out as that debt is retired
• You can do also a 25% surcharge. The additional 50 is if you held a public meeting, right?
• I'm unaware of that. ...the recipient services municipalities are also charging a 10% surcharge.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills on water quality, public safety, utilities, and transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment and water quality enhancement areas was presented as a follow-up to prior water quality legislation and was reported favorably with no opposition. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy, drowning prevention, and autism advocates who described Florida’s high child drowning rates and supported requiring at least one pool or water-safety feature at short- and long-term rentals; the committee adopted two amendments, including one requiring license applicants to certify compliance, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1724 on municipal utility services, which addresses outside-city utility service agreements, revenue use, rate limits, and customer meetings; an amendment added gas utilities back into the bill. CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a section viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then reported favorably. SB 1622, creating a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, was supported by speakers and reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage at towing facilities was amended to focus on storage only and to limit the extra fee period until inspection clears fire risk; the bill drew mixed testimony from insurers, towing-related interests, and fire officials, but was reported favorably. Later, SB 1264 on private schools was presented as easing zoning and occupancy barriers for small schools and microschools, with supporters saying it would help meet demand for school choice; members raised concerns about local implementation, but the bill was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits was amended to apply only to residential properties and to clarify capacity and annexation-related exceptions; it was supported by local-government and environmental testimony and reported favorably. CS/SB 1102, expanding the local government infrastructure surtax to include body camera costs, was amended so any use would require a new referendum and was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related information, drew testimony from counties, cities, and transparency advocates about costs and uniform templates, and was reported favorably after amendment, with several senators noting concerns for smaller local governments while supporting the transparency goal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through that transaction, the business owner gets, they have to include that surcharge on a line item
• context, since COVID, we've seen more of our restaurant and small business owners implementing the surcharging
• in and do a sales use tax audit, they do the audit in a three-year lookback, and they take those surcharging
• and do a sales use tax audit, they do the audit in a three-year look back, and they take those surcharging
• fees that the restaurant or other small businesses, And they take those surcharging fees that the restaurant

Summary: The Commerce Committee met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bill 2717 by a 7-0 vote. It then adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2465, described as changing a number from two to one, and passed the substitute bill 8-0. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 1791, which adds an emergency permit provision allowing a 30-day extension to obtain a full permit, and passed that substitute 8-0. Representative Manser raised a question about whether the bill would align with federal disaster recovery grant requirements, and the chair said he would look into it further. The committee then heard House Bill 2927, which would revise Missouri’s bad faith/time-limited settlement demand statute. Sponsor Representative Parker said the bill is intended to clarify that settlement demands used to support extra-contractual or bad faith claims must be in writing, remain open for at least 90 days, and reference the statute. Supporters, including representatives of the Missouri Insurance Coalition, Shelter Insurance, and health care and business groups, said the bill closes a loophole created when plaintiffs avoid the current “time-limited demand” language and instead use untimed or vaguely timed demands, which they argued increases litigation and insurance costs. Opponents, including attorney Blake Marcus, argued the bill would make it harder for injured people and policyholders to hold insurers accountable, would encourage delay, and would increase the need to hire lawyers earlier. No vote was taken on HB 2927 in the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2057, a technical fix for an entertainment district in Osage Beach. Representative Vernetti said the bill corrects language from last year’s legislation after the Senate used the wrong population figure, and supporters said it would allow patrons to move between venues within the district under controlled alcohol rules similar to other Missouri entertainment zones. The committee then heard House Bill 1707, which would exempt credit card surcharge amounts from sales tax. Sponsor Representative Coleman and supporters from the business community said the Department of Revenue has been taxing these surcharges in audits, creating a burden for small businesses, and that the bill would clarify that fees tied to the extension of credit are not taxable. The committee adjourned after the hearings, and no further votes were taken on those bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• SURCHARGE HOLIDAY, AND A TWO-YEAR GREEN ENERGY TAX HOLIDAY.
• NOW, ALSO, MADAM PRESIDENT, THE BILL WOULD SUSPEND SEVERAL GREEN ENERGY TARIFF AND SURCHARGES FOR TWO
• DEBATEINGTHAT WE DO BRING FORWARD ARE THE TAXES, FEE, SURCHARGES AND ASSESSMENTS, GREEN ENERGY MONEY
• You know, a lot of complaining here about NYSERDA costs, surcharges, actions that the Public Service
• You know, a lot of complaining here about NYSERDA costs, surcharges, actions that the Public Service

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Division of Emergency Services and Communications operates our statewide 911 system.
• :01.520><c> they</c><00:18:01.679><c> have</c><00:18:01.960><c> two</c><00:18:02.480><c> Public</c> 911
• system um they have two Public 911 system um they have two Public Safety<00:18:03.120><c> answering<
• But if it was last year, the legislature did put in a surcharge for EV purchases.
• But if it was last year, the legislature did put in a surcharge for EV purchases.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 11 corrects an unintended consequence of the Florida law regarding municipal utility surcharges.
• allow municipalities providing water or utilities to another municipality to charge up to a 25% surcharge
• Regarding municipal utility surcharges, current laws allow municipalities providing water or utilities
• to another municipality to charge up to a 25% surcharge, recognizing the cost of building infrastructure
• I would tell you that when we talk about the surcharge, this is not asking to get rid of the surcharge

Summary: The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS. The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably. The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Costs for the physician health program are primarily covered by surcharges on renewals and issuances
• Costs for the Physician Health Program are primarily covered by surcharges on renewals and issuances
• For licenses under the purview of the Washington Medical Commission, the surcharge for participating
• in the Physician Health Program is $70, and funds collected under the surcharge are deposited into the
• The bill expands the medical licenses, applications, and renewals that must pay the $70 surcharge for

Bills: SB5877, SB5967

Keywords: anesthesiology, medical personnel, surcharges, licensing, healthcare regulations, preventive services, state authority, healthcare access, insurance coverage, public health, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session on access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority officials Michelle Needham and Ross Florey, joined later by Washington Health Alliance medical director Dr. Drew Oliva, reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work and data. They said Washington has reduced its uninsured rate from 15% to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark, with 2023 spending growth at 6.2% versus a 3.2% target. They identified major cost drivers such as prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, and professional services, and said 2026 priorities include market oversight/transparency, slowing spending growth, and increasing primary care. Dr. Oliva added that quality measures remain mostly below the 90th percentile, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data remain a blind spot. Senators asked about links between cost and quality, primary care recommendations, ambulance costs, and medical homes. The presenters also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and exchange coverage and said the committee’s recent legislation on reference-based pricing, APCD transparency, and planning/data collection would help future work. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix to extend the $70 Physician Health Program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related resources. Committee staff and the prime sponsor said the bill corrects a statutory gap after CAA licensure was created in 2024. Testimony from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program supported the bill as a consistency and workforce-support measure. The bill drew 12 pro and 2 con sign-ins, and no vote was taken in the transcript. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by maintaining state insurance coverage for preventive services tied to federal recommendations as of June 30, 2025, with authority for OIC rulemaking to keep coverage at least as favorable to enrollees. Governor Ferguson’s office, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, and Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham testified in support, saying the bill does not create new vaccine mandates but protects existing no-cost coverage and gives Washington flexibility if federal vaccine guidance becomes unstable. Supporters included physicians and pediatricians who described vaccine-preventable deaths, rising measles and pertussis concerns, and the importance of stable, science-based guidance and universal vaccine access. Opponents argued the bill politicizes vaccines, expands state discretion without enough transparency or fiscal detail, and should instead end mandates; they also raised concerns about conflicts of interest in medical organizations. The hearing continued with additional supportive testimony from family physicians and pediatric specialists emphasizing prevention, access, and evidence-based recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also expands our advanced computing surcharge under the B&O tax for businesses that qualify for the
• under the B&O tax for businesses that qualify for the ACS surcharge.
• B&O tax for businesses that qualify for the ACS surcharge.
• This would have really significant impacts on the advanced computing surcharge.
• But it's important that we understand that the advanced computing surcharge was primarily directed at

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up and passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, which modifies the paid family and medical leave program. Supporters said the bill uses an actuarial model to set rates and maintains a four-month reserve to improve program stability. It passed final passage 95-1. The House then considered Substitute Senate Bill 5841, dealing with completion of course and financial aid-related requirements. An amendment was adopted to add a financial aid calculator and require outreach to students who indicate they have completed a financial aid form, with supporters saying it would help students understand aid eligibility and access college opportunities. The bill then passed as amended, 92-4. The most extensive debate was on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5981, concerning the 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacy relationships. Members offered many amendments seeking to limit the bill’s scope, add transparency, or direct 340B savings toward patient care, low-income patients, rural areas, or charity care; most were rejected. Supporters argued the bill would help safety-net providers, hospitals, and FQHCs, while opponents warned it would mainly benefit large hospital systems, create administrative burdens, and likely face litigation. After the House adopted the committee amendment and rejected the floor amendments, the bill passed 67-30. The transcript then moved on to other business, including Senate messages and the start of debate on House Bill 2487 on taxes, with one technical amendment to clarify taxpayer definitions.