Video & Transcript Research : 'guaranteed issue'
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- What are the known issues? So here's an example: fix these issues to improve your score.
- They're the ones that can identify what those issues are.
- And I'm asking for the guarantee of his committee.
- —us free lunch, I guarantee you.
- We were inundated with emails on this issue.
Bills:
HB1623
Keywords:
HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action.
The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 14th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We can do it; there's not an issue. We will be able to turn it around.
- It's a small business owner issue. That's right. Small business issue as well. Any other questions?
- So I always hear this credentialing issue, and I get it.
- Essentially, it is a guaranteed issue statute that is similar to what has occurred in 17 other states
- Guaranteed issue Medigap coverages for those affected, those disabled with ALS or end-stage renal disease
Bills:
HB107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655, HB107
Keywords:
sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:40:01.160>
or <00:40:01.400>or a Chinatown issue or or a Chinatown issue or or - <00:43:05.000>
around wouldn't have any issues around wouldn't have any issues around being - that there was a buyer guarantee that there was a buyer guarantee so<00:46:15.640>
that <00 - primary issuing parties to talk with us. primary issuing parties to talk with us.
- . issues. issues.
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure.
The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk.
Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a small business owner issue. That's right. Small business issue as well. Any other questions?
- So I always hear this credentialing issue, and I get it.
- Essentially, it's a guaranteed-issue statute that is similar to what has occurred in 17 other states.
- And so many states have enacted, like I mentioned, 17 other states have enacted these guaranteed-issue
- That issue could have been addressed, by the entire insurance industry.
Bills:
HB 107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655
Keywords:
sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a series of health and human services bills and left each one pending after public testimony. HB 4655 would expand financial literacy instruction for youth aging out of foster care to include credit scores, predatory lending, scams, banking, budgeting, and related consumer topics; the sponsor and Buckner International described the need to protect foster youth from financial pitfalls. HB 923 would add three public members and one physician to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel; supporters said it would improve informed consent and patient voice, while a witness raised concerns about a House amendment requiring a physician majority for decisions and senators questioned scope-of-practice limits. HHSC said the panel is an independent body and the bill expressly bars it from changing scope of practice.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/23/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not a Second Amendment issue. This is a manufacturer responsibility issue.
- issue. Again though, I I I stress this. issue. Again though, I I I stress this.
- They just run the background check and issue or don't issue the license.
- They just run the background check and issue or don't issue the license.
- <04:49:54.080>
So don't issue the license. So don't issue the license.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Financial Institutions Jan 14th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Financial Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- And we had issues with the note readers, and we fixed that.
- We don't want to affect the priority of those documents based on our issue.
- Jess, I think, did a great job of summing this issue up.
- Is a guarantee of a clean chain of title, a clean transaction.
- And so when our underwriters and our agents issue a title policy, they are guaranteeing that that is
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be dealing with some important issues here, important legislation that comes forward.
- If you have education issues, you want them to review a bill and provide their thoughts and ideas.
- That's your SEG, your State Equalization Guarantee; that's your public school funding formula.
- We're trying to catch up from pandemic-related issues.
- Other ideas and issues are also being considered.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- With that said, again, 14 hearings on this issue—266 actions at the right time.
- Lee to address the issue.
- in that year, we would provide the minimum guarantee.
- We cannot look silently as we see people with mental health issues on our streets.
- . work on a local fire station issue in Oakland, super grateful.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 17th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- it be a guarantee fund, however you want to look at this.
- I understand there's probably some issues, and some people probably don't see where I'm going.
- This will be federal issues where there is no cap currently.
- So, up to that 1 million, anything that goes over that would be any of your federal civil rights issues
- What I'm hearing is insurance, and then the next I'm hearing about civil issues as it relates to civil
Keywords:
emergency management, federal funding, disaster relief, cost sharing, public assistance, bail reform, public funds, nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, injunctive relief, criminal procedure, surety bond, judicial discretion, uniform bond schedule, liability insurance, judgments, insurance fund, Oklahoma, county sheriff, commissary
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- As a Senate leader, John faced some of the most difficult and controversial issues to come before the
- <00:26:06.640>
equal that the people are guaranteed equal that the people are guaranteed equal - guarantee in the Vermont Constitution. guarantee in the Vermont Constitution.
- The first is this: that the people are guaranteed equal protection under the law.
- of this issue in the state of Wyoming. of this issue in the state of Wyoming.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional for Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on the fragility and renewability of mental health and the importance of human connection, kindness, and reaching out to people who are struggling. The chamber then handled several referral items, including first reading and referral of Senate Bill 329, an act relating to criminal procedures involving firearms, to the Judiciary Committee. It also referred Senate Bills 323 and 326 to the Committee on Appropriations because they carry appropriations, and noted that Senate Bill 278, relating to cannabis and state revenue, had been reported favorably with amendment and was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A.
The House took up Joint Senate Resolution 53 on weekend adjournment for May 15, 2026, and adopted it in concurrence by voice vote. The chamber also read House Concurrent Resolution 284 honoring former Senate Majority Leader and Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ Executive Director John F. Campbell for his public service, including his work on marriage equality and gun control, and members gave remarks recognizing his leadership, humor, and impact on the institution. Several guests were welcomed and recognized during announcements, including a representative involved in a diaper drive, local officials, and Norma Malone, who was honored for decades of public service in Barry Town and related local boards.
The main floor action was on Proposal 4, a proposed constitutional amendment on equality of rights. The Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence, and the member from Burlington explained the amendment’s purpose and process, emphasizing that it would add an equal protection guarantee to the Vermont Constitution covering race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and national origin, while preserving other constitutional protections. The member also reviewed the proposal’s prior passage in both chambers in the previous biennium and its current path toward appearing on the November 2026 ballot if approved again by the House and Senate. The transcript ends while the House is still hearing extended remarks on Proposal 4, with no final vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 11th, 2026 at 05:14 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So through NCSL, we learned about an issue that was happening.
- That has been a huge issue.
- Everybody is aware of this issue.
- And so we do believe that they are working to address the issue.
- We do believe that they are working to address the issue.
Keywords:
massage therapy, licensure, health and safety standards, continuing education, establishment licensing, civil rights, sovereign immunity, damages, public body, lawsuit limitations, legal notice, child welfare, computing infrastructure, data management, Department of Health, appropriation, foster care, Indian children, cultural competency, training services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jul 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Patel, to discuss the affordability issue here in the state.
- That is consistently the issue that we hear the most.
- , because it is a permitting issue as well.
- Over the past seven years, Hydrostasis has received three issued U.S. patents, completed a freedom to
- We work with the Infrastructure Bank, I-Bank, to manage the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention.
Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones.
During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Special Session 2026 May 5th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- This<00:40:24.400>
issue <00:40:25.440>This <00:40:25.800>issue <00:40:26.280> - issue is not about one This issue This issue is not about one political<00:40:28.320>
party <00 - It means competition, guaranteed.
- The attorneys will go argue these issues before the court. I'm not here to argue legal issues.
- <00:58:40.280>
I'm <00:58:40.400>here legal issues. I'm here legal issues.
Bills:
HB1
Keywords:
HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race
Summary:
The Ways and Means General Fund Committee met in special session and took up only one bill, HB 1 by Rep. Chris Pringle, which would authorize a special election for certain congressional districts if the federal court lifts its injunction and allows the state to use the 2023 congressional map. Pringle said the bill only creates a pathway for that special election, and members were told the fiscal note estimates the election could cost about $4.5 million from the General Fund. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was tied to recent federal court and Supreme Court rulings, including Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the Purcell principle, and whether it would be too close to an election or create confusion.
Several committee members pressed Pringle on whether the bill would reduce Black representation, whether Alabama had agreed not to revisit redistricting until 2030, and whether the 2023 map had previously been found discriminatory. Pringle repeatedly said he was not offering legal advice and that the matter was pending in federal court, while also saying the bill would simply allow voters to use the legislature’s 2023 map if the courts permit it. Rep. Ford raised concerns about the cost to the General Fund and competing budget priorities, and Rep. All questioned the timing and possible administrative confusion. Pringle responded that citizens would still be able to vote for candidates of their choosing.
During the public hearing, speakers overwhelmingly opposed the bill. Jamaal Brown, Kenneth Sharpton, Eliza Jane Franklin, Pastor Richard Williams, Rep. Givan, Jacoby Bibbs, and Agnes Lover argued that the proposal would weaken Black voting power, revive a map they described as unfair or racist, and create unnecessary disruption so close to an election. Several speakers framed the issue as one of civil rights, fair representation, and trust in democracy, while others criticized the cost and said the legislature should focus on broader needs such as health care and mental health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:31:17.960>
uh also I have multiple health issues uh also I have multiple health issues - This is not just a health care issue.
- <00:53:30.280>
of this the you know the issue of this the you know the issue of uncompensated - He said this addresses an issue where, even with just small amounts of capital, a dilution issue can
- the and as well as the MMB who issues the and as well as the MMB who issues the<01:36:36.119>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/25/26
Jobs and Economic Development
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) May 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an important issue that is near and dear to to my heart.
- You could tell it had all kinds of issues. It was... ...It was biting them.
- This is also a public health issue.
- We provide health guarantees, vet checks, and breeder transparency.
- They're non-equity, non-collateralized, and they do require personal guarantees.
Bills:
HB12, HB149, SB229, SB1361, SB1749, SB1897, SB2113, SB2566, SB2677, SB1652, SB2327, SB2344, SB2696, HB12, HB149
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House energy panel considers bill to boost green ammonia industry 3/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Economic issues are important issues for Minnesota farmers.
- that Minnesota's businesses guarantees that Minnesota's businesses and<00:09:33.760>
farmers < - He pointed to the phrase "may must issue a full on-bill rebate to a Minnesota business" and asked for
- He said any ammonia certificates issued in Minnesota would be included in the report.
- <00:14:16.200>
in ammonia certificates issued in ammonia certificates issued in Minnesota.
WY
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under this plan, teachers will receive guaranteed raises in their third year of teaching, with an even
- How does this particular legislation assist us in addressing the issues associated?
- Support staff get a guaranteed raise? They do not. They do not.
- How do you think we can guarantee? Do you have any idea?
- You've been consistent on this issue. but I think the bill it just keeps getting better.
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-HWN, HOU-GVO, HOU Public Hearings 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So from our side, we have no issue with aligning it with their program objectives. hhfdc so um SV 834
- with um having aligning two on H issue with um having aligning two on H with<00:05:23.479>
their< - Yeah, that would be a separate issue with respect to this particular bill.
- issue uh with respect<00:10:01.240>
to <00:10:01.399>this <00:10:01.640>particular< - Uh, I have been living here for 20 years, and it's been an issue with this parking lot.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives.
Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.