Video & Transcript : 'actuarial valuation' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Jan 29th, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- this whole bill is that, when districts calculate their levies, right now they combine all their valuation
- went up and everyone else's valuations went up, Hancock might roll that back.
- said I want to increase by $600 per $100,000 in April, but when my bill comes in December, if my valuation
- It's done on a per, like I say, per $100,000 of valuation.
- On HIPPAS research on that, we do have to disclose per $100 of assessed valuation.
Summary:
The Special Committee on Property Tax Reform opened with no quorum present, so the planned executive session was canceled and action on two committee bills was delayed for a week. The chair explained that proposed changes involving the blind pension fund would be removed because the budget could not absorb the cost at this time, though the committee would continue to study the issue. The committee then moved to public presentations on House Bills 2671 and 2709, both focused on property tax reform by requiring levies to be calculated separately by subclass of property—residential, commercial, agricultural, and personal property—rather than as a blended district-wide levy. Sponsors said this would reduce tax shifting between classes and make Hancock rollback protections work more directly by subclass; one bill also included ballot language requiring tax impacts to be stated per $100,000 of value and disclosure of loan purposes on bond questions.
Members raised concerns about constitutional single-subject issues, administrative burden on assessors and auditors, and whether separate levies could create problems in small jurisdictions with very few properties in a class. The sponsors and supporters responded that the bills were clarifications intended to align with Hancock, that counties already have subclass data, and that the State Auditor’s office and assessors could implement the changes with some added work. Support testimony came from the Boone County Assessor and Missouri State Assessors Association, who said subclass levies would better reflect reassessment impacts and would have reduced the residential tax increase in Boone County. The State Tax Commission’s representative also supported the concept and suggested additional reforms, including appeal-process changes and broader Hancock-related adjustments.
The committee then heard House Bill 2925, which would create a standardized ballot language section for property tax levy questions and update numerous existing statutes to point to that new format. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at transparency and informed consent, requiring ballots to identify who is taxing, for how long, for what purpose, whether debt is involved, and the dollar impact per $100,000 of assessed value. Members generally supported clearer ballot language but questioned a provision requiring property tax questions to appear on November general election ballots, citing concerns about longer ballots, voter fatigue, and increased burdens on election authorities and poll workers. Missouri Association of Counties testified in opposition to that election-timing requirement, while not taking a position on the rest of the bill. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after testimony and discussion.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But you set the valuation.
- Could you just go into a more in-depth explanation of how you come up with your valuation that you present
- But you set the valuation.
- Solomon. question, you know, how you got to the valuation for their specific home.
- So when the regular folks are looking at their property tax and they see the valuation at the bottom,
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues.
A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support.
Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Finance and Taxation Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- What we're talking about there is the assessed valuation of all the taxable property in that particular
- So if we just talk simple numbers, if you do that and they have $100 million worth of assessed valuation
- If you have $100 million worth of assessed valuation in that district, they could bond up to 5% of that
- A lot of these assessed valuations of taxable property districts are much higher than that.
- The issue that I'm not aware of is their assessed valuation of the taxable district of the township.
Bills:
HB1428
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves.
The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0.
After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Property Tax Div. Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What I'd say about the taxable value, or the valuation,... More ease.
- Those first couple of years, were there a lot of valuation jumps? You bet.
- That's how far behind that local assessor was on the valuations of that property.
- That's how far behind that local assessor was on the valuations of that property.
- So they would get the valuation notice, which is considered step one, and Minnesota has always sent valuation
Summary:
The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met to begin its study of whether the content of the real estate tax statement should be revised to improve transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive from HB 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, legacy fund share, discounts for early payment, and special assessments. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statewide statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors.
County officials from NDACO, including auditors from McKenzie and Richland counties, described the full annual property tax timeline from budgeting through mailing final statements. They explained how counties gather budgets, calculate levies, verify taxable values, handle centrally assessed property, and prepare required notices and statements. They also said public attendance at budget hearings is generally very low, though the notices and statements generate some calls, mostly about whether attendance is required or why taxes are changing. Several members questioned the usefulness of the legislative tax relief line and the complexity of the 5% discount calculation, and county officials said the current process can be confusing and depends on manual data entry and coordination among counties, vendors, and taxing districts.
The committee also discussed assessment frequency, valuation equalization, the 3% cap, and whether more frequent reassessment would reduce large jumps in taxable value. County officials said they try to use rotating reassessments and sales-ratio reviews to keep values within statutory tolerance, but staffing, training, and local market changes make the work difficult. NDACO staff estimated, based on a small county survey, that tax statement preparation and mailing costs average about 74 cents per statement, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing, and said HB 1176 added some mailing and administrative costs even if the tax statement itself did not change dramatically. Software vendors from CPT and Tyler then began presentations showing how their systems handle budgeting, valuation notices, tax statement generation, primary residence credit processing, and levy worksheets, emphasizing that many of the required calculations and reports are still manually entered or verified by county staff.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what actuaries are for.
- report about what was in their actuaries report about what their<04:08:42.800><c> actuary</c><04:08:
- </c> their actuary wanted them to be at. their actuary wanted them to be at.
- </c> two actuaries here. Wall-E from Casco. two actuaries here. Wall-E from Casco.
- </c><05:15:32.718><c> The</c> health trust external actuaries. The health trust external actuaries.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- You should all have in your packet a copy of an actuarial and consultant services agreement.
- Generally, your actuarial would be a separate entity from the broker or the other person, but. Yep.
- and what the benefit is to having the additional consulting services, given that we also have the actuary
- This will be your own actuary that can give you an independent look at anything that's going to come
- So just wanted to kind of see how, you know, how that might compare to the other actuary service that
Committee:
All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Expenditure Review Commission 7/15/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Preferential valuation.
- Preferential valuation.
- Preferential valuation.
- Preferential valuation.
- Preferential valuation.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Banking, Financial Services and Pensions REVISED: HB1182 - Removed Feb 17th, 2026
Banking, Financial Services and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, we've had some back and forth with our actuary, two or three rounds depending on the bill we're
- House Bill 1268 was a bill we started last year that came back from the actuary.
- So what troubles me here is I know we got our official actuarial report back. Right.
- But, you know, so their $50 million would compare to $34 million on our actuarial analysis.
- So the actuarial came back as if this was a long-term deal. It is just not. Other questions?
Bills:
HB1784 , HB1245 , HB1268 , HB2116 , HB2193 , HB2206 , HB1739 , HB1889 , HB1904 , HB3172 , HB4225 , HB4352 , HB3625 , HB4263
Summary:
The Banking, Financial Services and Pensions Committee heard a series of retirement, banking, and school finance bills after announcing that several measures would be laid over or sent back to Rules and that the committee would recess briefly because of quorum and scheduling conflicts. The chair also explained the committee’s OPLA/safe-harbor process for pension bills and noted that many of the measures would still need oversight and floor consideration.
Among the bills advanced were HB 1245, allowing certain DHS CLEET-commissioned agents to join the law enforcement retirement system; HB 4352, helping people refinance homes or businesses while protecting lenders; HB 4263, giving certain retired teachers who go to work for CareerTech a choice between TRS and OPERS; HB 1268, creating a five-year DROP option for EMTs and county sheriffs in OPERS; HB 1739, reinstating a half-pay provision in the law enforcement retirement system for OHP recruitment and retention; HB 2116, expanding OLERS eligibility to certain Office of State Fire Marshal officers; HB 2206, allowing newly hired school resource officers into OLERS; HB 3625, expanding school district investment options; HB 1889, providing a catch-up COLA for older police and fire retirees; and HB 1784, requiring TRS’s assumed rate of return not fall below its past 20-year annualized return. HB 3172, the “Fair Banking Act,” would restrict adverse actions by very large financial institutions based on lawful economic activity and require explanations on request; members asked whether it would affect Oklahoma banks and whether it mirrored a presidential executive order. HB 2193 proposed a COLA for state retirement systems with caps on eligible benefits and salaries, and members raised concerns about differing actuarial estimates and the need for more work before oversight.
Most bills were reported out by committee votes ranging from 8-0 to 4-3. The chair and members repeatedly noted that several measures, especially the pension bills, would need further work with actuaries and oversight committees. The meeting ended with a brief acknowledgment of committee staff and support personnel before adjournment.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Sep 16th, 2025 at 12:45 pm
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Now I'll invite up Michael Harbor for the actuarial update. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Again, for the record, Michael Harbor, actuary for OSA. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Again, for the record, Michael Harbour, Actuary for OSA.
- As noted in the actuarial presentations we heard earlier today, OSA's 2024 Actuarial Evaluation Report
- Again, for the record, Michael Harbor, actuary for OSA.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The Select Committee on Pension Policy Executive Committee approved the July minutes and received brief updates from legal and actuarial staff. Counsel for the Attorney General’s office said there was no litigation update, and the committee then heard from the Office of the State Actuary about the 2024 actuarial valuation and the upcoming ACFR figures, with emphasis that the funding and accounting reports use different methods and will not match exactly. Members discussed the strong funded status of the retirement systems, the effect of the higher assumed investment return and suspension of unfunded liability payments, and the need to understand implementation timing and IRS issues for any future merger or restatement proposals.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the interim work plan and possible agenda items for October and November. Staff outlined planned topics including DRS benchmarking, updates on the left one study, Ice Miller’s response, possible participation by other agencies and the State Investment Board, the annual DRS and SIB updates, month-of-death, and a forward-looking session item. Members also discussed whether to add an ad hoc COLA item for PERS 1, TERS 1, and related plans, noting that no COLA was provided this year and expressing concern about inflation and purchasing power. The actuary said the prior fiscal note for the ad hoc COLA bill was about $200 million over 10 years, but that the estimate would likely decrease with the higher assumed return and declining eligible population.
The committee approved the draft October agenda after agreeing to streamline some items, including turning the PFC update into an email correspondence item and possibly deferring the December excess compensation presentation depending on whether a December meeting is held. Staff also reported 10 new pieces of constituent correspondence, including messages about PERS 1 and TERS 1 COLAs, the merger bill, and the left one study. In other business, Jacob White of the left two board said his board would soon receive an informational briefing on overtime and excess compensation and would keep the committee informed about any month-of-death action. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill also directs OIC to review the actuarial analysis of applicants for registration as a CCRC
- to determine whether the applicant's actuarial balance is satisfactory.
- But for the communities that do actuarials, they are public information to the residents.
- financial compliance with national standardized actuarial requirements.
- financial compliance with national standardized actuarial requirements.
Committee:
Senate Health & Long-Term Care
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I started as an appraiser one, and as a 12-year veteran in valuation, it was a little shocking to me,
- but I moved my way through the ranks and got to understand property valuation and taxation from the
- And so, again, you know, I won't go into the details, but just the proper valuation for the service of
- So as you look at the transparency in the valuations, do you think you'll be able to really step in and
- You know, and we know what the valuations are on something that's a state land that's out here in Queen
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what actuaries are for.
- actuaries are That's what actuaries are for.<04:02:12.720><c> Okay.
- </c> two actuaries here. Wall-E from Casco. two actuaries here. Wall-E from Casco.
- </c><05:15:32.718><c> The</c> health trust external actuaries. The health trust external actuaries.
- Actuaries cannot predict...
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (04/28/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> assessed valuation. assessed valuation.
- No, the assessment valuation I got was very restrictive.
- </c> valuation?
- No, the assessment valuation valuation?
- They then commercial valuations go up.
Committee:
House Municipal and County Government
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 27th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I don't see anything that changes the senior valuation freeze.
- I'm looking at the actual 2026 property valuation limitation county by county.
- President, I don't see anything that changes the senior valuation freeze.
- This is simply the valuation of the home itself.
- But still, once again, this is just a slowdown in the increase in valuation.
Bills:
SJR50 , SJR51 , SJR52 , SJR53 , SJR54 , SJR39 , SB1290 , HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , HB1250 , HB2951 , HB2961 , HB3151 , HB3581 , HB3705 , HB3970 , HB3972 , HB3980 , HB3981
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and several floor recognitions, including the Doctor of the Day, Psychologist of the Day, and Nurse of the Day. Members also honored the OSBI Cold Case Team for its work on unsolved cases, recognized the 75th anniversary of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and welcomed guests for the Prague-Kolache Festival. The chamber then moved into floor action on multiple measures and conference motions.
The most significant item was Senate Joint Resolution 39, a property tax constitutional amendment. After extensive debate over the impact on homeowners, seniors, farmers, schools, local governments, and future revenue, the Senate adopted House amendments by a 27-19 roll call and then passed the resolution 40-8. However, the motion to order a special election failed 26-20, so the measure did not advance to a special election call. Senators also rejected House amendments to Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 215 and requested conference on both.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 1290 unanimously as an emergency measure, and advanced or passed several House bills dealing with ARPA and funding reallocations: HB 4028, HB 4029, HB 4073, HB 4074, HB 4075, HB 4076, HB 4077, and HB 4078. Other approved measures included HB 1250 creating a Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund for local law enforcement grants, HB 2951 renaming Red Rock Prison as the Chief James Smith Correctional Center, HB 2961 creating a Gold Star Survivor tuition benefit, HB 3151 extending the school year to 173 days, and HB 3581 increasing penalties for riot-related offenses. The Senate also took up HB 3705, which would raise the Parental Choice tax credit cap from $250 million to $275 million, but the transcript cuts off during questioning on that bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And when we went to sell them, we were offered three different valuations.
- And the spread on the valuations was extraordinarily high because they were gold coins.
- It would be like another bank account of valuation. So it would not be skirting anything.
- And when we went to sell them, we were offered three different valuations.
- And the spread on the valuations was extraordinarily high because they were gold coins.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 794, as amended by a late-filed strike-all, which would require a human being to make insurance claim denial decisions and prohibit artificial intelligence from being the sole basis for a denial. The sponsor said the bill was intended to preserve human oversight while allowing innovation in claims processing. Public testimony included support from the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate and the Florida Medical Association, along with one speaker urging additional protections for homeowners. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported SB 794 favorably with committee substitutes.
Members then heard SB 134, which removes the $500 threshold on the sales tax exemption for bullion, making sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion fully exempt and eliminating certain dealer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the change would reduce a regressive tax and help consumers preserve savings; the sponsor estimated a revenue impact of about $300,000. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all on SB 888, which directs the Office of Insurance Regulation to create a more consumer-friendly homeowners insurance website with premium comparison information, market data, rate filing access, and educational resources. The sponsor and Leader Boyd said the goal was to improve transparency and help consumers navigate a stabilizing market. SB 888 was reported favorably with committee substitutes.
The final bill heard was SB 1578, covering mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screenings. The sponsor said it would expand coverage requirements in ACA plans and private insurance policies, including annual mammograms for women ages 40 to 50 and supplemental screening coverage, while noting Medicaid already provides these services. The Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. After the bills, the committee held a lengthy panel discussion on gold and silver as legal tender and transactional money, with testimony from officials from Utah and Florida, industry representatives, and advocacy groups. Panelists discussed constitutional authority, consumer protections, depository oversight, taxation issues, and possible transactional platforms for precious metals. No further action was taken after the discussion, and the committee adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Mar 17th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- This isn't necessarily the assessed valuation. That happens after the fact, of course.
- So I'm just curious how much total valuation is out there as well. Okay.
- So we call it a credit, but technically speaking, it's a reduction in valuation of the property.
- to the total valuations for those 37 counties.
- The effect depends on prior levy history, local tax base, taxable valuation growth.
Summary:
The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees.
A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale.
The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Applicants for registration, where those entities offer life care contracts, must submit an actuarial
- This bill also directs OIC to review the actuarial analysis of applicants for registration as a CCRC
- to determine whether the applicant's actuarial balance is satisfactory.
- financial compliance with national standardized actuarial requirements.
- financial compliance with national standardized actuarial requirements.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a Friday morning hearing with several House bills and then took executive action on three measures. In executive session, the committee voted do pass on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242, Substitute House Bill 2152, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2168, sending the first two to Rules and the overdose-mapping bill to Ways and Means. The committee also waived the five-day notice rule for several bills on the agenda.
Public hearings focused on hospital inspections, continuing care retirement communities, radiologic technologist supervision, music therapy licensure, nursing regulation, ambulance billing after motor vehicle accidents, and EMT recertification. Representative Macri presented HB 2577 to require hospital inspections at least every 18 months, allow limited pauses during emergencies, and clarify when CMS or accrediting-body surveys may substitute for state inspections; DOH supported the bill, citing JLARC recommendations, while many people signed in opposed. Macri also presented Second Substitute HB 2384, which would require actuarial analysis review for certain CCRCs; OIC supported the transparency goal, while CCRC representatives opposed the added cost, though residents and association witnesses argued the oversight would protect seniors and their life savings.
Representative Engel’s HB 2113 drew strong support from radiology, hospital, and provider groups for allowing virtual direct supervision for IV contrast procedures and aligning state law with CMS practice. Representative Ryu’s HB 1187 would bar ambulance services from sending motor-vehicle-accident medical debt to collections for 120 days; she described a personal experience with an ambulance collection issue, and the hearing was closed after no testifiers appeared. Representative Reed’s HB 2363 would let music therapy applicants practice under supervision for up to six months while exam results are processed; music therapy witnesses said it would prevent workforce gaps. Representative Simmons’ HB 2339 would update nursing title and transcript requirements and allow the board to issue interim permits directly, with the Board of Nursing and ARNP groups calling it a technical cleanup. HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals to six years for long-tenured EMTs, and firefighters supported it as an administrative simplification without changing training requirements.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 6th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- pulls out the surplus funds from the LEOFF 1 retirement account and leaves it funded at 110% of the actuarial
- today is to go a little more conservative and fund this, leave this pension funded at 120% of the actuarial
- I urge your adoption. ...110% of the actuarial value. I believe that may be a bit aggressive, Mr.
- today is to go a little more conservative and fund this, leave this pension funded at 120% of the actuarial
- We have consulted with actuaries and attorneys on the underlying policy, and I believe that 110% of funding
Bills:
SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
Summary:
The Senate considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, a measure to terminate and restate the LEOFF 1 pension plan and use surplus funds for other state purposes if federal approval is obtained. During debate, senators discussed whether the plan should remain funded at 110% or 120% of actuarial value, whether surplus dollars should instead go to transportation or the budget stabilization account, whether members should receive an additional distribution, and whether local governments should be reimbursed for retiree health care costs. Several amendments were offered: a Gildon amendment to raise the funding target to 120% failed; a technical Robinson amendment adding a date passed; Holy, King, Harris, Schessler, and Conway amendments addressing member distributions, transportation, budget stabilization, local government health care costs, and a reconstituted board distribution all failed; and Robinson’s amendment removing Climate Commitment Act repayment language passed. The Ways and Means striking amendment, as amended, was then adopted.
On final passage, supporters argued the bill was actuarially sound, had been reviewed by attorneys, actuaries, the State Investment Board, and the Department of Retirement Systems, and would allow use of excess funding for other state needs. Opponents warned it left too little in the pension fund, should dedicate surplus dollars only to one-time uses, and did not adequately reimburse cities and counties for retiree medical obligations. After debate, the Senate passed E2SHB 2034 by a vote of 25 yeas, 22 nays, with one absent and one excused.
Afterward, the Senate returned to Substitute House Bill 2178, which was also passed on final passage by a vote of 39 yeas and 9 nays, with one excused. The chamber then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, today I spoke with the actuary for OSI and asked about premiums.
- I, so when I look at the actuarial numbers they have a fund balance.
- I am relying on the actuaries' numbers to dial in what that deficit is, yes.
- And the advisory board is taking the actuaries' recommendation into account.
- The actuary told us that could drop that language.
Committees:
Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary
Keywords:
SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I spoke with the actuary at OSI and asked about premiums.
- I was told by the actuary that in 2021...
- But, as was mentioned, the metaphor of gambling is actuaries.
- So when I look at the actuarial numbers, they have a fund balance.
- if the actuaries did not have it dialed incorrectly, and enough funds had not been paid...
Committee:
Senate House Judiciary
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services.
Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.