Transcript Highlights:

• premium to continue uh in the program. premium to continue uh in the program.
• <00:29:40.159> Um because of these premiums? Um because of these premiums?
• If it's implemented premiums?
• that have premiums.
• A study conducted by the American Economic Review confirmed that increasing premiums leads to lower-cost

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that's the most in the country, uh, and they collectively increase the cost of premiums for
• Uh, and that is the idea that if we're going to increase cost for premiums in Minnesota by adding mandates
• <00:01:48.159> Minnesota increase cost for premiums in Minnesota increase cost for premiums
• /c><00:10:36.160> 5%<00:10:36.800> because premiums have increased 2 to 5% because premiums
• Senate file 565 will mitigate premium Senate file 565 will mitigate premium increases<00:13:12.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from 25 to increase in our uh premiums from 25 to 26.<01:25:41.760> So,<01:25:42.400> um,<
• You know, a family of four earning $153,000 a year would see a 76% premium increase.
• a year would see a 76% you know, premium a year would see a 76% you know, premium increase.<01:38
• We've talked a lot today too about the increase in terms of premiums, right, the increase in terms of
• c> in terms of premiums right the increase in terms of premiums right the increase in terms<02:14

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we can slow the growth of premium costs, that does leave more room for compensation increases when
• employee premiums up to 5 percent and increasing co-pays and deductibles under the grandfathered plan
• That's a good plan, and that they're not paying premium dollars.
• We take off, well, how much is the premium of the grandfathered plan going to increase?
• , so the premiums were overcharged.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition. House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1. The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1. The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This school year, our premiums increased 22%.
• <00:31:36.880> increased This school year, our premiums increased This school year, our premiums
• <00:31:53.280> increases for slightly reduced premium increases for slightly reduced premium
• When your premiums increase, when your co-pays increase, it's not that the quality of your health care
• When your premiums increase, when your co-pays increase, it's not that the quality of your health care

Bills: HF3119

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , property taxes, and then we hear, well, it's the healthcare premiums that are doing it.
• This bill is going to also reduce their premiums.
• , uh, 19.8% of our payroll goes to paying our premiums on paying our premiums on our health care.
• It's a sad day when we can't vote for reducing premium costs for our educators. ...reducing premium costs
• There's no way to do that without affecting health care premiums.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have the New Mexico Premium Assistance, the Native American Premium Assistance, which is limited
• Across the marketplace, everyone's premiums increase by as much as maybe $1,200 per year on average.
• Let me ask you, what is the federal premium tax credit? What's the premium based on?
• Yes, because we also have the Native American Premium Assistance and the Medicaid Transition Premium
• Premium or what's subsidized? Their net premium. Okay, I would have to get back to you on that, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• These funds go toward things like increases in compensation and insurance, increased costs of maintaining
• are at a significant risk of premium increases of 25% or more.
• or<00:03:22.959> more risk of Premium increases of 25% or more risk of Premium increases
• <00:07:53.080> Premium<00:07:53.479> cost<00:07:53.720> through the increased
• Premium cost through the increased Premium cost through what's<00:07:54.120> called<00:07:54.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The insurance premiums and $13,000 for the GSD and DOIT rate increases, and $96,000 is for two vehicles
• They're trying to raise premiums to keep pace with the increasing loss costs, but it hasn't been enough
• , an increased premium cost because the risks exist?
• And when's the last time you increased premiums? Mr.
• Chair, Senator Munoz, so we are increasing premiums this year.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking at 60,000 Minnesotans losing health care coverage just because of the increased premium
• Healthcare coverage just because of the increased premium, the loss of those tax credits.
• and and how they're going those premiums and and how they're going to<00:03:14.800> increase<
• Um, I mean, to increase and whatnot.
• <00:03:26.800> benefits guarantees that those premium benefits guarantees that those premium

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were informed that the responses suggest an average 50% increase in premiums, and that's not really
• We were informed that the responses suggest an average 50% increase in premiums, and that's not really
• We were informed that the responses suggest an average 50% increase in premiums, and that's not really
• Maybe they can increase the premium and not deny you; instead, they can ask for more money as a premium
• the premium and maybe they can increase the premium and not<04:22:58.239> deny<04:22:59.239><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 437, which would change New Hampshire law on undischarged mortgages by creating a shorter period after which certain old mortgages would be treated as unenforceable. Prime sponsor Representative Bill Boyd said the bill was developed with input from bankers, lawyers, realtors, the Attorney General’s office, and the Banking Department, and he noted a drafting correction needed on line 18. He explained that the proposal would replace current law with a new framework modeled partly on Massachusetts, including a five-year expiration after a stated maturity date and a 35-year period for mortgages without an expiration date. Supporters said the bill would help clear obsolete title defects, reduce costly quiet-title litigation, and make real estate transactions easier for consumers, attorneys, and conveyancers. Representative Mary Hakken-Phillips, Susan Cole of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, and Michelle Coffin all testified in support, describing the bill as a consumer protection measure. They said undischarged or improperly discharged mortgages often surface during title searches, causing delays, legal expenses, and failed or delayed closings. Coffin and Hakken-Phillips emphasized that many of these cases involve old, effectively obsolete mortgages and that the current process often requires expensive court action even when no one contests the title. Cole described a recent transaction in which a title defect caused a buyer to walk away and later restart the financing process, creating costs for both buyer and seller. A committee member asked about notice to mortgage holders; the response was that the lender bears responsibility for recording and extending the mortgage, and that due process rights would remain if a lender later contested the discharge. Ryan Hill of the New Hampshire Bankers Association said the banking industry had reviewed the bill and was generally comfortable with it, while requesting a delayed effective date so members would have time to adjust their recording practices. He said the bill’s January 1, 2028 effective date reflected that request. After closing the hearing on HB 437, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 721, the Gold and Silver Legal Tender Act. Representative Juliet Harvey-Bolia introduced it as a bipartisan economic justice bill intended to recognize gold and silver as legal tender, protect against inflation, and address concerns about trust, taxes, and government taking. She argued that gold is a stable store of value and discussed tax treatment in neighboring states, federal history, and digital gold platforms. The hearing on HB 721 was still in progress when the transcript ended, with the chair limiting questions because of time.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with the last rate increase that was filed with the division, the premium is stabilizing now in terms
• And with the last rate increase that was filed with the division, the premium is stabilizing now in terms
• And with the last rate increase that was filed with the division, the premium is stabilizing now in terms
• And with the last rate increase that was filed with the division, the premium is stabilizing now in terms
• And with the last rate increase that was filed with the division, the premium is stabilizing now in terms

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates. HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease. Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks. HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• increase.
• By slowing growth in total health care expenditures, we hope that premium increases and out-of-pocket
• have increased by 12% for our system.
• Labor costs have also increased by another 5% this year, following last year's increases in minimum wage
• If the enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by Congress, federal premium subsidy levels will drop

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lines premiums?
• lines premiums?
• Are you talking about premiums?
• Are you talking about premiums?
• Are you talking about premiums? HHF—are you talking about premiums? That's upward to eight?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rates or premiums—we use the terms interchangeably; I'm even guilty of this—is rate versus premium.
• control the premium we control the rate there are other pressures that are on that overall premium that
• There's no negatives; it really increases home value.
• And the difference was 86% in that premium.
• And the difference was 86% in that premium.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance convened with a quorum present, and Commissioner Michael Yaworsky of the Office of Insurance Regulation delivered a broad update on Florida’s property insurance market. He outlined the division of responsibilities between OIR and the Department of Financial Services, then reported market indicators including 7.61 million residential policies in force, an average premium of $2,755, 1.5 million Citizens takeout approvals, and recent negative trends in homeowners rate requests. He credited recent legislative reforms, especially tort reform and the Insurer Accountability Act, with improving market stability, increasing competition, and allowing the office to conduct more examinations and investigations, recover consumer restitution, and fine insurers for misconduct tied to recent hurricanes. Yaworsky emphasized that Citizens Property Insurance has been rapidly depopulating from its 2022 peak and may fall below 300,000 policies, while cautioning that over-depopulation could create residual-market risks and assessments if a major storm hits. He also discussed the distinction between admitted and surplus lines markets, the role of reinsurance in Florida pricing, and the effect of inflation on total insured values and premiums. He said Florida has seen comparatively modest property rate increases relative to other states and noted that recent hurricanes did not produce the kind of rate spikes seen in prior years, which he attributed to a more stable market and reduced fraud and litigation pressure. In response to a question from Senator Martin, Yaworsky explained that California’s wildfire crisis and regulatory structure are not a direct one-to-one comparison for Florida, but that California’s market problems can affect global reinsurance capacity and serve as a cautionary example of regulatory missteps. He also highlighted a recent Progressive auto insurance excess-profits refund of about $1 billion to policyholders, discussed possible federal changes to the National Flood Insurance Program, and urged greater home resiliency and code-plus adoption. The commissioner closed by calling for clearer consumer disclosures and responsible oversight of AI use in insurance filings. No bills were considered and no votes were taken; Senator Hooper moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they're seeing multiple, if there's information missing and there's premium or the premium is significantly
• It's going to be 1.175% of their premium.
• in impact on premiums across the state.
• in premium.
• There's about a 15% premium difference between those two markets.

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 23 with a quorum present and first deferred HB 1142. The committee then heard HB 1187, which would direct any excess Louisiana Citizens emergency assessment funds, after related debt is paid, toward the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program or future Citizens debt. Representative Sawyer and Commissioner Tim Temple said the bill would likely redirect about $50 million in one-time surplus funds and would help expand a popular roof-mitigation program that has already awarded more than 4,600 fortified roofs. The bill drew support from several witnesses and was reported as amended without objection. Next, HB 1210, dealing with insurance claim disputes and a pre-suit review process for Louisiana Citizens claims, was discussed. Representative Dana Henry said he was voluntarily deferring the bill and instead pursuing a study resolution after hearing concerns from members and stakeholders. Department and Citizens officials said the proposal was modeled on Florida’s process and could help resolve disputes faster and cheaper, but the bill was ultimately voluntarily deferred after testimony and some opposition cards were noted. The committee then took up HB 1199, which requires coverage for genetic testing and treatment related to SCN2A-associated disorders. Representative Jordan and the Diedon family gave emotional testimony about their daughter Emily’s diagnosis and the importance of timely genetic testing. The bill was amended to require that testing be ordered by a provider and deemed medically necessary by the health plan, with discussion about whether a neurologist should be involved; members said that issue could be refined later. HB 1199 was reported as amended. Finally, the committee considered HB 880, the Louisiana Artificial Intelligence Insurance Fairness Act, which would regulate AI use in underwriting, rating, and claims. After a lengthy discussion about state insurance regulation, McCarran-Ferguson, and concerns that the bill could jeopardize federal broadband funding, Representative Jordan voluntarily deferred HB 880, and HB 920 was also deferred. The committee then heard HB 1221, which would limit the policy data collected for the Louisiana Fortified Program Fund. Former Representative Bowler argued the bill was needed to protect policyholder privacy, while the Department of Insurance and Commissioner Temple said the data is needed for surplus-lines premium tax audits, fraud detection, and consumer assistance after disasters. The discussion continued with questions about what data would be visible and how it would be used, but the transcript ends before a final action on HB 1221 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then you're looking at an 8% to 10% increase in revenue that has to do with premium increases, but
• it's not necessarily created by an 8% to 10% increase in premiums themselves?
• You'll have continued increases in the premiums.
• So you'll have continually increases in the premiums.
• I mean, should they expect this 8% to 10% increase in their premium?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the real health care crisis, not premiums.
• Governor DeSantis also stated that repealing the law would increase medical malpractice premiums.
• It will undoubtedly increase medical malpractice premiums for physicians in Florida.
• increases to both physicians and hospitals.
• In summary, this bill would increase the frequency of nuclear verdicts that drive up premiums, worsen

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to consider HB 6003, a bill to repeal Florida’s “free kill” law that limits certain survivors’ ability to recover non-economic damages in medical negligence wrongful death cases. The sponsor, Rep. Trabulsy, said the bill would restore access to the courts for a small class of families and noted the measure passed both chambers last year before being vetoed by the governor. She and supporters framed the bill as a fairness and constitutional issue, while opponents argued repeal would increase malpractice exposure, insurance costs, and pressure on physician access, especially in high-risk specialties and rural areas. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included family members who described deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and who argued the current law denies accountability and equal treatment based on marital status or whether a decedent had minor children. Opponents included the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Chamber, U.S. Chamber, Florida Insurance Council, and other health care and business groups, who warned that repeal could worsen already high malpractice premiums, contribute to physician shortages, and destabilize access to care. Several speakers on both sides discussed possible caps on non-economic damages as a compromise, though the bill itself was presented as a clean repealer with no amendments. During debate, several members spoke in support, emphasizing equal access to the courts and rejecting the idea that the law should treat some families differently from others. Opponents of the bill argued that the current system helps preserve market stability and that liability concerns, not the free kill law, are driving provider departures. After closing remarks from the sponsor, the committee voted 15 yeas and 1 nay to report HB 6003 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what happens when I take that dollar and I increase it in the rates, To increase the rates.
• The enhanced premium tax credits.
• in their health premium.
• in their health premium.
• We have increased costs. We have, you know, for Medicare. We have increased in utilization.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the November 2025 minutes. Commissioner Charlie Carr then introduced Leslie Darcy, chief of LTSS at MassHealth, who provided an update on the PCA working group and on federal and state budget pressures affecting MassHealth and long-term services and supports. Darcy said the PCA working group had completed its work and submitted recommendations, including reinstating the 66-hour overtime cap, strengthening program integrity, and ending paid paperwork time for EVV users; she said those changes were implemented on 11/26 and were expected to save $7.4 million. She also described additional consensus recommendations to lower the overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours, create a seven-hour weekly meal-prep support limit, and continue exploring benchmarks, though the group could not reach consensus on a benchmark standard. Darcy warned that a federal bill enacted about six months earlier would significantly affect MassHealth, with an estimated $3.5 billion loss to the Commonwealth by 2028. She outlined upcoming changes including revised immigrant eligibility rules in October 2026, work requirements for certain non-disabled adults beginning in January 2027, six-month redeterminations for some adults, and shorter retroactive coverage periods. In response to questions, she said people with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries would be exempt from the work and six-month redetermination requirements. She also explained that reduced federal ACA subsidies were being offset in Massachusetts by state spending, including $250 million in additional state support to keep premiums lower for middle-income families. Members raised concerns about community hospitals, the health safety net, and the impact of federal funding changes on provider rates and uncompensated care. Darcy said restrictions on provider taxes would limit MassHealth’s ability to use those revenues to support rates, and she noted a current $300 million shortfall in the health safety net. She said FY27 would likely include a rate freeze, targeted reductions, one-time budget measures, and further work groups to examine programs such as adult foster care, which she said had grown 40% in two years. Carr emphasized that the situation was serious but potentially fluid, and the meeting ended with no further business; the subcommittee agreed to adjourn before the next meeting and noted an upcoming February presentation from the Department of Public Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support the increase in funding to expand the state premium subsidy program, which...
• We support the increase in funding to expand the state premium subsidy program, which Thank you.
• Just here to stress that this will increase premiums for Californians. Thank you.
• Chair. and increasing the premiums. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• CATP is opposed to the monthly premium increases for the UIS population.

Keywords: 988, house, all