Transcript Highlights:

• AND WE WERE ABLE TO QUICKLY AND WE SORT OF GOT IN FRONT OF IT ONCE WE KNEW THERE WAS GOING TO BE RESERVATIONS
• SO WE DID THE FIRST 50 MILLION AND CONTRIBUTIONS CAME IN AFTER RESERVATIONS WERE MADE WHICH IS GREAT
• STICK WITH THE 2023 2024 APPROPRIATION YEAR WE MADE THOSE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AND THEY WERE FULLY RESERVED
• SO FOR THE 24-25 APPROPRIATION WE BEAT THAT RECORD AND RESERVE THE FUNDS IN 51 DAYS.
• SHIP RECIPIENTS MUST ALSO RESERVE SPECIFIC FUNDS FOR SPECIFIC SERVICES INCLUDING 65% OR MORE FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So even though there wasn't enough in reserves to pay claims that were going forward, the strategy was
• or specific reserve.
• Their children attend charter schools, public schools, and private schools off reservation.
• I'm a full-blooded Navajo who grew up on the Navajo Reservation.
• So that's my reservation about the amendment. All right. Thank you.

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, to focus on having appropriate reserves in the PCF as they exit.
• Again, to focus on having appropriate reserves in the PCF as they exit.
• or specific reserve.
• I'm a full-blooded Navajo who grew up on the Navajo Reservation.
• So that's my reservation about the amendment. All right. Thank you.

Bills: HB99, HJR5, HM39, HB206, HB213, SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up a lengthy informational presentation on the Patient Compensation Fund (PCF) and New Mexico medical malpractice insurance. Teresa Hassey, a plaintiffs’ attorney, described the PCF’s origin in the 1976 Medical Malpractice Act, its role as a state-backed excess coverage system, and her view that it was mismanaged when hospital participation expanded without individualized risk assessments. She argued that hospitals underpaid surcharges, that the fund was depleted by claims, and that the 2021 amendments and later legislative infusions were meant to shore up deficits and phase hospitals out. Superintendent of Insurance Alice Kane and LFC analyst Julia Rodriguez presented a different perspective, emphasizing recent general fund infusions, current surcharge collections, the use of actuarial reviews, and the PCF’s budget and settlement activity. Kane said the market is highly concentrated, New Mexico’s malpractice costs and defense expenses are high, and the fund still provides lower-cost coverage than the open market, while also noting ongoing issues with future medical claims, TPA transition, and investment management. Committee members questioned the presenters at length about why New Mexico malpractice premiums are so high, whether defense costs were being conflated with claim payouts, how the PCF works with primary coverage and excess coverage, and whether hospitals were properly assessed when they entered the fund. Several senators raised concerns about punitive damages, corporate practice of medicine, and whether the state’s legal environment is driving doctors away. Others challenged the data comparisons, noting differences between one-year figures and multi-year averages, and asked why New Mexico’s costs remain far above neighboring states. Kane and Hassey disagreed on the causes, with Kane pointing to high claims and defense costs over time and Hassey arguing that hospital participation and punitive-damage exposure distorted the market. The chair concluded the discussion by saying the committee had not exhausted the topic and that he still wanted a clear path to reducing doctors’ insurance costs. After a break, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 41. Senator Charlie introduced the bill, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for the most serious sexual crimes in New Mexico. He argued that trauma, coercion, fear, and delayed disclosure often prevent survivors from reporting promptly, and said the law should reflect that reality. The bill was presented as a response to survivor testimony heard in a prior hearing, and the sponsor framed it as part of a broader effort to modernize the justice system for sexual violence cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to reserve my right to close.
• OK, we'll reserve the right to close. Chair calls Rita Ross. Good morning.
• Chairman, we'll reserve the right to close. Do you mind if I come on.
• OK, um, alright, we'll reserve your right. We'll reserve your right, uh, chair calls Jay Thompson.
• I do have reservations that may drive them up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Physicians were told to no longer do chemotherapy treatments; they were reserving those beds for COVID
• Physicians were told to no longer do chemotherapy treatments; they were reserving those beds for COVID
• Physicians were told to no longer do chemotherapy treatments; they were reserving those beds for COVID
• Physicians were told to no longer do chemotherapy treatments; they were reserving those beds for COVID
• those beds for covid reserving those beds for covid patients<00:08:41.919><c> would</c><00:08:42.080

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, a health care conscience-protection measure. Supporters said the bill would protect health care professionals from being forced to participate in procedures or services that violate sincerely held religious or ethical beliefs, while explicitly excluding emergency care. They argued it would help recruit and retain providers, preserve ethical integrity in medicine, and has worked in several other states. Supporters also emphasized that the bill is aimed at procedures or services, not at denying care based on who a patient is, and noted that the bill includes a civil cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Several supporters described personal experiences. A nurse said lack of conscience protections affected her career choices and limited her path into women’s health. Dr. Warman said he had requested not to perform anesthesia for abortions and later chose non-narcotic pain management because he objected to heavy opioid prescribing, saying conscience protections allow professionals to practice responsibly. Senators asked about examples, the bill’s scope, whether it could be used to discriminate, and which states have similar laws; Mississippi, Florida, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Arkansas were named. Questions also focused on the bill’s civil enforcement provisions and whether it could be used against patients based on identity or religion. Opponents warned the bill was overly broad and could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health workers, including clerks, ambulance drivers, pharmacists, nurses, and physicians. Dr. Karen Abrams said it could lead to denial of birth control, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other care, especially in rural areas with few alternatives, and could worsen Kentucky’s provider shortages. David Conway said the bill lacked patient protections, could increase delays and discrimination, and could prevent reassignment of objecting staff. The chair noted there were seven people signed up in opposition, limited testimony to two minutes each, and said the committee would return to the bill after hearing additional opposition and other pending bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that everything comes out of the reserve that everything comes out of the reserve account.<00:15
• </c> more going into the the, uh, uh, reserve more going into the the, uh, uh, reserve and<00:15:30.959
• </c> of expenditures out of the reserve of expenditures out of the reserve account.<00:19:05.120><c>
• And then you into that reserve account.
• Uh, we were able to build up our reserves again and fix that issue within a year.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By December, the reserve would be empty.
• There was already 6% built into that to help stabilize the reserves. That didn't work.
• We are now up against the clock to get money into the active reserve.
• , into the active reserve, which is funded by premium payments.
• We are now up against the clock to get money into the active reserve.

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It builds up $29 billion in total reserves.
• Down the road, and it builds up $29 billion in total reserves, and also we anticipate that as part of
• And between those two things, the greater revenue and the lower reserve in the SFEU, the Special Fund
• If you count the Prop. 98 reserve, about $29 billion in 2026-27 in reserves.
• The legislative plan deposits $9.5 billion into the Prop. 98 Reserve, which is $800 million less than

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to reserve my right to close.
• I'd be glad to answer any questions and reserve the right to close.
• I reserve the right to close. Okay, members, any questions?
• I do have reservations that it may drive them up.
• With that, I am happy to take any questions and I reserve my right to close.

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• We will reserve your right to close and we'll start testimony then.
• Okay, we will reserve your right to close and receive a testimony.
• And I reserve my right to close. Thank you.
• Members, I reserve the right to close. Yes, sir, you will have it.
• With that, I reserve the right to remain silent.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Please, I'm just going to vote with reservations. Okay, any other comments?
• Are there any others who wish to vote with reservations?
• <01:09:31.920><c> any</c> reservations any reservations any knows<01:09:33.839><c> seeing</c><01:09:34.159
• Are there any members who wish to vote no or with reservations?
• Any reservations? Seeing none, the Chair's recommendation is adopted. Thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 918, relating to labeling, drew support from the Department of Health, INDA (the nonwoven fabrics industry), and Hawaii Realtors. INDA said the bill aligns with do-not-flush labeling laws in other states but raised a concern about the six-month compliance deadline tied to FIFRA approval. In response to committee questions, witnesses explained that the bill is aimed mainly at disinfecting wipes, that most products are already labeled nationally, and that the proposed timing issue could be addressed by using Oregon’s approach. No vote was taken on the measure during the portion shown. The committee also heard HB 1482, relating to controlled substances. HPD supported the bill, and Aloha Green Holdings and the Department of Health both said they supported the intent but recommended technical amendments. Their testimony focused on clarifying the treatment of Delta-8 THC, distinguishing synthetic or artificially derived cannabinoids from naturally occurring forms, and avoiding confusion in the hemp law. Members asked whether Delta-8 would show up on drug tests; witnesses said it would test positive for THC and would not be distinguished from Delta-9. The bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. HB 981, relating to attorney’s fees, drew opposition from a law firm representing homeowners and associations, which argued the bill would limit access to legal services, favor developers and contractors, and make settlement harder. The witness suggested instead using existing consumer-protection fee-shifting concepts, and committee members explored whether a capped fee award or a broader attorney-fee rule would be more appropriate. The committee then took up HB 807 and HB 336, both relating to condominiums. HB 807 received support from the Green Infrastructure Authority and the Hawaii Bankers Association, while one testifier urged deferral over unresolved questions about commercial PACE financing; the bank association asked for more time to work with HGIA, and the chair indicated decision-making could be deferred to allow that discussion. On HB 336, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as removing checks and balances, while the Hawaii Workers Center and others supported it as a step toward clearer enforcement of health and safety issues in condominiums and rental housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reservation. Any members voting no. reservation. Any members voting no.
• Any members voting with reservation?
• >> Reservation. >> Reservation for Representative Amato. >> Reservation. >> Reservation for Representative
• </c> Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting with reservation?
• </c><02:25:43.359><c> Any</c> any members voting with reservation Any any members voting with reservation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• the following House bills be scheduled for consideration by the House: the House bill authorizing reserved
• House bill authorizing the town of Lancaster to dissolve its animal control committee, Authorizing reserved
• Second reading of the bills: An act authorizing reserved capacity billing in the town of Norfolk, House

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several committee reports and adopted a series of resolutions and procedural orders. It adopted resolutions honoring Yulanda Carrillo on her 102nd birthday and the Knights of Columbus Peabody Leo Council 508 on its 125th anniversary. The House also extended reporting deadlines for the Education Committee and the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, and concurred with a Senate referral of a sick leave bank petition for Emily Kulik. Joint Rule 12 was suspended for additional petitions, including a sick leave bank for Aden Daniels and a petition to rescind prior calls for a federal constitutional convention. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a number of local bills for House consideration, including measures on Norfolk reserved capacity billing, Dalton town manager residency requirements, Lancaster’s animal control commission, Cambridge parking enforcement notices, Fairhaven’s charter, Malden’s charter, Ipswich’s charter, and a sick leave bank for John C. Murphy. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills through second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House then considered and adopted the emergency preamble for House No. 4364, authorizing easements to the town of Bourne. It also passed to engrossment two Department of Correction sick leave bank bills: House No. 4426 for Paul Stavisky and House No. 4427 for Fenneda Janow Patel. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m., and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many counties reported using reserve funds to help meet the cap requirement.
• Many counties reported using reserve funds to help meet the cap requirement.
• So, Shelly, just in comment on the reserve funds, I think I brought this up before.
• So when we talk about reserve funds, there's a lot of implications.
• So I just don't want people to equate that the use of reserve funds is only because of the 3% cap.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I just add a piece of information in regard to the reserves that both the governor's May Revision
• Can I just add a piece of information in regard to the reserves that both the governor's mayor vision
• , as well as the two-party plan, leaves a reserve of roughly around $13 billion for the legislature's
• And a reserve fund won't be the answer. It's not the panacea to that.
• All the reserve fund does is buy us time.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The practice of reserving seats prior to the joint meeting by placard will not be allowed.
• Members may reserve their seats by physical presence only following the security sweep of the chamber
• THE PRACTICE OF RESERVING SEATS PRIOR TO THE JOINT MEETING BY PLACARD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
• MEMBERS MAY RESERVE THEIR SEATS BY PHYSICAL PRESENCE ONLY FOLLOWING THE SECURITY SWEEP OF THE CHAMBER

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I still have reservations about this legislation.
• [member_14895] Representative Davidson expresses reservations about the bill's delegation of rulemaking
• And so I have really serious reservations about that.
• Representative Davidson continues, saying he is aware of the bill and the discussion and still has reservations

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some concerns and reservations with going and supporting the motion.
• I have some concerns and reservations with going and supporting the motion.
• I initially supported the introduction, though I had a few reservations.
• My initial reservation was about whenever the government or the state starts to assert certain restrictions

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first agreed to hold House Bill 640 in committee after the sponsor indicated he wanted it held. It then heard House Bill 641, which would limit employers from disciplining employees for using earned sick leave and would require compliance with applicable federal FMLA and ADA provisions. The sponsor and labor supporters said the bill was a light-touch fairness measure to prevent retaliation against workers who use benefits they were offered, while some members objected to referencing federal law in state statute. After testimony from workers and the Idaho AFL-CIO, the committee passed the bill on a roll call vote, 10-2, with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1221, which changes references from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” in PERSI-related provisions so the seasonal retiree work exception applies consistently. The sponsor explained it was a clarifying change, and the bill was moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation and passed by voice vote. The committee then heard House Bill 642, which would expand catastrophic death benefits for EMS workers, firefighters, and police officers killed in the line of duty, providing a $500,000 lump sum to a spouse or dependent children and an annual pension benefit for a surviving spouse. Supporters of House Bill 642, including a sheriff’s office representative, a retired PERSI employee, and the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police, said the bill would better align death benefits with catastrophic injury benefits and help families of fallen first responders. Members praised the proposal and noted that the benefit changes were being funded by the public safety groups themselves rather than the state. The committee voted unanimously to send House Bill 642 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve my right to close. Thank you. Are there any questions for Chairman Shaheen?
• Chair, I respectfully reserve my right to close or answer any questions. Thank you.
• I reserve my right to close if there are any. answer any questions if there are any. Thank you.
• I have a witness, and I reserve the right to close. Seeing none, the chair calls Bennett Dodson.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, Chairman, I reserve my right to close if there's no questions.
• I reserve my right to close and will defer to witnesses to speak for the resolution.
• I thank you for your consideration, and I reserve my right to close. Any questions?
• You reserve the right to close, I assume. That's right. I, uh, I will close.