Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Print 8772 Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
• Senate Print 8772 Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Insurance Law. 8774 Ramos, an act to amend the
• 8798 Krueger, an act to amend the Domestic Relations Law. 8800 Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Insurance
• Senate Print 8807 Krueger, an act to amend the Insurance Law.
• Ryan, an act to amend the Public Service Law. 8821 Senator Sutton, an act to amend the Administrative Code

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal. On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate. On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• TODAY OUR INSURANCE CODE REQUIRES A CHILD MIGHT BE DIAGNOSED BY AGE 8 AND SERVICES ARE MANDATED TO BE
• INSURANCE FOR HOSPITAL SYSTEMS.
• IT IS ONLY SERVED TO INSULATE THE INSURERS.
• YOU COMPARE THIS TO UM CLAIMS AND AUTO INSURANCE.
• MARK DEGAULLE WAIVING FLORIDA INSURANCE WAIVING AGAINST.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is something we have to do, I think every year, or at least every other year, as per the code.
• Our code, our agencies, and our practices need to reflect that truth.
• where it makes sense, and we can point back to that as a precedent for other areas in the code where
• What we're trying to do is update our code, the Virginia code, so that it recognizes that that's a truism
• . that potentially this month, the commission will ratify that model state code.

Keywords: Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and stakeholders to give us feedback on any changes they would like to see to our discipline, our code
• We obviously follow the District Code of Conduct, but we have policies in place that help teachers when
• , then that's when you would know that they were on that, which we do have the consequences in our code
• I'm an afterlife insurance, if anybody needs a policy. You know, I'm a pastor as well.
• I'm in afterlife insurance, if anybody needs a policy.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I understand it, oil tanks are covered by homeowners insurance, so when they let go, the insurance
• so when they let go the insurance so when they let go the insurance<00:31:53.360> kicks insurance
• for uh if the homeowner's insurance for uh if the homeowner's insurance doesn't<00:38:48.319>
• What if someone's homeowner's insurance or insurance doesn't cover?
• <00:57:06.839> or<00:57:07.079> insurance homeowner's insurance or insurance homeowner's

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and he and you read his report, uh, and it's damning, uh, both his report and his assessment and the code
• Failing in her job responsibilities and there's no other way to read a code neutrals report uh or the
• Chair, I haven't drilled down exactly which topics, but there are several insurance laws that need to
• Um, I will get you a more specific list, but off the top of my head, um, some car insurance law in the
• That actually deals with the two acts, the, the Mental Health Development Disabilities Code, but also

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Insurance Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, committee.
• I'm Ren Norman with the Department of Insurance. We've just got one contract for you today.
• fact,<00:38:50.800> I<00:38:51.119> believe<00:38:51.280> the<00:38:51.520> code
• ><00:38:51.839> section<00:38:52.400> is<00:38:52.960> as fact, I believe the code
• section is as fact, I believe the code section is as vague<00:38:53.599> as<00:38:53.839>

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trailer bill proposal by the California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, to amend Government Code
• Government Code 14017 required that Caltrans transfer a portion of those federal formula funds from the
• , the intent of this proposal is to keep the intent of the bill, which was to amend the Government Code
• So the high road training partnerships are defined in the California Unemployment Insurance Code Section
• First is that, as was noted, this is core operations; this is vehicle insurance, this is utility, this

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several budget and policy items, beginning with the DMV’s proposal for the federal state-to-state verification system and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP). DMV officials said the state-to-state system is required for Real ID compliance and functions as a pointer system that shares only limited identifying information to help states verify whether an applicant has records in another jurisdiction. Members pressed hard on privacy, access, hacking, notification, and misuse concerns, including whether other states or federal actors could use the system to target Californians. DMV said access is limited to member jurisdictions, requests are transaction-based, records are encrypted, California can see when its data is requested, and legal remedies would include working through AAMVA and the Attorney General if misuse occurred. On DXP, DMV said the project has been reset, is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is targeted for completion by the end of the calendar year, and the full modernization is expected by fiscal year 2028-29. The committee then took up the High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a work-paper retention and disclosure framework, and that the trailer bill and AB 1608 would codify those powers, add access to needed job classifications and purchasing authority, and require public reporting with temporary confidentiality only in limited circumstances such as pending litigation, security vulnerabilities, or fraud-detection weaknesses. Members debated how broad the confidentiality language should be, whether reports could remain confidential too long, and whether the bill should define “proposed agreements” and require notice to the Inspector General when agreements are being reviewed. The Inspector General said he had already found at least one procurement-related state law violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract, and members discussed the project’s large cost growth and the need for stronger oversight. No vote was taken on the item in the portion provided. Finally, Caltrans began presenting a trailer bill proposal related to workforce development under SB 150, explaining that it would amend Government Code 14017, which governs use of federal highway formula funds and related workforce development efforts. The transcript cuts off as Caltrans starts its overview, so no further discussion, vote, or action on that item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• trailer bill proposal by the California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, to amend Government Code
• Government Code 14017 required that Caltrans transfer a portion of those federal formula funds from the
• intent of this proposal is to... ...keep the intent of the bill, which was to amend the Government Code
• So the high road training partnerships are defined in the California Unemployment Insurance Code Section
• This is vehicle insurance, this is utility, this is not discretionary, so it really is in the interest

Summary: The committee first heard a DMV budget presentation on the state-to-state verification system required for Real ID compliance and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP) modernization project. DMV officials said the state-to-state system is a pointer-based exchange used when a person applies for a license in another state, with only limited identifying data shared initially and the full driver history sent only after a qualified request. Members raised concerns about privacy, possible misuse by other states or federal actors, notification to Californians, hacking, and whether California could detect or stop abusive access. DMV said it can monitor requests, see patterns of access, work with AAMVA and legal counsel, and seek to block or challenge misuse; LAO said California is in a difficult position and should consider guardrails rather than opt out. On DXP, DMV said the project is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is expected by the end of calendar year 2026, and the full system should be finished by fiscal year 2028-29, with phased rollout and reappropriated funding to keep costs controlled. The committee then heard from the California High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General on a trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a framework for retaining and disclosing work papers, and the proposed trailer bill would create that framework while also adding authority to hire needed classifications and purchase goods and services. He also said the office needs a clearer statutory definition of “proposed agreements” and notice when the High-Speed Rail Authority is reviewing them, so the office can review contracts and related agreements effectively. LAO raised no concerns with the trailer bill language, and Finance said any amendments would come in the May revision. Members debated the scope of confidentiality in the Inspector General proposal, especially whether reports could be held confidential when they identify weaknesses in fraud controls, security, or other vulnerabilities. The Inspector General said confidentiality would be temporary, tied to articulating the risk, reassessing it every 120 days, and releasing the report once the risk is no longer substantial; he also said the office had already published reports at its discretion and had found at least one procurement violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract. Several members pressed for stronger transparency and suggested time limits or broader disclosure, while others argued the bill would improve oversight and make the Inspector General’s authority clearer. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the item was left for further work on the trailer bill and AB 1608 language.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they break down, and then they cancel their insurance, and the truck is stuck there beside the
• And then they break down, and then they cancel their insurance, and the truck is stuck there beside the
• And as an exemption to the New Mexico Procurement Code for agreements and contracts entered into and
• the pursuant of the legislation, essentially accommodating public private partnerships Procurement Code
• It's obviously going to require a change to the property tax code to Required even though it wasn't a

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 7-24 six insurance 7-24 six insurance tax<01:01:58.640> uh<01:01:58.880> and<01:01
• I think where I’d like to see us move to is to use the tax code primarily to bring money in and move
• um<01:04:47.279> use<01:04:47.720> the<01:04:47.920> tax<01:04:48.279> code
• <01:04:48.760> primarily<01:04:49.440> to um um use the tax code primarily to um um
• use the tax code primarily to bring<01:04:50.160> money bring money bring money in<01:04:52.240

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bottom of the page, Department of Insurance. that although I'd like to take care of that although I'd
• Senator Inis is third. our insurance for insurance for the our insurance for insurance for the state<
• We did see the code that I think you were interested in doing.
• And so to adjust for all the other rate codes, I believe the annual number we calculated this morning
• We did um see the code that position.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Code.
• <00:43:05.720> And<00:43:05.840> then primarily enforces the US code.
• And then primarily enforces the US code.
• But it's local government insurance trust.
• :41:38.280> trust it's local government insurance trust it's local government insurance trust

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met with 122 members present, heard the journal read, and proceeded through a long series of Senate messages, concurrence motions, and third-reading votes on a wide range of bills. Early business included conference committee appointments on Senate Bill 159 (Emergency Medical Services Vehicles and Ambulances, Required Supplies), Senate Bill 514 (Third Degree Assault), and Senate Bill 866 (Chain Restaurants, disclosure of sodium and added sugars), along with several other bills where the House declined to recede from its amendments and named conferees. The chamber also adopted concurrence on House Bill 1181 (children in out-of-home placement) and House Bill 1219 (climate change/homeowners insurance study), and adopted a favorable committee report on House Bill 1602 (no-cost cancer screening for volunteer firefighters), which was amended to add sponsors, make technical changes, and include retired volunteer firefighters before being ordered printed for third reading. The House then took up a Rules Committee consent calendar and moved a batch of bills to the appropriate committees. On third reading, it passed House Bill 1028 (Caroline County Board of Education compensation increase) and House Bill 1599 (Choptank River Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund) by constitutional majorities. It also rejected Senate amendments on House Bill 107 (Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program), House Bill 153 (residential rental apartments air conditioning requirement), House Bill 1063 (hunting management), and House Bill 1067 (lead and lead-based ammunition phase out), appointing conference committees in each case. House Bill 717 (Baltimore City raffles for organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams) and House Bill 892 (cemeteries, actions for sale/transfer/alternate use) also had Senate amendments rejected. The chamber then passed a series of Senate bills on third reading, including Senate Bill 309 (precious metal bullion or coins sales tax exemption), 523 (vernal pools identification), 742 (Maryland Protecting People with Disabilities Act), 141 (election misinformation/disinformation and deep fakes), 298 (Maryland Capital Police statewide jurisdiction), 515 (Health Services Cost Review Commission rate setting), 638 (Maryland Heritage Areas funding and grants), 28 (state employee arbitration reform), 72 (Baltimore County off-premises alcohol sales), 361 (Baltimore City alcoholic beverages license extension), 414 (Anne Arundel County nonprofit swim club license), 601 (cybersecurity standards), 305 (incarcerated individual training and reentry grant fund extension), 331 (retired law enforcement handgun permit renewal), 516 (protective body armor requirements and reporting), 651 (transfer-on-death deed establishment), 865 (private passenger automobile insurance work group), 933 (temporary appointment to the Commission on Judicial Disabilities), 261 (money transmission act definition changes), and 823 (Parole Commission selection committee changes). Most passed with little or no debate; Senate Bill 523 drew opposition from a delegate who warned that identifying vernal pools could lead to future regulation and land-use restrictions, while Senate Bill 823 prompted questions about victims’ rights and whether state’s attorneys remained opposed, with the floor leader saying the bill added a victims’ rights advocate to the selection committee and that opposition had been limited to written testimony. Several members later changed votes on Senate Bill 638 and Senate Bill 865 before the House moved on.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:16.799> financial each fiscal year for insurance financial each fiscal year for insurance
• The funds in the department of insurance The funds in the department of insurance are<00:39:13.599
• <01:26:51.040> program fully fund our health insurance program fully fund our health insurance
• > employee medical insurance fund employee medical insurance fund employee contribution<01:46:
• contribution um if the medical insurance contribution um if the medical insurance fund<01:46:42.880

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration. Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs. Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects. The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section six relates to use of zip code for sourcing sales.
• by having a 5-digit zip code and a street address.
• may instead apply the rate for the 5-digit zip code.
• by having a 5-digit zip code and a street address.
• may instead apply the rate for the 5-digit zip code.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> One of the other major issues is the automobile liability insurance changes that the Governor has
• >> ONE OF THE OTHER MAJOR ISSUES IS THE AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE CHANGES THAT THE GOVERNOR
• panel of experts from all over the country to study that problem and to come up with new fire safety codes
• PANEL OF EXPERTS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, TO STUDY THAT PROBLEM AND TO COME UP WITH NEW FIRE SAFETY CODES
• either abandoned or there is confusion around the ownership, and they have subsequently had many, many code

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2996, certificates of insurance — Finance. HB 4011, HOA's duties — Government.
• HB 4020, insurance fraud unit assessment increase — Finance.
• HB 2271, insurers covering firefighters rate deviation.
• HB 2398, watercraft insurance requirements penalties. HB 2400, motor fuel tax holiday.
• . ...and potentially could place a lien on somebody's property under the Arizona Civil Code.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, realtors visiting for Realtor Day, and a representative from Home of Hope. The Senate then handled a large number of bill referrals and second-reading items before moving into Committee of the Whole on multiple calendars. Several bills were advanced with committee and floor amendments, including SB 1494, SB 1497, SB 1503, SB 1535, SB 1544, SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1584, SB 1585, SB 1602, SB 1632, SB 1723, and SB 1798. Many of the amendments were described as technical cleanups, but some made substantive changes, such as SB 1535’s provisions on sealing records for sex-trafficking victims and SB 1723’s domestic-violence release and monitoring provisions. The Committee of the Whole also adopted a report recommending several bills do pass as amended. The chamber adopted House Concurrent Resolution 264 honoring former Senator Barbara Leff, followed by a moment of silence and remarks from her family. The Senate then returned to Committee of the Whole for Calendar 1, where it retained SB 1332 and advanced SB 1654, SB 1711, SB 1743, SCR 1047, and HB 2993. HB 2993 drew the most debate: opponents argued it had a single-subject problem, relied on funding from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Fraud Fund, and could create unnecessary outside-counsel costs for DPS, while supporters cited the need for the supplemental and defended the funding approach. The motion to report HB 2993 do pass carried by division, 16-13. In third reading, the Senate passed HB 4115 and a series of Senate bills, including SB 1012, SB 1213, SB 1416, SB 1474, SB 1511, SB 1549, SB 1573, SB 1634, SB 1647, and SB 1649, with several passing on close 16-13 votes. Debate centered heavily on immigration enforcement, concealed carry in businesses serving alcohol, CDL and driver-license issues, campaign finance disclosure, and a digital asset reserve fund. Members on both sides repeatedly explained votes on constitutional, public safety, fiscal, and civil-rights grounds. The session ended with bills transmitted to the House after passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• request that the Legislature meet the commitment set forth in the California Military and Veterans Code
• Military and Veterans Code allows California's counties to appoint and establish a county veteran service
• working with our veterans when they're looking to buy their home, and not just buy their home, but insure
• that home, because the issue with insurance is a big thing.
• But CalVet has their insurance policy, where that veteran finances his home through CalVet, there's insurance

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, even when you're paying 20% down, when you're thinking about your mortgage, taxes, and insurance,
• , taxes, insurance, that means you're<00:17:40.320> looking<00:17:40.600> at<00:17:40.679
• We do building codes that address building across the state. Cities can't do that.
• We<00:59:51.520> do<00:59:51.680> building<00:59:52.040> codes<00:59:52.560>
• that<00:59:52.720> address We do building codes that address We do building codes that address

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand you have an amendment coded A3. I will move your amendment before the committee.
• <00:02:24.440> have<00:02:24.599> an<00:02:24.800> amendment<00:02:25.760> coded
• understand you have an amendment coded understand you have an amendment coded A3<00:02:27.319>
• costs evidence room management insurance costs evidence room management insurance and<00:19:07.919
• There is an amendment to the bill, coded DE1.

Keywords: 1183, house