Transcript Highlights:

• Health Care Work Group, a strong supporter of universal health care and the Indian health care delivery
• health care work group, strong supporter of universal health care and the Indian health care delivery
• to deliver that care.
• my family to be cared for.
• they often lack a holistic approach to improving the full health care system right now.

Bills: SB6258, SB6182, SB5947, SJR8206, SB5823, SB6292

Keywords: Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database, National Practitioner Data Bank, license renewal, license reinstatement, medical board, professional discipline, credential surrender, healthcare regulation, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a January 29 public hearing on six bills, moving through a large number of testifiers under a one-minute limit. The first bill, SB 6292, would create a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing to study financing mechanisms for statewide access and coverage; the sponsor and several supporters from the Health Care Authority, insurance, hospital, medical, labor, and patient groups said it could help the state respond to affordability and sustainability challenges, while some suggested coordination and scope amendments. The committee also waived the five-day notice rule to hear SB 6258 and SB 6182 that morning. SB 6258 would create a non-disciplinary pathway for voluntary relinquishment of certain Washington Medical Commission licenses. Staff and supporters said it would provide a humane, due-process-friendly option for physicians and other licensees who need to leave practice without discipline; testimony from the Medical Commission and a physicians’ health program strongly supported it. SB 6182 would establish an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers and direct the Department of Health to issue grants for abortion clinical care. Supporters argued it would protect abortion access and recoup funds set aside under the ACA, while opponents raised concerns about the assessment functioning as a tax, lack of opt-out, and impacts on premiums and conscience rights. The committee also heard SB 5947, which would create the Washington Health Care Board to design a universal state health plan if and when federal authority and funding become available. Supporters from labor, health care, student, tribal, and universal-care advocacy groups said it would prepare Washington for a future federal waiver and advance universal coverage; opponents argued it was too vague, costly in principle, or unnecessary. SJR 8206 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to declare affordable health care a fundamental right; testimony was sharply divided between supporters who said it would establish a clear state commitment and opponents who warned of legal uncertainty, vague terms, and future budget pressures. Finally, SB 5823 would require licensed hospitals to employ or provide access to a patient advocate to help patients navigate care, records, billing, and appointments. The sponsor said it was prompted by constituent concerns, while hospital and patient coalition witnesses supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify staffing, exemptions, and scope. No votes on the bills were taken in the hearing; the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is going to get me in trouble, but we're sine die tomorrow, so I don't care.
• And this is going to get me in trouble, but we're sine die tomorrow, so I don't care.
• and improve consideration of the bills.
• Care is the name that she's been in accepting him.
• It would clarify a provider of health care who was a solo practitioner.

Bills: AB49, AB93, AB108, AB169, AB188, AB212, AB221, AB224, AB251, AB282, AB284, AB296, AB304, AB331, AB356, AB366, AB375, AB409, AB467, AB475, AB476, AB479, AB494, AB514, AB515, AB533, AB542, AB550, AB558, AB567, AB568, AB571, AB581, AB583, AB584, AB585, AB595, AB596, AB597, SB170, SB427, SB460, SB508

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, health insurance, speech-language pathology

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of things wrapped up in that to clarify and improve the statute.
• would like to point out clearly that MSCJ and MACDL are both in support of any legislation that will improve
• Two minutes, okay, well, I will begin my testimony with a sincere thank you for giving careful consideration
• While you're already giving careful consideration to how active shooter drills are to be conducted, the
• This funding will support, as was said, planning, training, equipment purchases, infrastructure improvements

Bills: HF1354, HF1901, HF2124, HF2130, HF2260, HF2099, HF104, HF134, HF1769

Keywords: public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• So a lot of things wrapped up in that to clarify and improve the statute.
• So a lot of things wrapped up in that to clarify and improve the statute.
• </c><00:47:22.040><c> and</c> training infrastructure improvements and training infrastructure improvements
• </c> purchases infrastructure improvements purchases infrastructure improvements Etc<00:59:10.119><c>
• </c> medical assistance and the child care medical assistance and the child care assistance<01:01:43.920

Bills: HF1354, HF1901, HF2124, HF2130, HF2260, HF2099, HF104, HF134, HF1769

Keywords: public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1023 requires an optometrist to conduct an eye examination according to the standard of care
• I don't really care. It's your bill. He's got the amendment, so pick one. I don't really care.
• So you’ve made the case for health care workers that that’s a qualification.
• schools right now lying to patients, saying that race matching them to physicians leads to better care

Bills: SB1013, SB1023

Keywords: merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes direct care staff, non-direct care staff, and contractors, but excludes administrative
• instead of other care.
• </c><00:35:55.760><c> of</c> that however if we don't take care of that however if we don't take care
• Simply put, investing in senior care is good for senior care, for access to senior care, and it's good
• Long-Term Care Imperative.

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there's a young woman who is about to age out of foster care now; she...
• She came into care because her mom was beating her. She came in as a teenager.
• We're supportive of the bill, but we do think there's some room for improvement with it.
• There's room for improvement with it. What would you improve?
• Everyone is looking for the right place to land and also the improvements.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Mental Health Care Consortium.
• and you don't have a health care system, you don't have a health care system.
• I only believe in the need for improved bereavement training for medical staff who care for families
• Second, within the statewide initiative to improve access to and quality of perinatal bereavement care
• to well care, to actual health care, that's what this bill is about, Senate Bill 2744.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744, HB18, HB37, HB116

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Transcript Highlights:

• , for their family’s care.
• , for their family’s care.
• Improves diabetes management, preventative care, and early treatment, thus reducing complications and
• Improves diabetes management, preventative care, and early treatment, thus reducing complications and
• </c> your strategy to provide that care? your strategy to provide that care?

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health care professionals. health care professionals.
• </c> doctors, nurses, and other health care doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals<00:04
• </c> free speech leads to better health care free speech leads to better health care for<00:05:02.240
• </c> freedom of speech for health care freedom of speech for health care professionals<00:05:14.000><
• </c><00:05:20.080><c> HB43</c> quality health care. HB43 quality health care.

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This fund was created to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and health care
• partners while prioritizing health care providers.
• Senator Martin, would you care to comment? Thank you. Thank you for your heart.
• Senator Martin, would you care to comment? Thank you. Thank you for your heart.
• I don’t care about a day of remembrance. Sure, put a day of remembrance on the table.

Bills: S0194, S1246

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, remembrance, free speech, civic engagement, youth leadership, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum and first considered SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s Line Fund for health service workforce shortages. Senator Davis explained that the bill would broaden eligibility beyond nursing to include health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit use of funds for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which professions would qualify, and Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility but could be made more concrete. Several witnesses supported the bill, and the committee reported SB 1246 favorably without additional funding being requested. The committee then took up SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday. The bill drew both support and opposition from public speakers, with supporters emphasizing Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and unborn children, and opponents arguing that his public statements on race, civil rights, and Black leaders made him an inappropriate figure for state honor. Members also debated whether statute was the right vehicle for such recognition and whether the bill could encourage future requests for similar commemorations. A late-filed amendment by Senator Jones would have added George Floyd to the remembrance language, framing the issue as selective remembrance and pointing to Floyd’s death as another national reckoning. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated SB 194 at length, with supporters describing Kirk as a defender of open debate and opponents saying the bill would legitimize divisive rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported SB 194 favorably, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones voting no, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Simon voting yes, and Chair Calatayud casting the deciding favorable vote. The committee then adjourned after a motion to record Tab 2 in the affirmative was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> today on behalf of the long-term care today on behalf of the long-term care imp<00:08:49.399><c>
• </c><00:09:07.279><c> in</c> hurt access to nursing home care in hurt access to nursing home care in
• </c><00:24:36.200><c> they</c> them the care they them the care they need<00:24:38.120><c> during</c>
• Thank you. provide care we fail the residents who provide care we fail the residents who depend<00:29
• </c> people who dedicate their lives to care people who dedicate their lives to care for<00:29:53.559

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Yick, would you care to close? Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Yekwood, do you care to close? I would. Mr.
• Senator Burdock, would you care to close?
• Senator Peterson, would you care to close? See, no debate.
• Senator Frickson, you care, close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102

Keywords: education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee considered a long series of bills, many dealing with tax credits, property taxes, and tax administration. Early action included Senate Bill 1579, which creates a taxpayer bill of rights for ad valorem tax assessments by sending taxpayers a plain-language notice of existing rights; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 683, as amended, expanded the parental choice tax credit to cover certain supplemental educational services for private-school students, including tutoring and summer learning programs, but drew concerns about broad language and unequal treatment of public-school students; it passed 8-3 with one member not voting. Senate Bill 1389 proposed a $25 million increase in the parental choice tax credit cap; supporters said the program is nearing its limit and should grow gradually, while opponents cited lack of outcomes data and benefits flowing disproportionately to higher-income families and metro counties. It passed 10-2. The committee also advanced several tax and property-related measures. Senate Bill 1387 would allow a sales tax refund when a vehicle is sold within six months of a purchase, even without a trade-in, and passed 10-2. Senate Bill 1390 extended and removed a cap on funding for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and related agencies, passing unanimously. Senate Bill 2063 would require the State Treasurer to publish more information about unclaimed property online; the Treasurer’s office opposed it over privacy and burden concerns, but the bill passed 7-3. Senate Bill 1829 reduced the motor vehicle excise tax on manufactured homes to align more closely with the tax burden on traditional homes, and passed 8-2. Senate Bill 1842 would let county treasurers offer a 12-month installment prepayment plan for ad valorem taxes; it passed 9-1. Several other bills were debated on policy and accountability grounds. Senate Bill 1391 would require private schools participating in the parental choice tax credit to administer state tests and report results; supporters framed it as accountability for public tax dollars, while opponents argued it would undermine private-school autonomy and school-choice goals. It failed 5-7. Senate Bill 1398 created a capped tax credit for donations to certain nonprofits serving foster care, pregnancy resource centers, therapeutic care, and anti-trafficking efforts; members asked for clearer outcome measures, but it passed 8-2. Senate Bill 1212, addressing selective property appraisals in some counties, passed 9-1. Senate Bill 2158 would extend favorable tax treatment to health care sharing ministry contributions, and passed 8-2. Senate Bill 102 clarified when remote workers and certain short-term workers owe Oklahoma income tax, with discussion focused on athletes, entertainers, public figures, and contract workers; it passed 10-0. Finally, Senate Bill 2060, a governor-requested housing infrastructure bill creating master development districts, was still being refined but passed 6-4 to keep it moving forward.

Bills: HB4248, HB3194, HB3849, HB4095, HB4302, HB3342, HB3344, HB3287, HB3645, HB3647, HB3930, HB3931, HB1818, HB4454, HB4336

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, pregnancy centers, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• And then to this bill, this is an effort to address foster care and to try to improve it.
• care.
• care.
• Most of the time, we're talking about foster care and children going into care.
• But this isn't going to take care of that problem. It's just going to take care of the legal...

Bills: HB4248, HB3194, HB3849, HB4095, HB4302, HB3342, HB3344, HB3287, HB3645, HB3647, HB3930, HB3931, HB1818, HB4454, HB4336

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, pregnancy centers, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with House Bill 4248, which was reported due pass on a 9-0 vote after an unclear procedural vote call. The next major item was House Bill 3194, a bill to prevent pregnancy resource centers from being singled out for discrimination. The author said the measure was intended to protect private nonprofit pregnancy centers from lawsuits and government interference, including in staffing and mission-related decisions. Members questioned the bill’s impact on counseling, contraception referrals, ectopic pregnancy treatment, employment practices, and whether it was necessary given existing law. The bill was reported due pass on a 10-2 vote. The committee then advanced House Bill 3849, a request bill from the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to update language and broaden mentoring program credentialing, and House Bill 4095, which reaffirms the state role in the 211 collaborative and clarifies that it applies to hotline services for needs such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, and medical assistance. House Bill 4302 would allow the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to disclose a complainant’s identity to law enforcement if the complainant threatens harm. All three were reported due pass unanimously. Members also approved House Bill 3342, described as a Medicaid audit reform bill intended to curb punitive audits of providers; the author said the bill arose from cases where providers were penalized over reporting issues rather than fraud. House Bill 3344, aimed at improving foster care standards and home placements, passed 10-2 after questions about income thresholds, letters of recommendation, and whether the bill would apply to guardianship placements; the author said the goal was to raise standards and improve outcomes for children. House Bill 3287, requiring hospitals to post information and develop protocols for domestic violence and human trafficking victims, passed 12-0. House Bill 3645 created an alternate pathway for hospice referrals when a patient lacks next of kin or power of attorney, and House Bill 3647 established an all-payer claims database while emphasizing that the data could not be sold; both passed 12-0 after members raised concerns about federal consistency and privacy. Later, House Bill 3930, which defines “service animal” and requires sellers of emotional support animals to disclose that they are not service animals, passed 10-2. House Bill 3931 corrected a prior death-certificate change deadline and was reported due pass unanimously. House Bill 1818, a social work licensing cleanup bill, was amended to extend a sunset date to 2028 and then reported due pass 12-0. House Bill 4336 clarified pain-management definitions, including acute pain, and was reported due pass 12-0 after questions about labor and epidural care. House Bill 4454, an untimely PCS on medical marijuana edibles, would require clearer THC labeling and prohibit child-attractive shapes; the author cited pediatric ingestion incidents, and the bill passed 11-1. The committee then revisited House Bill 1818 to change the effective date to November 1, 2026, by unanimous consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• That prohibition hasn't improved health care and has not driven physician recruitment to Indian country
• for care.
• of care or were harmed by the care they received.
• This bill will make surgery more dangerous, lower the quality of care, and will not improve access to
• this care.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We trusted a health care system that was supposed to care for him.
• That prohibition hasn't improved health care and has not driven physician recruitment to Indian Country
• This bill will make surgery more dangerous, lower the quality of care, and will not improve access to
• this care.
• This bill allows... more dangerous, lower the quality of care, and will not improve access to this care

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 House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform measure. Sponsor Chair Chandler and Minority Leader Armstrong described months of stakeholder negotiations aimed at balancing patient compensation with concerns from physicians, hospitals, and insurers about litigation costs, punitive damages, and access to care. The committee substitute kept the existing monetary damage caps but changed several provisions, including definitions of “occurrence” and “value of medical care,” treatment of future medical expenses, a higher clear-and-convincing standard for punitive damages, a two-step process before punitive damages can be pled, and a lower punitive-damages cap for smaller providers versus a higher cap for large hospital systems. Supporters said the bill would help recruit and retain doctors and stabilize the malpractice market; opponents argued it weakens accountability, especially for corporate and out-of-state hospital systems, and several speakers urged a stronger amendment to preserve patient rights. After debate, the committee voted 10-0 to give the House Judiciary Committee substitute for HB 99 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 5, which would amend the state constitution to allow legislative compensation. Sponsors and supporters said paying legislators would make service more accessible to working people, parents, rural residents, and others without independent wealth, and would broaden representation. Several advocacy groups and individual commenters backed the proposal, while members raised questions about the pay formula, with the resolution tying compensation to the state median income. Some members supported the idea but preferred a salary commission or a different mechanism. The committee approved HJR 5 on a 7-3 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing House Memorial 39, which calls for a task force to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits and report on backlog progress. Sponsor Rep. Ferrari and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs explained that a prior task force a decade ago found more than 5,000 untested kits and led to policy changes, including the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights and a statewide tracking system. The memorial is intended to reassess whether backlogs remain and recommend further fixes.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have a hospital that's providing reckless care or bad care, that's not going to impact their revenue
• So there's not a market check on bad care or reckless care.
• And right now, Hospital care is not reckless if it impacts their bottom line.
• Primary care, around $7,000. In the PCF, it's about a little beyond $5,600.
• You'd be careful about that.

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'm Director of Bernalillo County Animal Care Services.
• This will be Senate Bill 101, Health Care Delivery.
• The Health Care Delivery and Access Act was created through legislation during the 2024 session.
• Hospitals are required to reinvest this funding in health care, workforce, and quality of care initiatives
• I'm the cabinet secretary of the Health Care Authority. We're all a little tired tonight.

Bills: HB25, SB38, SB101, HB199

Keywords: juvenile delinquency, firearm possession, criminal background checks, state law, gun control, youth offense, conviction, public safety, SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration

Transcript Highlights:

• levels of care services, such as nursing home level of care or assisted living, as well as independent
• Uh, can Improving outcomes for youth.
• When other states have done this, expensive out-of-home care and inpatient care has dramatically decreased
• When other states have done this, expensive, out-of-home care and inpatient care has dramatically decreased
• provider, home care worker, personal care provider, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, gardener, or household

Bills: HB2675, HB2681, HB2714, HB2688, HB2481, HB2116, HB1408

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2675 would eliminate a number of dedicated state accounts, transfer the remaining balances from two accounts to the general fund, and redirect future revenues from the salary insurance contribution increase revolving account to the general fund; OFM testified in support and there was no public opposition. Substitute HB 1903 would create a statewide Department of Commerce energy assistance program for low-income households, funded by the general fund and Climate Commitment Act revenues, phased in by utility and fuel type with reporting and an advisory group; supporters said it would provide more reliable monthly bill help, while utilities and rural co-ops raised concerns about cost, utility burden, reporting requirements, and conflicts with existing utility regulation. Fiscal staff estimated significant startup costs for Commerce if funded at the illustrative level discussed. Substitute HB 2384 would require actuarial reviews for certain continuing care retirement communities offering life care contracts, with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner reviewing the analyses and DSHS posting results; residents and transparency advocates supported the measure, while providers opposed it mainly over cost and the likelihood that fees would be passed on to residents. Substitute HB 1982 would expand the ability to vacate convictions tied to treaty Indian rights from fishing-only cases to fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing, remove the pre-1975 limitation, add local ordinances, and authorize OPD representation; after an amendment removed a proposed tribal liaison position, OPD said the fiscal impact would be zero and tribal and public defense witnesses supported the bill. Substitute HB 2389 would change juvenile sentencing and review procedures by expanding eligibility for suspended dispositions and behavioral health alternatives, adding midpoint review hearings, reducing some robbery ranges, and addressing juvenile rehabilitation capacity; supporters argued it would reduce disparities and favor community-based rehabilitation, while prosecutors, sheriffs, counties, judges, cities, victim advocates, and some law enforcement and tribal representatives warned it would weaken accountability, increase local costs, and create public safety risks. Substitute HB 2439 would overhaul tobacco and vapor product regulation by raising license fees and penalties, creating a responsible vendor program, adding manufacturer certification and testing requirements, restricting certain products and pricing practices, and redirecting tobacco tax revenue to public health and prevention accounts; public health groups supported the bill, while retailers and industry representatives opposed the fee increases and new mandates. The committee also heard HB 2681, which would sharply increase cannabis license fees and add CPI indexing; OFM supported it as a fee alignment measure, while cannabis businesses opposed the size of the increase and the inflation adjustment. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.