Transcript Highlights:

• And not only are they raising... ...rates and deductibles, they're also, when you get a claim, they're
• on, more and more and more, it's getting more and more obvious that the... ...more we have these deductibles
• And so when I'm approaching a customer, and yes, they have to pay their deductible, and yes, we want
• them to pay their deductible.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 3862, which would restrict social media app use for minors and limit smartphone/social media access in classrooms. Supporters, including representatives from Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media are linked to addiction, distraction, cyberbullying, and worsening youth mental health, and said the bill would help parents and schools protect children. After testimony, the committee left HB 3862 pending. Members then heard HB 3712, a construction retainage bill that would stop owners from withholding reserved funds on specially fabricated materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted, while still allowing retainage for labor and installation. Witnesses from the precast concrete industry said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk for subcontractors and suppliers. The bill was left pending after closing. The committee also heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for owners and independent repair providers, with carve-outs for medical devices, vehicles covered by existing repair agreements, trade secrets, and security protections. Support came from consumer, environmental, repair, and policy groups, while one witness from Safelite was neutral and urged removal of the MOU reference for auto manufacturers. HB 2963 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4308, which would create county industrial development districts to attract industrial employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and a board structure. Supporters, including the Fort Bend County commissioner, said the bill would help counties diversify tax bases and create jobs; the bill was left pending. Later, the committee took up several pending bills and voted to report HB 74, HB 112, HB 2214, HB 3016, HB 3133, HB 3173, HB 3807, HB 4063, HB 4115, HB 5008, and HB 2652 favorably to the full House, with some sent to the Local and Consent Calendars. The committee also heard HB 3874 on construction contract transparency and HB 4196 on creating a task force to modernize manufacturing, both of which were left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for re-roofing contractors; supporters said it would curb storm-chasing and protect homeowners, while one roofing contractor opposed it as too restrictive and argued existing fraud laws are sufficient. HB 3344 was also left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• either stop purchasing health insurance for their employees or they purchase plans with higher deductibles
• either stop purchasing health insurance for their employees or they purchase plans with higher deductibles
• either stop purchasing health insurance for their employees or they purchase plans with higher deductibles
• either stop purchasing health insurance for their employees or they purchase plans with higher deductibles
• Employees or they purchase plans with higher deductibles and higher cost sharing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So 3611 is a bill that allows an state income tax withholding deduction for damages that are won by individuals
• and we want to make sure that we are taking care of all of those people and not letting their tax deductions

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3611 and the chair moved to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Fininky presented the bill as a first tax proposal and explained that it would allow a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. He said current law already provides similar tax treatment for certain sexual assault and physical violence claims, and argued the bill would help people harmed during recent federal enforcement activity in Minnesota. No one signed up to testify, and none of the members offered questions or comments. The chair noted the absence of testimony and discussion before moving to closing remarks. Representative Fininky closed by expressing hope that the bill would be included in the tax bill, and the chair responded positively, thanking him for presenting the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is take our laws back for the deduction of research expenses and experimental expenditures
• It allows companies that spend money on that to take those deductions in the year that they spend it

Bills: HB353, HB354, HB357, HB396, SB83

Keywords: judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, district attorney, compensation, constitutional amendment, job security, Alabama Constitution, tobacco tax, heated tobacco products, heated tobacco, cigarettes, nicotine, vape alternative, smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, excise tax

Transcript Highlights:

• their co-ayment or to their deductible their co-ayment or their<01:17:42.480> uh<01:17:42.640
• They could adjust, and, you know, the deductible could be higher or co-payments or co-insurance amounts
• They could adjust, and, you know, the deductible could be higher or co-payments or co-insurance amounts
• They could adjust, and, you know, the deductible could be higher or co-payments or co-insurance amounts
• help the patient meet their deductibles help the patient meet their deductibles or<01:33:43.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fee at the point of sale until you meet that deductible.
• You have a copay of 10, lesser-of logic: you pay $3, 100% of it, going up until you reach that deductible
• <01:42:17.680> so<01:42:17.800> 100% until you meet that deductible so 100% until you
• so again you have the $1 your deductible so again you have the $1 plus<01:43:11.360> the<01:43
• now if you have reach that deductible now if you have $10<01:43:20.920> copay<01:43:21.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She said, "Okay, here's your deductible is $500, here's your premium."
• She said, "Okay, here's your deductible is $500, here's your premium."
• She said, "Okay, here's your deductible is $500, here's your premium."
• She said, "Okay, here's your deductible is $500, here's your premium."
• She said, "Okay, here's your deductible is $500, here's your premium."

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can go ahead and file with the IRS and enjoy a property, an income tax deduction because it is their
• paying the same number of dollars on an annual basis now, but without the benefit of being able to deduct
• I used to be able to deduct all $56,000 a year I pay for my primary residence in property taxes.
• year, I have $5,000 more in my pocket, all things being equal, and you realize that I was able to deduct
• And I don't get to deduct that $2,500, like I did the $2,500 up to $5,000 that you reduced.

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can go ahead and file with the IRS and enjoy a property, a income tax deduction because they are
• I used to be able to deduct all $56,000 a year I pay for my primary residence in property taxes.
• And I don't get to deduct that $2,500, like I did the $2,500 up to $5,000 that you reduced.
• You realize that I was able to deduct the full 10,000, now only 5,000 in property taxes.
• And I don't get to deduct that $2,500,000, like I did the $2,500 up to $5,000 that you reduced.

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, I want to state that what we did last year with increasing our standard deduction will help
• And finally, I want to state that what we did last year with increasing our standard deduction will help
• And finally, I want to state that what we did last year with increasing our standard deduction will help
• And finally, I want to state that what we did last year with increasing our standard deduction will help
• And finally, I want to state that what we did last year with increasing our standard deduction will help

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on. The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing. The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• have enrolled in the program, that’s $1.23 million in cash pay—people that are maybe in a high-deductible
• have enrolled in the program, that’s $1.23 million in cash pay—people that are maybe in a high-deductible
• have enrolled in the program, that’s $1.23 million in cash pay—people that are maybe in a high-deductible
• health plan or their a high deductible health plan or their drug<00:33:47.720> was<00:33:47.880
• health plans that with high deductible health plans that they<00:53:50.000> are<00:53:50.160>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The working session focused on the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s budget request and its recent work. Early discussion centered on a technical question about a statutory dedicated fund for donations: members asked why the budget did not show a line item for accepting donations, and DHHS CFO Nathan White explained that the statute already authorizes the fund, but because no revenue has been received yet, it does not appear in the budget. He said any future donations would go through the normal process under RSA 14:30-a, with fiscal committee and Governor and Council approval and a memo to the Department of Revenue Administration. The chair clarified that the account was not a prerequisite to soliciting donations, and White said the fund would supplement, not replace, General Fund support. Kirk Williamson, the board’s executive director, then presented the board’s mission and budget. He said the governor’s budget provides about $256,500 in the first year and slightly more in the second, all General Funds, and that the board had distributed a technical amendment to continue the executive director position. He described the board’s role as analyzing prescription drug costs, identifying savings opportunities, monitoring market trends, promoting transparency, and making recommendations to the legislature and public payers. He also emphasized that the board operates publicly, with live-streamed meetings and a stakeholder advisory council that includes unions, state agencies, Medicaid, corrections, higher education, and other stakeholders. A major topic was the board’s estimate of $6 million in potential savings, based on Medicare’s newly negotiated prices for 10 drugs. Williamson explained that the board used those federal negotiated prices as a benchmark to estimate what New Hampshire public payers might be missing by not having similar leverage, and said the board is trying to build evidence for future recommendations rather than directly setting prices. Members asked how those potential savings could become actual savings, and Williamson said the board is sharing findings through its advisory council and feedback loops, though it has not yet sent a formal recommendation letter to specific purchasers. He also discussed the difference between pharmacy-benefit spending, which relies heavily on PBM-negotiated rebates, and medical-benefit spending, which is administered differently and is being added to the board’s next report. Williamson highlighted other work, including a model on Humira and a pending legislative effort to improve biosimilar competition, plus a proposed state-backed pharmacy savings card that would be no cost to the state and could save users about $240 per prescription based on Connecticut’s experience. No votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's shine some light on the fact that this is a permanent, mandatory payroll deduction on...
• This is a permanent, mandatory payroll deduction on every employee in the Commonwealth, matched by every
• That little deduction is the cost of what happened here this session, and unlike the promises that sell

Keywords: March 13, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On the spreadsheet, line 22 deducts $892,000 each year from the district court tails, and lines six and
• 04:21.200> spreadsheet,<00:04:22.040> line<00:04:22.240> 22<00:04:22.800> deducts
• Uh on the spreadsheet, line 22 deducts Uh on the spreadsheet, line 22 deducts $892,000<00:04:24.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to ensure that these funding sources are not just allowed, but actually get used, including tax-deductible
• but actually get used, not just allowed, but actually get used, including<00:05:13.160> tax-deductible
• <00:05:13.960> donations<00:05:14.480> and including tax-deductible donations and including
• tax-deductible donations and grants.<00:05:15.560> And<00:05:15.600> allowing<00:05:15.960

Bills: HB1618

Keywords: cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, homeowner financing, environmental infrastructure, public health, wastewater treatment, low- and moderate-income households, revolving loan fund, Department of Health, memorandum of agreement

Summary: The committees held a joint hearing on HB 1618 HD1, which would create and fund a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to help homeowners upgrade, convert, or connect cesspools. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies and advocacy groups, with witnesses emphasizing that cost is the main barrier to cesspool conversion and that recent Kona flooding underscored the public health and pollution risks of cesspools. One testifier suggested the fund should actively pursue outside funding sources, and another urged an effective date that would allow counties to contribute sooner. A member raised concerns about whether loans would be affordable and whether other financing tools, such as tax credits, should also be considered; another member opposed the bill as not adequately addressing district-level sewer and septic issues. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, and the motion was adopted. The joint Judiciary and Ways and Means committees then considered HB 2592 on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The chair outlined amendments to clarify that the authority would assume property and liability associated with transferred assets, preserve existing liability rules, transfer conditional use permits if not already transferred, allow lease extensions before transfer, and set reversion triggers if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or administrative rules by December 31, 2029. Members asked about preserving the public trust and whether the amendments would keep the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ role intact; the chair confirmed the fee and board role would remain unchanged. The committees voted to pass the bill with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also took up HB 2033, making further amendments to clarify the definition of state, delay certain effective dates, allow rental and U-Drive lessors to avoid liability by identifying renters, delete one section, and add administrative hearing language and bus-camera clarifications. HB 1888 was amended to expand protections for educational workers to include sports officials, define sports official, make intentional bodily harm a felony with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and authorize the attorney general to assist with restraining orders. Both measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted. Later, several bills were moved with little or no discussion: HB 1515, HB 1713, HB 1718, HB 2022, and HB 2385 were recommended for passage unamended; HB 2375 was deferred; and HB 1741 was amended to reflect Honolulu’s concerns, narrow study requirements, add exemptions and a delayed implementation date, and was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees adopted the recommendations on these measures, with some members noting reservations or prior opposition on certain bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the goal is to help teachers with these costs, we could expand the deduction teachers get for out-of-pocket
• expand<00:05:20.080> the these costs, we could expand the these costs, we could expand the deduction
• > teachers<00:05:21.199> get<00:05:21.360> for<00:05:21.520> out-of- deduction
• teachers get for out-of- deduction teachers get for out-of- pocket<00:05:22.080> expenses.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 331, as amended by the A1 amendment, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. The bill would permanently exempt school supplies from the sales tax, which the author described as a pro-family, pro-affordability, and pro-education measure intended to put money back into families’ pockets and avoid the burden of a temporary sales tax holiday. A representative from We Make Minnesota testified in opposition, arguing the exemption would provide only modest savings to most families while reducing revenue for public services. He said Minnesota already offers more targeted relief through the K-12 education subtraction/credit, noted that similar exemptions in other states are usually temporary, and estimated the bill would cost tens of millions of dollars annually while saving the average family only a small amount per child. He also said the bill was broad enough to cover many office supplies and could benefit higher-spending purchasers disproportionately. Committee members debated the bill’s scope and cost. Supporters said the exemption would help families immediately and noted that many eligible families do not claim existing credits because they must save receipts and file for reimbursement. Opponents argued the same money could be better used for K-12 formula increases or expanded targeted credits, and one member said the bill would narrow the sales tax base and was not well targeted. The author said he was open to working on limits to make the bill more targeted, but emphasized that the goal was direct tax relief for families.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes language that would have repealed the workers compensation deductible range.
• would have repealed the workers that would have repealed the workers compensation<00:08:13.039> deductible
• <00:08:14.720> And<00:08:14.879> then compensation deductible range.
• And then compensation deductible range.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 92 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 104 and 152 and Senate Joint Resolution 74. The chamber then moved through second reading of several bills, including measures on pension spiking, real property, organ donation safety, probationary retirement benefits, elections, and retired emergency personnel. Later, the Committee on Committees and Rules reported new referrals and posted bills for Monday’s regular orders, and the House also introduced several floor amendments. Two bills were taken up and passed. House Bill 527, relating to insurance regulatory requirements, was amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute removed language repealing the workers’ compensation deductible range, revised the strengthened Kentucky Homes program to provide one-time grants of up to $15,000 to approved contractors for certification costs, and added an emergency clause for that grant provision. Supporters described the bill as a broad technical modernization of insurance law, including updates to licensing and responsibility requirements; it passed 92-0. House Bill 111, relating to on-farm animal health, was also amended by House Committee Substitute 1 after the sponsor said the bill had been negotiated with agriculture and animal-industry groups. The substitute clarified that farmers may seek guidance from professionals, exempted equine operations, and preserved state and federal authority in disease or abuse cases; the bill passed 94-0. During motions, petitions, communications, and announcements, members recognized Black History Month with a tribute to Georgia Davis Powers, highlighting her civil rights leadership and legislative achievements. The House also heard announcements about an upcoming Kentucky Nuclear Energy Authority/NITA board meeting and a Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board meeting. House Bill 495 was withdrawn by its sponsor, and House Bill 1 was briefly read and returned to committee as part of procedural handling. The House adjourned until 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we do that through means of a district deduction report when we make a payment, we we put together
• a report that shows exactly what is going to be deducted from districts fte.
• He may even and that way the districts would know approximately what is being deducted.
• All we know is that eventually a dollar amount of going to be deducted from the district and there may

Transcript Highlights:

• prostate cancer... ...of prostate cancer can access prostate cancer screenings without any co-pays, deductibles
• However, Texas requires insurance providers to charge co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance for yearly
• This positive step to fight prostate cancer calculated the cost estimate to eliminate co-pays, deductibles
• Their study concluded that eliminating co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance for prostate cancer screenings

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:

• 37 from House File 973 from Representative Backer specifies that co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles
• that co- payments Co insurance<00:14:59.040> ins<00:14:59.240> and<00:14:59.320> deductibles
• <00:14:59.759> do<00:14:59.920> not insurance ins and deductibles do not insurance
• ins and deductibles do not apply<00:15:00.320> to<00:15:00.440> mobile<00:15:00.720>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So as Representative Greenman said, tax expenditures, Tax credits and tax deductions are examples of
• mind, include things like, for example, the 40 million dollars that we spend on a state sales tax deduction
• Million dollars in a state sales tax deduction for telecom equipment bought by telecom companies to provide
• The 275 million dollars we spent on the dividends received deduction, which I still don't entirely understand