Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance is another consideration; you know, insurance... options.
• Insurance is another consideration.
• Insurance has been a crisis in California for a number of years, and insurance companies are looking
• litigation, even if they did absolutely nothing wrong, and they're going to operate without director's insurance
• that, from a business standpoint, if they're not good enough business people to go out and buy an insurance

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. AB 2002 would clarify and extend the REAP 1.0 regional housing planning grant program, with the author and regional planning groups arguing it provides needed technical assistance for housing elements and RHNA compliance; the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns about local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments on regulations, suballocation to subregions, and spending deadlines, and then passed the bill on a do pass as amended motion to Senate Appropriations. AB 1684 would prohibit HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems, with supporters citing heat safety and opponents focusing on building integrity, electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement; the committee adopted amendments on licensed electrical contractors, disclosure, and permit requirements, and passed the bill to Senate Judiciary. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes, with supporters emphasizing predictability and opponents warning it could conflict with later state, regional, and federal requirements, especially for water and environmental rules; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Local Government. The committee also heard AB 2263, which would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to provide employee housing on its land with a preference for VTA workers while keeping units open to the public and compliant with fair housing law. VTA said the bill would help employees facing long commutes and high housing costs, and the committee discussed financing through transit-oriented development partnerships and existing land holdings; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. AB 2270 would require the state tax credit committee to account for rural realities when scoring farmworker housing projects for low-income housing tax credits; supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages rural farmworker developments, and the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. Later, AB 2118 would refine AB 2011 by limiting local objective standards that can block mixed-use and affordable housing projects, with supporters saying cities still use loopholes to delay projects; the committee discussed possible state mandate reimbursement issues and passed the bill to Local Government. Finally, AB 2050 would require HOA reserve funding based on reserve studies, add notice and safeguards for reserve transfers, and phase in funding over six years; supporters argued it would prevent large special assessments and protect homeowners, while opponents said enforcement remains weak and the bill could still burden owners. The committee did not take a final recorded vote on AB 2050 in the portion provided, but members discussed the need for stronger enforcement and the balance between reserve funding and affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance is another consideration; you know, insurance... Insurance is another consideration.
• Insurance has been a crisis in California for a number of years, and insurance companies are looking
• litigation, even if they did absolutely nothing wrong, and they are going to operate without directors' insurance
• that, from a business standpoint, if they are not good enough business people to go out and buy an insurance

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• the end—wait—yeah, that they do apply to one kind of plan, but that was in keeping with what the insurance
• And so it was kind of a bit of a concession, but, yeah, the insurance industry.
• It will result in flood insurance premium reduction.
• Insurance paid for. We don't get any insurance here. Expense account.
• Insurance paid for, we don't get any insurance here, expense account, a car.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• the end—wait—yeah, that they do apply to one kind of plan, but that was in keeping with what the insurance
• So it was kind of a bit of a concession, but, yeah, the insurance industry.
• It will result in flood insurance premium reduction.
• Insurance paid for. We don't get any insurance here. Expense account... Insurance paid for.
• We don't get any insurance here. Expense account, a car.

Bills: HB513 , HB581 , HB596 , HB660 , HB719 , HB766 , HB802 , HB940 , HB950 , HB1028 , HB1183 , HB1201 , SB233 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB411

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: supplemental pay, law enforcement, probation officers, parole officers, constitutional amendment, plugging credit, inactive well assessment, oil and gas regulation, well plugging, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, HB 660, district attorney salary, assistant district attorney salary, prosecutor pay raise, Louisiana prosecutors, state-paid salaries, warrant payment, R.S. 16:10, R.S. 16:11, general fund impact

Transcript Highlights:

• ADAP insured medication access for uninsured or underinsured Californians living with HIV.
• Medi-Cal's broad medication coverage, reducing treatment interruptions, especially for clients whose insurance
• ADAP clients may also qualify for insurance premium assistance through various programs funded through
• And there is a criteria to use it because if your primary insurance denies you, like Medi-Cal now denies
• There's no way for them to— The exchange, and they just dropped their insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• ADAP insured medication access for uninsured or underinsured Californians living with HIV.
• Medi-Cal's broad medication coverage, reducing treatment interruptions, especially for clients whose insurance
• ADAP clients may also qualify for insurance premium assistance through various programs funded through
• And there is a criteria to use it because if your primary insurance denies you, like Medi-Cal now denies
• The exchange, and they just dropped their insurance. There's no way for them to cover it.

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBT Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Committee members and state officials discussed the California Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, and the need to address discrimination, social isolation, housing insecurity, economic instability, and gaps in culturally competent care. Several speakers emphasized that older LGBTQ adults often lack traditional family caregiving supports and may face vulnerability in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Testimony from advocates and people with lived experience highlighted the impact of federal actions, including H.R. 1, on Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits, and called for stronger state action, outreach, and navigation services. Justice in Aging urged more investment in home- and community-based services and warned that Medicaid cuts could increase institutionalization. The Department of Aging described its survey findings and said it had convened a lived-experience advisory board, updated data tools, and incorporated HIV as a factor in local aging plans under SB 258, though members pressed for clearer implementation and accountability. CalHHS described coordination across departments, Medi-Cal coverage of gender-affirming care, PACE, and other services, while the Department of Public Health outlined Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP programs serving older adults with HIV. The hearing also featured extensive testimony from people aging with HIV, who described fragmented systems, benefits cliffs, housing costs, and the need for legal and case-management support. One witness urged funding for HIV-specific housing and navigation services, while another described how case management and safety-net programs help clients manage medication, food, transportation, and housing needs. In the final panel, the Department of Social Services reviewed protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219, nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required staff training, and complaint investigations. No formal votes were taken; the chair repeatedly asked departments to follow up on implementation gaps, data visibility, and possible budget or policy responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• This Senate bill is a simple update to an investment code for insurance companies based in Idaho.
• And the Director of Insurance has looked at this and has no issues or concerns with it.
• This one is basically designed to maximize the number of people that will lose their health insurance
• , and it's going to be passed on to people on private insurance, and it's going to be passed on in the
• , and it's going to be passed on to people on private insurance, and it's going to be passed on in the

Transcript Highlights:

• The all-other personnel health insurance contribution rate was also added in 2024.
• The all-other personnel health insurance contribution rate was also added in 2024.
• pay for X, Y, and Z—for example, classroom teachers, a guidance counselor, or a nurse, even health insurance
• or a family has health insurance, what in law actually says that they can't use it for that?
• The same thing for employee health insurance, I believe.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the previous minutes and then focused on an update from the Department of Education on early childhood programs, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ongoing work to review ABC slots, which have been flat for years at about 23,800 slots and roughly $114 million. They said about 1,000 slots statewide are currently unfilled despite a waiting list of more than 2,000 families, and the department is shifting toward paying based on enrollment rather than guaranteed slots. Members asked about school choice, income eligibility, year-round access, curriculum flexibility, transportation, and whether funding should be increased or rebalanced; the department said it is collecting data, may survey providers more formally, and is considering whether to modernize income thresholds, daily rates, and other program rules. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical information on income limits and other program details. The second major portion of the meeting was a legal presentation on the framework for Arkansas school adequacy by BLR education attorney Taylor Lloyd. She reviewed the constitutional basis for a “general, suitable, and efficient” public school system, the Dupree and Lake View cases, and the principle that adequacy and equity are different but related: adequacy asks what resources are needed, while equity asks whether those resources are distributed fairly. She explained that the General Assembly must define adequacy, study it, and react to evidence over time, and that the current adequacy definition includes curriculum and career/technical frameworks, the 38 mandatory Carnegie units, state testing standards, and sufficient funding. She also described the matrix as a funding tool, not a spending mandate, and noted that categorical funds are separate from the matrix. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum then gave the historical framework, tracing legislative responses from Dupree through Lake View and into the present. She highlighted major changes such as the creation of equalization funding, fiscal distress and academic distress laws, the adequacy study process, the Educational Adequacy Fund, facilities and transportation changes, declining enrollment and student growth funding, and later adjustments to teacher salaries, isolated funding, and categorical programs. She explained that the adequacy study has evolved through committee hearings, surveys, site visits, and outside consultants, and that recent changes include updates to accountability references and the addition or removal of certain funding categories. Members asked follow-up questions about how the matrix is used, whether homeschool or private-school funding raises comparable issues, whether stakeholders include private and homeschool participants, whether school board members should be surveyed, and whether the state should revisit average daily membership versus attendance-based funding. No votes were taken on the adequacy presentations, but the committee did agree to continue the early childhood discussion in a future subcommittee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The all-other personnel health insurance contribution rate was also added in 2024.
• The all-other personnel health insurance contribution rate was also added in 2024.
• or a family has health insurance, what in law actually says that they can't use it for that?
• So what keeps that person from saying, well, I have an electric bill, I have insurance, I'm the teacher
• The same thing for employee health insurance, I believe that was done before the 2024 report.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and then shifted to an update from Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith on early childhood education, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. They said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ABC as a large state program with about 23,800 funded slots and roughly $114 million in annual appropriations. Department officials said they are reviewing slot allocations because about 1,000 seats are funded but unfilled, while more than 2,000 families are on waiting lists, and they plan to reduce or reallocate slots from providers that have not filled them over several years. They also said they are examining whether income thresholds, curriculum expectations, daily rates, and summer programming should be updated, and members raised concerns about access, local control, transportation, and whether the program should better align with K-12 choice and school readiness goals. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical data and other information for future discussion. The committee then received a legal presentation from BLR attorney Taylor Lloyd on the constitutional and statutory framework for education adequacy in Arkansas. She reviewed the Dupree and Lake View cases, explaining that the state must maintain a general, suitable, and efficient system of free public schools, and that adequacy and equity are distinct but related concepts. She emphasized that the General Assembly is responsible for defining adequacy, studying whether the system meets that standard, and reacting to the evidence, while the courts ultimately decide constitutional compliance. Lloyd also explained the current adequacy definition, the role of the matrix as a funding tool rather than a spending mandate, and the distinction between unrestricted foundation funding and restricted categorical funding. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum followed with a historical overview of how Arkansas responded to the court cases and developed the current adequacy process. She traced major legislative actions from the 1980s through the Lake View litigation, including the creation of funding formulas, categorical aid, isolated funding, declining enrollment funding, and the 2003-2004 adequacy study that led to the Continuing Adequacy Evaluation Act and the matrix used to set foundation funding. She also described later changes to the adequacy statute, the financial reporting requirements for districts, and the ongoing use of surveys, stakeholder testimony, and consultant studies in the biennial adequacy process. Members asked questions about whether private or homeschool programs could use public funds for expenses like utilities, whether stakeholders should include those groups, the difference between average daily membership and attendance, and whether school board members are surveyed; staff said those issues would need further research or were outside the scope of the presenters’ role.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the largest insurer of physicians in the country and the largest insurer of physicians in the state
• Florida, unfortunately, has the highest rates in the country for medical malpractice insurance for both
• This could have devastating impacts on liability insurance for private businesses and homeowners.
• The last thing that Floridians need is another insurance crisis.
• They can't afford insurance, which I really hope that you guys start focusing on.

Bills: S0164 , S0656 , S0892

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing Florida’s high victim counts, the role of online recruitment, common victim and trafficker profiles, and several case examples involving sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and interstate trafficking. She highlighted Miami-Dade’s task force model, partnerships with law enforcement, schools, businesses, and shelters such as Camillus House’s Project Phoenix and the Thrive Clinic, and said the office relies heavily on technology, training, and victim-centered prosecution. Members asked about school-based trafficking, warning signs, social media platforms, and information-sharing about offenders across states; Fernandez-Rundle said more training and better interstate communication are still needed. The committee then took up CS for SB 656, which would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Funding Program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a timely tool to combat online child exploitation and was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related violent offender designations by clarifying notice and clemency-related paperwork requirements; it too was reported favorably unanimously. The remainder of the meeting focused on SB 164, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to recognize unborn children in civil law and allow recovery when a pregnancy is lost due to another’s negligence. Opponents from the ACLU, reproductive rights groups, medical insurers, and domestic violence advocates argued the bill is overly broad, could function as fetal personhood legislation, and could expose doctors, friends, family members, businesses, and abusive partners to lawsuits while chilling medical care, IVF, and pregnancy-related treatment. Supporters from pro-life organizations urged broader language and stronger protections for unborn children. No vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the largest insurer of physicians in the country and the largest insurer of physicians in the state
• Florida, unfortunately, has the highest rates in the country for medical malpractice insurance for both
• This could have devastating impacts on liability insurance for private businesses and homeowners.
• The last thing that Floridians need is another insurance crisis.
• They can't afford insurance, which I really hope that you guys start focusing on.

Bills: S0164 , S0656 , S0892

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, why is this not all a pool of state liability insurance so that it comes down and it's nothing
• Chair, typically for liability insurance, there are rates set by department. Right?
• Senator Woods, is this liability insurance under our self-insurance plan? Mr.
• Chairman, could we have kind of a deeper dive on this liability insurance and how those premiums have
• Chair and Senator, you all next week, I believe, do have a Pretty substantial hearing on insurance, which

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• of the table represents the paid claims for New Mexico residents from commercial private health insurance
• RESA plans, other programs serving American Indians, and several other federal health insurance programs
• The other part is the non-claims data: prescription drug spending, net costs of private health insurance
• The net cost of private health insurance, sometimes you can get those from public financial statements
• If that's not collected in the All-Payer Claims Database, it can come from insurance carriers, managed

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The subsidies are going up on the insurance plans, with coverage levels increasing up to 90%.
• Presenters, my first question is for USDA regarding the farm safety and disaster and the crop insurance
• How is that going to help cover with insurance, and what does that do for our producers?
• It's an insurance payment.
• Madam Chair, Representative, these insurance payments, once they've received the insurance payment, and

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• page eight of the calendar: House Bill 261 by Representative Ellis, relating to the Department of Insurance
• Um, members, HB 261 is a Department of Insurance bill.
• , so the medical and insurance won't fall under these requirements.
• Well, those are dealing with insurance, which would be securities, right? Banking and medical.
• Speaker. ...Insurance. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the recognition.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> insurance exponentially increasing. insurance exponentially increasing.
• </c><02:53:29.200><c> companies</c> is funded by the insurance companies is funded by the insurance companies
• </c> insurance related fraud. insurance related fraud.
• . insurance. insurance.
• and insurance fraud questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection is called to order.
• Being no further business, the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection is now
• Being no further business, the Senate Committee on Finance Insurance and Consumer Protection is now adjourned

Committee: Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection met with a quorum, adopted the June 17 minutes, and took testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1053, sponsored by Chair Kavanaugh, would raise the acreage cap for neighborhood enterprise zones from 15% to 20% for certain zones. Supporters from Invest Detroit and the City of Detroit said the change would help make housing and redevelopment projects viable, especially in high-tax areas like Detroit, and the bill was reported to the floor on a 6-2 vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 988, sponsored by Senator Santana, which would extend from 30 to 35 days the deadline to appeal a denied poverty exemption to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The sponsor and Detroit’s property assessment director described it as a technical alignment with the Tax Tribunal Act and a correction to conflicting timelines; the bill drew support from the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Chamber, and the Tax Tribunal, and was reported unanimously. The committee then adopted S-1 substitutes for Senate Bills 1041, 1042, and 1043, the price-gouging package sponsored by Senators Moss, Chang, and Kavanaugh. Sponsors of the price-gouging bills said the package would strengthen Michigan’s emergency price-gouging protections by defining excessive increases during declared emergencies, covering lodging, essential goods and services, and energy products, and giving the Attorney General clearer enforcement tools. Supporters included the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Attorney General’s office, while the Michigan Chamber, Mackinac Center, and NFIB opposed the package. Despite the opposition, all three bills were reported to the floor on 5-3 votes. The meeting adjourned after all reported bills were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the insurance perspective, that certainly adds questions if the lien holder isn't added.
• point of sale, if the lien holder isn't a part of that, and you do have buyer's remorse, you have it insured
• Of course, you have an insurer and you decide to crash the car. Who gets paid?

Summary: The committee met to approve special expenses and then considered two interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move vehicle sales tax collection from the current registration-based process to the point of sale. Members asked about the current 60-day registration period, the fiscal and administrative impact on DFA, the burden on dealerships, verification and audit issues, and whether the change could affect tax collection or vehicle pricing. DFA said it was neutral on the proposal, noted programming and process changes would be needed, and said the total tax collected would not change, though timing would. The committee approved the ISP and sent it on for research. The committee then took up ISP 2025-071, based on House Bill 1636 from the 2025 session, which would phase out the state soda excise tax over five years if Medicaid trust fund revenue triggers are met. Representative Ray said the bill was intended to continue discussion after the underlying bill failed on the House floor. Members asked about the tax’s annual revenue, its dedication to the Medicaid Trust Fund, and whether the revenue would be replaced. Ray estimated the tax brings in roughly $40 million to $50 million annually and said the proposal did not replace that revenue. DFA was asked to explain how withdrawals from the trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight, and said it would provide that information later. The committee then adopted the interim study proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Representative McClure, kind of a touch on that also, from the insurance perspective,” “...for the sales
• From the insurance perspective, that certainly adds questions if the lien holder isn’t added.
• point of sale, if the lien holder isn’t a part of that, and you do have buyer’s remorse, you have an insured

Committee: All REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE SALES, USE, MISC. TAXES & EXEMPTIONS SUBCOM.

Summary: The committee first approved special expenses incurred by the committee, then took up interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, sponsored by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move collection of sales tax on motor vehicles from the current post-purchase registration process to the point of sale at dealerships. Committee members and DFA discussed the current 60-day registration/tax payment window, possible fiscal and programming impacts on DFA, the added administrative burden on dealers, verification and audit issues, and concerns about whether the change would improve or complicate tax collection. After questions, the committee voted to send the proposal to research/interim study. The committee then considered ISP 2025-071, from Representative Ray, based on House Bill 1636, which would phase out the state excise tax on soda over five years if revenue triggers were met. Representative Ray explained the tax revenue supports the Medicaid trust fund and said the proposal was intended to continue discussion after the bill failed on the House floor in the regular session. Members asked about the annual revenue generated, the trust fund’s other revenue sources, and whether the revenue would be replaced. DFA was asked to provide additional information on how withdrawals from the Medicaid trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight. The committee then approved the proposal for interim study and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the insurance perspective, that certainly adds questions if the lien holder isn't added.
• point of sale, if the lien holder isn't a part of that, and you do have buyer's remorse, you have it insured
• ...of course, you have an insurer and you decide to crash the car. Who gets paid?

Committee: All REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE SALES, USE, MISC. TAXES & EXEMPTIONS SUBCOM.