Transcript Highlights:

• THE SECOND IS THE SKYROCKETING INSURANCE COST.
• INCREASED HURRICANES CLAIMS RISING INSURANCE COST AND INSURERS LEAVING THE STATE HAVE FUELED THE CRISIS
• THAT'S WHAT AN INSURANCE AGENT COMMISSION IS.
• HAVING TO INSURE TO 85% OF APPRAISED VALUE. >> IT DOES ALLOW THEM TO INSURE BASED ON THAT.
• BECAUSE THE INSURANCE COSTS THAT ARE DRIVING THE CONDO COSTS, YOU KNOW, THE INSURANCE OVER THE LAST SEVERAL

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have around property insurance and, in some cases, commercial insurance, because that's what
• Uh Minnesota has seen insurance.
• Um and insurers leave our state market.
• And then, you know, maybe a couple more in the insurance world.
• And then, you know, maybe a couple more in the insurance world.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to make and I'm sure the commissioner to make and I'm sure the commissioner will<00:01:56.360>
• appointed commissioner jet was appointed commissioner<00:03:33.799> after<00:03:34.159> the
• <00:43:11.520> in uh the commissioner in uh the commissioner in here<00:43:14.520> and<
• Any insight on that, Commissioner?
• department Madam chair commissioner department Madam chair commissioner members<01:10:31.560>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings. The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies. Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, second, we are honored to have a panel discussion with our Commissioner of Education, Commissioner
• Thank you, Commissioner. And that was a good segue.
• As Commissioner Dia said, my name is Carrie Miller.
• Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, I have a couple of follow-up questions to that line of questioning
• Thank you, Commissioner.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, a person is not insured by another employer.
• general lack of of uh insurance general lack of of uh insurance coverage.<00:02:24.000> And
• <00:02:42.879> we the ones that do not have insurance we the ones that do not have insurance
• > program<00:02:44.800> for could create an insurance program for could create an insurance
• Uh, when you take those that already have insurance, that number is going to come down.

Keywords: Vet. and Military Affairs - Room 409, 8 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2018, which would create a state-funded reimbursement program to pay Tricare premiums for eligible Mississippi National Guard members. The sponsor explained the bill is intended to improve quality of life, recruiting, and retention, especially for part-time Guardsmen who lack other medical coverage. General Chris Thomas testified that the proposal is a major priority for the Guard and would help address a significant gap in insurance coverage among soldiers and airmen. Members asked how the reimbursement would work, when payments would be made, and whether the benefit would cover the full premium. Thomas said the mechanics were still being worked out, but the intent was to reimburse members fully for their monthly premium, likely through some recurring reimbursement process. He clarified the bill is aimed at traditional part-time Guard members, not full-time AGR or federal technicians who already have medical coverage. Senators also asked whether the benefit would extend to families. Thomas said the current version covers only the service member, though a family plan option exists and the committee discussed the possibility of pursuing that later if the numbers work. The sponsor noted an appropriation bill would be needed to fund the program, with a fiscal note estimated at $4.6 million if all eligible members participated, though that amount would likely be lower because some already have insurance. The committee then adopted a do-pass motion, approved the bill, and reported it out.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not meant for the regulation of insurance companies or insurance licensees.
• It's not meant for the regulation of insurance companies or insurance licensees.
• And then the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association and then other private insurers.
• code, since the insurance code is meant to regulate insurers and insurance business.
• code, since the insurance code is meant to regulate insurers and insurance business.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• self-insured employer cannot close that particular claim.
• One is that, you know, we have our firefighters, of course, are self-insured in, you know, their self-insured
• cities are normally self-insured.
• Is the problem with the self-insured process, or is it also the state-insured process?
• State fund claims as well as self-insured.

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I UNDERLINE THE WORD INSURED BECAUSE SOMETIMES PEOPLE GET CONFUSED.
• WE UTILIZE A FORM THAT IS PART OF A ROTH OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION.
• THAT FORM IS TIED TO DISCOUNTS AT THE OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION REGULATES.
• SO THERE IS THE CONNECTION TO THE INSURANCE PREMIUM THAT HAPPENS WITH THIS INSPECTION.
• INSURANCE SAVINGS ISN'T THE WHOLE RUN ON THIS ONE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, what is unemployment insurance for?
• It's insurance.
• insurance.
• So they've got this insurance policy.
• The minimum insurance requirement here is PIP, $10,000.

Bills: S0216, S0246, S0356, S0388, S0470, S0488, S0490, S0528, S0584, S0594

Keywords: reemployment assistance, fraud prevention, eligibility verification, Department of Commerce, benefit disqualification, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration, license plate fees, annual use fees, Florida DHSMV, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, deauthorization, financial reporting, nonprofit organizations, college license plates, university license plates, veterans plates, law enforcement plates, Fraternal Order of Police

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered ten bills, beginning with SB 594 on local housing assistance plans. Senator Burton explained that the bill would make residents of mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities eligible for SHIP rental assistance and, in some cases, repair or rehabilitation funds, recognizing that many own their homes but rent the lot. Supporters from AARP and the Federation of Manufactured Homeowners said the bill would help seniors and low-income residents remain housed. The bill was reported favorably by a roll call vote. Members then approved two Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles measures: SB 488, the agency package updating Florida’s motor fuel tax compliance with IFTA, allowing online filing and private license plate agencies to act as agents, raising the crash-damage reporting threshold, expanding email communications, and updating tank vehicle compliance; and SB 490, a related public records exemption for email addresses collected for renewal notices. Both were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also passed SB 246, creating a specialty license plate for the UFC Foundation, despite concerns raised that the foundation is based out of state and that the plate was politically motivated; the bill was approved on a split vote. The committee gave favorable reports to SB 216 on reemployment assistance eligibility, which would tighten job-search requirements, require more frequent eligibility verification, and add reporting on fraudulent claims. The bill drew substantial opposition from labor and policy advocates who argued it would add barriers for unemployed workers, especially in rural and skilled-trades jobs, and that the state’s unemployment system remains difficult to navigate. Supporters said the bill was aimed at fraud prevention and ensuring claimants remain eligible. SB 356 on utility terrain vehicles generated extensive debate over safety, local control, and whether UTVs should be allowed on certain roads; supporters emphasized rural utility and law enforcement benefits, while opponents cited manufacturer warnings and crash risks. The sponsor ultimately temporarily postponed the bill. The committee also reported favorably SB 528 on manufacturing, which expands the Department of Commerce’s manufacturing responsibilities, codifies the chief manufacturing officer position, and creates workforce development grant support; SB 584 on commercial driving schools, which authorizes DHSMV agreements with county tax collectors to help enforce school regulation; and SB 388, which raises the annual use fee for the Florida Wildflower specialty plate from $15 to $25 to support the Florida Wildflower Foundation. The final bill, SB 470 on the Fraternal Order of Police specialty plate, was introduced as a measure to broaden eligibility for the existing plate and stabilize funding for law enforcement memorial efforts, but no final action on that bill was reached in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Commissioner, welcome to the committee.
• >> Commissioner Campbell. >> Commissioner Campbell. >> Chair Lee and Representative Cosnik, no.
• >> Commissioner<00:18:15.440> Campbell. >> Commissioner Campbell.
• >> Commissioner Campbell.
• See, thank you, Commissioner Campbell. See, thank you, Commissioner Campbell.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The 340B program involves manufacturer discounts, not insurer or employer payments or dollars.
• We have Medicaid-insured patients at 42 percent.
• It involved 15 phone calls to the PBM, the health care provider, and the insurance company.
• PBMs and insurers negotiate rebates with manufacturers.
• One month's supply, with excellent insurance, cost this person around $300.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• To that, we added on line 33 insurance and compensation at $8.4 million per year.
• million annual increase for insurance million annual increase for insurance and<00:03:59.120>
• <00:04:11.040> and<00:04:11.360> compensation, insurance and compensation, insurance and
• And so their insurance and still hiring.
• <00:08:06.000> of insurance and compensation increase of insurance and compensation increase

Bills: HF2300

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• INSURANCE BANKING SUBCOMMITTEE WILL COME TO ORDER. MS.
• LIMITED INSURANCE POLICY.
• IT IS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THE INSURANCE LICENSE TO AUTOMOBILE, LIFE, HOME, REAL INSURANCE.
• THIS IS A NARROW INSURANCE PRODUCT BEING SOLD IN VERY SPECIFIC SITUATIONS.
• NOW HB 863 ARBITRATION FOR DISPUTES WITH CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION.

Transcript Highlights:

• We clarified that are not insurance.
• insurance company should not insure a city, a small city, for instance, unless it defunds its police
• And that's not in the best interest of the insurance company.
• not insure a city, a small city, for instance, unless it defunds its police.
• And that's not in the best interest of the insurance company.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:16 Discussion SB 158 01:12 Vote SB 158 04:06 Discussion HB 794 05:20 Vote HB 794 08:20 Discussion SB 183 09:44 Vote SB 183 17:46, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just going to talk about the commissioners, not the commissioners in charge.
• The most is four commissioners plus the commissioner in charge, but quite a few elections.
• The most is four commissioners plus the commissioner in charge, but quite a few elections.
• I'm just going to talk about the commissioners, not the commissioners in charge.
• The most is four commissioners plus the commissioner in charge, but quite a few elections.

Bills: SR86, SB491, HB205, HB210, HB228, HB813, HB1045, HB1177

Keywords: Senate rules, Louisiana Senate, Senate Chamber, smart glasses, recording eyewear, audio recording, video recording, wearable technology, covert recording, legislative security, media access, chamber decorum, Senate President, internal rules, public access, lobbyists, official journal, public notices, competitive bid, Louisiana legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• INSURANCE FOR HOSPITAL SYSTEMS.
• IT IS ONLY SERVED TO INSULATE THE INSURERS.
• YOU COMPARE THIS TO UM CLAIMS AND AUTO INSURANCE.
• MARK DEGAULLE WAIVING FLORIDA INSURANCE WAIVING AGAINST.
• MARK DEGAULLE WAIVING FLORIDA INSURANCE WAIVING AGAINST.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Commissioner<00:04:19.640> uh, >> Commissioner uh, >> Commissioner uh, um
• >> Commissioner, I have a question. >> Senator Miller. >> Thank you, Commissioner.
• >> Um >> Um >> Um Commissioner,<00:09:13.080> uh Commissioner, uh Commissioner
• So, okay, Senators. >> Go ahead. >> Uh, thank you, Commissioner. >> Uh, thank you, Commissioner.
• Commissioner, the floor. >> Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an Assistant Commissioner with the Department of Administration, and I'm here to make some brief
• I'm an<00:03:28.600> Assistant<00:03:29.000> Commissioner<00:03:29.400> with<00:
• 03:29.519> the an Assistant Commissioner with the an Assistant Commissioner with the Department
• We secure insurance and bonds, pay prevailing wage or higher.

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• midsize businesses operating on thin margins while facing rising labor costs, rent, utilities, and insurance
• Our comments were to add more labor union representatives and film commissioners, but we are looking
• and<00:26:15.279> film union representatives and film union representatives and film commissioners
• 16.320> but<00:26:16.559> we<00:26:16.960> are<00:26:17.360> looking commissioners
• , but we are looking commissioners, but we are looking forward<00:26:18.000> to<00:26:18.159><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota's uni form law Commissioners Minnesota's uni form law Commissioners and<01:21:55.840><
• We have 11 commissioners currently.
• <01:25:36.080> currently 11 we have 11 Commissioners currently 11 we have 11 Commissioners
• However, Commissioner Tennyson knew to budget for only 11 because Commissioner Mike Sullivan, who some
• However, Commissioner Tennyson knew to budget for only 11 because Commissioner Mike Sullivan, who some

Bills: HF747, HF360

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities