Transcript Highlights:

• In this budget, we are increasing premiums for their employees. Could you explain that? Mr.
• And will the premium increases be $7,000 a year? What would cost them $7,000 a year? Mr.
• Chair, I just wanted to put on record that it's a 10% increase to insurance premiums.
• And increasing employee premiums, we know we don't pay our state employees enough.
• And increasing employee premiums, we know we don't pay our state employees enough.

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased to more than 5,000. increased to more than 5,000.
• increased by $23,281 a year.
• A family of four earning $133,000 a year would see their premiums increase by $14,000 next year.
• <04:39:03.199> increased<04:39:03.600> by they'll see their premiums increased by they'll
• see their premiums increased by $23,281 $23,281 $23,281 a<04:39:07.119> year.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 1, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a small business owner who has endured the hardships of the premiums for increasing auto insurance
• With our umbrella premiums having surged over 70%.
• We ended up seeing premium increases of 20 to 30% year over year.
• I understand people are mad about their insurance premiums.
• That's not why our premiums are going up.

Bills: SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• For increasing staff by 260 FTE.
• For you all to consider that will increase the distribution from the health insurance premium surtax,
• I think there was an average of 30% increase—16% rate increase the last time.
• increase from all revenue sources, whereas the executive recommendation increases general fund revenue
• Percent overall increase.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So on line three, the total appropriations for the Department of Commerce increased in fiscal years 26
• <00:01:44.240> uh<00:01:44.400> in Department of Commerce increased uh in Department
• of Commerce increased uh in fiscal<00:01:45.040> years<00:01:45.920> 26<00:01:46.399><
• This is from a new proposal on the Department of Commerce's behalf that will increase investment advisor
• investment advisor and broker increase investment advisor and broker dealers<00:02:58.879> uh

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It increases the federal deficit.
• $17 million won't pay everybody's premium, so it's only a percent of the premium, I'm sure, Mr.
• New Mexicans are going to see a 36% increase in their health care premiums.
• going to see about a $4,000 increase over the year.
• People pay a hundred percent of the premium. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Increasing your use of multi-year budgeting.
• And this recommendation includes the same 3% compensation increase and also the increase in insurance
• We have $700,000 for outdoor classrooms, an increase of $200,000 from FY26, and that increase will provide
• You're also having increases in food costs.
• So this would essentially increase the employer share of insurance premiums to at least 80 percent for

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead of the route we were taking, yes, it's an $8.85 per member per month increase in premiums.
• Is there anything that we're thinking about to offset that increase in premiums?
• That is a significant increase. So that is why I asked you, how did you The increase.
• In relation to AB 125, the MCO tax proposed will increase premiums for employers and working families
• In relation to AB-125, the MCO tax proposed will increase premiums for employers and working families

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as census declines, we see an increase in per-resident costs.
• There was some discussion about it with the federal shutdown and the projected increase in premiums from
• There was some discussion about it with the federal shutdown, and the projected increase in premiums
• Because of the premium tax credits that were keeping rising health care premiums lower than they otherwise
• Overall, the insurance premiums only increased by about $150 per client.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS THE WAY THE COST IS INCREASED.
• WHY DID MY PREMIUM GO UP? WHY DID IT COST MORE?
• AS YOU MAY KNOW ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO THE LEGISLATURE INCREASED THE INCREASE CAP FROM 10 PERCENT TO 20
• OF 40 PERCENT INCREASE IN PREMIUMS AND WHAT I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT IS WHETHER OR NOT THOSE SKEWED NUMBERS
• SO THEY ARE NOT SEEING THEY ARE NOT REQUESTING FOR INCREASE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as census declines, we see an increase in per-resident costs.
• There was some discussion about it with the federal shutdown, and the projected increase in premiums
• And the projected increase in premiums from that program, of which, again, some members of the ADAP program
• Because of the premium tax credits that were keeping rising health care premiums lower than they otherwise
• Overall, the insurance premiums only increased by about $150 per client.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management. Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications. Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have increased tax revenue. Veterans, the economic upside is exponential.
• You have increased tax revenue. You have stronger local economies.
• increases.”
• So, Chad, so this is no other increased fees in all to that, right?
• And they're telling me, hey, we can't afford our premiums. So what has come over to OGB?

Bills: HB165, HB175, HB198, HB272, HB457, HB488, HB566, HB603, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Increase the government somewhat there. Thank you for that concern.
• President, what is the rational connection between increasing the population threshold and improving
• Basically, what this is for our school board members since 1972, they have not had an increase in the
• Through your insurance premiums and through the money that's pushed into it through the public sector
• But I know I have been working for a number of years with respect to just increasing health outcomes

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• We've increased scholarships by 41%. That's over 132 years' history.
• President, what Measurable outcomes are tied to this increase in spending.
• If we did increase teacher pay not too long ago, how come our reading scores did not increase?
• Do you think that this teacher pay raise will increase our scores?
• from 2021 to 2022 of adjunct instructors, a 100% increase.

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our cost-of-living increase for...
• Our cost-of-living increase for our state employees, a 2% raise.
• And these are increases. Let's see. All these are increases you put in?
• All these are increases you put in? I didn't think so. I didn't think so.
• We've got reimbursement litigation that's increased ongoing there.

Bills: SB143, SB144, SB145, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146

Keywords: SB143, solid waste, garbage collection, trash fees, refuse collection, municipal fees, county fees, fee exemption, veterans benefits, veteran household, disabled veteran, VA benefits, Social Security exemption, low-income households, poverty level, county commission, municipal governing body, Alabama solid waste law, certificate of exception, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is, of course, this bond is only to protect and guarantee the premium tax that we collect
• , and we do not collect premium... ...collect, and we do not collect premium tax on out-of-state brokers

Bills: SB96, SB97, SB130, HB230, SB154, SB93, SB99, SB96, SB97, SB130, HB230, SB154, SB93, SB99

Keywords: salvage title, salvage certificate of title, rebuilt title, flood vehicle, junk vehicle, total loss, motor vehicle title, vehicle branding, insurance claim, insurance company, Department of Revenue, vehicle inspection, rebuilder, automotive dismantler, parts recycler, secondary metals recycler, junkyard, vehicle identification number, VIN, stolen vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• So don't be so quick to give away our insurance premiums and knock people off the rolls.
• So don't be so quick to give away our insurance premiums and knock people off the rolls.
• So just from 2023 to 2025, their rate has increased by like 70%.
• All of us who are fully insured will pay the higher premium.
• All of us who are fully insured will pay the higher premium.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee discussed three ambulance reimbursement bills and tried to distinguish their approaches. House Bill 185 would require insurers to pay the full amount billed by an ambulance provider when there is no contract rate, with no balance billing to the patient; the Insurance Department clarified that emergency ambulance services are already covered under the benchmark plan, so the bill’s reference to policies without ambulance coverage is effectively meaningless. House Bill 725 would set reimbursement at 325% of the Medicare rate for non-contract ambulance services and prohibit balance billing. House Bill 316 was described as addressing the broader problem that Medicare/Medicaid rates are low and that current balance billing shifts costs to patients or municipalities; its sponsor said the bill would require insurers to pay a rate that gives providers a fighting chance to remain in business, and he viewed 325% of Medicare as the most logical option. Members debated whether insurers should pay the billed amount, a negotiated in-network rate, or a regulated percentage of Medicare. Some argued that out-of-network ambulance providers are underpaid and that in-network rates are often too low to sustain service, especially for emergency providers who cannot steer patients. Others said ambulance companies should not be able to bill whatever they want and questioned the fairness of charging insured patients or insurers more than the service is worth. There was also discussion of whether rate schedules should be reviewed by an oversight body and whether different costs in rural areas justify different reimbursement levels. A recurring issue was balance billing and who ultimately bears the shortfall. Several members said balance billing harms patients and often does not get paid, leaving cities and towns or property taxpayers to cover the difference for municipal ambulance services. Others argued that shifting the cost to insurance premiums would spread the burden more fairly, though it could raise premiums by a few dollars per person per month. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt; the discussion focused on clarifying the bills and weighing their policy tradeoffs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment No. 3 removes language relative to the increase of premium upon renewal.
• companies use the age of the roof to set the policy premium.
• And I've also never had a situation where the premium is increased based on them not fixing something
• And I've also never had a situation where the premium is increased based on them not fixing something
• So I don't think it leads to increased litigation.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on May 6 with a quorum and first reported favorably House Resolution 196 by Rep. Owen. The resolution creates a special study committee to examine the impact of fallen trees on residential property, property values, daily life, and the insurance market. Rep. Owen said the goal is to study whether homeowners who remove risky trees should be considered for incentives or discounts, and members discussed whether homeowners association restrictions on tree removal should also be examined. The committee next reported favorably Senate Bill 100 by Sen. Jenkins, which requires transportation network company drivers to provide the correct proof of insurance after an accident and disclose whether they were logged into the ride-share app or on a prearranged ride. Supporters said the bill would ensure the proper ride-share-specific coverage is produced and reduce administrative problems when accidents occur. House Bill 408 by Rep. Jordan, dealing with homeowners insurance cancellations after a homeowner timely mitigates risks, drew opposition from the insurance industry. Opponents argued the bill addressed a problem they said does not generally occur and could create confusion or litigation, especially given existing notice rules. After discussion, the committee adopted a committee amendment changing a notice period from 90 days to 60 days, and Rep. Jordan voluntarily deferred the bill. The committee then took up House Bill 625 by Rep. Jordan on peer-to-peer car sharing programs. Members adopted technical amendments and a substantive amendment requiring a state-admitted or approved physical damage policy when no contractual protection package is in place, with a deductible cap and subrogation rights. Enterprise representative Ryan Haney said the company supported the broader effort but disagreed with the amended approach; the committee nevertheless reported the bill favorably as amended. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , really started using locality premium, really started using locality premium, but<01:43:35.360>
• , entry rate, and the locality premium, entry rate, and the locality premium, that<01:43:56.639><
• locality premium made a big difference. locality premium made a big difference.
• <01:48:07.119> were nursing and the locality premiums were nursing and the locality premiums
• So, it's yearly increases and stuff.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:14 Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:02:02 Response from the Kentucky Fire Commission-00:32:06 Judge Testimony on Child Removal-00:42:47 Update on Child Removal and Reunification-01:11:19 Staffing at Kentucky Veteran Centers-01:40:15 Adjournment-02:05:55, 958, all

Summary: The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated. The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test. Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, SB203: we feel like it will increase costs.
• The 85% minimum loss ratio will drive up premiums; that has been well documented in other states.
• our costs, resulting in an increased legislative ask to this legislature of $149 million.
• The context you're talking about, your typical health premium is about $500 for an individual.
• Our age dental premium was $26, so 15% of $500...

Keywords: 923, senate, all