Video & Transcript : 'clean claim' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- It is visible across New Hampshire, affecting agriculture, ecosystems, property values tied to clean
- </c><00:11:57.920><c> These</c> tied to clean lakes and rivers.
- These tied to clean lakes and rivers.
- It’s got over 80 cited sources for every claim they make. just the bees, especially to you to a just
- </c> cited sources for every claim they make. cited sources for every claim they make.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Contract Review Committee Jul 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , 2,000 claims, or 12,000 claims.
- </c> handle and administer all of the claims handle and administer all of the claims that<00:21:38.320
- or are we going to have 2,000 claims or are we going to have 12,000<00:21:57.520><c> claims?
- 22:55.120><c> and</c> there's additional claims over and there's additional claims over and beyond<00
- </c> you know, and 2,000 claims per year. you know, and 2,000 claims per year.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 2/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> through an analysis of claims through an analysis of claims um<00:26:14.720><c> that</c><00:26:15.039
- 07.760><c> impacted</c> process, claims for the impacted process, claims for the impacted benefits<00
- </c> claims that they flagged. claims that they flagged.
- So claims can't get paid review claims.
- </c> um what through an analysis of claims um what through an analysis of claims for<00:43:37.680><c>
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits.
State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook.
State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November.
Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- No one had claimed them.
- No one had claimed she discriminated, but she claimed that she anticipated that she would be challenged
- No one had claimed them.
- No one had claimed them.
- No one had claimed them.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:07
SB 60: 00:00:53
Discussion in Opposition to SB 60: 00:04:41
SB 130: 00:25:36
SB 169: 00:25:44, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition.
Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Apr 16th, 2025
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe one out of 250... ...250 complaints out of 2.5 million claims.
- Will their claims be denied because of repeated visits to the emergency room?
- be resolved in a timely manner. denied claims be resolved in a timely fashion.
- Otherwise, the burden of challenging denied claims falls entirely on patients who are often at their
- There's no one other... pay the claims.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Extending aspects of the state's reinsurance program 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All claims below that threshold or above it are paid entirely by a health plan.
- All claims below that threshold or above it are paid entirely by a health plan.
- Reinsurance payments go directly towards covering high-cost claims.
- from real people in high-cost claims from real people in this<00:15:55.519><c> market.
- . claims. claims.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have an LCFS-type program called a clean heat standard that is being drafted by DEP.
- I'm a clean transportation attorney at Conservation Law Foundation.
- This would establish a low-carbon fuel standard or a clean fuel standard.
- As you've heard, establish a low-carbon fuel standard or a clean fuel standard.
- The inclusion of SAF as a clean fuel gives it undeserved credibility.
Summary:
The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services.
A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- claims.
- No one is going to bring a claim or testify in a claim that they don't feel is valid.
- </c> file claims themselves. they settle. file claims themselves. they settle.
- And the vast majority of these claims are not statutory cap claims.
- </c> is the standard for most civil claims. is the standard for most civil claims.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So constituents consistently reach out to our office to report extensive delays in processing claims,
- Including our partners in the community, who are oftentimes assisting with these claims, we can ensure
- shouldn't have to call your state rep or your state senator in order to process your unemployment claim
- The increase in the backlogs led to significant delays in decisions and processing claims.
- These measures would help reduce the backlog and free up DUA resources to adjudicate claims.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hearing on House 5188, a late-filed bill to establish a special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in Massachusetts. Representatives Hadley Luddy and Joshua Tarski, the bill’s sponsors, said they filed it after seeing many constituent cases involving delays, unresolved claims, and difficulty navigating the unemployment system, especially for seasonal workers and others facing financial instability. They argued the commission should review claim data, gather stakeholder input, and identify gaps in the process so the system is more efficient, equitable, and transparent.
Greater Boston Legal Services testified in support, describing numerous client cases in which claimants waited months for determinations or were stuck in limbo after the launch of a new online benefits system. Attorneys said DUA’s backlogs and timeliness metrics had worsened, citing large increases in non-monetary, separation, and hearings backlogs, and they urged the committee to consider systemic fixes, including better notice about paid family and medical leave and possibly more funding or staff for DUA. Committee members generally praised the bill and the sponsors’ collaboration, and one suggested the commission’s reporting deadline might need to be extended.
No vote was taken during the hearing. After testimony and brief discussion, the chair closed the hearing and concluded the committee meeting.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Feb 10th, 2026
Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And, to serve our state, people that are interested in clean water issues.
- So the way it works is that the federal government sets the Clean Water Act, right?
- And then the Clean Water Commission votes on those regulations.
- So the way it works is that the federal government sets the Clean Water Act, right?
- And then the Clean Water Commission votes on those regulations.
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture met in executive session and took up three bills before moving to a public hearing on House Bill 1885. On House Bill 2297, Representative Hayden’s fencing/enclosure bill, the committee adopted a House Committee substitute after discussion about terminology changes, including whether to use “property boundary line” versus “division line,” and about liability language for injuries during fence construction. The substitute was then reported do pass by a vote of 18 ayes and 3 noes.
The committee next approved House Bill 2436, Representative Van Skoik’s animal impoundment bill, by a vote of 14 ayes and 7 noes. It then considered House Bill 2713, where the committee adopted a substitute and an amendment restoring a five-year sunset, after discussion that the bill related to a tax credit and industry concerns about removing the sunset. The final committee vote on the House Committee substitute for HB 2713 was 17 ayes and 4 noes, and it was reported do pass.
In public hearing, Representative Van Skoik presented House Bill 1885, which would change the makeup of the Clean Water Commission by allowing at least one member knowledgeable about publicly owned wastewater treatment works, removing a two-year waiting period for certain industry members, and directing the commission to set recusal rules for conflicts of interest. Supporters from the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and municipal utilities said the bill would help ensure knowledgeable, current wastewater professionals can serve and address a shortage of experienced people in the field. Questions focused on whether the commission should set its own conflict rules and whether members could still have income from permit holders; the sponsor and witnesses said recusal rules would address conflicts and that the bill was intended to improve expertise on the commission. No opposition testimony was heard before the committee adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- These are the core policy and claim information from insurance companies.
- While lost-time claim frequency, the number of claims that we're having here in Idaho, continues its
- The lost-time claim frequency, or the number of claims that we see in Idaho, is one of the most significant
- And the way they adjust the claims? Mr. Johnson? Mr. Chairman, Senator Ruckti, no.
- Claims or anything of that nature. Any further questions, committee? Seeing none, thank you, sir.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Sean Donahue, of Florida, and Jessica Kramer, of Wisconsin, both to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Brian Nesvik, of Wyoming, to be Director of the United State Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:45 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Superfund Act, among others. Mr.
- For example, voluntary clean-up programs that encourage the clean-up and reuse of sites with perspective
- Do we need to dive into the clean-up after the recorder decision?
- Is it a matter of the best strategy to clean up a procedure?
- We also heard again delays in cleaning it up.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this one I know a little bit about. to claims analysis or claims management to claims analysis or
- Are your rates covering your claims, or are you knowing that your rates are not covering your claims?
- They're claiming that they hold the risk of towns that are paying premiums for claims.
- They're claiming that says.
- If they run out of claims.
Summary:
The subcommittee continued work on Senate Bill 297 and a new amendment dealing with pooled risk management programs and whether they should be regulated under the insurance department. Lisa Duket, executive director of SchoolCare, testified at length that the draft language could allow co-mingling of public entity risk funds, could trigger producer-licensing requirements for staff who are not actually brokers, and may not fit public entity risk pools because they are not insurance companies. She also raised concerns about the March 1 reporting deadline, the proposed uniform accounting language, aggregate excess insurance, examination costs being charged to the program, and confidentiality provisions that she argued may conflict with right-to-know principles for public entities. She urged the committee to slow down and consider a study committee or more time for review, saying the regulated entities were not adequately involved in drafting the proposal.
Chairman Hunt and the department responded that the bill is intended to create a licensure-based regulatory model, similar to other licensed industries, and that the pooled risk management program would be exempt from producer licensing while anyone else selling or negotiating such coverage would need a producer license. The department said failure to comply would be handled through an administrative licensing process, with denial or nonrenewal of a license and appeal through the department process. On the reporting deadline, the department said March 1 is a standard filing date used for financial analysis and that the filing can be the most recent annual report, regardless of fiscal year end. They also explained that the confidentiality language was taken from existing RSA 5B, that aggregate excess insurance was included as a solvency measure, and that the draft was intended to preserve familiar language while adapting it for pooled risk programs.
The discussion did not include a final vote or formal action on the bill in the portion provided. The committee appeared to be compiling follow-up questions for the insurance department and considering whether additional revisions or a slower process would be needed before moving the bill forward.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- , you cannot charge a fee for that initial claim.
- That is one of my big concerns: people that use these claim sharks or underaccredited people.
- People use these claim sharks or underaccredited people, whatever you want to call them.
- She asked what he meant by claim sharks, and he clarified that he meant claim sharks.
- Claim sharks? Yeah. I mean, what's that word? Claim sharks? Yeah. With the what? The claim charts.
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met with a quorum and began with remarks honoring veterans on the committee, including presentation of Capitol-flown flags and certificates. The chair also announced new decorum rules, including a ban on hats except religious headwear, and reminded members about the importance of truthful testimony. The committee then moved into executive session to consider several bills related to veterans’ issues and benefits.
The committee first took up House Bill 3029, which dealt with regulating veterans benefits matters and limiting bad actors who charge veterans for claims assistance. Members discussed concerns about private companies, accredited service officers, veterans’ choice, and whether the bill would reduce access or create future problems with VA reviews. Amendments were adopted to clarify that the bill would not cover housing loans and to remove a paragraph affecting certain registered providers. After debate, the committee voted 14-7 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for HB 3029. The committee then approved House Bill 3280, concerning spouse disability license plates, by a unanimous 21-0 vote.
Next, the committee considered House Bill 2306 along with related bills HB 2276 and HB 2089 in a combined committee substitute. The measure would create property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses based on assessed value, with categories tied to disability ratings. Members asked detailed questions about how the exemption would interact with short-term rentals, remarriage, unoccupied homes, and the senior tax freeze. The sponsor explained the exemption would apply to a qualified primary residence and continue in certain cases such as assisted living or veterans homes. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted 18-2 to do pass the combined bill package.
After the votes, the committee heard testimony from Heather, founder and executive director of Healing House and New Beginnings, a Christ-centered recovery program for women with substance use disorder. She described the program’s housing, recovery support, accreditation, and community outreach, and members praised its work. The committee also heard from Steve Baker of the Cass County Veterans Coalition, who described a local volunteer network that connects veterans to jobs and services. He emphasized that the coalition does not provide services itself but helps veterans find the right resources. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There's also an avenue. regarding accredited claims agencies are folks that they take a written exam
- Again, illegal to charge a fee on initial claim.
- Um, to quality claims representation before the VA through our County Veterans Service Officers.
- I mean, and you go to a county Marin service officer, you know, they're going to file your claim.
- And QC on that claim is performed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is all of the systems, all of the systems that run eligibility and claims through our agency,
- We update our projections based on updated claims.
- We just pay the claims directly from our agency.
- And we certainly have the data on how many claims we've paid. Of course, you know.
- And we certainly have the data on how many claims we've paid. Of course, you know.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Clean Energy Transformation Act, or CETA.
- to hinder our climate and clean energy goals.
- These include, in part, the Advanced Clean Cars, Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and heavy-duty
- It still stays under Washington's Clean Vehicles Program.
- It still stays under Washington's Clean Vehicles Program.
Summary:
The committee heard public hearings on four bills. SB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts and certain single-customer utilities, and would revise definitions for market customers and affected market customers. Supporters, including environmental groups, Commerce, Ecology, and some port and utility representatives, said it would close loopholes and ensure large loads such as data centers and port-based generation are subject to CETA. Opponents from ports, PUDs, business groups, and industrial consumers argued the bill could sweep in existing single-customer utilities and burden smaller ports or industrial projects. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after noting substantial pro, con, and other testimony.
SB 6008 would create a statewide residential battery incentive and flexible demand program administered through Commerce, with higher incentives for low- and moderate-income customers and requirements tied to utility flexible demand programs. Supporters said it would improve grid resilience, lower bills, and help deploy virtual power plants and distributed storage. Utilities and some advocates supported the concept but asked for changes on funding, low-income verification, compensation, deadlines, and program design. No action was taken beyond the public hearing.
SB 6050 would allow portable plug-in solar devices and one meter-mounted device per premises, while restricting utilities, landlords, and HOAs from blocking them and setting safety and certification conditions. Supporters called it a low-cost way to expand distributed solar access, especially for renters and lower-income households. Opponents, including labor, utilities, and safety-focused witnesses, raised concerns about fire risk, backfeeding, lack of existing electrical code standards, utility worker safety, and the need for interconnection review. The committee then heard SB 6056, which would direct Ecology to exempt utility service vehicles from certain clean vehicle emissions standards; Ecology said it was already pursuing a similar rule and flagged the bill’s broad definition and potential policy implications, while utility associations supported the exemption for emergency response vehicles and environmental advocates opposed the statutory approach. No votes were taken on any of the bills.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We want jobs, opportunity, clean air and clean water, and to protect the things we care about.
- We are a regional clean energy advocacy nonprofit, and our members are a combination of clean energy
- Clean energy is critical to me.
- Nuclear energy is clean, no CO2.
- Nuclear energy is clean, no CO2.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5821, which would direct the Department of Commerce, if funded by gifts or grants, to develop a nuclear power strategic framework and integrate it into the state energy strategy. Supporters, including Sen. Braun, Energy Northwest, public power representatives, and several pro-nuclear advocates, said Washington needs to keep advanced nuclear on the table to address rising electricity demand, reliability concerns, and clean energy goals. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill gives nuclear special treatment, lacks sufficient guardrails on waste, safety, cost, and public process, and was rushed without adequate tribal consultation. Several tribal testifiers said the bill should require early, meaningful government-to-government consultation and stronger protections for treaty rights and cultural resources.
The committee then held a work session on a Washington State Institute for Public Policy report reviewing state policies supporting small modular reactors. Staff and researchers explained that the report surveyed 79 policies in 35 states and found most states are still in preliminary planning stages, with policies focused on feasibility studies, siting, workforce development, permitting, financial support, and market integration. Members asked about water use, waste, footprint, and whether the report covered fusion; the researchers said it was limited to fission and that water needs vary by reactor design. Some senators noted the need to consider lifecycle impacts and compare nuclear with other energy technologies.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6010, which would change FSEC tribal consultation procedures by exempting most government-to-government consultations from the Open Public Meetings Act when there is no deliberation or commitments, requiring all FSEC members to participate in consultation, and giving tribes a chance to review and correct the consultation summary before it goes to the governor. Tribal witnesses and environmental groups supported the bill as a way to improve confidentiality and meaningful consultation, while the Association of Washington Business opposed it, saying it could add delays and suggesting timelines. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6004, which would update contracting statutes so public entities can contract for renewable or non-emitting generation capability under CETA definitions; utilities supported the update as a modernization, while consumer and environmental opponents warned it could shift financial risk to ratepayers, especially for nuclear projects. No votes were taken in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Expenditure Review Commission 7/15/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for each claim or exemption type.
- </c> is sufficient to claim the exemption. is sufficient to claim the exemption.
- </c> not required to claim an exemption. not required to claim an exemption.
- </c> of mortgage registry exemptions claimed of mortgage registry exemptions claimed utilize<00:34:26.320
- include</c><00:37:14.960><c> a</c> exemption claims generally include a exemption claims generally include
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Each suit had 8 to 9 claims. That's 90 claims.
- Each suit had 8 to 9 claims. That's 90 claims.
- to go through all 90 and figure taking it away from handling other claimant's claims to go through all
- going to get you more data as Chris said in the written testimony but there are about 50,000 PIP claims
- I think the other important point is we talked about 50,000 claims, PIP claims.
Summary:
The Financial Services Committee heard testimony on several insurance, transportation, and labor-related bills. Senator Edwards supported bills addressing app-based delivery workers, arguing that food-delivery drivers should be treated as employees with protections and mileage reimbursement, and that a small surcharge on app-based deliveries could raise revenue for the Commonwealth and localities. Kevin Brousseau of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO also backed the delivery-worker bill, saying it would preserve employee status, add data transparency, and create a process for challenging deactivations. MAPC supported a bill to change transportation network company fees from a flat per-ride charge to a percentage-based assessment, saying the current fee is outdated and that a higher fee could raise more transportation revenue and help address congestion and emissions.
A large portion of the hearing focused on auto insurance and collision repair issues. Insurance industry witnesses supported a bill to limit attorney’s fees in PIP cases by giving insurers 30 days after a complaint is served to pay amounts due without fee exposure, arguing that PIP litigation has surged, is clogging courts, and is being driven by out-of-state firms. They also opposed auto body labor-rate bills, saying the market is already adjusting and that a statutory floor is unnecessary. In contrast, auto body shop representatives and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts urged favorable action on bills to raise and regularly update collision repair labor rates, saying current reimbursement levels are far below market, have not kept pace with inflation or vehicle technology, and are making it hard to retain workers and keep small shops open. One witness also supported a bill to limit insurance surcharge points for low-damage accidents or minor moving violations.
Committee members asked questions about deactivation rights for delivery workers, the mechanics of the PIP litigation issue, and the gap between body-shop and mechanical labor rates. Testimony emphasized that current auto body reimbursement rates are around the mid-$40s per hour, while mechanical work can be reimbursed at much higher rates, and that advisory-board discussions have produced only limited progress. At the end of the hearing, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, then moved to close the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.