Transcript Highlights:

• Solve Beckel, House Fiscal.
• So they've noted that there's savings of $543,000 in fiscal year 2027, and 1.3 to 4 million dollars in
• So into the start of fiscal 2026, the end of fiscal 2026, it's kind of split between two summers, but
• for the program between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026.
• Using the greater of the people counts between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2024, resulting in an allocation

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course the fiscal note we don't have a fiscal note yet.
• And of course the fiscal note we don't have a fiscal note yet.
• fiscal note yet. fiscal note yet.
• <00:18:33.320> note, Because you don't have a fiscal note, Because you don't have a fiscal
• <01:36:26.080> note uh not necessarily fair fiscal note uh not necessarily fair fiscal note

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Which is why when we prepared the fiscal note worksheet for the LBA, that's where we come up with the
• Which is why when we prepared the fiscal note worksheet for the LBA, that's where we come up with the
• Which is why when we prepared the fiscal note worksheet for the LBA, that's where we come up with the
• Which is why when we prepared the fiscal note worksheet for the LBA, that's where we come up with the
• I was also informed that that fiscal I was also informed that that fiscal note<01:13:29.760>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The work session was limited to House Bill 1750, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services’ SNAP administration. Before testimony, Representative Terski distributed a written statement from Representative Priest for the record. Department officials Karen Heert and Nathan White then walked the committee through a chart showing SNAP participation, federal benefit dollars, and state administrative costs, emphasizing that the benefits themselves do not flow through the state budget. They explained that the reported administrative cost includes overhead and cost-allocation methods used to maximize federal reimbursement, and that the current participant count is about 75,000 with the trend steady in recent years. Members questioned whether the reported costs were stable, how much of the administrative expense was directly tied to SNAP, and whether reducing overhead would lower the need for the appropriation. The department said the cost per participant and per dollar distributed would be lower if SNAP were isolated, but that the broader allocation system also supports federal claiming across multiple programs. Officials said SNAP eligibility is redetermined every six months, that the department processes nearly 50 eligibility programs with about 250 field staff, roughly 70 unfunded positions, and a vacancy rate around 25%. They also said most errors in the program are unintentional and can come from either staff or participant mistakes, and that the department reviews errors to identify systemic fixes. The committee discussed the fiscal impact of the bill and related budget issues. DHHS said the current adjusted authorization for 2026 is about $31 million, but actual spending is expected to be closer to $25–26 million because of vacancies and unfilled positions. Members asked whether the $4.4 million shortfall identified in the fiscal note would come from the rainy day fund; staff said it would not be taken directly from that fund, but would reduce the amount available to flow into it at the end of the biennium. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 603 FN, which was described as an alternative approach that would require DHHS to transfer funds within its existing budget rather than provide new money; officials said it would simply codify an option the department already has. No vote or final action on House Bill 1750 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a look at actual State Grant spending for fiscal year 24 and projected spending for fiscal
• November 1st projections report fiscal November 1st projections report fiscal year<01:34:29.600>
• enrollment increasing, and we took $12 million from fiscal year 25 and pulled it back to fiscal year
• year 25 and pulled it back from fiscal year 25 and pulled it back to<01:36:40.800> fiscal<01:
• year 27 that was 136 million for fiscal year 27 that was 136 million for<01:37:40.960> fiscal

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I would note, as Mr.
• Second, fiscal responsibility matters.
• Second, fiscal responsibility matters.
• I think it's important just to note that.
• These are risks that we have on the horizon that we note.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders described as the compromise budget expected to move to the floor later that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core programs from federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget plan, saying it uses higher-than-expected revenues and reserve balances to reject some proposed reductions and fund temporary restorations and new spending in areas such as education, child care, health care, housing, homelessness, and public safety. Department of Finance representatives said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced framework and the effort to address out-year deficits, while noting the plan includes additional spending and revenue changes. Sisney also previewed floor bills including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125, with SB 122 described as a modification to the tax credit proposal and SB 125 as the managed care organization tax proposal. Subcommittee chairs then described the major policy choices in their areas. Health chair Addis said the budget responds to federal health care rollbacks by protecting Medi-Cal, clinics, hospitals, dental care, and other safety-net services, while also supporting reproductive care, gender-affirming care, and county health systems. Education chair Alvarez highlighted increased school funding, expanded learning, special education, teacher support, community colleges, and a change to Cal Grant eligibility for older community college students. Other chairs emphasized child care expansions, homelessness and housing funding, prison closure and criminal justice savings, wildfire mitigation, county support for Medi-Cal and CalFresh administration, and accountability measures tied to homelessness and corrections spending. Several members also raised concerns or priorities, including the impact of the MCO tax on providers, the need for more support for local journalism, transit and climate funding, biotech and R&D incentives, and continued work on Prop 98 and long-term revenue solutions. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, but members broadly expressed support for the budget framework and the need to continue negotiations with the administration before final passage. The committee discussion repeatedly framed the budget as a response to federal policy changes and a choice to protect vulnerable Californians while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The vice chair, citing LAO warnings about future volatility and limited reserves, pressed Finance on whether the budget represented a record-sized state budget and whether revenues were also at record levels, underscoring concerns about the state’s preparedness for a downturn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. fiscal and request for more winter fiscal and request for more winter maintenance<00:32:07.200
• be asking for more money in fiscal. be asking for more money in fiscal.
• fiscal fiscal this<00:32:32.399> winter<00:32:33.200> time,<00:32:34.080> we<00
• It's committee to close fiscal year 25.
• <01:06:49.920> year a dollar appropriation in fiscal year a dollar appropriation in fiscal

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an amendment before us, which, if we adopt it, removes the fiscal note.
• It didn't have a fiscal note, then it had a fiscal note, then we're taking off the fiscal note.
• We did not hear from anybody else except for the fiscal note.
• It didn't have a fiscal note, then it had a fiscal note, then we're taking off the fiscal note.
• We did not hear from anybody else except for the fiscal note. from the general public.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs appropriation. Representative O’Brien explained the House changes, including funding for a restored Veterans Benefits Specialist FTE, salary equity adjustments for the commissioner and veterans service officers, one-time funding for veteran homelessness services, carryover authority for the Fargo Fisher House, and a highly rural transportation grants program. Members also discussed the commissioner’s prior salary increase and the use of transportation grant funds for administrative costs, as well as the status of the Fisher House project. The committee adopted amendment 25.092.0203 and then gave SB 2025 a do pass recommendation as amended, with Representative O’Brien as carrier. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2307, the library bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed the fiscal note, but several members objected on policy and process grounds, citing constitutional concerns, potential costs to counties and state’s attorneys, and the fact that the bill had not been heard as a full policy hearing. The amendment failed 4-19. The committee then voted do not pass on SB 2307 as introduced, and Representative Murphy was named carrier. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 2188 on the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. Representative Bosch described the program’s grant and low-interest loan authority and the Senate’s reduced funding levels. The committee amended the bill to restore the Senate funding amounts in Section 3, then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Kempenich carrying it. Finally, the committee considered two rural development bills and chose Senate Bill 2097, the rural endowment fund bill, for do not pass while advancing House Bill 2390, which uses regional councils to distribute rural development grants. The committee amended HB 2390 to lower the population threshold from 4,500 to 3,000, kept the 50% set-aside for communities under 1,500, and then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Mitskog as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was aspects of the fiscal note.
• note, we say that these when the fiscal note, we say that these um<00:40:37.440> these<00:40:
• “The fiscal note is working its way through the process.
• <01:42:20.000> note So it is it doesn't have a fiscal note So it is it doesn't have a fiscal
• So there is no fiscal note this year.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:41:47.800> note<01:41:48.880> associated fiscal note associated fiscal note associated
• So, the fiscal note number is not this fiscal note number anymore.
• <01:42:45.480> note about a fiscal note about a fiscal note and<01:42:47.520> whether
• Certainly, when we are looking at fiscal Certainly, when we are looking at fiscal notes, notes,
• fiscal note number note there's not this fiscal note number anymore.<01:44:21.880> However, anymore

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm wondering, did I miss the fiscal note on this one or what does this cost?
• I'm wondering, did I miss the fiscal note on this one or what does this cost?
• >> We don't have the fiscal note before us.
• >> We don't have the fiscal note before us.
• note, I would like to have some fiscal note, I would like to have some information<00:26:37.919>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have an updated fiscal note for this revised bill.
• ><00:55:50.119> indeterminant fiscal note that found a indeterminant fiscal note that found a
• if you read the fiscal note it says this if you read the fiscal note it says this would would would
• fiscal note then it not really a direct fiscal note then it probably<01:01:46.440> this<01:01:
• fiscal note uh so indeterminable on the fiscal note uh so there's<01:05:39.960> really<01:05:40.200

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3. Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• fund this starting for uh fiscal 2027. fund this starting for uh fiscal 2027.
• :59.040> note Department of Justice fiscal note Department of Justice fiscal note estimates<00
• I'd like to have a printed fiscal note on that, but if that's not possible, the minimum I would like
• I'd like to have a printed fiscal<01:08:18.960> note<01:08:19.279> on<01:08:19.440>
• note on that, but if that's not fiscal note on that, but if that's not possible,<01:08:21.279> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a work session on 17 retained bills and moved through several measures, often with motions to ought to pass or inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 54, allowing alternative treatment centers to operate for profit, was supported as a way to improve efficiency and potentially lower costs for medical cannabis users, and it was recommended OTP by a 9-0 vote. House Bill 97, an appropriation for wastewater infrastructure, drew mixed views: supporters said the Senate’s reduced funding still met the bill’s intent, while opponents argued the funding was inadequate for critical infrastructure needs; the committee voted 5-4 to ITL. House Bill 111, extending the Right to Know Ombudsman and exempting certain assistance from unauthorized practice of law, was recommended ITL 9-0. House Bill 197, concerning state payment of a portion of local retirement contributions, was discussed as a recurring issue; members noted an amendment could fund it starting in fiscal 2027, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to recommend the bill itself rather than ITL. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a harms-and-benefits report, was amended to narrow its scope to future privately owned landfills only; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 9-0. House Bill 216, on workers’ compensation credit toward retirement service, was ITL’d 9-0 after the sponsor said the proposal was too open-ended and could affect unknown numbers of people.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that for some of the new members, the new members went through a fiscal note training, but there's
• I know that for some of the new members, the new members went through a fiscal note training, but there's
• I know that for some of the new members, the new members went through a fiscal note training, but there's
• I know that for some of the new members, the new members went through a fiscal note training, but there's
• <00:03:58.959> note new members went through a fiscal note new members went through a fiscal

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to receive a presentation from House Fiscal staff Cynthia Templin and Katrina Heimark on state tax revenues, property tax aids and credits, and key budget terms and timelines. They explained the difference between fiscal years, tax years, biennia, the general fund, and dedicated funds, and reviewed the legislative budget calendar, including the governor’s January budget recommendation, the February forecast update, March budget resolution deadlines, and the expected end of session in May. The presentation focused on how Minnesota tax revenue is collected and where it goes. House Fiscal said fiscal 2024 total revenue for public services was about $102.5 billion, with $46.5 billion coming from state and local taxes. Of total state tax revenue, about 85% goes to the general fund and about 15% is dedicated to other funds. They noted that income and sales taxes make up the largest share of state collections, while local property taxes are the largest share of local revenue. They also reviewed constitutional and statutory dedications, including the Legacy sales tax dedication, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication to transportation, and the auto parts sales tax dedication that was changed in 2023 to a 100% transportation dedication phased in over 10 years. Members asked several questions about slowing income tax growth, possible effects of migration and corporate departures, and whether changes in population or wages were affecting revenue trends. Templin said she was not aware of recent independent or MMB studies tying revenue loss to migration, but would look into it. Members also discussed the sharp rise in tax receipts in fiscal 2021 and 2022 after the pandemic downturn, with staff explaining that the low fiscal 2020 base and a shift toward goods purchases during COVID helped drive the increase, especially in sales tax revenue. No bills were taken up and no votes were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the idea is to formalize this process a little bit more, and then you will see there’s a fiscal note
• <00:08:29.080> note<00:08:29.520> and you will see there's a fiscal note and you will
• see there's a fiscal note and then<00:08:29.759> to<00:08:29.919> give<00:08:30.080>
• And when I asked Miss Randall what would be required, and the fiscal note was put together, the money
• that is in the fiscal note is what Miss Randall said that she needs in order to do this work, so I certainly

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal requests project funding for two fiscal years in the amount of $2.42 million in fiscal
• This is really meant for the upcoming fiscal year.
• And so that's sort of the fiscal implication there.
• I will note that even the CWDA request phases down over time.
• I would note our updated HR1. Shortfall and out years.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard presentations on several May Revision proposals, beginning with an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance on the state’s budget condition and the administration’s efforts to reduce out-year deficits through a mix of revenue measures, fund shifts, and program reductions. The chair expressed support for some administration proposals, such as added health IT funding, county administration support, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some immigrants, and additional Covered California subsidy backfill, but also criticized proposed Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other cuts affecting counties, workforce, and rural access. The LAO said the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing and urged more reserves and caution on new commitments. The Department of State Hospitals presented several proposals, including reduced county bed billing authority, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of unspent prior-year funds, additional lease revenue authority for the Metro Central Utility Plant replacement, funding for electronic health record implementation, and a shift of workforce development costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds. The department also described savings and realignments in its IST and CONREP programs, including making the Independent Placement Panel permanent and adjusting funding for jail-based competency treatment and conditional release services. Members questioned the BHSA workforce funding swap, and the administration said it was part of a broader General Fund offset strategy. The Emergency Medical Services Authority requested funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for continued operation of its enterprise systems, and the Department of Managed Health Care sought funds to modernize its complaint system and claims settlement data systems. The largest debate centered on the administration’s proposed use of Behavioral Health Services Act revenues to offset General Fund spending and fund state-directed behavioral health programs. The Department of Finance said the proposal would support population-based prevention, workforce programs, mobile crisis services, and other state-directed uses, while the LAO said it was still reviewing whether the uses comply with Proposition 1 and whether the non-supplement and eligible-use requirements are met. The Commission for Behavioral Health strongly opposed proposed cuts to its Innovation Partnership Fund and community advocacy grants, arguing that both programs are central to community voice, culturally responsive services, and statewide innovation. Commissioners and many public commenters said the cuts would reduce grants to community-based organizations, tribal groups, veterans, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other underserved populations, and that the advocacy program helps communities participate in local planning and access services. The Department of Finance defended the reductions as a way to prioritize direct services and said the programs fit within Proposition 1, but members criticized the proposal as a midstream shift that would weaken community engagement and redirect funds away from prevention and advocacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• note, right?
• <00:12:00.959> All in the fiscal note, right? So, yeah. All in the fiscal note, right?
• But, but the main thing is um, but look at the fiscal note, Mr. Chair.
• There's no updated fiscal note. I spoke with the Secretary of State.
• There's no updated fiscal note. Correct. There's no updated fiscal note.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 74, which requires agencies to report annually on permits that are significantly delayed. An amendment was offered and adopted to replace the bill’s original permit-by-permit reporting with a summary report by category, including counts of permits taking more than 60, 120, or 180 days and general reasons for delay. The amendment also delayed the first report until April 30, 2027, so agencies would report only on future permitting activity rather than reconstructing past files. Members discussed whether delays caused by incomplete applications or requests for additional information should be included in the reporting categories. The sponsor and others said the bill is intended to measure delays after an application is administratively complete, but that reasons such as waiting on applicant-provided engineering data could still be captured under the summary reasons. Several members praised the amendment as a substantial improvement and said it would produce more useful information with less burden on agencies, while one member said they would support the amendment but not the bill because agencies already face budget constraints. The committee first approved the amendment unanimously by show of hands, then voted 7-1 to report Senate Bill 74 ought to pass as amended, with one member opposed and one absent. Afterward, the committee briefly discussed a separate Senate message on House Bill 67, noting that the Senate version had no additional general-fund cost and that any remaining issues would be handled with the election law committee before concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the fiscal >> That's my estimate. That's the fiscal note. note. note.
• number, that fiscal note, will go in number, that fiscal note, will go in that<00:29:33.840>
• fiscal note. fiscal note.
• <00:31:46.360> note million dollars because a fiscal note million dollars because a fiscal
• fiscal note. fiscal note.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine announcements, including welcoming a new group of pages and noting donations of donuts and chicken from local businesses, along with a citation planned for Mr. Herman’s Bakery, which is closing after 103 years. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 858, establishing a Department of Budget and Management Audit and Finance Compliance Unit. A senator moved to send the bill back to second reading to add an amendment, which was adopted without objection, and the bill was reprinted for third reading. The Finance Committee then reported several bills. Senate Bill 84, concerning collective bargaining for graduate assistants at UMCP and UMBC, was laid over after questions about whether graduate assistants are employees or students. Senate Bill 455, creating a transformational project financing program tied to tax increment financing districts, had two committee amendments adopted and was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, also received two committee amendments and was ordered up, but a later Howard County amendment was proposed and the bill was laid over. Senate Bill 777, directing workforce development support in hospital closures and related events, was adopted and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 831, addressing child labor penalties, private-sector labor relations, and state labor standards, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 932, requiring social media platforms to display users’ general geographic location, was laid over after questions. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 340, requiring at least $2 million annually for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, with two amendments adopted and the bill sent to third reading. Senate Bill 489, creating a limited license pathway for physicians trained abroad and repealing the fifth pathway program, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 496, expanding Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment, prompted extended debate over the fiscal note and who would bear the costs; the sponsor argued the estimate was overstated and did not account for likely lower utilization or health-care savings, while an opponent pressed concerns about the state share and structural deficit. The discussion continued without a final vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You do have a fiscal note before you that notes no fiscal impact.
• There is a fiscal note from the Board of Risk and Insurance Management, and given that the cost of the
• That's in the fiscal note."
• You have a fiscal note before you from the Insurance Commissioner's office, noting minimal fiscal impact
• You do have a fiscal note available from BRIM.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the March 4, 2026 minutes. It then took up Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 55, a workers’ compensation cleanup bill from the Insurance Commissioner’s office. Counsel explained that the bill modernizes outdated code after privatization of the workers’ compensation system, repeals obsolete provisions, updates references to the Insurance Commissioner, reduces the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three, and makes related technical changes. The committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. The Insurance Commissioner and a senior senator both spoke in support, describing the bill as part of the long-term cleanup of the privatized system and noting the reduced caseload on the Board of Review. The committee next considered Engrossed House Bill 5463, which would lower the required insurance coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s executive director testified that the agency had difficulty finding a market partner for the excess coverage and that the premium cost exceeded $5 million, creating a burden for county boards. Some senators raised concerns that reducing coverage could limit recovery for victims in serious claims and that the change might reduce protections for school systems. When the motion to report the bill was put to a vote, the result was tied, and the chair declared the bill not passed. The committee then approved Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4869, which creates guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies in West Virginia. Counsel explained that the bill allows certain policyholders to replace a Medicare supplement policy during an annual birthday period without medical underwriting, and also grants a guaranteed issue right for certain individuals losing Medicaid eligibility. The bill also requires annual reporting on premium trends and gives the Insurance Commissioner rulemaking authority. The motion to report the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass was adopted. Finally, the committee considered Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. Counsel explained that the bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to reduce payments by amounts already received by a policyholder and, as introduced, would bar actions against insurers for claims reported to the board. A proposed strike-and-insert amendment would have replaced the blanket bar with a 90-day pre-suit notice requirement and limits on damages, but after discussion from senators, counsel, BRIM, and the Insurance Federation, the committee rejected the strike-and-insert and also rejected a separate amendment to strike the setoff language. The committee then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will see a fiscal note in front of you, which is I'm sure more than what your target is going to
• note in front of you which is I'm fiscal note in front of you which is I'm sure<00:24:29.279> more
• fiscal note uh here not reflected in the fiscal note uh here and<00:24:37.919> it<00:24:38.159
• So, uh, one other thing too, uh, about the fiscal note, we have six credits, uh, in this bill.
• <00:48:58.559> credits, the fiscal note, we have six credits, the fiscal note, we have six

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:51.920> note<01:19:52.159> is members is that when the fiscal note is members
• c> can review the fiscal note so um I'm can review the fiscal note so um I'm willing<01:20:03.120>
• note has been there but a fiscal note has been requested<01:20:09.920> I<01:20:10.040> have
• note is completed, and I would prefer to have that deeper dive once the fiscal note comes back.
• that it comes back here when the fiscal that it comes back here when the fiscal note<01:47:00.080

Keywords: 1183, house