Video & Transcript Research : 'maximum allowable cost'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- these mandates come with a cost. these mandates come with a cost.
- Knowing this reimbursement is coming will allow plans to remove these costs from our premium rates.
- plans to remove these coming will allow plans to remove these costs<00:09:23.360>
from <00:09: - The biggest driver of what's driving cost is the cost of the care that's being provided.
- defrail costs, pay for um reinsurance. defrail costs, pay for um reinsurance.
Keywords:
HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance, health insurance, group health carriers, MCHA, MNsure, individual market, premium stabilization, carrier assessment, health insurance assessment, premium security plan account, state innovation waiver, high-risk pool, reinsurance payments, healthcare premiums, insurance carriers, deferral of assessment, financially impaired condition, HF400
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from the prior day and then heard House File 400, a bill described as a defrayal measure for health insurance mandates. Representative Perryman said the bill would not block future mandates, but would require the state to pay the added costs of any new mandated benefits so those costs would not be shifted to premium payers. She and supporters framed the bill as a way to protect affordability for Minnesota employers, workers, and families, especially in the fully insured market.
Testimony in support came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Council of Health Plans. They argued that Minnesota has a high number of mandated benefits, that each new mandate adds cost to premiums, and that businesses—especially small and midsize employers—are already struggling with rising health insurance costs. The health plans representative said the bill would use the existing Commerce defrayal process to reimburse plans for eligible mandate-related claims, allowing those costs to be removed from premium rates. Several members echoed support, saying the bill would improve transparency by showing the fiscal impact of proposed mandates and help prevent people from being priced out of coverage.
Members also explored how mandates apply in the market and how premiums are set. Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer explained that, unless otherwise specified, mandates generally apply to the individual, small group, and fully insured large group markets, while self-insured ERISA plans and other markets are generally outside that scope. Representative Elkins noted that the affected market is relatively small and said small businesses are increasingly moving to self-insured plans because of cost. He and others raised concerns about affordability, while Representative Smith argued that mandates often ensure needed care and that the bill shifts costs to taxpayers rather than insurers. Representative Bacham added a personal example from tribal self-insurance, saying preventive physicals had saved lives and asking whether other factors besides mandates are driving insurer costs. No amendments were offered, and the bill was laid over for possible future consideration.
TX
Keywords:
occupational licenses, renewal, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, registration, license expiration, solid waste, landfill permits, environmental regulation, population density, municipal waste management, gas utilities, cost recovery, regulatory asset, rate making, Texas Railroad Commission
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- within a very rigid statutory framework, but the law gives them too few tools to respond to rising costs
- It restores meaningful use of cost-of-living adjustments for educators with direct student contact.
- It allows districts to recognize relevant advanced degrees as part of compensation, and it removes rigid
- So thank you for bringing this bill and allowing us to do the right thing and show that we do appreciate
- all of our teachers and school personnel, not only just in word, but this would allow us to show it
Keywords:
mathematics education, career pathways, applied algebra, college readiness, technical education, school counselors, educational standards, certification requirements, evaluation criteria, professional development, public school personnel, salary adjustment, performance salary schedule, cost-of-living adjustment, school administration
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and first temporarily postponed SB 920 on mathematics education. The committee then took up SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, sponsored by Senator Rodriguez, which would give districts more flexibility in educator pay by restoring meaningful cost-of-living adjustments for teachers with direct student contact, allowing recognition of relevant advanced degrees, and removing rigid performance-pay caps. Several senators spoke in support, emphasizing teacher retention, compensation, and education as a state investment. The bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote.
After a brief recess, the committee considered CS/SB 1036 on school counselors, sponsored by Senator Calatayud, to address counselor shortages by removing certification barriers tied to classroom teacher requirements. The sponsor and supporting testimony described recruitment and retention problems, high counselor-to-student ratios, and the need for counselors to focus on student academics, mental health, and college/career readiness rather than administrative duties. Public testimony came from students, educators, and school personnel who described limited access to counselors and the impact on student well-being and college planning.
Committee members broadly supported the bill while noting that counselors are often overburdened and that additional support personnel, including BRACE advisors, may also need attention in the future. Senators also discussed broader efficiency measures and the need for schools and colleges to improve access to guidance services. CS/SB 1036 was reported favorably by unanimous vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on the two bills, and the committee adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 23rd, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- As the cranium gets bigger, they'll receive larger helmets, and this allows them [context missing].
- This bill simply allows the department to reimburse its employees for lost or damaged property.
- Unfortunately, members, this bill allows the reimbursement of up to $5,000.
- This allows the agency to reimburse them. So, this is mostly civil, this would be... This is civil.
- I think that Senate rules allow a senator to testify on bills without registering.
Bills:
HB50
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.298, to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to relocate 30 percent of the employees assigned to headquarters to duty stations outside the Washington metropolitan area, S.300, to improve accoun Feb 12th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes evaluating the costs to the federal government, not just in terms of dollars, but also
- My amendment requires the Government Accountability Office to perform a cost-benefit analysis of this
- And is there any requirement that they're not allowed to change those records if they access them?
- Senator, what I have understood from the other agencies is that they are allowed read-only access.
- We'll go to the standing rules of the Senate, which allow... Republican witnesses.
Keywords:
employee relocation, headquarters, Small Business Administration, Washington metropolitan area, telework, cost reduction, rural markets, geographic diversity, disaster loans, accountability, reporting, loan forgiveness, federal funding, SBA reforms, small business, disaster assistance, transparency, report publication, government accountability
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Fri Apr 17, 2026 @ 10:05 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- best path comprehensive analysis on the best path to<00:11:01.839>
maximize <00:11:02.520>cost - <00:11:02.920>
reduction <00:11:03.440>and <00:11:03.600>minimize to maximize cost - reduction and minimize to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial<00:11:04.560>
risk <00
Keywords:
dust monitoring, public health, environmental quality, Waimanalo Gulch, air quality, particulate matter, community engagement, health risks, pollution mitigation, mattress stewardship, environmental protection, recycling, producer responsibility, solid waste management, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals.
Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language.
In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- But that would be a guardrail that allows us to truly say that the lowest-cost drug, the net price of
- So I think the goal of the amendment is to allow an insurer to substitute net pricing or net cost-based
- HB 1236 allows their costs to acquire and dispense prescriptions to be covered so they can remain open
- In fact, the patient's cost share maximum amount of pocket could be $5,000, but the PBM will take and
- And in fact, the patient's cost share, maximum amount of pocket, could be $5,000.
Keywords:
family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs
TX
Bills:
HB 35, HB 138, HB 754, HB 1314, HB 1612, HB 2254, HB 2510, HB 2789, HB 3560, HB 3597, HB 4224, HB 4273, HB 4643, HB 4783
Keywords:
peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources Feb 10th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- program to incentivize state employees and state agencies to proactively look for efficiencies and cost
- to the bill in the new language, is they're required to look at if someone in good faith brings a cost
- and we want them to provide a report We received it, and we adjudicated that it was not, in fact, a cost
- a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to move forward as those funds grow.
- Is never going to be allowed to back up. At the same time, we allow those members who need COLAs.
Keywords:
nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- us millions, and it would have cost us lives, and it would have cost us economic recovery and development
- us millions and it would have cost us lives and it would have cost us economic recovery and development
- And with that comes increased costs.
- My own prescription costs...
- My own prescription costs. prescription costs this is not hypothetical my own prescription costs were
Keywords:
judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2780, a technical cleanup measure related to Arizona’s judicial tax lien foreclosure and excess proceeds process. The sponsor and a witness said the bill clarifies when a court should order a public sale, standardizes distribution of sale proceeds, and corrects inconsistencies left from prior reforms. No opposition was raised, and the committee approved HB 2780 unanimously on a 9-0 do pass vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 4029, which would require the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to evaluate the revenue impact of federal tax conformity changes earlier in the process, and would require the Department of Revenue to issue tax forms consistent with statute. An amendment was adopted to have OSPB and JLBC each make the evaluation and to require a governor’s report if the impact is $100 million or more, along with new reporting deadlines for DOR. Supporters argued the bill would force earlier action on conformity and prevent tax forms from diverging from statute; opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay filing. The committee approved HB 4029 as amended by a 5-4 vote.
The committee also heard House Bill 4030 and the related HCR 2052, both aimed at limiting local tax and fee increases. HB 4030 would bar municipalities and counties from adopting, imposing, or collecting increased fees, transaction privilege taxes, and utility rates from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. The sponsor said the measure was intended to protect taxpayers from inflation and rising local costs. Cities, counties, and utility representatives opposed the bills, warning they would hinder infrastructure financing, water and wastewater projects, road improvements, and public safety services, and could force general fund subsidies or delayed maintenance. Supporters argued local governments have seen substantial revenue growth and should be restrained from further increases. The committee did not reach a final vote on HB 4030 or HCR 2052 in the portion provided.
TX
Keywords:
probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, guardianship, incapacitated persons, guardianship fees
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The other provisions it just allows that those individuals that are providing those vision plans they
- Get to do that if you guys will allow me.
- And identify the cost and where they're being utilized.
- If that be allowed, he's recognized.
- Then you've just done away with cost-sharing plans altogether. Would you agree with that?
Keywords:
licensure, criminal history, public safety, occupational certification, rehabilitation, state regulations, insurance, regulations, certification, long-term care, mergers, consumer protection, property safety, vision insurance, optometry, reimbursement, healthcare policy, ophthalmic materials, provider agreements, captive insurance
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 17th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And what we don't want to do is allow people, bad actors who, through their negligence or their incompetence
Keywords:
emergency management, federal funding, disaster relief, cost sharing, public assistance, bail reform, public funds, nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, injunctive relief, criminal procedure, surety bond, judicial discretion, uniform bond schedule, liability insurance, judgments, insurance fund, Oklahoma, county sheriff, commissary
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Avoided cost? It doesn't work. Avoided cost at 2 cents a kilowatt hour is not fair.
- Avoided cost? It doesn't work. Avoided cost at 2 cents a kilowatt hour is not fair.
- We need to talk about the cost on consumers, the cost on business, and the cost around the communities
- cost on business the cost around the cost on business the cost around the communities<01:17:31.400>
- >
that costs transmission capacity costs that costs transmission capacity costs that are<01:42 - >
Bills:
HF845
Keywords:
net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- You can do that if you allow employers the same access to the courts that you allow employees.
- You can do that if you allow employers the same access to the courts that you allow employees, and I'm
- The attorney refused to allow a statement.
- Do they look at claims cost in this process? Do they look at claims cost in this process?
- What it is is the cost. And there are no extraordinary costs for these particular patients.
Keywords:
employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee to Study Extended Producer Responsibility (10/16/23)
Keywords:
NH House of Representatives Committee Streaming, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en1FT41qJHA, 2026-07-02T03:39:48+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Committee to Study Extended Producer Responsibility in order to provide relief to the cost of municipalities in solid waste disposal, 928, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee to Study Extended Producer Responsibility (09/18/23)
Keywords:
NH House of Representatives Committee Streaming, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh9csDIvafo, 2026-07-02T03:39:47+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Committee to Study Extended Producer Responsibility in order to provide relief to the cost of municipalities in solid waste disposal, 928, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh this bill will allow local following.
- following relating to taxation to allow following relating to taxation to allow local<00:13:35.760
- care costs? care costs? >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely.
- This pretty extensive study we did dug into your finances, your cost, how much does it cost?
- So cost but Medicare has not went up.
Keywords:
appropriation, transportation, judicial system, funding, state budget, Pickens County, local act, vehicle tag fee, registration fee, issuance fee, motor vehicle registration, license plate, replacement tag, transfer tag, renewal fee, county revenue, earmarked funds, ambulance service, emergency medical services, EMS
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Banking and Insurance
Bills:
SB19
Keywords:
SB19, prostate cancer, prostate cancer screening, PSA test, digital rectal exam, preventive screening, health insurance mandate, no cost sharing, copay, deductible, coinsurance, high-risk men, African American men, men over 50, men over 40, family history, genetic marker, health benefit plan, insurer coverage, Alabama insurance code
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And I pledge under no circumstances will I allow any administration to defund our state's National Guard
- Chair and members, the National Guard is one of the most cost-effective and battle-proven forces our
- I am allowed her to go sit down, so because all wants to ask her a question, so okay, you're still here
- The state already allows a county sheriff's office to enter into a 287(g) agreement.
- So when we talk about it being biblical to allow anyone and everyone into our country, I harken back
Keywords:
National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, military affairs, funding
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 9, 2026 minutes and then took up Senate Bill 1618, which would restructure the Military Affairs Commission by changing membership, adding defense and industry expertise, expanding advisory roles, requiring more frequent meetings, and directing the commission to focus on sustaining and attracting military missions and defense-related economic activity. After testimony in support from the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center and a DEMA representative, the committee adopted the Gowan amendment and gave SB 1618 a do-pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1047, the “Defend the Guard” bill, which would bar Arizona National Guard members from being sent into active-duty combat overseas unless Congress has declared war or otherwise expressly authorized the action. Supporters, including veterans and activists, argued it would restore constitutional limits and protect Guard members from unauthorized wars; opponents warned it could harm Guard readiness, federal funding, and the Guard’s role in state missions. After extended debate, the committee passed SB 1047 on a 4-3 vote.
Next, Senate Bill 1474 was heard, which would require state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, prohibit restrictions on such cooperation, and require sheriff’s offices to enter 287(g) agreements under the amendment. The bill drew strong opposition from clergy and community members who argued it would increase fear, racial profiling, and unfunded mandates, while supporters said it would improve cooperation and public safety. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1474 a do-pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 1620, which would revise the Arizona Space Commission by reducing governor appointments, adding the lieutenant governor as chair, and making legislative and executive leaders nonvoting advisory members. The sponsor said the changes would better align the commission with Arizona’s growing aerospace and space interests. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 5-1 vote. Finally, the committee began consideration of Senate Bill 1365, which would remove the income cap for the property tax exemption available to disabled veterans on their primary residence; discussion focused on the fairness of eliminating the cap, and the committee moved to adopt the strike-everything amendment before the transcript cuts off.