Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes sections are combined and one amendment becomes two or vice versa.
• are combined and one Amendment sections are combined and one Amendment becomes<00:55:09.359><c> two<
• now in the land use and City sections now in the land use and City Grant<01:41:49.080><c> of</c><01:
• First, the related sections are scattered throughout the land use sections.
• </c><03:22:52.720><c> up</c> land use sections they've just grown up land use sections they've just grown

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 216, which Representative Carol Maguire described as a fix to a workers’ compensation/retirement “glitch.” The bill would remove the current limit that only one year of workers’ compensation time can be credited as retirement service time. Maguire argued the limit is arbitrary and affects only a very small number of grievously injured workers, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, available data, and whether the change could affect workers’ compensation rates or incentives. Mark Kavar of the New Hampshire Retirement System said Labor could not provide data on how many people exceed a year on weekly indemnity benefits, so the fiscal note used a conservative estimate that could be scaled down; he also explained that workers’ comp is not earnable compensation, which is why service credit stops after a year, and noted that many long-term cases move into disability retirement or lump-sum settlements. The committee closed the hearing, entered executive session, and voted ought to pass on HB 216 by a 13-0 roll call, sending it to consent and noting it would also go to Finance. The committee then acted on House Bill 85, adopting Amendment 0037 and then voting ought to pass as amended by another 13-0 roll call. The bill was described as allowing second-year respiratory therapy students to work under supervision using the skills they have already learned, with support from the Hospital Association and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 267, the animal chiropractors bill. Members said the bill had been approved previously but was vetoed because of a defect; the problem has now been corrected, and the bill is intended to reduce delays caused by requiring veterinary referrals before chiropractors can treat animals. The committee voted ought to pass 13-0 and placed the bill on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is showing you what it looks like in cross-section.
• But two, That shows what an aquifer looks like in a cross-section.
• So a stream can have multiple sections that are considered gaining and losing.
• Now, you have in Section 36.122, I believe it's subsection K. I could be wrong.
• Day case and by this legislature in Section 3602.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if you go to page six at the very end, section two, any manufacturer, county judge, executive who
• ><c> two,</c><00:20:47.840><c> any</c><00:20:48.159><c> manufacturer,</c> very end, section two, any
• I mean, that's part of why it's in that disclosure section.
• Um, so I don't know that it section.
• </c> section specifically much more closely. section specifically much more closely.

Committee: Joint Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:40 Chair Comments 00:02:51 Rep. Nima Kulkarni PFAS Presentation 00:04:35 EEC PFAS Presentation 00:39:36 Rusty Cress PFAS Presentation 01:01:10 Chair Comments on Admin Regs and Reports Received 01:14:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent a broad cross-section of stakeholder groups.
• </c><01:03:18.240><c> three</c> legislation be amended in section three legislation be amended in section
• [laughter] I'm just going to read just one small section of my testimony.
• I just have to section of my testimony.
• that is intended inserted into a section that is intended to<01:30:03.760><c> help</c><01:30:04.000>

Bills: HB1626 , HB1643 , HB1668 , HB1550 , HB1974 , HB1858 , HB1871 , HB1966 , HB1972 , HB1973

Committee: House Health

Keywords: youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need. The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we feel that it may be an inappropriate section to insert this language, as 431-13 is the insurance
• code's unfair deceptive trade practices section, which is meant to not only define and allow for the
• , section, section, which<00:07:56.320><c> is</c><00:07:56.440><c> meant</c><00:07:56.840><c> to</c><
• It's already in the UDAP section.
• Uh page 2, lines 7 through 14 section.

Bills: SB1166 , SB888 , SB2387 , SB2471

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: insurance, climate change, responsible parties, damages, Hawaii Property Insurance Association, Hurricane Relief Fund, civil action, climate disasters, extreme weather, SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things

Summary: The committee heard SB 1166 SD2, a bill on insurance and climate-related damages that would authorize the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and, in amended versions discussed during testimony, other public and private entities to pursue civil actions to recover losses tied to climate disasters and extreme weather. DCCA’s Insurance Division and the Department of the Attorney General raised legal concerns, saying the bill’s scope may not fit the insurance code section being amended, that it could create subject-matter and title issues, and that some subrogation language may be duplicative of existing rate-filing practice. Lawyers for Justice opposed the measure, arguing it conflicts with existing subrogation law and recent Hawaii Supreme Court rulings that treat the judicial lien process as the exclusive remedy. The American Petroleum Institute also opposed, warning the bill would add liability and litigation risk for companies operating under existing permits and could undermine energy reliability and investment. Supporters said the bill would help shift climate-related insurance costs away from residents and onto fossil fuel companies and other responsible parties. Testimony in support came from the Polluters Pay Hawaii Coalition, Center for Climate Integrity, Hawaii Island Council, Our Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, who described recent flooding, storm damage, rising premiums, non-renewals, and underinsurance as evidence of a worsening climate-driven insurance crisis. Several supporters urged amendments to give the Attorney General explicit authority to recover insurance-related losses for the Hurricane Relief Fund, HPIA, and private insurers, and to ensure recovered amounts benefit policyholders. Committee members questioned whether HPIA is a private entity, whether the Attorney General could represent it, whether the bill could create double recovery or affect pending climate litigation, and whether insurers would have standing or damages if they are only paying contractual claims. The committee then took up SB 888 SD2, a consumer protection bill that would restrict smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a judicial order, and would bar conditioning device use on such consent. The Office of Consumer Protection testified in support and said an Illinois law could serve as a useful template for exceptions to the warrant requirement. An individual supporter said the measure would protect immigrant communities, judges, and others from surveillance and misuse of private data. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair noted additional written testimony submitted in support of SB 1166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you testifying on SB 2174, or is there a section in this one? >> 2885. >> SB 2925.
• </c> &gt;&gt; or is there a section in this one? &gt;&gt; or is there a section in this one?
• So we're going to delete section one and read the effective date to July 1, 3000.
• We're also going to include the appropriation section from section 3 of House Bill 2459, and we'll take
• </c> appropriation section from section 3 of appropriation section from section 3 of House<01:47:42.800

Bills: SB2885 , SB2174 , SB2925 , SB2798 , SB2320 , SB2800 , SB1230 , SB2706 , SB3233 , SB2405 , SB2350 , SB2169 , SB3320

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First section, this is really Judiciary's jurisdiction.
• It includes the applicability section.
• again</c><01:04:45.320><c> the</c> Section two, this is again the Section two, this is again the Judiciary's
• The the applic- applicability section.
• Section 3, subdivision 3. Section 3, subdivision 3.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does, in section one, is it, by notwithstanding any law to the contrary, overrides that
• What this bill does, in section one, is it, by notwithstanding any law to the contrary, overrides that
• What this bill does, in section one, is it, by notwithstanding any law to the contrary, overrides that
• What this bill does, in section one, is it, by notwithstanding any law to the contrary, overrides that
• Flores: If you’re looking at section 135A.043 in section three of the law, it only applies to section

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The results of the study under this section shall be reported to the Joint Corporations, Elections, and
• shall be reported to the joint section shall be reported to the joint corporations,<00:03:59.760><c>
• Finally, the paperclip section in the Finally, the paperclip section in the back<01:11:10.640><c> is<
• The sheet in front of you, the legal-size sheet, is broken out into three sections.
• </c> section 300s from the 2024 budget bill. section 300s from the 2024 budget bill.

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• I just have a clarification question on line 24, section three, says to limit or prohibitive. 24 section
• I wanted to mention just one section.
• It was copied from the wrong section.
• That would actually jump nine statutory sections ahead. The prior section is actually 33-1822.
• why it's numbered the way it is, is because it's a new section.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and passed several bills dealing with insurance fraud funding, education scholarships, apprenticeships, workers’ compensation fraud, credit unions, manufactured home installation licensing, short-term rentals, homeowners associations, condo disclosures, and an advanced manufacturing infrastructure reimbursement program. HB 4020 would raise the annual insurer assessment cap for the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions fraud unit from $1,050 to $1,350; it passed after testimony from Nationwide supporting the added resources. HB 2255 would extend Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship eligibility for community college students from two academic years to four, and HB 2591, as amended, would revise the definition and requirements for registered apprenticeships under DES standards; both passed unanimously. HB 2680, as amended, would narrow and clarify workers’ compensation fraud-related provisions and insurance disclosure requirements, and HB 2979, as amended, would modernize credit union bylaws, name changes, and operating powers; both also received due pass recommendations. HB 2868, which adds insurance and fingerprint-clearance requirements for manufactured home/mobile home installation licensees and gives the Department of Housing additional licensing authority, passed with some members present or voting no. The committee also took up HB 2429, a strike-everything amendment on short-term rentals that would let local governments set occupancy limits, extend the violation window for suspension actions from 12 to 24 months, and allow suspension after certain building code violations. The sponsor and city officials described it as a compromise giving communities more local control, while short-term rental owners and neighborhood advocates raised concerns about overbroad enforcement and the scale of the housing impacts; the bill passed 8-2 with one present. HB 4011, which would codify duties for condominium and planned community associations to act reasonably and provide access to information, was heard without the proposed Carter amendment and passed 11-0 after testimony from homeowners, attorneys, and HOA representatives about fairness and enforceability. HB 2397, another HOA-related bill, would expand disclosure requirements for condo and association purchases and escrow information; it passed unanimously after supporters said it would improve consumer transparency. Finally, the committee heard HB 4026, which would change the public infrastructure reimbursement program for advanced manufacturing projects by replacing the current statewide cap with a $75 million annual cap and requiring more transparency for related agreements. Supporters, including Queen Creek’s mayor, GPEC, and the Arizona Chamber, said the program helps fund roads, water, wastewater, and other infrastructure needed to attract large manufacturing investments and jobs, while some members questioned the budget impact and whether the program benefits rural areas. The discussion emphasized projects such as LG in Queen Creek and other major manufacturing investments, with supporters arguing the bill preserves Arizona’s competitiveness and generates long-term tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:45.839><c> I</c> agreed to as provided in the sections I agreed to as provided in the sections
• </c> in looking under the first section in looking under the first section number<00:16:23.680><c> one
• And taking it out of the alternative to seclusion section and essentially tying that together so the
• Moving the paragraph from the last page to the MDE-based data accountability section and language on
• </c> section and language on proportionality. section and language on proportionality.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency amendment proposes to amend section 32 to allow buprenorphine monoproduct to be prescribed
• So ordered. proposes to amend section 32 to allow proposes to amend section 32 to allow buprenorphine
• We do not let section four for those 3%.
• Thornberry mentioned a section 4.
• The agency amendment amends to delete section 29 for consistency with statute.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows for the IG to contract with Minute for information technology services under section 16E.016
• </c> services under section services under section 16E.016.<00:22:54.320><c> It</c><00:22:54.559><c>
• President, Senator Latz, was this proposal for adding this entire section to Senate File 856 heard in
• to the um adding this um entire section to the um Senate<00:30:21.600><c> File</c><00:30:21.919><c>
• </c> section within the BCA. section within the BCA.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will stand on our written testimony, providing comments and recommendations for section one, and we
• oppose the changes in section two.
• And Ulupono testified that this is specific to section two of the exemption, at which we had, I think
• Article 11, Section 3 of the Constitution gave rise to the important agricultural land statute and the
• </c><01:08:20.400><c> in</c> 6 so how this bill created a section in 6 so how this bill created a section

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be helpful if there was a mechanism in that section that requires a contractor to disclose in
• Otherwise, cities face unintended non-compliance with the section of the bill as written without that
• </c> requirements that are on uh in section requirements that are on uh in section two<00:30:42.799><
• </c><00:31:31.399><c> that</c> was a mechanism in that section that was a mechanism in that section that
• actually do are items in this section actually do are these<00:47:38.440><c> data</c><00:47:38.720><

Bills: HF1234 , HF1956 , HF1025 , HF1172 , HF791

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, municipal finance, liquor store, audit requirements, state auditor, local government, historic flag, state flag, display standards, ceremonial, Minnesota Statutes, Ursa Minor, state symbol, Minnesota state laws, constellation, official state designation

Transcript Highlights:

• Please consider passing this bill to make this section.
• Please consider passing this bill to make this section.
• Please consider passing this bill to make this section.
• Please consider passing this bill to make this section.
• Please consider passing this bill to make this section.

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One is the data dashboard or the data... sections two and three are sections two and three are necessary
• two and three what do you think sections two and three what do you think about<00:05:23.800><c> late
• So the people that you're talking about in this particular section, I understand, are the people who
• We suggested deletion of Part IV, Sections 5 through 9.
• I thank you for this opportunity. section five through section nine we section five through section nine

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health and Human Services and Judiciary meeting heard testimony on several measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 709 and SB 955. On SB 709, relating to mental health data and related appropriations, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent and said the funding would help maintain a data dashboard and positions, though it had no suggested amount for one blank appropriation. Members also discussed whether sections of the bill were duplicative of existing data reporting. The committees later recommended SB 709 be passed with amendments, including technical changes, deferring the date to December 31, 2050, and blanking out the appropriation for later clarification. SB 955, relating to fitness to proceed, drew mixed testimony. Judiciary opposed portions of the bill, saying some changes could have unintended practical consequences. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but urged keeping a three-member evaluation panel rather than reducing it to two, warning that a two-panel process could create delays if a third evaluator had to be added later. A former Hawaii State Hospital clinician said the bill placed too much blame on the courts and should address institutional and administrative problems at the hospital more directly. The Department of Health supported the intent and said it appreciated efforts to address overcrowding. After discussion about examiner shortages and status hearings, the committees recommended SB 955 be passed with amendments reducing the number of qualified examiners from three to one and making related technical changes. The committee also heard SB 1228, a child welfare services measure creating a working group related to youth legal representation and child welfare reform. DHS requested adding a Child Welfare Services representative to the work group, and multiple advocates, including the National Center for Youth Law and Hawaii Youth Services Network, testified in strong support, emphasizing the need for youth voice and implementation of Malama Ohana recommendations. Members asked whether this working group overlapped with another recently passed working group bill; testimony indicated the two measures addressed different issues. The meeting then recessed and later resumed for decision-making on the 9 o’clock calendar, where SB 709 was adopted with amendments and SB 955 was adopted with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, Section 22163 with respect to disclosure requirements.
• However, this section gives the Commission broad authority to require rates and charges to be stated
• However, this section gives the Commission broad authority to require rates and charges to be stated
• Our request is simple: clarify that this section aligns with existing commercial disclosure law or is
• And issues on that, such as the bill's reference to a Civil Code section that really needs to be ironed

Summary: The committee heard AB 801, which would require the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct fair lending examinations of lenders on a regular schedule. The author and supporters, including the Greenlining Institute and several housing and consumer groups, argued the bill was needed because federal fair lending enforcement has weakened and California borrowers of color continue to face lending disparities. Banking and credit union representatives opposed the bill as duplicative and costly, though they acknowledged the author’s amendments and continued negotiations. The bill was approved on a vote and re-referred to Judiciary, with some members voting no or not voting at first and later the measure passing on a fuller roll call. The committee then heard AB 871, which would strengthen elder fraud protections by requiring financial institutions to report suspected financial abuse to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and notify customers of the report. The author and county and adult protective services supporters said the bill would improve pattern detection and help stop or reverse scams more quickly. Bankers opposed the customer-notification requirement, warning it could alarm seniors and that the reporting process would add operational burden, but the author and supporters said victim information is important for investigations. The bill passed with committee support and was re-referred to Judiciary. AB 1842 and AB 1847, both related to mortgage forbearance after major disasters and the Eaton and Palisades fires, were also heard. AB 1842 would create a statewide framework for forbearance after federally declared major disasters, and AB 1847 would extend relief for wildfire survivors; both bills were amended to narrow triggers, clarify repayment and documentation issues, and remove some reporting requirements. Supporters included local officials, consumer groups, and housing advocates, while mortgage and banking groups remained in opposition on some implementation points but said they were working toward compromise. Both bills were approved and re-referred to Judiciary. Finally, AB 2116, dealing with merchant cash advances and small business financing transparency, was heard with broad support from small business and consumer advocates and partial support from some industry representatives after amendments; opponents still raised concerns about disclosure authority and unconscionability standards. The bill was also approved and sent to Judiciary. The committee additionally adopted a consent calendar of unrelated bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends the existing mandated reporting section of the Welfare and Institutions Code whereby an institution
• First, Section 22163 with respect to disclosure requirements.
• However, this section gives the Commission broad authority to require rates and charges to be stated
• Our request is simple: clarify that this section aligns with existing commercial disclosure law or is
• made a few points today about some additional items, such as the bill's reference to a Civil Code section

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked in the ambulatory surgery center section for about 30 years, and to represent, the Eccles
• On page one after line 22, insert Section 3: 'The implementation of the provisions of this Act shall
• And on page two, at the beginning of line one, change Section 3 to Section 4.
• Page two, at the beginning of line one, change Section 3 to Section 4. Okay.

Bills: HB198 , HB325 , HB488 , HB719 , HB749 , HB755 , HB797 , HB823 , HB1028 , HB1194 , HB1222

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: Medicaid, reimbursement, ambulatory surgical centers, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, healthcare funding, Louisiana Department of Health, surgical procedures, TOPS-Tech, scholarship, education, eligibility, college credit, dual enrollment, state funding, HB 488, Belle Chasse Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund, Plaquemines Parish