Video & Transcript : 'communication technology' :
Page 333 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In access to care in their community.
- </c> safe and our community safe. safe and our community safe.
- </c><00:52:30.319><c> An</c> service to our community. An service to our community.
- the local communities, especially the local community<00:58:06.480><c> economies.
- </c><01:07:16.799><c> Their</c> to keep our communities safe. Their to keep our communities safe.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/24/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:14.400><c> at</c> course, business owners, community at course, business owners, community
- Unified Work offers the community.
- </c><01:25:05.760><c> of</c> community. as a growing community of community. as a growing community of
- So, these safety of our communities.
- </c> opportunity within the community. opportunity within the community.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day- REASSEMBLE Part 1 Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chief Clerk, are there any communications? Yes, Madam Speaker.
- The Farm to Community Program began in 2023 through the USDA.
- The Farm to Community Program began in 2023 through the USDA.
- The Farm to Community Program began in 2023 through the USDA.
- Currently, virtual reality or XR technology supports 80...
Summary:
The House convened on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, and moments of silence for Gerlindy Lancelotti and Iva Durham. Members then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions, including consent calendar items and several measures related to agriculture, lottery reporting, health care, fire service membership standards, inmate work, telecommunications, rent increases, youth camp licensing, primary elections, respiratory care practice, and marriage equality. The chamber also heard extended debate on Senate Bill 233, concerning removal of snow and ice from vehicles, and on House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary while barring participation in both parties’ primaries.
Among the notable actions, House Concurrent Resolution 157 passed as amended, directing the State Lottery to report on options to support traditional lottery retailers. Senate Bill 53, preserving the Delaware Farm to Community Program if federal support declines, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 307, giving the Public Service Commission authority to designate eligible Lifeline carriers, and Senate Bill 339, clarifying advance health care directives, also passed. Senate Bill 235, removing a sunset on manufactured home rent increase calculations, passed, as did Senate Bill 325 after House Amendment 1 narrowed disqualifying offenses for fire service membership and adjusted related background-check rules. Senate Bill 309, discharging remaining incarceration-cost balances, and Senate Bill 324, addressing constable-related firearm permit provisions, both passed.
The chamber tabled Senate Bill 233 once to consider a proposed amendment for trucks and other hard-to-clear vehicles, but the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended by the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was tabled pending legal review. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry, passed after extensive floor debate and personal statements from members on both sides. Senate Bill 293, creating a licensure pathway for summer camps to participate in purchase-of-care, passed after House Amendment 1. House Bill 188 on open primary access for unaffiliated voters passed 22-17, and Senate Bill 94, concerning respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery, passed after House Amendment 2. The transcript ends as the House begins consideration of House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- to Boca Raton if I didn't also acknowledge Senator Berman for all she does for our YMCA and our community
- On behalf of the YMCAs across Florida and the communities we serve, I urge your support for this expansion
- Please. and help prevent needless tragedies that devastate families and communities.
- I’m interested in the impact on rural communities and rural hospitals.
- And that may end up hurting folks in some of the more rural communities.
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Please. and help prevent needless tragedies that devastate families and communities.
- I'm interested in the impact on rural communities and rural hospitals.
- I have concern that pushing this cost to surgical centers, and particularly ones in rural communities
- And that may end up hurting folks in some of the more rural communities.
- And that may end up hurting folks in some of the more rural communities.
Keywords:
drowning prevention, water safety, swimming lessons, swim vouchers, child drowning, infant safety, toddler safety, pool safety, bath safety, safe bathing practices, postpartum education, newborn care, childbirth education, birth centers, home birth providers, Department of Health, public health, water competency, swim instruction, infant supervision
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Elizabeth Esquivel, with the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, we very much appreciate
- Like many other small communities in our region, we are facing a unique challenge.
- Los Banos serves a population of 50,000 and is considered a disadvantaged community.
- For a community like ours, the expense would be enormous. That is why SB 466 is so vital.
- And then may I ask, the technology: are you using resin? Are you using what?
Summary:
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three bills after beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 328 would cap DTSC hazardous waste generation and handling fees for infill housing and master development projects and set response timelines for cleanup reviews. Supporters said the current fee structure has made some housing and remediation projects infeasible, while opponents warned that capping fees for one sector could shift costs to other hazardous waste generators. The committee discussed the need for broader DTSC fee reform, and SB 328 was approved on a 7-0 vote and sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation.
SB 754 would require manufacturers of disposable menstrual products to test for and disclose concentrations of certain contaminants, with DTSC able to verify results and publish them. Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and public health measure, citing recent studies finding toxic metals in tampons and emphasizing consumer right-to-know. Opponents, including manufacturers and hygiene product groups, argued the bill adds duplicative testing, vague requirements, and public disclosure that could be misinterpreted, and urged amendments. The committee members generally supported the goal of transparency, and the bill passed 5-2 with not voting members, moving to Appropriations.
SB 466 would provide temporary legal protections for public water systems that are complying with approved chromium-6 compliance plans while they work toward the new drinking water standard. Supporters from Los Banos, Coachella Valley Water District, and other water agencies said the measure would help avoid costly litigation during a lengthy and expensive compliance period, especially for systems dealing with naturally occurring chromium-6. Committee members raised concerns about limiting recourse for harmed individuals and discussed possible alternative language, but the author said the bill would not affect state enforcement authority. SB 466 passed 7-0 and was sent to the Committee on Judiciary. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of additional measures by voice vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/10/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> health outcomes, strengthen community health outcomes, strengthen community protection,<00:05:06.600
- immunity. community immunity.
- </c> rely on community protection. rely on community protection.
- </c> stability of our communities. stability of our communities.
- </c> liquidity back into our local community. liquidity back into our local community.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Feb 26th, 2026
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It simply allows communities like ours to use modern tools to protect our students.
- The technology exists, the need is undeniable, and we're working on it.
- Let communities decide. What's best for their kids, and give us, all bus drivers, peace of mind.
- A proud World War II veteran, he dedicated his life to his country and community.
- Back then, drop axle technology was not commonly used.
Bills:
SB249, SB546, SB744, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1365, SB1366, SB1394, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1745, SB1746, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB1939
Keywords:
memorial markers, law enforcement, officer memorials, killed in the line of duty, highway signage, school bus, school district, student transportation, child safety, seat belts, three-point seat belt, two-point seat belt, bus retrofit, bus warranty, Texas Education Agency, TEA, transportation code, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, school-chartered bus
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and working with local communities. and working with local communities.
- </c> communities is is very important, too. communities is is very important, too.
- So, the the science and technology.
- This will help refine that technology to use this technology on that.
- Our community has been very, project. Our community has been very, very<02:21:35.680><c> generous.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a communication services tax.
- These are for the children in your communities and the working families in your communities, and that
- These are for the children in your communities and the working families in your communities, and that
- Communities know what's best for their communities.
- Communities know what's best for their communities.
Summary:
The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments.
Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71.
The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I left our community to work around the state.
- You know, I'm a very big community leader.
- I'm a product of the community college system.
- I want to give back to my community. I want to make my community a better place.
- I think about in our community, we all in all of our communities deal with homelessness, we deal with
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed higher education budget, which emphasized no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, continued affordability, and increased funding across workforce, colleges, and universities. The presentation highlighted major investments in Bright Futures, other scholarships, workforce development, the Florida College System, and the State University System, including funding for performance, student success, campus safety, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed Guardian program on campuses, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, Guardian options could vary by campus, and university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives.
The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities. Witnesses from Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College described their backgrounds and stressed workforce development, affordability, dual enrollment, nursing, cybersecurity, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes and job placement, and some discussed campus expansion, business incubators, and programs tailored to regional industries. One appointee from Miami Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by better using prior credits.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmation package as a block. A motion was made and seconded, the roll was called, and the confirmations were reported favorably by the committee. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology (10-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:53.680><c> where</c> also for our local communities where also for our local communities where
- </c> Kucky's businesses and communities. Kucky's businesses and communities.
- </c> partner to communities across Kentucky. partner to communities across Kentucky.
- </c> um, and very supportive local community um, and very supportive local community uh,<00:37:41.680
- </c> that uh they understand communications that uh they understand communications and<00:46:08.160><
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:12
Roll Call: 00:00:21
Visit Jessamine - Making an Impact: 00:03:15
Fort Knox Update & Impact: 00:27:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee approved the September minutes and heard two presentations focused on tourism and economic development. First, Visit Jessamine and local winery representatives described Jessamine County’s tourism branding, visitor center renovation at the old jail in Nicholasville, wayfinding signs, kiosks, murals, and the Jessamine Wine and Spirits Trail. They said Kentucky tourism generates more than $1 billion in taxes and $14.3 billion in economic impact statewide, and that Jessamine County tourism generates about $6.2 million in taxes and $87 million in economic impact. They emphasized that the wine trail and related events, including the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival, draw repeat visitors, support surrounding counties, and attract visitors from across the country and overseas. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed local events such as Halloween activities in Nicholasville and Wilmore and the Great Jessamine Pumpkin event.
The committee also received prepared comments on Fort Knox from Lance O’Brien of the Knox Regional Development Alliance after a Fort Knox representative could not attend because of the federal government shutdown. The remarks highlighted Fort Knox’s role as a military installation, economic engine, tourism draw, and workforce partner. The presentation cited an estimated $5.6 billion in annual output, about $1.3 billion in payroll, more than 60,000 retirees and veterans in the surrounding area, and roughly 11,000 to 13,000 soldiers stationed there at a time. It also noted major tourism-related activity such as Cadet Summer Training, the National Raider Challenge, and the George Patton Museum, along with more than $484 million in small-business contracts in fiscal year 2025 and Fort Knox’s role in IT and cybersecurity. Members discussed the importance of tourism revenue, out-of-state visitors, and the broader economic impact of both Jessamine County and Fort Knox.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- genocide of Palestinians, but are turning that technology against our communities to commit mass deportation
- Our union represents all faculty at all three Seattle Community Colleges.
- Thank you. ...communities and other communities of color who are too often on the front lines of immigration
- As a result, the impact on local communities is very small.
- The cost would shift to the communities to Medicaid. So there would be a cost shift.
Keywords:
investment, thermal coal, divestment, state investment board, fossil fuels, environmental impact, renewable energy, detention facilities, state funds, privatization, criminal justice reform, Washington State Investment Board, responsible investment, sustainability, corporate governance, 904, all
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M.
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- If y'all can get some kind of communication guidelines to have your nursing homes report directly to
- y'all when they have an issue like that—no power, no water, no generator—then you can communicate it
- for your communication guidelines for your nursing<00:03:51.680><c> homes,</c><00:03:52.080><c> because
- guidelines to have your communication guidelines to have your nursing<00:03:58.319><c> homes</c><00:
- directly with the state communicate directly with the state department<00:04:26.560><c> of</c><00:04
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have four different communities.
- to work right here in our community.
- You know, I’m a very big community leader.
- I want to give back to my community. I want to make my community a better place.
- I think about in our community, we all in all of our communities deal with homelessness, we deal with
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives.
The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 108 May 1st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I live in an area that has a community college.
- There are certain individuals, especially in my communities, that don't use technology that well.
- </c> communities, that don't use technology communities, that don't use technology that<02:04:24.800>
- Committee on Business, Labor, and Technology.
- . community in Colorado and so we brought community in Colorado and so we brought together<04:38:20.719
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Suprena, state center, district 5, representing 15 lovely communities in the
- Emergency medical services in the state of New Hampshire are community decisions.
- level to examine all of those community level to examine all of those complexities.<03:17:43.920><c>
- </c><03:28:30.080><c> not</c><03:28:30.319><c> ambulance</c> new medical technology not ambulance new
- medical technology not ambulance services<03:28:31.319><c> directly</c><03:28:32.319><c> but</c><03:
Summary:
The committee first took up several liquor-related bills. Senate Bill 24, allowing students under 21 to taste wine in educational settings, drew no opposition or amendment and was reported out 6-0. Senate Bill 79, authorizing self-pour automated systems under the liquor commission, also faced no opposition and was voted ought to pass 6-0. Senate Bill 80, shifting licensing, auditing, and enforcement for wholesale and retail e-cigarette sales to the liquor commission, prompted discussion about whether the change would add cost; members heard that the liquor commission already handles similar enforcement and that the change was meant to address nonreporting. It was voted ought to pass 6-0.
The committee then discussed Senate Bill 87, concerning alcohol service in salons, barbershops, and spas. Members and staff focused on how to limit the amount served, whether to require recordkeeping, and privacy concerns about tracking what patrons drank. The discussion settled on removing references to alcohol type and quantity and keeping only patron records, with the understanding that the agency would set the details by rule. The bill was not formally amended at the meeting, but members agreed an amendment would be drafted for the following week; the bill itself was reported ought to pass with that amendment to be determined.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 245, the EMS No Surprises Act and System Stabilization Act. The sponsor, Senator Suprena, said the bill would prohibit balance billing for emergency ambulance calls and unscheduled transfers, while setting reimbursement at either locally set public rates or 325% of Medicare. She explained that the proposal was based on national work on ground ambulance billing and was intended to stabilize struggling EMS providers. Committee members sought clarification that the bill did not eliminate balance billing for non-emergency transfers, and the sponsor confirmed it did not. A second witness, Jerry Stringham, testified in support, citing his reimbursement background.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> your community very, very proud. your community very, very proud.
- </c> and a loss to our entire community. and a loss to our entire community.
- </c> accessible and communities connected. accessible and communities connected.
- Speaker, I yield back. ...communities in Illinois's Logan Square community.
- </c> protecting members of our community. protecting members of our community.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/08/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- to the community.
- to the community.
- to the community.
- to the community.
- It helps, you technology background.
Summary:
The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases.
A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state.
The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.