Transcript Highlights:

• large one-time priorities from prior budgets, as... ...budget proposal and stabilizing large one-time
• Last year we decided to commit more funding into this stabilization account.
• County fires, and this will impact school districts as well with regard to premiums.
• Yes, at a local campus, DLI doesn't necessarily stabilize enrollment across the district.
• We have five schools serving our highest-need students... ...stability rates.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Homeowners already face rising premiums, larger deductibles, and greater out-of-pocket recovery costs
• types of insurance policies where they may be able to afford a higher deductible, therefore a lower premium
• 238 provides clear, accessible support. to prevent financial ruin and ensure communities have the stability

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.920> really stabilization of those isn't really stabilization of those isn't really
• <00:22:32.960> the to be there available to stabilize the to be there available to stabilize
• a long time we've had a zero premium a long time we've had a zero premium with<01:10:26.159>
• I've got Council on Housing Stability after that. Windows 10 did. Windows 10 did.
• I've got council on housing stability I've got council on housing stability after<02:00:44.000><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to bring back the The purpose of the committee, the Revenue and Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee
• examine the statutes, constitutional provisions, regulations, and court decisions governing revenue stabilization
• And then once we move forward, FY27 grows very moderately at 1.2, and the rate stabilized going forward
• That's the tax stabilization reserve.
• For example, an insurance premium is excluded from GRT because it pays.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reduces health disparities, it improves the overall health of the workforce, it enhances economic stability
• I cannot stand for a young woman who gets pregnant and can't keep up with a monthly premium imposed on
• why it pains me to say this, if we move. forward with freezing Medi-Cal enrollment and charging premiums
• sees others as less than, that will freeze them out of health care, that will insist that they pay premiums
• life, and love, and work are going to be disenfranchised. by creating a two-tier system with our premium

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill makes changes to subscriber contributions, the fee charged to policyholders on top of the premium
• The bill also provides that insurers include information to policyholders about where their premium dollars
• We moved into a CCRC for the same things other people do: security, stability, and a sense of community
• Senate Bill 1740 is a pro-consumer insurance bill with a goal of bringing down insurance premiums, decrease
• corresponding mitigation credit given by the insurance company to homeowners that will reduce the insurance premium

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony. The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• the homeowner documentation that they can submit to their insurance company and request insurance premium
• the homeowner documentation that they can submit to their insurance company and request insurance premium
• You can see on the screen some folks only saw an average; their premiums stabilized, meaning they didn't
• Then you'll see at the bottom there is no premium information.

Summary: The committee heard three informational presentations. First, Lieutenant Rob Rowe of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed derelict vessel removal, explaining the legal definition of derelict and at-risk vessels, the causes of vessel abandonment, and the impact of recent hurricanes on the number of cases. He said FWC has nearly 1,000 active derelict vessel cases, with 576 ready for removal, and described the agency’s use of ARPA funds, grants to local governments, contractor lists, and the V-TIP vessel turn-in program to speed removals and prevent vessels from becoming derelict. Senators asked about how to expedite removals, insurance coverage, due process timelines, and storage challenges; Rowe said the 21-day process is constrained by constitutional due process and that more staffing and prevention funding would help. Next, Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services presented on the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides grants for homeowners to harden homes before storms. He reviewed program eligibility, grant types, reimbursement averages, and performance data, and said the program has received $633 million in appropriations overall. He noted that the program is outsourced to private vendors, has low administrative overhead, and has processed large numbers of inspections and reimbursements. Senators questioned contractor requirements, permits, overhead costs, and whether the program should be brought in-house; Fielder said permits are required before reimbursement, contractor licensing is verified, and the department is considering several administrative clarifications, including townhome roof work, inspection expiration, and whether grants should be limited per person or per home. A retired educator also testified in support of more assistance for homeowners facing insurance problems. Finally, Tom Berger of the Department of Management Services outlined the Florida Facilities Pool and the state’s real estate development and management work. He described the bonded facility program, the state’s 112 managed facilities, lease administration, parking contracts, maintenance operations, and more than $1 billion in active construction projects. He highlighted major projects such as the Emergency Operations Center, Capitol complex upgrades, a new visitor screening center, and facilities for other agencies including veterans’ services, juvenile justice, and the courts. Senators asked about lease terms, appropriation language, vacancy in leased space, and whether the state uses a uniform lease form; Berger said the lease document is standardized and that agencies determine their space needs. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• contribution for retiree health insurance and another $450 million to TRS ActiveCare to ensure insurance premiums
• and includes an additional $450 million for the Teacher Retirement System to mitigate significant premium
• historic 14% from fiscal years 2018-2023. ...Contribution toward higher education group insurance premiums
• And stability for the state while avoiding long-term fiscal harm.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• income based premium tax that we have and still have extra money left over uh by doing this.
• > tax paid premium income based premium tax paid premium income based premium tax that<00:21:08.799
• expenditure or the premium repealing the premiums<00:21:59.600> for<00:21:59.760> children
• So basically the pre the premium >> Yeah.
• premiums. I don't need to know. premiums. I don't need to know.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a rural health care provider or facility to apply for a grant from the Health Care Authority to stabilize
• This is for stabilization.
• We've had those premium increases occurring.
• I think our goal would be to try and stabilize this now. Thank you. And Mr.
• Interesting choice of words, but stabilize the provision of existing health care services when those

Transcript Highlights:

• variety of reasons pressure on premiums variety of reasons pressure on premiums that<00:11:29.600
• insurance premiums or get non-renewed. insurance premiums or get non-renewed.
• insurance premiums. insurance premiums.
• for their group premiums. for their group premiums.
• from premium pressure. from premium pressure.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, maybe discounts on premiums, grant programs around mitigation standards.
• Premiums do not cover a lot.
• For example, maybe discounts on premiums, grant programs around mitigation standards.
• Premiums do not cover a lot.
• Premiums do not cover a lot.

Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also included is a paid family medical leave premium reimbursement.
• paid family medical leave premium paid family medical leave premium reimbursement.<00:43:34.280>
• And if you happen to be a housing stabilization services provider and you're really doing a good job,
• <01:09:50.799> program<01:09:51.199> and the housing stabilization program and the
• > services a housing stabilization services a housing stabilization services provider<01:11:57.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• meeting with the housing stability meeting with the housing stability Council<00:44:39.400> was
• Matt Mayberry, and then the Housing Stability Council, which is Governor Sununu's council.
• <00:54:45.319> on in the perfect world have stability on in the perfect world have stability
• <01:25:08.840> and maintain their housing and stability and maintain their housing and stability
• <01:28:17.920> because public market and pay a premium because public market and pay a premium

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if the premium for a medical event. So, if the premium for a medical event.
• Now, whether or not the premium will be higher, I don't the premium will be higher, I don't the premium
• We have services that that premium. We have services that that premium.
• And so now you start premium from you. And so now you start premium from you.
• I can't get in under this premium. Nobody can't get in under this premium.

Bills: HB 135, HCR 64, SCR 3, SCR 30, SB 500, SB 739, SB 816, SB 898, SB 1283, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1531, SB 1540, SB 1666, SB 1721, SB 1886, SB 1931, SB 2001, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2173, SB 2217, SB 2284, SB 2375, SB 2383, SB 2386, SB 2398, SB 2448, SB 2476, SB 2540, SB 2580, SB 2589, SB 2693, SB 2707, SB 2776, SB 2786, SB 2801, SB 2864, SB 2927, SJR 84, SCR 30, SB 243, SB 324, SB 393, SB 457, SB 511, SB 529, SB 547, SB 636, SB 646, SB 659, SB 715, SB 731, SB 735, SB 800, SB 801, SB 904, SB 1065, SB 1141, SB 1181, SB 1224, SB 1241, SB 1242, SB 1250, SB 1266, SB 1285, SB 1359, SB 1434, SB 1442, SB 1467, SB 1502, SB 1524, SB 1528, SB 1551, SB 1585, SB 1640, SB 1754, SB 1757, SB 1777, SB 1844, SB 1863, SB 1972, SB 2007, SB 2035, SB 2046, SB 2055, SB 2069, SB 2082, SB 2119, SB 2139, SB 2154, SB 2200, SB 2201, SB 2269, SB 2310, SB 2330, SB 2357, SB 2366, SB 2401, SB 2422, SB 2514, SB 2530, SB 2533, SB 2543, SB 2544, SB 2550, SB 2568, SB 2589, SB 2660, SB 2693, SB 2695, SB 2707, SB 2717, SB 2721, SB 2742, SB 2753, SB 2807, SB 2846, SB 2891, SB 2925, SB 2938, SJR 3, SJR 18, SB 5, SB 326, SB 767, SB 769, SB 783, SB 914, SB 963, SB 1035, SB 1197, SB 1271, SB 1415, SB 1437, SB 1619, SB 1637, SB 1786, SB 1806, SB 494, SB 530, SB 2312, SB 1, SB 260, HB 135, HB 1109, HB 1392, HB 22, HCR 64, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 84, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 48, SCR 19, SCR 30, SCR 3, SB 2023, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 1122, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 1085, SB 1975, SB 2717, SB 1262, SB 1524, SB 636, SB 2056, SB 884, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2681, SB 2200, SB 2199, SB 1757, SB 2458, SB 2201, SB 801, SB 2533, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 758, SB 1721, SB 1013, SB 2797, SB 2383, SB 2119, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 1540, SB 2929, SB 2540, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 715, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 2001, SB 2514, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 1359, SB 2386, SB 2550, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 410, SB 2776, SB 2580, SB 1886, SB 1234, SB 739, SB 456, SB 1666, SB 2801, SB 2055, SB 1012, SB 2926, SB 2138, SB 1242, SB 2615, SB 2310, SB 1224, SB 2972, SB 2841, SB 3016, SB 2139, SB 1856, SB 2035, SB 1528, SB 1141, SB 2401, SB 2530, SB 2375, SB 547, SB 1266, SB 1373, SB 1467, SB 2069, SB 2269, SB 2480, SB 672, SB 904, SB 2695, SB 2891, SB 2422, SB 2543, SB 1854, SB 317, SB 2539, SB 2532, SB 2925, SB 1250, SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 457, SB 2357, SB 2721, SB 243, SB 1285, SB 2568, SB 1959, SB 1442, SB 1454, SB 2520, SB 2541, SB 1708, SB 1237, SB 1844, SB 1586, SB 1551, SB 3039, SB 2819, SB 66, SB 629, SB 1015, SB 2342, SB 2903, SB 2933, SB 1965, SB 2477, SB 3029, SB 2605, SB 2419, SB 1957, SB 375, SB 250, SB 777, SB 628, SB 2523, SB 2367, SB 2703, SB 2608, SB 2778, SB 3044, SB 2965, SB 2521, SB 865, HB 2525, HB 3093, SB 1032, SB 2165, SB 2501, SB 2675, SB 2452, SB 2835, SJR 84, SB 457, SB 547, SB 904, SB 1467, SB 1757, SB 1777, SB 2055, SB 2069, SB 2139, SB 2401, SB 2530, SB 2543, SB 2695, SR 349, SR 367, SR 468, SB 3064, SB 3065, HJR 7, HB 119, HB 130, HB 163, HB 166, HB 201, HB 272, HB 331, HB 380, HB 654, HB 694, HB 718, HB 865, HB 1266, HB 1397, HB 1500, HB 1552, HB 1576, HB 1583, HB 1584, HB 1760, HB 1894, HB 1965, HB 2018, HB 2029, HB 2286, HB 2340, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2467, HB 2508, HB 2523, HB 2730, HB 2756, HB 2791, HB 2970, HB 3016, HB 3096, HB 3248, HB 3255, HB 3336, HB 3623, HB 3698, HB 3699, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4129, HB 4187, HB 4236, HB 4238, HB 4643, HB 4738, HB 4739, HB 5333, SCR 3, SCR 30, SB 500, SB 739, SB 898, SB 1283, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1540, SB 1666, SB 1721, SB 1886, SB 1931, SB 2001, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2173, SB 2217, SB 2375, SB 2383, SB 2386, SB 2398, SB 2448, SB 2476, SB 2540, SB 2580, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2776, SB 2786, SB 2801, SB 2864, SB 2927, HB 135, HCR 64, SB 2284, SB 3064, SB 3065, HJR 7, HB 119, HB 130, HB 163, HB 166, HB 201, HB 272, HB 331, HB 380, HB 654, HB 694, HB 718, HB 865, HB 1266, HB 1397, HB 1500, HB 1552, HB 1576, HB 1583, HB 1584, HB 1760, HB 1894, HB 1965, HB 2018, HB 2029, HB 2286, HB 2340, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2467, HB 2508, HB 2523, HB 2730, HB 2756, HB 2791, HB 2970, HB 3016, HB 3096, HB 3248, HB 3255, HB 3336, HB 3623, HB 3698, HB 3699, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4129, HB 4187, HB 4236, HB 4238, HB 4643, HB 4738, HB 4739, HB 5333

Keywords: sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, gifted education, education support, student achievement, academic excellence, Texas education, cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Five of these positions were backfills, while three of them are created to help bring stability amidst
• Currently, that sits at 6% of total premium revenue for HMOs.
• <01:45:47.800> Revenue<01:45:48.800> uh sits at 6% of total premium Revenue uh sits
• The next proposal is strengthening our housing stabilization services.
• The next proposal is strengthening our housing stabilization services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on January 28, 2025, to review Governor’s budget proposals for several health-related licensing boards. The chair said no formal action would be taken and noted that final budget language was not yet available. The committee began with an overview from Bridget Anderson of the health-related licensing boards, who explained that the boards are fee-funded, operate as independent executive agencies, and handle licensing, complaints, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. She also noted that the Board of Dentistry’s budget includes the Administrative Services Unit and criminal background check program, which can make the budget graphs appear larger than the dentistry board’s own operations. The Board of Dentistry requested funding for a new administrative staff position, estimating about $100,000 in salary, insurance, and fringe costs, to replace support lost when an administrative position was reclassified. Anderson said the board handled more than 300 complaints last year, with cases becoming more complex, especially involving surgical and implant procedures and imaging. Members asked about dental Medicaid access, but Anderson said that issue would be better directed to DHS’s Medicaid oral health division. The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy requested a full-time position due to rapid growth in the number of regulated professionals, from about 4,000 in 2014 to nearly 10,000 now, and also sought authority to set a fee for out-of-state applicants under the Counseling Compact, with a cap of up to $100 though the board expects to charge much less. The Board of Podiatric Medicine asked to raise its fee ceiling, saying fees had not been increased since 1999 and that the board now faces a structural deficit of about $40,000 per year and declining reserves. Several senators expressed concern about “not-to-exceed” fee authority, calling it too open-ended and suggesting the legislature should scrutinize specific fee needs rather than approve broad ceilings. Similar concerns were raised during the Board of Chiropractic Examiners presentation, where the board sought $100,000 in additional spending authority and a fee increase after 32 years without an adjustment; members questioned the proposed ceiling approach and asked for more historical information before deciding. The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice also discussed fee-setting authority, with the executive director explaining that the board had previously lowered fees without clear authority and later faced audit questions; she requested funding for a vacant administrative position, saying applications and revenues have increased sharply and no fee increase would be needed. The final presentation began with the Board of Pharmacy, which said it serves more than 26,000 licensees and oversees the Prescription Monitoring Program and opioid product registration. The board requested an extension of previously appropriated general fund dollars through fiscal year 2027 to continue paying legal costs tied to the insulin safety net lawsuit, emphasizing that this was not a new funding request but an extension of existing authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s a purposeful slope was to try to stabilize the industry.
• That’s a purposeful slope was to try to stabilize the industry.
• That’s a purposeful slope was to try to stabilize the industry.
• That’s a purposeful slope was to try to stabilize the industry.
• > is paying the premium the premium thing is paying the premium the premium thing is still<01:47:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee convened for an opening discussion of the 2025 Human Services session, with members emphasizing bipartisan collaboration, the committee’s mission to strengthen support systems for Minnesotans, and a focus on helping vulnerable people thrive. The chair and members welcomed new and returning senators and staff, including new pages and interim committee administration, and several members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds in public service and human services work. Members identified the main issues they expect to address this session: workforce shortages in human services professions, long-term care, program integrity, and efforts to limit waste, fraud, and abuse so funding reaches people who need it most. The chair also previewed upcoming hearings on eligibility and redeterminations for people with disabilities, MnCHOICES reassessments, assisted living and provider payment delays, and updates on direct care and treatment, noting that more detailed discussion would come in later meetings. The committee then received a budget overview from fiscal analyst Kyle Raymond. He explained the combined Health and Human Services budget area, noted jurisdiction changes tied to the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the planned separation of Direct Care and Treatment, and said some figures may differ from the November forecast because of those shifts. He outlined the major funding sources for the budget area, including federal funds and the general fund, and said the presentation would focus on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget the legislature will be considering.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:28.959> and<00:14:29.199> they'll able to afford the premium and they'll able
• to afford the premium and they'll drop<00:14:29.680> out<00:14:30.399> uh<00:14:30.560
• expenditure or the premium repealing the premiums<00:30:39.520> for<00:30:39.760> children
• So basically the pre the premium >> Yeah.
• premiums. I don't need you. premiums. I don't need you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• comprehensive weight management services, authority of the Office of Group Benefits, covered services, premiums
• comprehensive weight management services, authority of the Office of Group Benefits, covered services, premiums
• It provides for a hospital stabilization formula pursuant to the Constitution.
• Representative McFarland provides for a hospital stabilization formula pursuant to the Constitution to
• Next: House Bill 783 by Representative Coates, Regulation of Food, Food Safety, Dairy Stabilization Law

Bills: HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HCR112, HR307, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR3, HCR49, HCR66, HCR67, HB1, HB2, HB42, HB45, HB66, HB71, HB79, HB126, HB133, HB145, HB159, HB167, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB289, HB291, HB312, HB313, HB316, HB324, HB352, HB383, HB398, HB403, HB429, HB457, HB459, HB511, HB549, HB571, HB579, HB591, HB608, HB616, HB624, HB766, HB769, HB783, HB799, HB804, HB864, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB971, HB983, HB1005, HB1017, HB1051, HB1056, HB1095, HB1126, HB1129, HB1186, HB1193, HB1223, HB1224, HB1230, HB1235, HB1249, HB723, HB36, HB140, HB181, HB198, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB302, HB335, HB342, HB487, HB513, HB623, HB682, HB730, HB740, HB761, HB775, HB797, HB812, HB816, HB940, HB968, HB979, HB1028, HB1029, HB1038, HB1049, HB1084, HB1161, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1203, HB1247, HB1256, SB25, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB228, SB237, SB250, SB405, SB406, SB414, SB433, SB480, SB513, SB149, HB359, SB29, SB43, SB78, HB210, HB258, HB468, HB784, HB134, HB1117, SB42, SB274, SB382, SB449, SB300, HR74, HB463, HB715, HB998, SB80, SB268, SB444, SB479, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received Senate messages, committee enrollment reports, and a series of House resolutions. Members adopted or advanced numerous resolutions recognizing individuals and institutions, expressing condolences, and creating or continuing study task forces on topics including homeownership assistance, speech-language pathology assistant licensure, clean water, Medicaid reporting, voter accessibility, air monitoring, fire chief operations, maternal health, and other issues. Several Senate resolutions were also concurred in, and personal privileges were used to recognize the family of Susan Ann Taylor Bidding and to commend Anita Whitaker LaFontaine and her father, Green Whitaker, Sr. The House then moved through Senate bills on final passage. Bills approved included measures on registrar of voters compensation, dental coverage related to cancer treatment, paid parental leave planning for educators, election supervisor compensation days, weight management services, nursing facility quality oversight, a Slidell hotel occupancy tax subject to voter approval, medical debt interest-rate limits, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss medications, a shrimping-related butterfly net exception, public works design-build contracting, and a municipal lead-service-line replacement measure. Some bills were temporarily returned to the calendar, including measures on water utility service lines and registrar compensation, while others passed with strong bipartisan margins. The chamber also considered Senate amendments to many House bills and concurrent resolutions. Members concurred in amendments on topics such as hospital stabilization, student loan access for certain professional degrees, rural economic development, behavioral health and school policies, retirement and compensation provisions, food labeling, climate-change litigation, school emergency plans, anti-cancer medication coverage, domestic abuse procedures, and several infrastructure and workforce measures. A few bills were rejected for further conference, including some retirement, alternative power, and AI-related provisions. The session ended with the House taking a one-hour recess for lunch, with instructions to return by 12:45.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our state sovereign wealth funds simply must continue to be a source of strength and stability for
• Blackstone wants to buy P&M at a 23% premium to shareholders, with a guaranteed 9.45% year-over-year
• That premium, that investment, and that near-10% rate of return to shareholders isn't going to be paid
• And I understand you're looking to diversify us, but the stability of this state is hard to determine
• And even more harmful, it erupts the economic stability for New Mexicans.

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement