Video & Transcript Research : 'equity'
Page 34 of 213
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There is not equity in our budget.
- We appreciate the Legislature rejecting the proposed cuts to the Office of Health Equity.
- Appreciate the legislature rejecting the proposed cuts to the Office of Health Equity.
- Justice Fund, and support. project, the LBTQ Health Equity Initiative, the Reproductive Justice Fund
- a backfill for the lost federal Title X funding, and through restoring the CDPH Office of Health Equity
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency.
Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency.
Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you against equity?
- It's a slippery slope starting last session with Senate Bill 17 and being anti-diversity. ...equity,
- ... ...in diversity, equity, and inclusion, what groups or what persons?
- , and inclusion. ...equity, and inclusion.
- So, diversity, equity, and inclusion is smart for business.
Bills:
SB15, SB646, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1610, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB2972, SB973, SB865, SB506, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB974, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB1302, SB519, SB2807, SB13, SB7, SB1718, SB1567, SB1233, SB413, SB2177, SB30, SB2024, SJR1, SCR27, SB2018, SB1580, SB2121, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1596, SB2753, SB2221, SB1719, SCR9, SB204, SB437, SB568, SB612, SB672, SB710, SB823, SB876, SB904, SB905, SB968, SB1084, SB1207, SB1230, SB1313, SB1504, SB1790, SB2232, SB2366, SB2367, SB2398, SB2515, SB2520, SB2589, SB2786, SB2790, SB3048, SB3050, SB3052, SB3053, SB3056, SB3029, SCR3, SCR18, SCR30, HCR146, HCR148, HCR149, HCR153, HCR155, HCR157, HB5560, HB762, HB1584, HB 107, HB 114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB4341, HB6, HB2712, HB171, HB3153, HB143, HB2688, HB3464, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB2, HB1522, HB24, HB 1237, HB2637, HB3126, HB3233, HB4310, HB3487, HCR9, HB5331, HB1397, HB163, HB3250, HB3071, HB3463, HB5033, HB35, HB3824, HB216, HB4226, HB3512, HB18, HB5154, HB 103, HB851, HB647, HB4520, HB3016, HB2313, HB2818, HB2851, HB4486, HB4264, HB1500, HB5081, HB2974, HB2080, HB4384, HB5659, HB493, HB4903, HB2516, HB4488, HB4530, HB3689, HB145, HB43, HB5247, HB2221, HB5671, HB700, HB3711, HB 120, SB17, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB21, SB2778, SB379
Keywords:
SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy Committee 2/19/25 - Part 1
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We must not undermine years of progress surrounding fairness and equity, which are the result of the
- We must not undermine years of progress surrounding fairness and equity, which are the result of the
- We must not undermine years of progress surrounding fairness and equity, which are the result of the
- We must not undermine years of progress surrounding fairness and equity, which are the result of the
- We must not undermine years of progress surrounding fairness and equity, which are the result of the
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-5-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- You're basically using your equity in that West Virginia property and renovating your Kentucky home with
- your equity in that out-of-state property.
- 22:24.240>
basically <00:22:24.760>using <00:22:25.080>your <00:22:25.280>equity - <00:22:26.120>
in You're basically using your equity in You're basically using your equity - in that out-of-state your your equity in that out-of-state property.<00:22:34.040>
That's <00:
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:25
HB 667 Discussion 01:21
HB 667 Roll Call Vote 03:56
HB 677 Discussion 05:01
HB 677 Roll Call Vote 11:51
HB 535 Discussion 13:33
HB 535 Roll Call Vote 34:46
HJR 77 Discussion 38:33
HJR 77 Roll Call Vote 44:23, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 667, described by the sponsor as a cleanup measure to a 2024 solid waste law. Testimony said the bill would clarify issues involving indirect access to protected information, contractors and consultants, Open Records Act interactions, and remedies when protected material is obtained. The committee voted 13-0 to pass the bill favorably and recommended it for passage on the House floor.
The committee then took up House Bill 677, which would establish Kentucky’s legal and regulatory framework for carbon dioxide geological sequestration and help the state seek EPA primacy over Class VI injection wells. Supporters said the bill was the product of 18 months of work among industry, landowner, environmental, and cabinet stakeholders, and argued it would promote economic development, protect landowners, and support carbon-capture investment and related infrastructure, especially in Western Kentucky. An amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill then passed favorably with committee amendment attached.
Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 535 as amended by a committee substitute. The bill would authorize securitization for certain investor-owned utilities with out-of-state assets, including Kentucky Power, to refinance assets such as the Mitchell plant and certain regulatory assets, with a two-year rate freeze and PSC review for net savings. Sponsors and supporters framed it as an affordability and jobs measure that could finance new natural gas generation at Big Sandy, create several hundred construction jobs, and support long-term economic development in Eastern Kentucky. Members raised concerns about utility fees, PSC discretion, and transparency; sponsors said the proposal would not be approved without overall savings and that applications would also be reviewed by the legislature, the Attorney General, and EPIC. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 535 favorably, with several members explaining their votes and some noting continued reservations for floor consideration.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And so also in your testimony you criticized that the offering of diversity or social equity courses,
- I work at Dell Medical School and I also teach their health equity curriculum.
- Maximianno Prado: Texas Students for Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, or Maximianno Prado: DEI.
- I am representing myself and Texas Super diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and I oppose Senate Bill
- I'm representing the Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition and I'm against SB 37.
Bills:
SB 37
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a tax equity issue here that I believe another testifier will speak to, which we also support
- There is a tax equity issue here that I believe another testifier will speak to, which we also support
- First, tax equity.
- First, tax<00:16:14.160>
equity. - Since this bill would cut tax equity.
Bills:
HF2438
Keywords:
transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- on Education, before you now is H. 658, an act relative to educator training to create educational equity
- as well, and in third grade he's... 58 and act relative to educator training to create educational equity
- This is an equity issue, empowering teachers to uncover talent in every corner of the Commonwealth, regardless
- This forces families into private programs, deepening the equity divide.
- attending conferences on my own dime, and eventually pursuing doctoral work focused on gifted access and equity
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held its 13th hearing, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Gordon, and heard testimony on a large slate of bills covering personnel and miscellaneous education issues. The first major topic was House Bill 711 and Senate Bill 327, the “So All Students Thrive” proposal, which would change reduction-in-force rules so districts could consider teacher effectiveness, student impact, staffing needs, and diversity-related factors alongside seniority. Supporters from Educators for Excellence, including teachers and a former school committee chair, argued that current seniority-based layoff rules can push out effective early-career educators and harm efforts to build a more diverse workforce. Committee members raised questions about tenure, union involvement, and how the bill would interact with the Educator Diversity Act and local contract negotiations; members generally said they shared the goal of diversifying the educator workforce and encouraged continued collaboration and feedback.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bill 658, which would require educator training on gifted and advanced learners. Parents, teachers, researchers, and advocates said Massachusetts lacks required preservice or professional development on gifted education, leaving many advanced students unchallenged and underserved. Witnesses described students who are bored, under-identified, or even discouraged in school, and argued that training would help teachers recognize and support gifted students, including students of color, multilingual learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Testimony also supported related prior bills on advanced learners and emphasized that the state should act on a 2019 DESE report recommending such training.
The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 736 and Senate Bill 435, which would establish de-escalation training for school transportation. The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council said the measure would improve safety for students and bus operators, fill a gap in current school bus driver certification requirements, and better support students with disabilities. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4720, concerning the Athol-Royalston Regional School District’s state bailout-related reserve requirements; the superintendent said the district has long maintained fiscal stability but is still forced to leave over half a million dollars unspent each year, limiting resources for a high-poverty student population. After testimony concluded, the chairs read the full list of bills on the agenda, thanked the committee and staff, and the hearing was adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's meeting is the Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee.
- My name is Carl, and I'm the co-chair of the Long-Term Care Support and Health Equity Committee.
- We focus by developing technology that promotes housing equity and providing unique data that brings
- And these discussions around health equity as well is that I know everyone that's a part of our discussion
- And folks really liked our informational hearing about health equities.
Summary:
The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with a presentation from Housing Navigator Massachusetts. Staff described the nonprofit’s mission to improve access to affordable housing through a free, 24/7 search tool and public data dashboards. They explained how the site distinguishes between rent-based-on-income units and fixed below-market rent units, how mobile vouchers such as AHVP and Section 8 interact with those listings, and what types of housing are included or excluded from the database. They also reviewed accessibility filters, supportive housing resources, and related state programs such as EOHLC resources and RAFT.
Committee members asked about the organization’s funding, the availability of voucher programs, and whether the site tracks demand for accessible units or wait lists over time. Housing Navigator said it is primarily supported through the state, works closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and does not collect personal application data because it is not part of the application process. Staff said accessible units appear to be in high demand, but they do not have direct data on how many people are waiting or how many applications result from site visits. They also said they are working to improve data sharing, more frequent updates, and future research tools.
Members discussed ways to increase public awareness of Housing Navigator, including sharing a one-page fact sheet or infographic through disability organizations, local disability commissions, independent living centers, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The subcommittee also briefly discussed future goals, including inviting MassHealth to a January meeting, seeking regular updates on federal Medicare and Medicaid developments, reviewing the annual report’s recommendations, and possibly planning a future health equity event. The meeting ended with the introduction of new commission member Victoria Gill and a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- centers in K-12 schools across California, and is also a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 608, the Youth Equity
- Our education equity team serves many students of color, students with disabilities, and gender-expansive
- In 2025, well over half of the education equity complaints filed with CDE span two or more protected
- As we discuss educational equity, we must be honest about the challenges that still exist.
- As we discuss educational equity, we must be honest about the challenges that still exist.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee - (5-21-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- This project will be financed through a combination of equity contributions from our partner, 9%, and
- This project will be financed through a combination of equity contributions from our partner, 9%, and
- through a This project will be financed through a combination<00:09:27.160>
of <00:09:27.400>equity - <00:09:27.800>
contributions <00:09:29.040>from combination of equity contributions - from combination of equity contributions from our<00:09:29.400>
partner, our partner, our partner
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of the April 27 minutes, and a report of informational items. Those informational items included University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s planned use of restricted funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt notices, UK’s use of construction management at risk for five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital project reporting, and UK lease improvements.
The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request for approval of a $600 million central plants and utility infrastructure P3 tied to the Chandler expansion and other campus facilities. UK said the project would modernize and expand utility capacity, improve redundancy and efficiency, and support 24/7 hospital operations. UK explained that the financing would combine private equity and nonprofit debt, with no UK or Commonwealth debt or upfront payment, and that future availability payments would come from UK Healthcare funds. Members asked about the financing stack, the source of the restricted funds, and whether existing units would be replaced or modernized. The committee then approved the P3 agreement by roll call vote.
The committee also considered and approved a lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine facility near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease would cost $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports its long-running partnership with Bowling Green Hospital and planned medical student growth in the region. Members spoke favorably about the local impact of the program, and the lease renewal passed by roll call vote.
Finally, the Finance and Administrative Cabinet reported three items requiring no action, including a $2.103 million Transportation Cabinet Department of Aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport. Cabinet staff said the project would be funded by federal aviation money and restricted aviation funds, and later explained that the restricted funds come from a jet fuel tax deposited into the Aviation Economic Development Fund.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And hateful rhetoric, he challenges us to also challenge those who oppose equity and equality at every
- is unfinished, and it is our responsibility to carry his spirit forward through policies rooted in equity
- King's legacy, not only by honoring his memory, but by striving to uphold those principles of justice, equity
- Striving to uphold those principles of justice, equity, and dignity for which he stood.
- , and we must stay vigilant for the Forget the fight, and we must stay vigilant for the fight for equity
Summary:
The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work.
The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote.
The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, November 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I want to ask you, um, what is this administration doing when it takes 10% equity stake in Intel
- , 15% equity stake in MP Materials, and 10% equity stake in Lithium Americas, 10% equity stake in Trilogy
- stake in Intel, when it takes 10% equity stake in Intel, 15%<01:16:17.199>
equity <01:16:17.679 - stake in MP Materials, and 15% equity stake in MP Materials, and 10%<01:16:21.520>
equity <01: - stake in lithium Americas, 10% equity stake in lithium Americas, 10%<01:16:25.840>
equity <01:
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 3/17/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:01:26.800>
you're <02:01:26.960>a <02:01:27.159>private <02:01:27.480>Equity - <02:01:27.880>
Firm <02:01:28.880>that if you're a private Equity Firm that if you're - a private Equity Firm that owns<02:01:29.400>
commercial <02:01:29.960>property <02:01: - 02:03:23.679>
of this<02:03:27.719>a <02:03:27.920>private <02:03:28.320>Equity - Estates and trusts owners private Equity Estates and trusts and<02:08:11.559>
it <02:08:11.679
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- sense of equity um in looking<00:36:17.119>
out <00:36:17.520>you <00:36:17.640>know - Curtis talked about generational equity.
- Everything we do has generational equity in it when we put infrastructure on the ground, right?
- everything we do has generational Equity everything we do has generational<01:46:49.239>
equity - <01:49:52.400>
which market and issue debt and equity which market and issue debt and equity
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work.
The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed.
Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal government is rolling back workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
- Chair, and thank you for your work, as always, in this space of equity and opportunity.
- Chair, and thank you for your work, as always, in this space of equity and opportunity.
- This is really an economic as Labor Chair, in this space of equity and opportunity.
- Better than nothing is not a policy, and it's not how we should build equity.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote.
SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously.
The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill would permit insurers to acquire equity interests in solvent business entities, but also prohibits
- applicable provisions to life insurers and non-life insurers, and limits the aggregate amount of all equity
- tailored investment limitations to life insurers and non-life insurers separately, expands permitted equity
- clearer and more enforceable limits on how much of an insurer's admitted assets can be placed in equity
- Additionally, by permitting equity investments in solvent foreign-domiciled entities that are listed
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Insurance met on May 6, 2026, and first reported HB 1241 favorably. That bill, by Chairman Furman, requires insurers to check with DCFS before paying certain insurance settlements to determine whether the recipient owes delinquent child support, and to withhold and remit arrears if found. DCFS explained that Louisiana already has intercepts and other collection tools, but no current mechanism for insurance settlements. Senators raised concerns about notice to obligors and about liability if insurers fail to withhold, but the bill was advanced without objection.
The committee then heard HB 870, which would require health insurers and PBMs to cover lower-cost generic or biosimilar drugs when available and to use utilization management no more restrictively on those drugs. Supporters said the bill would improve access and lower patient costs by using wholesale acquisition cost as the comparison point. Opponents, including Louisiana Blue and the AFL-CIO, argued that WAC ignores rebates and net cost, could force plans to cover higher-cost biosimilars first, and could increase premiums and disrupt ERISA and fully insured plan design. The committee adopted a technical amendment set and then a second amendment set that added notice and reporting requirements tied to net cost calculations, and HB 870 was reported favorably as amended.
Several other bills were moved with little or no opposition. HB 1176, concerning Medicare Advantage coverage for integrative cancer treatments such as cold cap therapy, cryotherapy, and acupuncture, was amended to change the effective date and then reported favorably. HB 1196, dealing with colorectal cancer screening follow-up colonoscopies, was also amended and reported favorably. HB 1162, a consumer protection bill requiring DOI to verify that a contractor named on a first-party property damage check is licensed in Louisiana, was amended and reported favorably. HB 826, which modernizes insurance referral rules to allow referrals by email or website address, was reported favorably. The committee also heard HB 1151 on insurer investment limits and solvency protections, and HB 1236 on pharmacy reimbursement and copay maximizer programs; both drew substantial testimony and concern, especially over retroactivity, PBM cost allocation, and whether copay maximizers shift costs to patients, but the transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1236.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also advocate for Cal Grant equity reform.
- level and across our 23 universities, we are doubling down on our commitment. to eliminate remaining equity
- We are looking at also closing equity gaps, bringing in more students, but we want them also to be able
- I know you uplifted Cal Grant equity reform.
- Trump administration has hammered down on anything and everything that has to do with diversity, equity
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Sep 12th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The house is either paid for or it has significant equity.
- We believe there needs to be some resolution on the record values in the U.S. public-traded equity markets
- So, over the next 7 to 10 years, we expect that correction in the U.S. equity market that we've been
- We think that correction in the U.S. equity market is coming.
- And we've got a total of a 40. 50% allocation for zero allocation to publicly traded equity.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- cooperate with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity
- development and Hawaii broadband and development and Hawaii broadband and digital<00:35:07.520>
equity in <00:35:08.839>addition <00:35:09.839>to <00:35:10.079>the digital equity- office in addition to the digital equity office in addition to the Hawaii<00:35:10.800>
State - cooperate with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity
Summary:
The Committee on Education heard three resolutions. STR 53 SD1 sought to have the Legislative Reference Bureau work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access so residents can participate in the legislative process. Testimony from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure, emphasizing that many advocates cannot always travel to the Capitol and need better access. STR 117 SD1 urged the Department of Education to work with the Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by students and develop safety improvements; DOE described an upcoming live route audit, noted the large number of routes and stops on the Big Island, and said some stops are on private roads. The Department of Transportation, Hawaii County Council, the mayor’s office, and others supported the measure, and members discussed whether the effort could eventually expand statewide.
STR 134 asked the Department of Education to provide a detailed report on the true cost of producing school meals to improve transparency and avoid unnecessary price increases. DOE said it already tracks food, labor, benefits, supplies, equipment, and other costs to calculate per-meal costs, but does not currently include transportation costs in the same way; it stated its breakfast cost was $5.80 and lunch cost was $8.66. Support testimony came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the Hawaii Hunger Action Network, and others, who said clearer cost information is especially important amid funding uncertainty.
In decision making, the committee amended and passed STR 53 SD1, reverting it to the original draft by replacing the Legislative Reference Bureau with the Controller and adding coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, while removing references tied to the LRB and the public access room outreach clause. The committee also amended and passed STR 117 SD1, shifting the lead role to the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and adding a request for the County of Hawaii to consider funding the effort. STR 134 was passed unamended. Representative Souza was excused for the votes.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- court does not exercise equity court does not exercise equity jurisdiction.<00:27:43.919>
That's - it's an equity court, if probate has equity jurisdiction, then when a will contest is moved to circuit
- court, they do not lose their special equity. >> Um, and with that, I make a motion for a favorable
- it's an equity court, if probate has equity jurisdiction, then when a will contest is moved to circuit
- court, they do not lose their special equity.