Video & Transcript : 'ABA services' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House committee considers bill to tax social media platforms, HF3117 4/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Services in a month and whose data they are mining.
- It's based on the number of people who use their service in a month.
- So if you if their service in a month.
- </c><00:13:20.160><c> across</c> working working in public service across working working in public service
- Um, you utilizing a certain service.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill.
Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services.
Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy May 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If they live in a county with no service, they must use a hazardous waste service to manage their waste
- That company elected to discontinue that service at the end of 2025.
- Second, rural service delivery costs more per household.
- We are proving that when services are available, rural residents participate.
- We are proving that when services are available, rural residents participate.
Summary:
The committee held an interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), then on hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility (EPR). On the CCUS topic, industry and nonprofit presenters described point-source capture, direct air capture, mineralization, and geologic sequestration, emphasizing Washington’s basalt formations and state trust lands as strong candidates for storage. They argued that CCUS can help hard-to-abate industrial sectors, support jobs and investment, and provide a pathway for compliance, while also noting the need for clearer permitting, subsurface rights, pipeline authority, and storage infrastructure. Ecology and Commerce staff explained current state policy touchpoints, including Cap-and-Invest offsets and exemptions for permanently stored CO2, the public comment process underway to define “thousand-year” permanence, and how CCUS might fit within the Clean Energy Transformation Act without counting emitting generation as non-emitting. Some presenters supported more state action and primacy over federal permitting, while others warned about costs, energy use, uncertain capture performance, and the need to ensure real net greenhouse gas reductions and long-term liability protections.
Members asked about public meetings, whether mineralized carbon would qualify as exempt under the Climate Commitment Act, the timeline for Ecology guidance, aquifer and water-quality concerns, energy intensity of capture systems, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Responses said Ecology’s guidance process is already underway, public meetings will be virtual, mineralized carbon would likely qualify if it meets the permanence standard, and EPA rules require storage in deep saline formations below drinking water aquifers. Industry speakers said capture energy use varies by source and concentration, and one presenter noted that some states use trust funds funded by injectors to address long-term liability.
The second half of the session shifted to hazardous waste and EPR. Ecology staff reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste management in Washington. They highlighted that E-Cycle and PaintCare are producer-funded, that the battery stewardship program will begin in 2027, and that the mercury lamp program is in transition after its prior stewardship organization exited, prompting enforcement notices and a pending replacement plan. Ecology recommended best practices for future EPR programs, including clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong agency enforcement and plan approval authority. Local government speakers from King County and Douglas County described rising collection costs, equity and access barriers, rural travel distances, and the need for stable funding and flexible local implementation. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and supports EPR as a way to shift costs from ratepayers to producers, while Douglas County emphasized that rural residents will participate when services are accessible and that future systems should account for geography and local infrastructure.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 04/14/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Those services are used every day in communities across the state.
- We are also supporting the long-term viability of this service. Thank you. Thank you, and Mr.
- It was not a housing program; it was a Department of Human Services program.
- GRUENHAGEN IT IS NOT IT WAS NOT A HOUSING PROGRAM IT WAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM.
- Housing and MMB, the debt service would be $1 million in...
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Utilities Commission, Secretary of State, Department of Administration, Public Works Facilities Services
- Senate Bill 1401 by Finance Committee regarding Appropriations Health and Welfare Public Health Services
- they provide when there are auto accidents, when there are the services they provide when there are
- Services Committee.
- Rule 80, family member who owns provider services. Please note that in the journal, good gentleman.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions and Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- provisions of the Respiratory Care Practice Act, expanding the availability of respiratory care services
- And ensure that respiratory care services delivered in California meet the highest standards of safety
- We are concerned about short staffing, reduced services, and longer wait times for patients to receive
- We know that the demand for audiology services is there. We have a lack of access.
- We know that the demand for audiology services is there. We have a lack of access.
Summary:
The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing for five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each board or council described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused on workforce access, transparency, fee authority, and whether current regulatory structures are appropriately tailored to public safety.
For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issue was a proposal to move toward a bachelor’s degree requirement for licensure. Board representatives said the change would better align education with the complexity of care and could help the profession’s long-term status and reimbursement prospects, but Assembly Member Addis and others raised concerns about rural access, staffing shortages, and added barriers to entry. Public commenters, including respiratory therapists, families, and congregate living health facility operators, strongly opposed the degree mandate and urged continued use of LVNs for certain respiratory tasks in community settings. The board also discussed its ongoing work on LVN respiratory care issues, updated suctioning guidance, digitized licensing and enforcement systems, and fee cleanup language.
The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current title-act certification model, arguing it establishes competency without evidence of public harm and avoids the disruption a full licensure system could cause. Several committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, the private nonprofit structure, Bagley-Keene compliance, and whether certification meaningfully improves plan acceptance or public safety. Public testimony was split: supporters said the system works and preserves flexibility, while opponents argued the model lacks accountability, creates confusion, and does not reliably prevent plan-check denials or protect the public. The speech-language pathology/audiology board reported major modernization gains, including a new online licensure system, faster processing, continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules; it also received support for creating a new audiology assistant license category, while a consumer group urged more public members, proactive inspections, and faster discipline. The occupational therapy board reported growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and a need for additional fee authority to address rising costs, while public testimony supported reducing advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The final naturopathic medicine item began at the end of the transcript, but no substantive discussion was captured before the excerpt ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development and Assembly Business and Professions Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- provisions of the Respiratory Care Practice Act, expanding the availability of respiratory care services
- We are concerned about short staffing, reduced services, and longer wait times for patients to receive
- The board sets... ...and hearing aid fitting services.
- Factors contributing to the demand include special education services in California's budget.
- We know that the demand for audiology services is there. We have a lack of access.
Summary:
The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused heavily on workforce access, public safety, transparency, and fee authority.
For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree for licensure, fee structure changes, and ongoing work on LVNs performing respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree proposal was intended to strengthen competency and could be phased in without harming access, but several public commenters—especially respiratory therapists and families of medically fragile children—argued it would worsen shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Other stakeholders supported clarifying LVN authority in congregate living health facilities, while the California Medical Association flagged the proposed Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist classification as having limited current workforce impact.
The interior design segment drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current voluntary certification/title-act model, saying it establishes competency, has produced minimal complaints, and that licensure would unnecessarily disrupt the workforce and create barriers without demonstrated public harm. Committee members questioned the lack of state-style enforcement authority, transparency, and Bagley-Keene compliance, and some public commenters criticized the private structure and inconsistent plan acceptance in local jurisdictions. Supporters of the current system said the certification and commercial designation help educate building officials and allow qualified designers to work safely, while opponents argued licensure would provide clearer accountability and reduce confusion.
The speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster turnaround times, and new continuing education audits and advertising rules. The board supported creating a licensed audiology assistant category to improve access to care, and public commenters generally backed the board while urging continued modernization. The occupational therapy board described steady growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and requested additional fee authority to address rising costs; the main public comment supported the sunset extension and a reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The naturopathic medicine board emphasized consumer protection, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and the need to clarify statutes; it said most licensed naturopathic doctors practice in underserved areas and welcomed legislative collaboration on scope and enforcement issues.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Kootenai County does both the warrant service model and the task force model.
- Kootenai County does both the warrant service model and the task force model.
- Durdon, you mentioned you worked with the Marshal Service and with the jail.
- Warrant service officer takes one day. The training is one day.
- Warrant service officer takes one day. The training is one day.
Summary:
The committee first approved minutes from March 6 and March 9, then advanced two gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority: Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, both with recommendations for confirmation. It also introduced RS 33670 on community schools, RS 33719 on sewer district rate regulation, and RS 33722 related to a presidential primary and down-ballot races. Senate Bill 1376, dealing with online candidate filing and shifting local filing/reporting to county clerks, was supported by the Secretary of State’s office and sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which sought to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations. The sponsor argued the resolution would help guide future state policy, while some senators raised concerns about the strength of the claims and the need for more research. Despite those concerns, the resolution was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
House Bill 659, requiring local law enforcement to apply for available ICE 287(g) agreements and publicly explain any refusal, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve coordination, transparency, and public safety, while sheriffs, police chiefs, and several citizens argued it would undermine local control, add costs, and strain trust with immigrant communities. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment failed 4-5, and the committee then voted 5-4 to hold the bill in committee.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 1356, which would make Ada County Highway District elections partisan and countywide rather than district-based. The sponsor said countywide elections would better reflect countywide transportation needs, while numerous residents, advocacy groups, and ACHD representatives opposed the bill as unnecessary politicization that would dilute local representation and increase campaign costs. The transcript ends during continued testimony against the bill, with no final committee action shown.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So with that, I will call the Health and Human Services Committee to order. Good morning, all.
- When my time and service was over, I entered the civilian world.
- I retired from the fire service after serving the communities in New Mexico for 25 years.
- They are not a social service office. They are not a social service office.
- One of those was eliminating taxes on medical services and expenses. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 66, which would expand and restructure the Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Fund. The sponsor said the substitute narrows the bill to a $25 million fund, with 50% reserved for physicians and the rest for other health professionals, and raises physician awards to at least $75,000 per year for a four-year commitment. Supporters from nursing, physical therapy, health systems, social work, and advocacy groups said the program would help recruit and retain providers in New Mexico. The committee moved the substitute and then passed the bill on a do-pass motion.
House Bill 38, dealing with coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility devices, drew extensive testimony from amputees, Paralympians, clinicians, and disability advocates. The bill would clarify and expand coverage for activity prosthetics, activity wheelchairs, and related complex rehab technology, with limits on the number of devices and replacement tied to physiological changes. Supporters said access to these devices is medically necessary for physical and mental health, independence, and participation in sports and daily life. After questions about provider qualifications, insurance contracting, and replacement for growing children, the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill.
House Bill 257 would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid reimbursement for vagus nerve stimulation implants for drug-resistant epilepsy. The sponsor and manufacturer’s representative argued current reimbursement is too low, leaving only UNM Hospital performing the procedures and limiting access statewide; they said better reimbursement could reduce emergency visits and long-term Medicaid costs. Members raised concerns about the bill’s language, including whether it could allow payment above allowable rates or create uncertainty about the reimbursement standard. A motion to table failed, and the committee then passed the bill 5-4, with several members noting they supported the concept but wanted the language tightened before the next committee.
The committee also passed House Bill 178, which appropriates $3 million for shade structures in rural parks and outdoor recreation areas, after testimony that the project would reduce sun exposure, heat illness, and skin cancer risk. House Bill 198, which provides $2 million for peer-to-peer mental health training and treatment for first responders, also advanced on a do-pass without recommendation after members said they supported the goal but wanted clearer language on training standards, liability, and administration. Finally, House Bill 202, which would require data-sharing agreements to help the Office of Child Advocate access records from state agencies, drew support from child advocacy groups but concern from IT and family advocates about timelines, system complexity, privacy, and the need for family collaboration; the discussion continued with suggestions to refine the bill.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And Christina Chavez, our Business Services Director. Okay, and before you start.
- Funding and services that are provided to us previously by the federal government from CISA in terms
- We really cannot observe further reductions without service degradation or compliance risk.
- This is frankly going to mean to the services we provide to the public and to you all as legislators.
- And 3 and 4 for our cost for professional services and contracts right now Thank you all for joining
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 21st, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got Grace Baldoramo, she's a proofreader with the Council Service.
- They have provided over 10,000 hours of service directly to clients and students.
- We do upwards of... 900 hours of practicum service. We pass from accredited universities.
- They are in the process of expanding and getting services going in their communities.
- Prenatal services. We heard that we got to start, you know, in the womb, prenatal even.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Jul 7th, 2025
Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank Madam Chair and Madam Co-Chair for LHHS, Health and Human Services.
- with the Counsel Service as well.
- And 2,580 enrollments in the cessation services.
- Services and mass media marketing.
- Use and referring to those services.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their leadership and service continue to strengthen the fabric of our communities.
- He is receiving the award for achievement in public service.
- She is receiving the award for achievement in public service. Thank you.
- Margarita Rocha is receiving the award for achievement in public service.
- The demand for CPA services The demand for CPA services is greatly outpacing the number of new CPAs entering
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment.
After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales.
The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our hearing will focus on Department of Housing and Community Development, Business, Consumer Services
- and the Department of Health Care Services.
- For example, HMIS provides detailed service data.
- A lot of these services are mental health services.
- So more than 100 different types of services have been identified around the state.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Finance Committee hearing on HF779 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- unsuspecting situations, and these are our parents, our children, and they're really being denied services
- , and the result was substandard service.
- Thank you all for your service to the state. Public testimony is now closed.
- </c> Bill thank you all for your uh service Bill thank you all for your uh service to<00:12:49.800><c
- My kids don't listen to me either. are good tutoring services chair Kisha are good tutoring services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Indeed, as we have all witnessed... ...protect schools, public safety, and essential services.
- This proposal will protect funding for schools and essential public services.
- Those reserves help protect vital programs and services from even deeper reductions.
- We suspended it, but this budget year, we are including deposits into the rainy day of the service.
- How do we make sure that the people in your community know and can rely on the services that they're
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Steering and Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Senate Committee on Steering and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Excluding medications prescribed for reproductive health care services and gender-affirming care services
- . ...access those records related to reproductive health care and gender-affirming health care services
- So this was a great opportunity for us to provide this service.
- I have to say, though, that I want everyone to understand how at risk our services are.
- So is STD testing and all those things are at risk as we sort of focus more on just a few of the services
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy held a public hearing on potential updates to Massachusetts’ 2022 Shield Law to strengthen protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Chair Cindy Friedman said the hearing was prompted by escalating federal and out-of-state threats, and testimony was sought on loopholes and clarifications involving emergency abortion care, limits on cooperation with outside investigations, protection of patient data, and safeguarding licenses of providers and attorneys involved in this care.
The Attorney General’s Office, ACLU of Massachusetts, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Reproductive Equity Now, the Massachusetts Medical Society, TransHealth, and Health Imperatives all supported strengthening the law. Witnesses urged broader bans on sharing health data with hostile states, explicit AG enforcement authority, exclusion of reproductive and gender-affirming prescriptions from the prescription monitoring program, protections for electronic medical records, and allowing clinicians to use practice names on prescription labels. Several speakers also called for protections for parents of transgender youth, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations, and some raised related concerns about insurance discrimination and the burden of post-24-week abortion restrictions.
Committee members asked questions about enforcement mechanisms, data privacy, patient consent, and how to balance interoperability with privacy protections in electronic records. Witnesses said the goal was to prevent immediate harm while preserving patient control and access to care. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed by inviting written testimony and then moved to adjourn the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I would like to extend my profound gratitude to Michael Fine for his many years of service.
- Colleagues, please join me in thanking Andrew for his hard work and service to the great people of the
- So, Katie, we just want to say thank you for your service to our caucus and all the work that you're
- He represents the very best of Pomona: determination, discipline, service, humility, and excellence.
- as a service to Californians.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew Topper McFaun for his exemplary public service
- and community service.
- Army service and teaching in the Cambridge, Massachusetts public school system, Topper McFaun and his
- And whereas after US Army service<00:01:57.520><c> and</c><00:01:57.680><c> teaching</c><00:01:58.000
- and employment related human services and employment related matters.<00:02:23.360><c> And</c><00:02
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , please welcome Michelle Edgar, Commissioner of the Santa Monica Arts Commission, for her public service
- Congress Financial Services Committee.
- Throughout his career, he has... ...public service to the city of Londell.
- They have always been with me and have inspired my interest in politics and service.
- I was to introduce him, and there was this elaborate Secret Service project.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of corrected journals, and a brief recognition of guests. The body then considered four gubernatorial appointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Senators spoke in support of the appointees, especially highlighting Garns’ leadership during the Rio Dell earthquake response and the commission experience of the others. All four confirmations were approved unanimously, with 37 ayes and 0 noes each.
The Senate next adopted SR 69 designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortages, while a group of Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then took up SCR 122 honoring Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. Senator Weber Pearson and many others from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, ongoing civil rights and education issues, and the importance of recognizing Black contributions in public life, culture, and policy. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0.
The remainder of the session focused on Black History Month observances, including the California Legislative Black Caucus’s “Unsung Heroes” honorees, who were introduced and recognized for community service, arts, public safety, health care, and youth support. The Senate also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, who died after a battle with cancer, and for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, with members recalling his advocacy, charisma, and personal impact. The Senate adjourned after announcing its next meeting for February 26, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So there has been no prior agreed-upon amount with regard to services, if that makes sense.
- And, you know, my overall intention is you have people who have provided services and they should be
- paid for those services in a timely manner.
- amendment removes the authority for the Department of Financial Services to create a Florida coin.
- Scott Jenkins, American Financial Services Association, waiving in support.
Summary:
The Banking and Insurance Committee considered a full agenda of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early action included SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest on attorneys’ trust accounts, which was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for out-of-network emergency claims. Senator Graal explained it as a way to reduce litigation and use a dispute-resolution process similar to the federal No Surprises Act. An amendment intended to require plan disclosure and prevent default by nonparticipation drew questions from members and concerns from insurers and providers about clarity and scope, especially whether it could affect contracted rates or shift claims between state and federal systems. Senator Graal withdrew the amendment, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from insurers and emergency physicians both supporting the underlying dispute-resolution concept while asking for further clarification.
The committee also favorably reported SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels; CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which adds agent continuing education, stronger consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage, expanding required mammogram and supplemental screening coverage; and CS/SB 314, a strike-all bill creating a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act. CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings was also approved, with an amendment addressing access to safe deposit boxes by requiring letters of administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance raised the consent-to-rate cap from 10% to 20% for workers’ comp policies and adjusted the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; supporters said it would help keep high-risk employers in the voluntary market.
Later, the committee approved CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program within DFS to allow certain stablecoin payments for fees, after a substitute amendment removed authority for a Florida coin, limited eligible stablecoins, and required qualified public deposit handling. CS/SB 838 clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments on retail installment contracts are permissible, while preserving a fee-free payment option; members discussed consumer access and fee concerns. CS/SB 1452, a broad DFS agency bill covering My Safe Florida Home, insurance administration, unclaimed property, licensing, and other departmental changes, was reported favorably after a technical amendment. The committee also approved SB 1706 creating a My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program targeted to owner-occupied, lower-income condominiums, and SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies in Florida, with supporters arguing it would modernize law and promote competition. The meeting concluded with all bills on the agenda that were heard being reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.