Transcript Highlights:

• They're the ones that fill potholes, repair guardrail, maintain signage, paint, inspect road projects
• a critical role in identifying mechanical defects early, yielding annual savings through reduced repair
• a critical role in identifying mechanical defects early, yielding annual savings through reduced repair
• a critical role in identifying mechanical defects early, yielding annual savings through reduced repair
• a critical role in identifying mechanical defects early, yielding annual savings through reduced repair

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:50.480><c> that</c> minor shallow irrigation repairs that minor shallow irrigation repairs
• Luckily, nobody was hurt, but there was damage done that needs to be repaired. >> Mr.
• The utility companies would go after the excavator for those repair costs.
• costs. the excavator for those repair costs.
• A dig safe they repair existing ones.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• We might make something more reasonable for repairs, but that's just not... ...to the carriers.
• We might make something more reasonable for repairs, but that's just not happening.
• They don't do that for repairs, and they don't do that for ratepayers.
• They don't do that for repairs, and they don't do that for ratepayers.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held an informational hearing on wildfire issues in SB 492, with Senator Becker presenting the bill as a follow-on to the SB 254 wildfire report. Becker said the measure is intended to center wildfire survivors through a faster claims-payment process, block hedge funds and private equity from profiting off wildfire-related claims, reduce or eliminate executive bonuses after utility-caused fires, improve wildfire risk data sharing through a statewide data commons, and strengthen community wildfire preparedness planning. TURN supported the bill as an important first step, emphasizing priority for victims, limits on third-party claims, and community hardening. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the bill did not go far enough on structural reform and could worsen utility financial stability, borrowing costs, rates, and jobs. Representatives of utility workers warned that higher financing costs and possible downgrades could lead to major job losses, reduced utility investment, and even bankruptcy risks. The California Building Industry Association argued the bill could slow utility infrastructure work needed for housing and clean-energy development. Other members questioned whether the fast-pay system would truly help survivors, whether it should be mandatory, how deadlines and litigation stays would work, and how executive compensation reductions would be implemented. Becker and staff responded that the bill preserves the right to sue while requiring a fast-pay application, shortens timelines compared with prior utility programs, and uses an independent process. They also argued the estimated rate impacts were being overstated and that the bill still leaves room for additional affordability and structural reforms in future legislation. No vote was taken; the chair adjourned the hearing early to return to floor session, and public comment was directed to the committee website.

Transcript Highlights:

• for my roof, and my public adjuster is taking 10% in this case, let's say, I only get $9,000 now to repair
• limitations on companies' abilities to insist that roofs under 15 years of age be either replaced or repaired
• already vulnerable customers by inflating invoices or deceiving consumers into agreeing to unnecessary repairs
• to signing over their insurance benefits, which then creates incentive for contractors to drive up repair

Committee: House Insurance and Banking

Summary: The Insurance Committee held public hearings on House Bill 3328 and House Bill 2324. HB 3328, sponsored by Rep. Castile, is a broad homeowners insurance package that would redirect insurance dedicated fund money into a Missouri Stronger Homes Fund, create a Missouri Disaster Mediation Act for disaster-related claims, update public adjuster regulation, strengthen fraud provisions, add consumer notices, and establish roof-hardening grant programs. The sponsor and the Department of Commerce and Insurance said the bill is still being revised in a committee substitute, especially on public adjuster language and fortified roof standards. Committee members asked about the dedicated fund, mediation benchmarks, the role of public adjusters, and how the program would affect disaster recovery in places like St. Louis. Testimony on HB 3328 was mixed. The Department of Commerce and Insurance and several insurance industry groups supported the bill’s consumer protections, mitigation funding, mediation process, fraud language, and assignment-of-benefits ban, but said the public adjuster fee cap would likely be removed and that the bill needs technical changes for mutual insurers and roofing standards. Public adjusters testified in opposition to the cap as written, saying their fees are typically 10-15% and are disclosed in contracts, and that they were working with the sponsor on revisions. A shingle manufacturer also opposed the fortified roof language as drafted because some of its products may not fit the current standard. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 3328. The committee next heard HB 2324, sponsored by Rep. Lucas, which would restrict the sharing or sale of vehicle driving data and was described by the sponsor as a privacy bill aimed at stopping companies like OnStar from selling driving data to insurers. Opponents from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and NAMIC said the bill would not actually target OnStar, but would instead interfere with voluntary telematics-based discount programs used by insurers, potentially raising premiums and creating administrative burdens. They also noted existing federal and state rules already govern insurer data use and that the bill could create a mismatch between risk and pricing. The hearing on HB 2324 was then closed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eighty-five percent of the proceeds from the permits are dedicated to repairing any damages to the road
• Before using public Texas roads, TxDOT is the agency responsible for road maintenance. and repairs.
• highway crossing agreement, they go out and they have to get a bond that will cover the potential repairs
• used to be, where legislators can come forth with the idea of what roads they want to see done. ...repaired

Bills: HB137 , HB283 , HCR114 , HB137 , HB283 , HB1398 , HB1960 , HB2153 , HB2431 , HB2638 , HB2699 , HB2999 , HB3208 , HB3389 , HB3413 , HB3510 , HB3642 , HB3859 , HB3974 , HB3986 , HB4142 , HB4173 , HB4174 , HB4542 , HB4605 , HB4663 , HB4731 , HB5064 , HB5216 , HB5218 , HB5332 , HB5453 , HB5577

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: state budget, fiscal biennium, budget repeal, financial management, state funding, Medicaid, healthcare access, Affordable Care Act, federal funding, low-income individuals, insurance coverage, memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority

Transcript Highlights:

• understanding of the past, this goes back all the way to 1966, so we're long overdue on a lot of these repairs
• To get a little bit more specific on the accessibility side, we have significant repairs to make on our
• visiting, there's strain on Infrastructure, and today we're going to be talking about a sewer line repair
• Emergency repairs for us, reduced operational risks, and ultimately cost savings for the city.

Bills: HF474 , HF218 , HF210 , HF441 , HF691 , HF720 , HF1068 , HF1314 , HF1465 , HF1860 , HF2046 , HF1389 , HF2404 , HF2854 , HF2985 , HF3128 , HF3103 , HF778 , HF3125

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Our schools need repairs, bridges need reinforcement, and public buildings that serve our communities
• Our schools need repairs, bridges need reinforcement, and public buildings that serve our communities
• Our schools need repairs, bridges need reinforcement, and public buildings that serve our communities
• We're focusing on kind of repair and replacement. We call it asset preservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It costs significantly more to replace a roof. rebuild a home, or repair a car than it did five years
• hear about insurance companies. and you hear insurance companies taking the vehicles back, having to repair
• and in you know what what The insurance company thinks, in the appraised process, how it should be repaired
• . versus the, you know, the repair, the collusion shop in this, you know. they seem to be on the same

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to establish a condominium loan program within the authority, which will fund essential repairs
• within the authority which will fund within the authority which will fund essential<00:24:22.520><c> repairs
• </c><00:24:23.120><c> address</c><00:24:23.440><c> deferred</c> essential repairs address deferred essential
• repairs address deferred maintenance<00:24:24.440><c> and</c><00:24:24.600><c> structural</c><00:24:

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• a water main break and the way everything is set up we had to shut the whole city down to make a repair
• </c> make a repair which is not a good thing. make a repair which is not a good thing.
• 06:39.599><c> that</c><01:06:39.920><c> was</c> repair existing infrastructure that was repair existing
• The road is in need of repair; the project is needed to repair existing infrastructure that was last
• </c> in um the project is needed to repair in um the project is needed to repair existing<01:19:40.880

Bills: HF2178 , HF942 , HF2470 , HF1043 , HF1287 , HF1229 , HF1230 , HF424 , HF571 , HF404 , HF910 , HF1055 , HF318 , HF319 , HF401 , HF609 , HF306 , HF1599 , HF1881

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: HF2178, Cohasset, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, public infrastructure, water tower, water infrastructure, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, Public Facilities Authority, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, local government aid, utility infrastructure, public works, infrastructure, stormwater

Transcript Highlights:

• However, that said, on the Big Island, we have currently four separate repair projects that are funded
• Repairs are going on, including the coffee station—that's Kona station.
• However, that said, on the Big Island, we have currently four separate repair projects that are funded
• Repairs are going on, including the coffee station—that's Kona station.
• Others by the university, repairs are going on, including the coffee station—that's Kona station.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Bachman Hall and heard testimony on several UH-related bills. HB 542 would expand the Hawaiʻi Promise Program to provide unmet-need scholarships at four-year UH campuses. UH system officials, the UH Student Caucus, and a Honolulu Community College student testified in support, emphasizing college affordability, student retention, and workforce needs. Committee members asked about current program data, eligibility, transfer patterns, and cost; UH said it had data available, noted about 10% of current Hawaiʻi Promise students transfer to four-year campuses, and estimated the full expansion would cost about $12 million. UH also suggested a possible alternative of focusing on transfer opportunities from two-year to four-year campuses. The committee then heard HB 840, which concerns athletics appropriations for UH. UH Mānoa and UH Hilo supported the bill. UH officials said the funding would help cover recurring athletics operating costs, women’s sports travel and recruiting, Austin Awards, and a new nutrition fueling station, while Hilo said the money would help with travel, per diem, and conference-related costs. Members asked about the history of the athletics funding, the difference between Austin Awards and special talent waivers, NIL planning, and whether the appropriation should be restored to the base budget. UH explained that a $4 million athletics appropriation was originally made in 2018 or 2019, later removed from the base, and has been reappropriated annually since then. Finally, the committee heard HB 842, which would fund three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions at UH Mānoa’s Counseling and Student Development Center. UH supported the bill, and Academic Labor United and a high school student testified in favor, citing student stress, overwork, and the need for more counseling access. In questions, members discussed the current counselor-to-student ratio, recruitment challenges in a tight labor market, and strategies for hiring, including looking at candidates on soft-money grants who may be seeking stable employment. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations are designed to protect Otero County on their bonds, fund critical water system repairs
• The cost to people and maintenance and repair is higher than the cost of a gas tax.
• The cost to repair a road we're not covering at a higher rate.

Bills: SB132 , SB241

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• They lose the ability to make decisions on the cost of materials and repairs, and they, in essence, transfer
• properties, and when the homeowner is in dispute with an insurance company and their house is not getting repaired
• properties, and when the homeowner is in dispute with an insurance company and their house is not getting repaired

Bills: HB2428 , HB2399 , HB2087 , HB2629 , HB2483 , HB2477

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency

Transcript Highlights:

• It would not do an analysis of whether the restoration at the body shop met the manufacturer's repair
• It would not do an analysis of whether the restoration at the body shop met the manufacturer's repair
• It would not do an analysis of whether the restoration at the body shop met the manufacturer's repair
• It would not do an analysis of whether the restoration at the body shop met the manufacturer's repair
• uh repair procedures or the<01:04:42.119><c> pre-loss</c><01:04:43.119><c> condition</c><01:04:43.359

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The property then heads into a downward spiral where repairs aren't made, maintenance doesn't happen,
• and then we probably see legislation brought forward to require them to make those kinds of repairs.
• The property then heads into a downward spiral where repairs aren't made, maintenance doesn't happen,
• them to make those kinds of repairs.
• So them to make those kinds of repairs.

Bills: HF3403 , HF2687 , HF2381

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, HF2687, single-family homes, corporate landlords

Transcript Highlights:

• Repair and replacement is, you can think of it as the operating budget equivalent for HEAPER.
• Repair and replacement is, you can think of it as the operating budget equivalent for HEAPER.
• If we don't get help from you, our only other option for making these necessary repairs is tuition.
• </c><01:19:45.920><c> And</c><01:19:46.080><c> so,</c> called repair and replacement.
• And so, called repair and replacement.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• systems throughout the state to kind of give you guys a number on what that would look like for future repair
• systems throughout the state to kind of give you guys a number on what that would look like for future repair
• systems throughout the state to kind of give you guys a number on what that would look like for future repair
• systems throughout the state to kind of give you guys a number on what that would look like for future repair
• So the effective water available might be limited more by the fact the system is in poor repair.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Traditionally, that has operated through a repair-or-replace model.
• However, in some cases, repair or replacement may not be the best option.
• The core business we're in is repairing and replacing covered appliances.
• It's not always possible to repair or replace.
• And we're simply, no, the law says repair or replace.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the Department of Insurance stronger enforcement tools when insurers fail to implement corrective actions identified in market conduct or financial examinations. Supporters said the bill would close gaps that allow repeated violations, improve solvency oversight, and protect policyholders; opponents argued CDI already has broad authority and raised concerns about duplicative penalties, due process, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed amendments to limit the bill to legal violations rather than recommendations, apply penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarify accounting language. The committee voted to send SB 1209 to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call after a roll vote that included one no vote from Senator Niello. The committee also considered SB 1301, which would require more detailed non-renewal notices for residential property insurance, give policyholders time and information to address correctable issues, and restrict certain non-renewal reasons such as claims below deductible or not covered by the policy. Support came from homeowners, fire survivors, and consumer groups who said notices are often vague and leave families unable to keep coverage; insurers opposed the bill, warning that California’s notice period is already among the longest in the country and that the bill could worsen availability and add burdensome reporting requirements. The author said he was willing to reduce the notice period from 180 days to about three months and work on a mitigation-based process. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the item placed on call. SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez would tighten regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing the Department of Insurance to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, adding conduct restrictions, and requiring continuous liability coverage and proper appointment notices. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the bill addresses serious misconduct and loopholes that have led to unsafe conduct and weak oversight. Bail industry representatives and crime victims’ advocates opposed the measure, arguing that the required insurance coverage is unavailable or unlawful as written, that the bill would be hard to comply with, and that it could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. The committee moved SB 1026 to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would authorize the Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies to recover costs tied to climate disasters and insurance losses, with supporters framing it as a way to shift some climate-related costs away from policyholders and taxpayers. The author said amendments would remove retroactivity and delay liability until 2032, while supporters from flood and wildfire survivor groups and climate organizations said the bill would help fund recovery and stabilize insurance costs. Opponents from industry and building trades argued the bill was legally vulnerable, would create a de facto tax or liability scheme, and could harm jobs, energy production, and affordability. Testimony on SB 982 was extensive, but the transcript ends before any committee vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Traditionally, that has operated through a repair-or-replace model.
• However, in some cases, repair or replacement may not be the best option.
• The core business we're in is repairing and replacing covered appliances.
• It's not always possible to repair or replace.
• The law says repair or replace.

Summary: The committee heard three major insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen would give the Insurance Commissioner new authority to require insurers to implement corrective actions found in market conduct and financial exams, with penalties for failure to comply. Supporters, including Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his deputies, said current law leaves CDI without a direct way to compel remediation of repeated violations or obtain needed financial information, while opponents argued the bill expands CDI authority too far, could duplicate existing penalties, and should be limited to legal violations rather than recommendations. After discussion, members and the author agreed to narrow the bill through amendments, including tying it to legal violations, applying penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarifying accounting language; the committee then passed the bill 5-1 to Appropriations, with one member on call. SB 1301, also by Senator Allen, would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving homeowners a chance to mitigate correctable issues, and prohibiting certain unfair non-renewal bases such as claims below deductible or claims not paid by the insurer. The author and supporters said Californians face unusually high non-renewal rates and often receive vague notices that make it hard to keep coverage, while opponents warned the bill’s original 180-day notice period and reporting requirements were too burdensome and could worsen availability. Senator Richardson said he would support the bill after the author agreed to reduce the notice period to about three months and continue working on a mitigation-based process; the committee then approved the bill 4-1, with one member on call. The committee also considered SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez, which would strengthen regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing CDI to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, expanding prohibited conduct, and tightening insurance and appointment requirements. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the 2022 licensing law left loopholes that allow misconduct to continue and that the bill would improve public safety and accountability. Opponents from the bail industry and crime victims groups argued the bill requires unavailable or impractical insurance coverage, including coverage for willful acts, and could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. Members raised concerns about the insurance language and availability, and the author said the bill was still being worked on with opposition; the committee passed it 4-1, with one member on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would let the Attorney General seek recovery from fossil fuel companies for climate-related costs affecting the Fair Plan and private policyholders. The author said Californians are paying rising insurance and disaster costs while fossil fuel companies that contributed to climate change are not, and witnesses from flood and wildfire communities and climate policy experts supported the bill as a way to fund recovery and resilience. Opponents, including business and labor representatives, argued the bill would impose broad liability, invite litigation, and harm jobs and energy affordability. The hearing included extensive testimony, but no vote was taken on SB 982 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Traditionally, that has operated through a repair-or-replace model.
• However, in some cases, repair or replacement may not be the best option.
• The core business we're in is repairing and replacing covered appliances.
• It's not always possible to repair or replace.
• And we're simply, no, the law says repair or replace.

Committee: Senate Insurance