Transcript Highlights:

• Karen Cabell of Post Falls to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board.
• The Department of Insurance recently approved a 2.5% decrease in workers' compensation rates, effective
• This was approved by the Department of Insurance, which reduced the premium for employers there by 12.5%
• of insurance for their consideration on the rates in the upcoming cycle.
• At each annual filing, we provide a table to the Department of Insurance for their review, recommending

Summary: The Senate Commerce committee approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then heard three gubernatorial appointments. Erica Malman of Boise was introduced for the Idaho Personnel Commission; she described her background as a natural resources attorney and law firm managing partner, and senators asked about the challenges and rewards of commission service and her legal practice. Brett Thomas of Twin Falls was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Dr. Karen Cabell of Post Falls was appointed to the same board; both briefly outlined their professional backgrounds and service, and the committee indicated it would likely vote on the appointments the following Tuesday. The committee then considered two DOPL rules dockets. Docket 24-3201-2101 for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors moved licensing fees into rule, formalized a 60% fee reduction, and removed intern-related fees; it received no public comments and was approved. Docket 24-3950-2101 for the Public Works Contractors Board finalized temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and added “not to exceed” language to allow future reductions; it also drew no public comments and was approved effective sine die. Senate Bill 1221 was presented by Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association and supported by a water master from Water District 65. The bill would change Percy retirement language from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” so seasonal retirees can work up to eight months for certain water entities without triggering penalties, matching how the provision is already applied. The committee heard no opposition and voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The final presentation was an informational briefing from NCCI on Idaho workers’ compensation. Todd Johnson explained NCCI’s role as the state’s rating bureau, described declining claim frequency and generally favorable combined ratios, and noted recent rate decreases, including a 2.5% overall decrease effective January 1, 2026, plus reductions in assigned-risk surcharges. Senators asked about high-risk employers, NCCI’s rating process, and whether it handles claims decisions; Johnson said NCCI sets class-code rate recommendations and does not decide compensability or claims adjustment. The committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we really appreciate the work of so many people who work in the Department of Public Health and who
• I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, and I'm joined today by Deirdre Calvert, the
• These initiatives, while not comprehensive of the work of the department, represent our commitment to
• any type of insurance, whether public or private, persists.
• We are ahead of the curve in the Commonwealth with the proactiveness of our Department of Public Health

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities. Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts. Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon. Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 476 honors the strong work of the Department of Insurance.
• honors the strong work of the Department of<04:30:38.800><c> Insurance.
• software program to interface with the Department of Insurance.
• Department of Insurance.
• the Department of Insurance.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> increasing cost of health insurance. increasing cost of health insurance.
• Each year the Department of Commerce and health review plans and rates that are submitted by insurance
• And I just want to point out that the Department of Commerce regulates the fully insured market.
• </c><00:37:03.839><c> of</c> point out that um the Department of point out that um the Department of
• of..." insurance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the Department of Revenue notified me yesterday that they're in the process of issuing a revised
• We worked, of course, with the Attorney General's Office, our fellow agency, the Department of Licensing
• by the National Council of Insurance Legislators.
• claims due to the unique nature of travel insurance, the license required would ensure insurers use
• For the record, I'm Chio Satern here on behalf of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee heard several public hearings on consumer protection and business regulation bills. Senate Bill 6175, the WAVE Act on ticket sales, would create licensing and enforcement rules for ticket resellers, require all-in pricing and refunds, cap resale prices and fees at 110% of the original ticket price, and prohibit speculative ticketing and deceptive practices, with exemptions for some events such as agricultural fairs and sports. The sponsor and many arts, venue, labor, and consumer advocates said the bill would curb bots, fake websites, and predatory markups that harm fans and nonprofit venues; opponents from resale platforms and industry groups argued it would restrict legitimate resale, reduce consumer choice, and push transactions into less regulated channels. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided, but no committee vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five-cent increment in light of the federal decision to stop minting pennies. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the bill but asked for amendments to protect against audit and consumer-protection liability, preserve acceptance of exact change, and avoid conflicts with local ordinances and SNAP rules. The bill sponsor said the measure is meant to give businesses a clear framework for cash rounding, and staff noted the Department of Revenue would issue a revised fiscal note with minimal costs. Senate Bill 6312, concerning surveillance-based pricing in grocery establishments, would require posted prices, prohibit individualized surveillance pricing and surge pricing, and place a moratorium on electronic shelf labels in larger stores until 2030. Labor and privacy advocates supported the bill as a way to stop AI-driven price discrimination and protect workers and consumers, while retail and grocery associations and an ESL manufacturer warned the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally affect loyalty programs, discounts, and operational efficiency. After testimony, the committee suspended the five-day notice rule for the bill. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6149 on the definition of a rural county and Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, with testimony on the latter split between industry support for adopting a model act and state agency concerns about adjuster licensing and preserving Washington consumer and anti-discrimination protections. In executive session, the committee considered Senate Bill 6061 on the tourism self-assessment program and Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering. The committee rejected an amendment to SB 6061 that would have allowed voluntary local tourism contributions, then advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation. It also advanced SB 6137 with a due pass recommendation. The meeting concluded after those votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The actual fine and the complaints you were talking about, that's actually the Department of Insurance
• The actual, the fine and the complaints you were talking about, that's actually the Department of Insurance
• This simply, again, standardizes it and gives it a clearinghouse with the Department of Insurance so
• department wanted that addition of reducing the amount by any surplus notes that an insurance company
• It's like taking the Idaho State Veterinary out of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 19 and March 11. It then heard Senate Bill 1285, which would make high school diplomas from non-public schools, including homeschool, equivalent to public school diplomas or GEDs for Idaho occupational and professional licensing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill removes a barrier for homeschool and private-school graduates without changing other licensing requirements. After brief questions and supportive testimony from Homeschool Idaho, the committee voted to send the bill to the House floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 841 on prior authorization in health insurance. The sponsor said the bill would add transparency, predictable timelines, qualified clinical review, stability once authorization is granted, and reporting requirements, while preserving fraud protections and not dictating prices or coverage design. Testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a migraine patient, and the Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill as a way to reduce delays and administrative burden. Representative Harris raised concerns about complaints and fiscal impact, but after debate the motion to send the bill to the floor failed on a 9-5 roll call, with four absent. Senate Bill 1262 followed, a narrow insurance code change that removes a confusing “lesser of” investment limit and leaves a 10% asset cap for certain insurer investments. The sponsor and a domestic insurer said the change would simplify the code and improve portfolio flexibility, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Supporters argued the move would streamline permitting and keep federal historic-preservation duties intact, while opponents warned of conflicts of interest, loss of independence, and possible funding and efficiency problems. After extensive testimony from preservation professionals, water users, and others, the sponsor closed by saying the budget and staff would follow the office and that the change would improve permitting efficiency; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The envelope contains a copy of the driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency
• According to the Department of Health, drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1
• policy submissions, the scope of the Office of Insurance Regulation oversight authority, the discretionary
• Members of the committee, B.G. Murphy, I'm with the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
• insurance commissioner and some of the other people.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and with me today is Sam Smith, who's our
• </c><00:09:40.120><c> of</c> adjustment that like the Department of adjustment that like the Department
• ><c> space</c> cost of labor insurance physical space cost of labor insurance physical space and<00:09
• the agency of the medical program from the Department of Health to the Office of Cannabis Management
• the agency of the medical program from the Department of Health to the Office of Cannabis Management

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any idea, and maybe this is a question for the Department of Revenue, how widespread of an
• The Department of Revenue may have some idea of how widespread that is.
• Do you have any idea, and maybe this is a question for Department of Revenue, how widespread of an issue
• The Department of Revenue may have some idea of the, how widespread that is.
• As a matter of fact, I carried quite a few bills for the Department of Revenue in the past.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:16.320><c> of</c> primary taxes that the Department of primary taxes that the Department of
• DJ Bettin Court, I have the pleasure of serving as the commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department
• And Department of Admin. later on. Okay. And Department of Admin.
• Insurance Department. Okay.
• Not a lot of money. Insurance Department on row 32, administration.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference on HB 1 and HB 2 was called to order, and Legislative Budget Assistant Michael Kaine reviewed the working documents before the committee. He explained the compare report, the detailed change sheet, the HB 1 index, the HB 2 side-by-side, the surplus statement, and a revenue handout, noting that the committee would vote up or down on all detail-change items and that unresolved items on hold would be removed from the final bills. He also identified staff available to answer technical questions and noted that the committee would track the dollar impact of decisions as it proceeded. Members then turned to the revenue outlook, with discussion focused on the gap between the House and Senate budget positions. House members said their budget guidance was based on revenue estimates that were significantly below the governor’s proposal, and they discussed whether additional revenue could close part of the gap. Department of Revenue Administration Commissioner Lindsey Stepp presented updated revenue estimates based on May data, explaining the methodology and the ranges for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She said business taxes were the largest source of uncertainty, with estimates reflecting current economic conditions, recent revenue performance, and a range of possible growth rates. Committee members questioned the assumptions behind the business-tax ranges, including why the low and high scenarios were set at 2% and 8% growth. Stepp said the range was based on historical performance and current economic factors such as inflation, tariffs, and business behavior, and she noted that June is a major estimate-payment month for business taxes. Members also discussed recent revenue trends, including the effect of tariffs and the possibility of federal tax policy changes affecting repatriated profits. The commissioner and House members also discussed other revenue sources, including rooms and meals and real estate transfer taxes, with the House side arguing that lower mortgage rates and home prices could increase real estate transfer revenue. No votes were taken in the portion provided, but the committee discussed possible upward adjustments to House revenue assumptions, including increases of roughly $70 million in total based on the updated outlook and additional insurance-related revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Department of Insurance.
• That spurred a bit of a reaction from the Department of Insurance, rightfully so.
• of Insurance.
• This memorial is to show our support to the Department of Insurance for their actions and for the ongoing
• , where applications, Director Cameron explained that the Department of Insurance considers it an unfair

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027, the State Water Commission and the Department of
• Madam President, we worked with the Department of Financial Institutions, which provided a lot of support
• copy of that long-term care insurance policy to the insured or a representative of the insured within
• Department and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.
• 6 of section 26.1-03-19.4 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to insurance company definitions

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would be a Department of Health and it would depend on, you know, what actually occurs.
• or lack of insurance. and we treat every patient that presents regardless of their insurance or lack
• House Bill 797 would authorize the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to
• And so they were kept over there in that Department of Health.
• of Health to AHCA so that Department of Health can focus on their specialized mission so they can do

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones. HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children. Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to ask the representatives from the California Department of Insurance if you'd like to
• Thank you for bringing this measure forward along with the California Department of Insurance for their
• Thank you. under the leadership of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
• The fiscal impact of AB 226 is minor and absorbable on the Department of Insurance and would allow the
• A stable and solvent fare plan is the state insurer of last resort.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hoy Department of Health the Department Hoy Department of Health the Department of<00:26:42.760>
• </c><00:27:09.440><c> of</c> thank you very much uh Department of thank you very much uh Department of
• /c><00:27:23.039><c> dhhl</c> of the Department of H homelands dhhl of the Department of H homelands
• </c><00:42:53.240><c> of</c> uh Department of uh Department of Health<00:42:55.520><c> hoha</c><00:42
• </c><02:56:32.080><c> of</c> next next bill is the Department of next next bill is the Department of

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study. The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions. Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Insurance has also been very supportive, and the bill has received no opposition along
• Amendment 1 provides for certain notices, so that's just notifying the Department of Insurance.
• Pelka with the Department of Insurance here and will provide information if requested.
• Pelka with Department of Insurance here and will provide information if requested.
• I hope there's not a run on the Department of Insurance because we've got several people here from there

Committee: Senate Insurance

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• California has continued enforcing these regulations through the Department of Insurance and the Department
• California has continued enforcing these regulations through the Department of Insurance and the Department
• of Insurance and Department of Managed Health Care, but the state's authority to do so could be revoked
• Insurance Companies, while we appreciate the discussions we've had with the Department of Insurance
• Insurance Companies, while we appreciate this discussions we've had with the Department of Insurance

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on workforce access, consumer protection, behavioral health parity, and public health safety. AB 1591 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would create a podiatric medicine pipeline program to address shortages of podiatrists, especially in rural and underserved counties; it drew strong support from podiatrists and medical groups and no opposition. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart would codify federal mental health and substance use disorder parity standards into state law; supporters argued it would preserve access if federal enforcement weakens, while health plans and insurers opposed it as premature and potentially confusing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and remained on call after a roll vote with several ayes and some noes. The committee also considered AB 2311 by Assembly Member Chiavo, which would allow public health care district hospitals to directly employ physicians. Supporters said the change would help district hospitals recruit and retain doctors and stabilize care in underserved communities, while CMA and emergency physicians warned it could weaken the corporate practice of medicine protections and physician autonomy. Members raised concerns about guardrails, but the author said the bill would continue to be refined; it passed on a due pass motion to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2030 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would prohibit sales of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building supplements to minors, with supporters citing eating disorder risks and opponents objecting to scope, age-verification, and retail requirements. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee. AB 1864 by Assembly Member Berman would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism and would authorize enforcement penalties for noncompliance. Supporters from Stanford, Encode, and the medical community said the measure would align California with federal best practices and address growing biosecurity risks, while life sciences representatives raised concerns about operational burdens and supply-chain impacts. Members discussed whether the bill should include an urgency clause and how to keep the standards current; it passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2457 by Assembly Member Connolly would standardize and speed up Medi-Cal managed care credentialing for physicians, and it passed to Appropriations with broad support. Finally, AB 2302, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, would require infant formula manufacturers to test for toxic elements such as lead and arsenic and post results publicly; pediatric and disability advocates supported the measure as a transparency and infant safety bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• > Workforce</c> Director of the Department of Workforce Director of the Department of Workforce Services
• ><c> of</c> where the Department of Labor um kind of where the Department of Labor um kind of immediately
• </c><00:46:31.720><c> of</c> consideration is the Department of consideration is the Department of Insurance
• Our department is the smallest Department of Insurance in the United States. We have 27 people.
• Can you talk a little bit, describe that process at the Department of Insurance?

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When the department does not require cash on hand, as in the case of some health insurance reserves and
• The Department of Administration provides a variety of services to agencies.
• Insurance Management houses the offices of risk management and group insurance.
• He's the deputy director of the department.
• He's the deputy director of the department.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund. For Administration, analysts reviewed the agency’s divisions, staffing, dedicated-fund structure, recent budget growth, and the governor’s and JFAC’s recommended changes. The department requested shifts of utility costs from the general fund to dedicated funds, three new positions and funding for Medicaid procurement and contract management, transfers of some positions between divisions, and one-time IT replacement funding. Members also discussed office-space utilization, vacant buildings and land at Chinden and elsewhere, and the department’s efforts to consolidate space and reduce general fund reliance. Director Bailey said the department has reduced or repurposed positions, closed duplicate printing operations, is exploring digital workflows and AI tools, and is trying to move toward a fully dedicated-fund model. He also explained the decision to remove GLP-1 weight-loss coverage from the state health plan due to rapidly rising costs, while noting diabetes coverage remains in place. Committee members questioned the need for higher-level procurement staff for Medicaid contracts, the role of Deloitte and the Department of Health and Welfare in the process, and the status of the MMIS procurement, which Bailey said is currently stayed by the courts after a legal challenge from the second-place vendor. He said the delay will affect MMIS implementation and, in turn, the timing of the broader managed care rollout. Members also asked about vacant state office space, the possible sale of older buildings, and whether agencies such as ITD and Health and Welfare could be moved into state-owned space to reduce lease costs. Bailey said the department is actively working on those facility-planning questions and that agencies at Chinden are paying rent for occupied space. The committee then reviewed the Permanent Building Fund budget, which finances state construction, repairs, and deferred maintenance through dedicated revenue sources and interest earnings. Analysts highlighted the fund’s multi-year project structure, the large deferred maintenance program funded in prior years, and a proposed one-time transfer of $33.75 million in canceled capital project balances to the general fund. They also described a possible redirection of fiscal year 2027 interest earnings to the general fund and a recommended new capital project for an Idaho National Guard readiness center. Administrator Barard reported that the Division of Public Works is managing 595 active projects, with most FY 2025 projects under construction, in design, or complete, and said the division continues to face labor shortages and rising construction costs. Members asked about canceled projects, including the North Idaho reentry center, the Carnegie Library purchase, the ISU pedestrian crossing, the Idaho State Police Lewiston facility, and other projects; staff said some are unlikely to return soon, while others may come back once land or other prerequisites are secured. The committee concluded the hearing and announced it would meet the next day for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of the State Public Defender.

Transcript Highlights:

• of that secret formula that the insurance department can't talk about, that it's not being talked about
• of that secret formula that the insurance department can't talk about, that it's not being talked about
• of that secret formula that the insurance department can't talk about, that it's not being talked about
• of that secret formula that the insurance department can't talk about, that it's not being talked about
• of that secret formula that the insurance department can't talk about, that it's not being talked about

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all