Transcript Highlights:

• Jared Larson from the Department of Health and Welfare up.
• Jared Larson, Chief of Staff of the Department of Health and Welfare.
• Adams while he was director of the department.
• Timely communications and continued collaboration with the Idaho Department of Insurance and the Idaho
• I want to thank Director Cameron and the Idaho Department of Insurance for their continued work on the

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Social and Health Services, and the Department of Labor and Industries.
• As background, the Department of Health collects and stores reports of specific vital life events in
• This is Department of Health request legislation that will allow the Department of Health to continue
• to coordinate with the Department of Health to identify appropriate recipients of the abortion medications
• In spite of their knowledge of the discharge plan, the insurer took no steps to initiate prior authorization

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The following police departments in the great state of Florida are evaluating or have gotten rid of this
• of their police department.
• this for some of the agencies the equivalent of being self-insured.
• reduced by the cost of maintaining such insurance.
• There are now By the cost of maintaining such insurance.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote. Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1. Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the process of getting new insurance.
• Yeah, Julianne Rolf for the Department of Finance.
• Yeah, Julianne Roll for the Department of Finance.
• , as well as the Department of Insurance is safer from wildfires initiative.
• We think that should be Cal Fire because you have efforts going on at the Department of Insurance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of her retirement from the Department of Human Services.
• me at the Department of Human Services.
• of Human Services and the Department of Education, all of which have been reported to the members and
• One, reviewed and approved emergency rules for the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education
• This, as many of you may know, is part of a larger realignment of the department and involves the shared

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :28.680><c> in</c> of benefit insurance Professionals in of benefit insurance Professionals in Minnesota
• </c> insurance is an issue that um a lot of insurance is an issue that um a lot of folks<00:07:50.319
• um epitome of an insurance death surely um epitome of an insurance death spiral<00:10:26.519><c> right
• </c><00:42:37.880><c> of</c> like like the the the um Department of like like the the the um Department
• </c><01:05:18.920><c> of</c> nonprofit status to the Department of nonprofit status to the Department

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and also the crime of insurance fraud.
• , from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
• I serve as president of Northwest Insurance Council.
• Insurance fraud adds a significant cost to all lines of insurance.
• beneficiary of a life insurance policy, for example.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2542 would require drug developers to use validated non-animal testing methods when available, unless federal regulators request animal testing. The sponsor said the bill builds on prior Washington action on cosmetics testing and is intended to move toward more humane and modern science. Supporters, including students, animal welfare advocates, and biotech-related witnesses, argued that animal tests often fail to predict human outcomes and that alternatives are more accurate. A biotech industry representative said animal testing is still necessary for some research and warned the bill could deter local innovation, but said the industry was open to amendments. The sponsor said she was open to discussing changes to the enforcement mechanism. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. House Bill 2629 would address theft and vandalism of critical communications infrastructure, including copper and fiber lines. The bill would ban cash payments for nonferrous metal transactions, require electronic or stored-value payment methods, impose civil penalties for stolen copper used in telecommunications cable, and create a new Class C felony for destruction of critical communications infrastructure. The sponsor and industry witnesses described repeated outages affecting 911, hospitals, schools, and first responders, and said Washington has a high rate of these incidents. Recycling industry representatives supported the bill after negotiations, but a prosecutor and some others said the bill should focus more on law enforcement tools such as searchable transaction databases and holding periods rather than new penalties. No final action was taken in the hearing. House Bill 2394 would expand the Insurance Commissioner’s insurance fraud program and create a Class B felony for insurance fraud, including fraudulent billing, misrepresentation of repair costs, and misuse of coding systems. The bill also broadens who can be considered a victim for restitution and gives the commissioner additional investigative tools, while the substitute removed a reporting duty for certified public accountants. The sponsor and the Insurance Commissioner’s office said the measure responds to more sophisticated, technology-driven fraud schemes that harm both insurers and consumers. Insurance industry and fraud bureau witnesses supported the bill as a consumer protection measure. No vote was taken. House Bill 2361 would raise the maximum principal amount for small loans from $700 to $1,200, with annual inflation adjustments, while keeping the existing 30% of monthly income cap and other safeguards. The sponsor said the change would better reflect emergency costs and help borrowers avoid illegal lenders. DFI raised implementation questions about inflation adjustments and publication requirements, and opponents from AARP, SEIU 775, poverty advocates, and consumer attorneys argued the bill would increase debt traps and fees for low-income borrowers and older adults. MoneyTree supported the bill, saying the current cap is outdated and that the product remains a flat-fee, regulated credit option with existing consumer protections. The hearing also included testimony on House Bill 2294, which would prohibit negative use restrictions on real property that block grocery stores or pharmacies; staff described a proposed amendment adding notice and changing enforcement, and the committee then moved the bill out with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent of Insurance.
• One, ask Be Well and the Office of Superintendent of Insurance to report on operational pathways to add
• And the staff of the Student Success and Wellness Bureau of the Public Education Department, as well
• of Education at the Public Education Department.
• Healthcare Authority Department of Health.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Department of Education, the finance Department of Education, the finance people. people. people
• A couple of thoughts about the insurance and Medicaid issue.
• DHS is the department, or is the department the Department of Education? I don't know.
• DHS is the department, or is the department the Department of Education? I don't know.
• DHS is the department, or is the department the Department of Education? I don't know.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of um I don't see Department of transportations<00:33:25.799><c> testified</c><00:33:26.399
• by the Hawaii Division of Insurance.
• working</c><00:52:51.280><c> on</c> of insurance and we're working on of insurance and we're working
• My name is Susan Juan on behalf of the department.
• Department of Defense in Department of Defense in support<01:12:16.400><c> uh</c><01:12:16.560><c> Jacob

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> insureds of Colorado bankers life. insureds of Colorado bankers life.
• But I guess what I'd like to do is first get an idea of— >> Well, let me ask first the insurance department
• </c> of Well, let me ask first the insurance of Well, let me ask first the insurance department.<01:11
• </c> Department of Revenue.
• And some of them Department of Revenue.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Health and Human Services.
• Department of Commerce for the second tranche of the BEAD program.
• special language allows the Department of Human Services special language allows the Department of of
• of Public Safety from the Department of Health.
• Department of Health with UAMS.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that it falls, I would say, on CDI, the Department of Insurance, to figure out.
• I know that it falls, I would say, on CDI, the Department of Insurance to figure out.
• of Insurance, right?
• of Insurance, right, for an approval.
• of Insurance, right?

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1377, a bill on medical exemptions for school immunizations. The author and supporters said the measure was a narrow reform to restore physician discretion and reduce what they described as chilling effects from audits and license discipline; opponents from pediatric, medical, public health, and school groups argued the current system already works, protects against fraudulent exemptions, and should not be weakened. Committee members debated the data, the number of exemptions reviewed or revoked, and the effect of the proposed amendments. The bill was amended in committee, but because there was no quorum it was not formally voted on at that time. The committee then heard SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would create a statewide inspection and compliance framework for large private detention facilities. The author and supporters described severe conditions in immigration detention, including denial of medication, unsafe food and water, and lack of oversight, and the bill was presented as a response to those abuses. The California Hospital Association raised concerns about duplicative regulation and overlapping standards, but said it was continuing to work on a solution. The committee discussed constitutional and jurisdictional issues, and the bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Judiciary with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Next, SB 1089 was heard, proposing expanded access through CalPERS and CalRX to GLP-1 medications for chronic weight disease and diabetes prevention. The author and supporters from the American Diabetes Association and medical groups argued the drugs are effective tools to prevent type 2 diabetes, reduce long-term costs, and improve health equity, while the author also shared personal experience with weight loss and medication access barriers. There was no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 1221, dealing with Murphy conservatorships for people found not guilty by reason of insanity or otherwise under criminal-mental health conservatorship. Supporters, including prosecutors and psychiatrists, said the bill addresses a gap created by a court decision and would improve public safety and placement decisions for a small population of high-risk individuals. Opponents from county behavioral health and disability rights groups warned it would turn a civil process into a quasi-criminal one, expand district attorney involvement, and disrupt bed prioritization and least-restrictive-placement principles. The discussion centered on the scope of the bill and its amendments, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is the director of health and life insurance at the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.
• She is the director of health and life insurance at the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.
• , America's Health Insurance Plans, and the American Council of Life Insurers.
• of Mutual Insurance Companies.
• of Mutual Insurance Companies.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization measure aimed at exempting certain medications and treatments for seriously mentally ill adults from repeat insurance prior authorization, while also extending prior authorization approvals to three years for chronic maintenance drugs. The sponsor described the bill as the latest in a series of bipartisan prior-authorization reforms and accepted an amendment from the Health Care Authority and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance to apply the bill to adults only and to cover PBMs in the interagency purchasing collaborative. Supporters, including NAMI New Mexico and state health officials, argued the bill would reduce barriers to needed care, especially for mental health treatment. Opponents from health plans, PBMs, and insurers warned the bill was too broad, lacked clear definitions for serious mental illness and chronic conditions, created patient-safety concerns, and should have a shorter reauthorization period and later implementation date. After committee discussion, the sponsor agreed to work on a committee substitute, and the bill was rolled over for a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 53, the Chispa data privacy bill, which would impose broad limits on the collection, sale, and use of personal data, require opt-in consent for many uses, strengthen rights to access, correct, and delete data, and create enforcement mechanisms including a private right of action. Supporters from advocacy, women’s, behavioral health, reproductive health, and civil rights groups said the bill was needed to protect sensitive health and location data, prevent surveillance and criminalization, and give New Mexicans real control over their information. Business, technology, insurance, and hospital representatives opposed the bill, arguing it was more restrictive than other states’ privacy laws, would burden small businesses and health-related services, create compliance uncertainty, and risk limiting digital services and innovation. After extensive questioning about data breaches, opt-in consent, nonprofit exemptions, and the bill’s impact on businesses and health care access, a motion to table failed 5-4, and the committee then passed SB 53 on a 5-4 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 86, which updates the state’s harassment-by-telephone law to cover electronic communications such as social media, messaging apps, and email. The sponsor and a Las Cruces police chief said the change would modernize an outdated 1967 statute and help law enforcement address harassment and domestic violence through current technology. The bill drew support from the governor’s public safety advisor and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and members asked a few clarifying questions about the wording. The committee approved SB 86 unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 96, on regulated childcare zoning requirements, using a committee substitute. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill would reduce confusing zoning and fire-code barriers to opening or expanding child care homes and centers, helping address a statewide shortage of child care slots and supporting working families. The discussion began with the committee substitute and an explanation that the measure is intended to streamline local requirements and expand child care supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, section of the insurance code.
• And so these two things are intimately related in the opinion of the Department of Insurance.
• It is because the Department of Insurance interpreted that provision of code to prevent implementing
• Texas Department of Agriculture.
• Physicians and patients have expressed a desire for the Texas Department of Insurance to more regularly

Bills: HB139

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: ad valorem tax, tax rates, voter-approval, taxing unit, property tax, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:38.959><c> of</c> equipment uh allowing the Department of equipment uh allowing the Department
• </c> Department of Commerce for that Department of Commerce for that function.<00:13:14.639><c> Again
• </c><01:09:44.560><c> of</c> requesting data that Department of requesting data that Department of Revenue
• > revenue</c><01:10:25.840><c> uh</c> concerns of the department of revenue uh concerns of the department
• </c> department of revenue. department of revenue.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Department of Insurance as well as providers under their contracts.
• with the Department of Insurance and the providers under their contracts.
• Annual estimates would be submitted to the Department of Insurance as well as providers under their contracts
• disclose those considerations with the Department of Insurance and the providers under their contracts
• I want to thank Senator Avard for prime sponsoring and the Department of Insurance and other stakeholders

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is the Department of Financial which is the Department of Financial Regulation<01:17:20.400><c> for</
• And it includes credit union and other types of institutions overseen by the department.
• </c><01:28:13.880><c> Insurance</c><01:28:14.720><c> uh</c> the National Association of Insurance uh
• </c><01:33:15.400><c> of</c> all the divisions in the Department of all the divisions in the Department
• </c><01:35:46.880><c> of</c> registered with the Department of registered with the Department of Regulation

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Department of Insurance.
• That spurred a bit of a reaction from the Department of Insurance, rightfully so, and that kind of led
• to some confusion with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Insurance
• This memorial is to show our support to the Department of Insurance for their actions and for the ongoing
• of Insurance and what CMS does.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 24 and 25, then heard HCR 30, which would authorize $200,000 to hire a consultant to help the legislature review the managed care RFP and contract process. The sponsors said the consultant is needed because the managed care contract is large and complex, the work must be done quickly before the RFP is finalized later this year, and the consultant would advise the legislative Medicaid review panel rather than draft the contract. Members asked about the consultant being a single person, the funding source, and the cost; two members voted no, but the committee ultimately sent HCR 30 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then introduced RS 33537, a bill to allow a limited mobile cigar business to obtain a tobacco permit without a fixed brick-and-mortar location. The sponsor said the proposal was developed with the Department of Health and Welfare to preserve the state’s goal of preventing youth access to tobacco while accommodating a niche business model. Questions focused on the permit structure, the small fiscal impact, and whether the bill fit the committee’s health mission; the RS was introduced. Next, the committee introduced RS 33538, which would require insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients facing treatments that can damage fertility. The sponsor described the bill as medically necessary coverage for patients who often must decide within days whether to preserve fertility before starting chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, and noted the cost estimate would be absorbed into state insurance costs. Some members raised concerns about the fiscal note and mandating benefits in private insurance contracts, but the RS was introduced for further hearing. Finally, the committee heard HJM 16 supporting the Department of Insurance’s actions regarding Medicare Advantage plans and asking CMS for clearer guidance on federal and state roles. Director Cameron testified that carriers had withdrawn or discouraged enrollment in ways he viewed as unfair trade practices, and the committee sent the memorial to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Government health care programs and commercial health insurers lose large amounts of money because of
• placed the responsibility on the purchasing of the insurance, the expenses of the marshal, the expenses
• We are under self-insured status of all the cities.
• We are under self-insured status of all the cities.
• Tell me, and you're insured—the city of Bojure insures you? Yes, ma'am.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Justice met on April 14, 2026, and first handled several voluntary deferrals, including HB 343, HB 491, HB 523, HB 426, HB 439, HB 378, and later HB 1025. HB 676 by Rep. Spell, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals or “body brokering,” was amended and reported favorably. Testimony from Louisiana Blue, Odyssey House, and others described the practice as exploiting vulnerable addiction and mental health patients for profit, while supporters said the bill targets organized fraud and protects patients, families, and insurers. The committee also reported HB 394 by Rep. Chenevert, which extends the conditional parole period from nine months to 24 months for offenders who must complete programming before release. Supporters, including the Louisiana Parole Project, said the change gives the parole board more flexibility and does not create new parole eligibility, while the bill was amended to remove some language tied to rehabilitation programming review. HB 622 by Rep. Coates, dealing with confidentiality and handling of criminal history records, was reported favorably after testimony that it is needed to align state law with federal FBI/CJIS requirements and tighten safeguards on background-check information. HB 396 by Rep. McMakin, concerning admissibility of autopsy photographs, was amended to apply to criminal proceedings generally and then reported favorably. HB 772 by Rep. Martinez, which modernizes notice requirements for arrest warrants by allowing electronic notice and clarifying mailing procedures, was also reported favorably despite concerns from Orleans Parish prosecutors about costs and surety liability. HB 1038 by Rep. Boyer, addressing marshal authority to issue deputy commissions and related liability/insurance issues, drew substantial testimony from marshals, city officials, and local government groups; after amendments requiring insurance coverage and clarifying funding and applicability, it was reported favorably on an 8-2 vote. HB 1025, which would have created an exception allowing reconciliation after a protective-order violation, drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and prosecutors and was voluntarily deferred by the author.