Transcript Highlights:

• a policy, and the FAIR Plan is reliant upon the brokers selecting that reason when they're canceling
• to supplement the FAIR Plan policy.
• was canceled.
• So companies moved to policy limit policies. That way, they can predict what their actual risk is.
• policy is not that dramatic.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• a policy, and the Fair Plan is reliant upon the brokers selecting that reason when they're canceling
• to supplement the Fair Plan policy.
• was canceled.
• policies.
• Around the Fair Plan policy.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%. Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation. The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• And is that part of the Good Neighbor policy in terms of developing forestry lands?
• So when somebody cancels that, then $25 to have that reserved, and then all of a sudden they cancel it
• So when somebody cancels that, then $25 to have that reserved, and then all of a sudden they cancel it
• The cancellation rule found in Rule 275.06.B, but for clarity's sake for people, if you cancel even on
• Or the daily night use fee is part of that cancellation if you do it within 21 days or less.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• President. >> Please proceed. >> The Drug Policy Committee will meet this morning at 11:00 in Room 409
• The Appropriation standing committee has been cancelled today.
• Drug Policy meets today at 11:00 a.m. in Room 409. Agriculture has been cancelled today.
• </c> committee has been cancelled today. committee has been cancelled today.
• Drug Policy meets today at 11:00 a.m. in Room 409. Agriculture has been cancelled today.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after the four years, the funding policy will continue.
• the broader policy underlying...
• Comprehensive policy briefing.
• I thought they usually end up just canceling the December meeting. Mr.
• And December doesn't get canceled because the cancel and head by, it's just we don't have one.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote and then received brief updates from the Attorney General’s office and the Office of the State Actuary. The AG’s office said it would handle legal analysis related to the committee’s work, while the actuary reported that staff were at capacity this summer due to annual valuation work, experience studies, and other retirement system projects, but would have more capacity in the fall. Members also requested access to fiscal note and actuarial materials related to the LEOFF 1 study and related legislation. The main discussion focused on the LEOFF 1 study, including actuarial funding, a proposed merger/termination/restatement approach, and the possibility of a permanent COLA for Plan 1 members. Several members supported keeping COLA recommendations in the committee’s work, while others raised concerns about whether merging or restating plans could affect benefits, legal status, or IRS tax treatment. The actuary explained that the temporary pause in certain funding rates reflected prior overfunding buffers and assumptions about future investment returns, and said future base-rate funding could still be needed depending on experience. Members also discussed constituent correspondence, which staff said largely fell into four categories: the LEOFF 1 study, Plan 1 benefits and COLAs, fossil fuel divestment, and ESSB 5357. The committee agreed that divestment concerns are more appropriately directed to the State Investment Board, not this committee. In reviewing the draft interim work plan, members added or adjusted several topics for future meetings, including a July educational briefing on LEOFF 1 history and tax/IRS issues, a September discussion of COLAs, and a December placeholder for excess compensation/pension spiking, pending coordination with the LEOFF 2 Board. The committee then approved the July agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When the state can pay for the specific public policy and not shift the burden.
• This policy has actually been.
• They have to adopt a policy.
• Revolution, urging the state to adopt this policy.
• Labor, part of the cost of labor is dependent upon our immigration policies.

Bills: SJR85 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SB23 , SB39 , SB209 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB843 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB912 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1143 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1583 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1784 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1896 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2111 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2349 , SB2371 , SB2533 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2626 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2774 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2920 , SB2 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2023 , SB825 , SB2010 , SB1870 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB826 , SB1257 , SB870 , SB529 , SB209 , SB1883 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1963 , SB1643 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR48 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666

Keywords: Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval, school district revenue, tax rollback, disabled persons exemption, El Paso

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation by Rabbi Kelly Levy, a gubernatorial message naming appointees to the Red River and Nueces River Authority boards, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Texas Woman’s University athletes, the Doctor of the Day, Balch Springs Day, St. Mary’s University, Austin Oaks Church’s centennial, and a memorial resolution for Marie Flickinger, which was adopted after remarks from members and a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up a series of bills and resolutions. Several measures dealing with water and taxes were passed: Committee Substitute for SB 1413 on procedures for amending or revoking certificates of public convenience and necessity for certain water utilities; SB 1583 on groundwater conservation district management plans, amended by Blanco; SB 23 and SJR 85 to increase the school district homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners, both passing with one nay; SB 2774 to classify industrial uniform and linen rental businesses as retail trade for franchise tax purposes; and SCR 29 designating El Paso as the official boot capital of Texas for 10 years. Members also adopted SCR 49 recognizing Austin Oaks Church’s 100th anniversary and SR 424 recognizing Balch Springs Day. The Senate also advanced a package of insurance and regulatory bills. Committee Substitute for SB 1643 would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for certain property and casualty rate changes over 10%, and Committee Substitute for SB 1642 would restructure TDI from a single commissioner to a three-commissioner model; both passed after debate about rising insurance costs, inflation, labor, reinsurance, and litigation. Committee Substitute for SB 1883, on land use assumptions, capital improvement plans, and impact fees, passed after discussion of transparency and local development costs. SB 826, enhancing penalties for DWI in an active school zone, passed with strong support. Two other controversial measures were also advanced: Committee Substitute for SB 1257, requiring health plan coverage for complications, reversals, and related care tied to gender transition procedures, passed to engrossment but was held there after a 20-11 vote; and Committee Substitute for SB 2024, banning disguised vape pens and, by amendment, hemp vape pens and other intoxicating-substance vape pens, passed. The final item shown was Committee Substitute for SB 240, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which was laid out by Senator Middleton and described as restricting access to sex-specific private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex, with civil penalties for violations; the transcript cuts off during the presentation of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's it was a solid waste um policy.
• There are many good policy provisions within this bill.
• </c> good policy provisions within this bill. good policy provisions within this bill.
• Quite frankly, cannabis aid got cancelled before they even got it.
• cancelled before they even got it. it. it.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• > of</c><00:26:44.559><c> a</c> cancel you know cancellation of a cancel you know cancellation of a federal
• </c> We've talked a lot about the policies We've talked a lot about the policies that<00:43:23.040><c
• </c><00:44:35.599><c> and</c> need to implement those policies and need to implement those policies and
• </c><00:45:19.599><c> and</c> with with whatever those policies and with with whatever those policies
• </c><00:56:40.240><c> out</c> with policy, you just put the policy out with policy, you just put the

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• that they keep and not policies that they don't renew.
• They want to renew policies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• that they keep and not policies that they don't renew.
• They want to renew policies. Policies that they don't renew. They want to renew policies.
• Consumers want to have the policies renewed.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• They have also participated in hands-on projects related to policy and community outreach.
• Finally, they have all worked on their own policy proposals, which they presented to me.
• Canceled without objection, the Senate stands in recess.
• Canceled without objection, the Senate stands in recess.
• The Chair notes that Senator Kiefer is on the floor and her leave will be canceled.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa. On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar. The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and we can include a package of policy and we can include a package of policy provisions<00:25:55.679
• </c> the inclusion of several agency policy the inclusion of several agency policy provisions<00:46:30.800
• proposals, including Admin's contracting grants and technical policy bills.
• I guess to go back to the cancellation.
• </c> and CEO as well as the public uh policy and CEO as well as the public uh policy director<01:29:08.880

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Call this meeting of the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee to order.
• Speech policies and in our own statements about what we believe and value.
• to</c><00:48:31.280><c> keep</c><00:48:31.839><c> um</c> policy being discussed to keep um policy being
• </c> little bit as as policy makers. little bit as as policy makers.
• Um and that seems extreme but canceled.

Bills: HF4479 , HF4368 , HF4889

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us make it takes on this policy.
• </c> uh about budgeting or regulatory policy uh about budgeting or regulatory policy or<01:12:41.440>
• 12:43.040><c> anything</c> or environmental policy or or anything or environmental policy or or anything
• canceled.
• </c> truly should under the law be canceled. truly should under the law be canceled.

Transcript Highlights:

• They get a commission, and then later on that policy cancels for non-payment.
• Later on, that policy cancels for non-payment.
• Canceled policies.
• The agent then contacts the insurance company and says, 'Hey, that farmer wants to cancel that policy
• This is where an individual has a policy. They don't pay their premium, their policy cancels.

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members hearing from bankers, regulators, law enforcement, AARP, and mortgage and insurance industry representatives. Witnesses described a wide range of scams, including spoofed bank calls and texts, fake websites and social media impersonation, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, gift card fraud, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, and crypto kiosk schemes. Several speakers emphasized that fraud is increasingly organized, technology-driven, and amplified by artificial intelligence, and that seniors are disproportionately targeted and often suffer the largest losses. Testimony highlighted both prevention and recovery efforts. Bankers said institutions spend heavily on training, customer education, and fraud detection, but often cannot stop losses once customers have been convinced to authorize transfers. The Attorney General’s office described its Consumer Protection Division, a new Financial Fraud Task Force, and examples of recovering funds quickly from crypto kiosk and wire fraud cases. The State Bank Department and Securities Department said Arkansas’s 2025 crypto ATM legislation and related education requirements have helped, and they urged continued public education. The Insurance Department reported major insurance-fraud trends, including fake insurance cards, forged policies, premium-finance schemes, and staged auto accidents, and said it prosecutes these cases aggressively. Members asked about reporting scams, the security of tap payments, how fraud losses are tracked, the role of crypto kiosks, and whether Arkansas should pursue model legislation or stronger action against telecom and social media companies. Witnesses said tap payments are generally safer than chip or swipe, that crypto transfers are often unrecoverable, and that spoofed caller ID and impersonation ads remain major problems. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association urged state and federal action against telecom and social media platforms and supported national scam legislation. No new bills were voted on at the meeting, but members approved the November 3, 2025 minutes and several witnesses offered to share model legislation, consumer education materials, and state-by-state fraud data with the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there's a lot of work sites that cannot be climate controlled, and we have, uh, many policies in
• I think that we need to have policies in place because they are affecting agriculture and our ability
• Mine was recently canceled.
• Everybody's been canceled in the East Mountains during the fire, uh, because of fire, they're saying
• So everyone that's getting canceled, I know that there's a ton of people in my area that's being canceled

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They get a commission, and then later on that policy cancels for non-payment.
• Canceled policies. We see these a lot with large policies, like... Canceled policies.
• The agent then contacts the insurance company and says, 'Hey, that farmer wants to cancel that policy
• The agent then contacts the insurance company and says, 'Hey, that farmer wants to cancel that policy
• This is where an individual has a policy, they don't pay their premium, their policy cancels, they get

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable. Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults. Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• or non-renewal of a property insurance policy.
• </c><00:31:35.840><c> or</c> requirements for cancellation or requirements for cancellation or non-renewal
• At the time of your purchase, did you understand the store's policy regarding returns and refunds?
• ,</c><00:41:22.680><c> then</c> approve of the no returns policy, then approve of the no returns policy
• </c> what your policy is." what your policy is."

Bills: HB1511 , HB1535 , HB1642 , HB1753 , HB1810 , HB2282 , HB2614

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several consumer-protection and insurance measures. HB 1511 HD2 would prohibit unsolicited mail or email using high-pressure tactics or falsely implying affiliation with another entity; it drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection, the DCCA Insurance Division, and the Service Contract Industry Council, with some written support and at least one opposition. HB 1535 HD2, concerning automated external defibrillators and a tax-related provision for devices installed in certain public accommodations, received comments from DOTAX and the Tax Foundation, with additional support from the Department of Health and other groups. HB 1642 HD1 would ban ownership or operation of digital financial asset transaction kiosks that accept U.S. currency; it was strongly supported by OCP, the Attorney General, and AARP, while kiosk operators and industry representatives opposed the ban and urged a regulatory approach instead, including licensing, transaction limits, refunds, and other safeguards. Members questioned whether federal action could preempt the bill and whether a licensure regime could be funded through a surcharge, but no action was taken during the discussion. The committee also took up HB 1753 on social media account deletion and permanent erasure of personal information, with OCP standing on its initial comments and TechNet and Will Caron in support. HB 1810 HD2 would impose prompt payment and financial reporting requirements on professional solicitors selling donated tangible property on behalf of charities; Goodwill Hawaii testified in strong support, emphasizing donor trust and transparency, and several nonprofit and business groups submitted supportive testimony. HB 2282 HD1, which would require explanations for premium increases and clarify insurance licensing and cancellation/non-renewal procedures, was supported by the Insurance Division and OCP; a vice chair asked for complaint data related to condo associations, and a member noted that the same agencies had previously opposed similar Senate bills. Finally, HB 2614 HD1 would require cosmetics merchants to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames and improve signage requirements; OCP said the bill addressed longstanding complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and no-return policies, citing over 180 complaints and survey results showing most complainants did not understand the policy and felt misled.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:31.120><c> Policies</c><00:04:31.600><c> and</c><00:04:31.840><c> procedures</c> seek care
• Policies and procedures seek care.
• Several clinics have reported no-show and cancellation rates as high as 60%.
• </c><00:20:10.559><c> We</c> show and cancellation as high as 60%.
• We show and cancellation as high as 60%.

Summary: At this meeting, Senator Matt Klein and a group of Minnesota physicians and medical organizations described what they said was escalating ICE activity in and around hospitals and clinics, and argued it is deterring patients from seeking care and interfering with medical work. Speakers from emergency medicine, pediatrics, the Minnesota Medical Association, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine said patients are avoiding appointments, missing follow-up care, and in some cases suffering serious harm because of fear of detention or family separation. They emphasized that emergency departments and other health care settings should remain safe spaces where care is based on medical need, not immigration status. Several speakers gave examples they said showed actual patient harm, including missed prenatal and pediatric visits, delayed treatment leading to sepsis, perforated colon, burst appendix, and a patient with cancer who was detained and moved without medications. Pediatric and OB/GYN speakers focused on trauma to children and families, including fear of bringing children to appointments, requests for home births, and patients refusing transfer for higher-level care. Family medicine and emergency physicians also said staff morale is low, some workers are afraid to come in, and the situation is affecting diverse health care teams across the state. The discussion also touched on legal and policy questions. Speakers said they have tried calling police, hospital administration, and security to remove ICE agents from private patient areas, but reported that agents refused to leave. They said ICE may be allowed in public spaces but should not be in patient rooms or during private exams, and suggested there may be a role for legislation to codify best practices for law enforcement interactions in health care settings. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions from reporters, and calls for collaboration and for ICE to stop enforcement activity in health care settings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So green policies are against human impact.
• When this happens, housing policy is disaster mitigation policy.
• We want to get rid of all the green policy.
• Have these policies made energy more abundant and affordable in America?
• Take the windshield policy, where you get...

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, committee, my name is Michael Enfanzan, Epic Policy Group, representing Arizona veterans
• This, you know, it's just an inflexible policy.
• And so this is just not good policy. ...to the state, and so this is just not good policy, and I vote
• So I want to reiterate that these are policies that are supported by the...
• Because I understand it's federal law that they have to be—the status shouldn't be canceled.

Summary: The committee first approved prior minutes and announced several bills were being held at sponsors’ request, including HB 4117 and several House concurrent resolutions. It then heard HB 2811, which would expand obstructing governmental operations to include knowingly hindering a lawful arrest by a third party and make it a felony. Supporters, including a county attorney’s office representative, argued it would close a loophole and protect officers during arrests; opponents from criminal defense and civil liberties groups said it duplicated existing resisting arrest and hindering prosecution laws and could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police. After debate over prosecutorial discretion and constitutional concerns, the committee recommended HB 2811 do pass by a 3-2 vote with one member not voting. The committee next considered HB 2665, a “Cade’s Law” proposal to treat intentionally providing advice or encouragement through directed online communication to a minor to die by suicide as manslaughter. The sponsor and family members of suicide victims described the bill as a response to social media-driven encouragement of self-harm and urged stronger accountability. The bill drew no opposition testimony in the excerpt and passed with a 6-0 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then heard HB 2857, allowing ADCRR to store inmate medical records electronically and dispose of paper copies, which passed 5-1 after testimony from the department’s medical provider about space and efficiency. HB 2226 followed, requiring courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance, notify prosecutors, and connect veterans with Arizona Department of Veterans Services and treatment or diversion options; an amendment shifted the notice duty from prosecutors to courts. The sponsor and veterans’ advocates said the bill would help identify veterans with PTSD or other needs and reduce recidivism, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill unanimously, 6-0. The committee then took up HB 2168, which would require county board approval before the Attorney General could bring a public nuisance abatement action in superior court. The sponsor argued the AG had overreached in cases involving a dairy, an aluminum plant, and a rail line, while opponents said the bill would weaken statewide enforcement and protect corporate polluters; the bill passed 3-2 with two not voting. Finally, the committee heard HB 2966, which would bar early termination of lifetime probation for dangerous crimes against children and apply that restriction retroactively. Supporters framed it as protecting children and ensuring offenders serve full probation terms, while survivors, defense attorneys, and the Sex Offender Management Board’s concerns were cited in opposition, with critics warning about loss of judicial discretion, constitutional issues, and reduced incentives for compliance. The bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. The last item in the excerpt was HCR 2001, a voter referral measure to end early voting on the Friday before Election Day, require government-issued ID for voting, and prohibit foreign contributions; an amendment removed the early-voting cutoff and some ID-related provisions while adding on-site tabulation language and other changes. The sponsor argued it would improve election security and speed results, while counties and other opponents raised cost, implementation, and access concerns, especially around on-site tabulation and mail voting. The testimony portion of HCR 2001 was underway when the excerpt ended.