Transcript Highlights:

• This instructs the Florida Building Commission with Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• within each of the department.
• I know he's talked to a lot of the insurance stakeholders is Doris definitely open.
• So and I'm sure everyone has heard of the costs for insurance, the cost of labor, the cost of land.
• some form of insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Human Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Commerce, the Office of the Legislative
• ><c> insurance</c> give them a choice of which insurance give them a choice of which insurance company
• The Department of Commerce and DHS split jurisdiction of health insurance complaints depending on what
• type of insurance you have.
• really</c> the Department of Health should really the Department of Health should really be<01:31:29.000

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We require this same level of bodily injury insurance for people who have been convicted of a DUI, even
• , I think this is actually going to lower the cost of insurance for everybody else on the roads who's
• Senate Bill 1662 is the 2025 Department Bill from the Florida Department of Transportation.
• Senate Bill 1662 is the 2025 Department Bill from the Florida Department of Transportation.
• of Elder Affairs or Children And if they do other state agencies, they're audited by Department of Elder

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of transportation-related bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 532 would exempt 100% disabled veterans from paying Florida tolls. SB 1738 would allow certain counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in by maintaining current levels of service, though there were concerns about congestion and future growth. SB 1696 aimed to reduce transportation network company driver impersonation, allow transit authorities to contract with ride-share platforms, and permit those platforms to participate in state-funded paratransit trips. SB 1378, as amended, would allow courts to order restitution in standard leaving-the-scene crashes; the amendment made restitution discretionary and required that the driver caused or contributed to the crash. SB 1210 would increase penalties for red-light and stop-sign crashes and require bodily injury insurance for drivers who cause such crashes. SB 1820, via strike-all amendment, addressed dealer-manufacturer relations by requiring written explanations of performance measures, prohibiting retaliation against dealers asserting statutory rights, and limiting franchise termination or nonrenewal to substantial breaches. SB 1246 created a specialty license plate for safe coastal wildlife, with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation for conservation work and an amendment allowing up to 10% for administrative and marketing costs. The committee also considered SB 574, which would allow Florida residents with Purple Heart license plates to pass tolls free of charge; the bill was amended to change the plate reference to a specialty plate and was reported favorably. SB 1662, the FDOT department bill, was substantially revised by strike-all amendment covering a wide range of transportation issues, including USF’s role in the Florida Transportation Research Institute Consortium, Florida Transportation Commission provisions, seaport and airport-related changes, strategic space infrastructure, sewer lines in rights of way, small county road assistance, aggregate supply chain programs, and Jacksonville Transportation Authority board appointments. Testimony on SB 1662 included support from USF and the Florida Public Transportation Association, which raised concerns about added oversight and bureaucracy for transit systems. Most bills received support from affected stakeholders, and several were amended before final favorable votes. Roll calls were taken on each measure, and all of the listed bills were reported favorably by the committee. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on several bills, and the committee adjourned after a brief personal privilege remark from Chair Collins.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are ongoing cost impacts at both the Department of Ecology and the Department of Archaeology and
• Department of Ecology, and in terms of rulemaking, it was really narrowed down.
• Department of College.
• I had with staff and with Department of Commerce and Department of Collegy and in terms of rulemaking
• of the insurance industry in Washington State.

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held public hearings on two bills. On SB 5609, concerning cultural resource reviews under SEPA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would require cultural resource review for certain categorical exemptions, including infill housing and some GMA-related projects, unless a local government has an approved data-sharing agreement, ordinance, or cultural resources management plan with tribal consultation. Senator Kauffman said the bill is intended to protect tribal cultural sites without stopping development. Supporters, including tribal representatives and some local officials, said early review and consultation can prevent irreversible damage and provide clarity; opponents from business, builders, and county planning groups argued it would add costs, delay housing and permitting, and shift too much authority to state-level review without clear timelines or standards. The committee took public testimony only and then closed the hearing on SB 5609. The committee then heard SB 6284 on high-risk artificial intelligence. Staff described requirements for deployers of high-risk AI systems to maintain risk management policies, conduct impact assessments, notify consumers when AI is used in consequential decisions, and report algorithmic discrimination to the Attorney General, along with disclosures for government agencies and an extension of the AI task force with a workplace subgroup. Senator Elias said the bill is intended to focus regulation on high-risk uses while preserving innovation. Testimony was mixed: consumer and student advocates supported the bill’s transparency and accountability measures, while industry, banking, insurance, hospital, and technology groups raised concerns about definitions, implementation, overlap with existing regulation, and possible effects on innovation or regulated sectors. The committee heard public testimony and then adjourned after closing the hearing on SB 6284.

Transcript Highlights:

• But kind of like when auto insurance and further crises that we've seen in insurance, we have boards,
• of Insurance, a green card.
• Frank O'Pelka with the Department of Insurance, green card in support. Mr.
• of Insurance.
• of Insurance and also from Mr.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here with me in support is Josephine Figueroa from the California Department of Insurance and Chris Schultz
• Here with me in support is Josephine Figueroa from the California Department of Insurance and Chris Schultz
• I'm Deputy Commissioner and legislative director for the Department of Insurance under the leadership
• of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
• Number one, a failure of government insurance management.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing. The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Tuesday, March 24th, and this is a hearing of the House Insurance Committee.
• It clarifies who gets the benefit of that insurance.
• and who must notify the additional insured purchaser of an upcoming policy renewal.
• to insurer disclosure of state value policy offerings to consumers.
• Jodi Boudreau with PIA, and also Barrow Peacock, Chief Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Insurance

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to</c> the Department of Education is to the Department of Education is to encourage<00:16:01.839><c>
• of Education looks year the Department of Education looks forward<01:05:00.839><c> to</c><01:05:00.960
• We would never be without this insurance. It's one of our reasons for existence.
• of Human Rights or the Department of Education.
• </c><01:32:16.840><c> of</c><01:32:16.960><c> learning</c> and I work in the department of learning and

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We thought we had done a fine job of accomplishing that, but the Department of Budget and Management
• We thought we had done a fine job of accomplishing that, but the Department of Budget and Management
• </c><00:46:55.920><c> of</c> authorizes uh the Department of authorizes uh the Department of Environment
• Education</c> Maryland State Department of Education Maryland State Department of Education to<00:48:
• </c><01:04:26.079><c> of</c> I've given personally the Department of I've given personally the Department

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , as the bill was originally drafted, means the Idaho Department of Insurance.
• As you look through the rest of the legislation, you'll see that the Department of Insurance wasn't tasked
• Then you, as an individual, submit that insurance claim to your insurance company, and then the insurance
• So all of the negotiations are done on the front end, and then what's submitted to the insurance is just
• Like, if there was a lot of things in insurance that's changed over the last few years, but when did

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the March 17, 2026 minutes and then reconsidered House Bill 750, the “programmable money” bill. Members debated whether to reopen the prior vote, with some senators objecting that the bill had already received a full hearing and others saying additional information on UCC issues and member absences justified reconsideration. The motion to reconsider passed, Representative Heather Scott explained that the bill is intended as the Consumer Payment Rights and Transparency Act and that LSO/UCC review indicated it does not conflict with the Uniform Commercial Code. After discussion, the committee voted 6-3 to send HB 750 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 721, which would allow school districts to advertise for construction bids while permitting is still pending and would create a 30-day initial permit review timeline for public works. The sponsor and an Idaho Associated General Contractors representative said the bill would reduce delays and align school construction with other public works projects; no opposition was noted. The committee unanimously sent HB 721 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Members also heard House Bill 931, a trailer bill to HB 645 that removes an unnecessary reference to the Department of Insurance in the portable benefits plan law, and HB 931 was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 929, sponsored by Representative Aaron Bingham, would let insured patients negotiate cash prices with providers before services are rendered and require insurers to count the negotiated amount toward the patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Bingham said the bill is meant to lower health care costs, especially for people with high deductibles, and that industry had not opposed it. Some senators questioned how the bill interacts with insurance contracts and the hold-harmless clause, and Senator Lakey said he was concerned about the bill directing private-sector arrangements, but the committee still approved the motion to send HB 929 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, Senator Zito attempted to bring House Bill 745 back before the committee, but the chair ruled the motion out of order because a bill held in committee cannot be overridden that way, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, over 60% of formerly incarcerated
• According to California Department of Correction and Rehabitation, over 60% of firmly incarcerated people
• According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, employment dramatically changes
• California is in the midst of a homeowners' insurance affordability and availability crisis.
• help mitigate the ever-increasing cost of home ownership, but particularly those related to insurance

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation convened with a quorum, reviewed housekeeping rules for testimony and position letters, and reminded the public that bills with revenue impacts over $150,000 would be sent to the suspense file rather than voted on immediately. The chair noted that no bills on the agenda would be eligible for a vote that day because they would automatically be referred to suspense. The committee then heard several tax-related measures, with testimony generally split between bill authors/supporters emphasizing affordability, public safety, or conservation, and opponents arguing the proposals were inefficient tax expenditures better handled through existing programs or direct budget funding. AB 1565 proposed a $5,000 tax credit for small businesses that hire formerly incarcerated people within a year of release and keep them employed for at least six months. Supporters said the bill would reduce recidivism, help small businesses manage hiring risk, and save the state money by avoiding incarceration costs; one witness described personal experience overcoming a felony record. The California Tax Reform Association opposed the measure, arguing employment tax credits are ineffective and that existing programs are more targeted. Members from both parties expressed support, but the bill was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1596, which would create a five-year sales tax holiday for infant car seats; AB 1668, which would extend a welfare tax exemption for land trust-held open space; AB 1690, which would expand the Young Child Tax Credit to families with older children; AB 1698, which would create a tax credit for small restaurants that comply with food handler certification requirements; and AB 1620, which would allow a deduction for homeowners’ insurance premiums on primary residences. Supporters framed these bills as relief for families, small businesses, and land conservation efforts, while opponents repeatedly argued the tax code should not be used to subsidize these costs and that existing programs or market solutions were preferable. Each bill was ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we have uh Department of comments.
• Uh, the department is in support of the intent of this.
• </c> Department of Human Resources Department of Human Resources Development.<00:02:13.040><c> Okay.
• department is in support of the intent of<00:02:20.000><c> this.
• So, uh, Department of Labor Director...

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:18.720><c> of</c> antirust with the US Department of antirust with the US Department of Justice
• Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, sort of explained to the public, businesses,
• Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, sort of explained to the public, businesses,
• Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, sort of explained to the public, businesses,
• ><c> reimbursed</c> Department of Health but not reimbursed Department of Health but not reimbursed under

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An insurance product would be offered by an insurer, subject to the specifics of that insurance policy
• Yes, and we will have someone from the Office of Insurance Commissioner here to speak.
• Yes, and we will have someone from the Office of Insurance Commissioner here to speak.
• the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, here to testify in support of House Bill 2304.
• So just to be clear, it's not insurance in the opinion of the Insurance Commissioner.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2239, which would allow family burial grounds on privately owned land and exempt them from private cemetery requirements, while imposing limits such as recording burials with the county auditor, setbacks, and a cap on the burial ground covering no more than 10% of the parcel. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help rural landowners and families, including Native communities, keep burials on land with family and cultural significance. Testimony from a farmer and the Washington Cattlemen’s Association strongly supported the bill as a way to honor family ties to land. A question was raised about what happens if a later property owner wants to disturb an existing burial ground; staff said the bill requires notice but is silent on that issue. No action was taken on HB 2239 in the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, a follow-up to last year’s condominium liability reform, expanding the option for declarants to use a 2-10 warranty for stacked-flat or mid-rise condominium buildings up to four stories. Supporters from housing, real estate, builders, AARP, Habitat for Humanity, the City of Seattle, and others said the bill would reduce liability barriers, increase condo production, and create more attainable and accessible homeownership options for first-time buyers, older adults, and people with mobility challenges. The Office of Insurance Commissioner supported the bill but suggested technical language changes to avoid referring to the warranty as insurance. Members asked about consumer protections and the distinction between warranties and insurance, and staff and testifiers noted existing layers of protection. No vote was taken on HB 2304 in the transcript. In executive session, staff summarized House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways and House Bill 2248 on Secretary of State filing processes. For HB 2095, staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments, including changes to education requirements, civil liability language, protected areas, punitive damages thresholds, and liability rules. For HB 2248, staff said the proposed substitute made cleanup and consistency changes to corporate filing provisions. The committee then moved the proposed substitute for HB 2248 out of committee with a due pass recommendation, and it passed 11-0 with two excused members. Action on HB 2095 was deferred to a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• the root causes of this lack of availability and the skyrocketing costs of insurance that really some
• of our most vulnerable residents are facing. ...costs of insurance that really some of our most vulnerable
• I'm the executive director of the Mass Insurance Federation.
• the rising cost of insurance and the shrinking number of carriers willing to insure these homes.
• of 15 companies that were said to insure these homes.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on late-filed matters, chaired by Senator Paul Feeney and Representative Jamie Murphy. The committee heard testimony on several bills, including S. 2738 on rising insurance costs for manufactured home residents, S. 2739 on creating a fire cistern program, and S. 2732 on direct primary care. Members were reminded to keep testimony brief, and several legislators and local officials testified out of turn as they arrived. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously. On S. 2738, Senator Kelly Dooner, Representative Lisa Field, Taunton Mayor Sean O’Connell, Taunton City Council President Barry Sanders, and several residents and local officials described sharp premium increases, limited carrier options, and confusion over coverage for manufactured home communities. Testifiers said many residents are seniors, veterans, or low-income households on fixed incomes, and urged creation of a special commission to study the market and recommend solutions. Some asked that residents themselves be included on the commission and suggested more immediate relief if possible. On S. 2739, fire chiefs from Hopkinton and East Hampton supported a state fund for fire cisterns, saying many communities lack municipal water or hydrants and need reliable year-round water sources for structure fires, wildfires, and newer hazards such as lithium-ion battery fires. They said cisterns improve response and can affect insurance ratings, but maintenance and installation costs are difficult for local departments to cover. The Massachusetts Insurance Federation opposed the funding mechanism, arguing that insurance assessments are being used as revenue generators and warning that the proposal would add to policy costs and trigger retaliatory taxes. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2732 from physicians and specialty groups, including Dr. Jenny Labonte, Dr. Wendy Cohen, Dr. Rica Nair, and the Massachusetts GI Association. They said the bill would allow direct primary care physicians to make referrals for HMO patients and permit in-office dispensing of medications, which they argued would improve access, continuity of care, medication adherence, and affordability. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be clear, escalating insurance costs are not indicative of some sort of quality issue.
• them to settle out of court regardless of the merits of the case, which drives up insurance rates and
• of Health is failing all of us and that protection ...victims, proving that the Department of Health
• expense of those of us who pay health insurance premiums and taxes.
• And maybe after eight years, we can get the governor out of the pockets of the insurance company.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to consider HB 6003, a bill to repeal Florida’s “free kill” law that limits certain survivors’ ability to recover non-economic damages in medical negligence wrongful death cases. The sponsor, Rep. Trabulsy, said the bill would restore access to the courts for a small class of families and noted the measure passed both chambers last year before being vetoed by the governor. She and supporters framed the bill as a fairness and constitutional issue, while opponents argued repeal would increase malpractice exposure, insurance costs, and pressure on physician access, especially in high-risk specialties and rural areas. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included family members who described deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and who argued the current law denies accountability and equal treatment based on marital status or whether a decedent had minor children. Opponents included the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Chamber, U.S. Chamber, Florida Insurance Council, and other health care and business groups, who warned that repeal could worsen already high malpractice premiums, contribute to physician shortages, and destabilize access to care. Several speakers on both sides discussed possible caps on non-economic damages as a compromise, though the bill itself was presented as a clean repealer with no amendments. During debate, several members spoke in support, emphasizing equal access to the courts and rejecting the idea that the law should treat some families differently from others. Opponents of the bill argued that the current system helps preserve market stability and that liability concerns, not the free kill law, are driving provider departures. After closing remarks from the sponsor, the committee voted 15 yeas and 1 nay to report HB 6003 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Tuesday, March 24th, and this is a hearing of the House Insurance Committee.
• It clarifies who gets the benefit of that insurance.
• and who must notify the additional insured purchaser of an upcoming policy renewal.
• Amendment 3 removes the provision of present law relative to insurer disclosure of stated value policy
• Barrow Peacock, Chief Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Insurance, is present in support and

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on March 24 and first adopted minutes from several 2025 regular session meetings without objection. The committee then took up House Bill 941, which would modify the Louisiana Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act and clarify when additional insured coverage is enforceable in the oil and gas industry. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association and Expand Energy described it as a compromise reached after months of discussion among operators, contractors, insurers, and attorneys to codify the Marcel exception, reduce confusion over insurance coverage, renewal notice, group coverage, and deductible responsibility, and provide clearer guidance for litigation and claims. A substantive amendment adding a seven-day renewal notification period was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. The committee next heard House Bill 825, which revises the Stated Value Homeowners Policy Act and removes a requirement that the Department of Insurance mail notices about stated value policies to every policyholder in the state. The author said the bill was largely a cleanup measure after Senate changes, and the amendment package also clarified replacement cost language and added protections for insurance agents by removing a cause of action against them. Testimony in support came from insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance, and the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. After HB 825, the chair announced a brief recess because Representative Glorioso was not present for the next item. No votes were taken on the remaining matter before the recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance liability insurance specifically is part of the cost of service and is normally in rates.
• </c><01:45:45.679><c> of</c> aquaculture well uh Department of aquaculture well uh Department of Agriculture
• </c><01:48:09.320><c> of</c> Council over to Department of Council over to Department of Agriculture<
• </c><01:51:21.760><c> department</c><01:51:22.280><c> of</c> only oversee the department of only oversee
• the Department of Land and Natural Resources to being administered under the proposed Department of

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is supported by AARP, League of Women Voters, Delaware Bankers Association, Department of Justice,
• The Department of Insurance was actively involved in drafting the legislation.
• The Department of Insurance was actively involved in drafting the legislation and does not anticipate
• We are in support of House Bill 435 on behalf of Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Department
• of Insurance.

Bills: HB373

Committee: Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology

Keywords: infused beverages, THC, alcohol control, regulation, non-intoxicating cannabinoids, marijuana, legalization, taxation

Summary: The Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee met in hybrid format and heard testimony on several bills. HB 373, as amended, would regulate hemp-derived THC-infused beverages by defining the products, limiting them to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC per container, restricting sales to package stores and licensed marijuana retail stores, requiring testing and labeling, and imposing a 50-cent per container tax; the sponsor said the bill is intended to create guardrails and protect youth, and a wholesaler representative testified in support. HB 398 would allow racinos to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and remove local authority to require earlier closing times; the sponsor and Bally’s representative said it would help Delaware remain competitive and increase revenue, and no opposition was heard. HB 433 would let municipalities and counties extend last call for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.; a witness from Connect Delaware supported it as a competitiveness and retention measure, emphasizing that it is permissive rather than mandatory. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 441, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks/crypto ATMs in Delaware and require existing machines to be removed within 90 days. The sponsor and supporters, including AARP, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the League of Women Voters, argued the machines are heavily used in scams, especially against older adults, and that regulation has not been effective. CoinFlip opposed the bill, saying it is a regulated operator, that the fraud statistics are overstated or incomplete, and that Delaware should instead adopt a regulatory framework and amendment. HB 465 would update the criminal code to formally define virtual currency and incorporate it into theft, money laundering, racketeering, and search-and-seizure provisions; the sponsor said it would align Delaware law with modern crypto-related crimes, and no opposition was presented. The committee then heard HB 467, which would prevent landlords from requiring renters to buy insurance from a specific company while still allowing them to require coverage meeting lease terms; the sponsor described it as a consumer-choice bill and there was no public opposition. HB 435 would require payment parity for certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians when the same services are provided; the sponsor, nurse anesthetists, the Delaware Health Care Association, the Department of Insurance, and ChristianaCare supported it as a workforce and access-to-care measure, with no opposition. Finally, HS 1 for HB 450, the Road DE Act, would overhaul permitting and traffic-impact review, emphasize peak-hour traffic, set density standards in growth areas, create a transportation impact fee, and direct some revenue to open space, farmland, and coastal restoration; realtors, builders, environmental groups, engineers, and GEAR supported it as a way to speed permitting, reduce sprawl, and improve infrastructure planning. The committee adjourned after public comment; no votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m the CEO of the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund.
• And since then, during session, there was a piece of the budget bill for the Insurance Department that
• Department to the Office of Management and Budget.
• A lot of it is moving to the Department of Labor.
• A lot of it is moving to Department of Labor.

Committee: Joint Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.