Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Chris Teft on behalf of the Washington Self-Insurers Association.
• There are small self-insurers in the counties and cities out there for whom costs of insurance claims
• of an alarm bell about the effect of these types of claims in what is, after all, an insurance system
• sales to the Department of Revenue.
• sales to the Department of Revenue.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment, with staff explaining the bill’s scope, fiscal note, and how claims would affect employers’ experience ratings. The sponsor and labor representatives supported the measure as a response to correctional officer trauma, while cities, retailers, and self-insurers opposed it over cost, system sustainability, and the need for more study. Labor and Industries said the estimated five-year state-fund claim cost ranges from $6.7 million to $15.3 million, and the hearing closed after testimony from both sides. The committee then heard SB 6196, which would impose a 95% excise tax on kratom products starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters argued kratom is unregulated and increasingly available to youth, and some urged age-gating and stronger restrictions on synthetic concentrated products. Opponents, including retailers and the American Kratom Association, said the bill is too punitive, would hurt legitimate businesses, and should be revised into a consumer protection framework rather than treated like a controlled substance. No vote was taken. SB 6204, allowing adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home with a 15-plant household cap, drew strong support from cannabis advocates and some medical users, who said home grow should have been part of legalization and would help consumers understand the plant. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and public health warned about youth access, enforcement problems, fire and chemical risks, and possible impacts on cannabis tax revenue. The committee also heard SB 6134, requiring notice to striking workers about possible UI overpayments if they later receive retroactive wages, which the sponsor said would prevent surprise repayment obligations; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Finally, SB 6195, aimed at reducing cannabis oversupply by tying producer canopy size to reported sales, drew broad support from cannabis businesses and trade groups, who said it would stabilize the market and address JLARC’s findings, with some stakeholders asking for implementation fixes and clearer language.

Transcript Highlights:

• The transition from the AVIS system to the CAVIS system at the Department of Transportation has mostly
• importance of real-time insurance verification.
• He noted that the legislation is a good piece because of the importance of real-time insurance verification
• Of course.
• Of course.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:12 HB390 Discussion: 01:05 HB390 Vote: 02:35 HB233 Discussion: 04:18 HB233 Vote: 07:12 HB423 Discussion: 08:17 HB423 Vote: 10:51, 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 390, which would complete the Department of Transportation’s transition from the old AVIS system to CAVIS for insurance verification. Rep. Michael Meredith explained that the current insurance verification process still runs on the old system, creating a 30- to 45-day reporting delay that allows people to register vehicles by showing only an insurance card. Members voted to give the bill a favorable expression, with Chair Carpenter noting it would support real-time verification and could help reduce uninsured motorists. The committee then heard House Bill 233, a consumer protection measure aimed at post-disaster repair scams. Rep. Wade Williams said the bill expands existing protections to all contractors and tree removal companies, creates a five-day cancellation period after an insurer says some services are not covered, bars mechanic’s liens in certain consumer financial disputes while preserving them for work outside the insurance claim, and adds a $5,000 civil penalty enforced by the Attorney General. After questions about how it differed from Senate Bill 24, the bill also received favorable expression. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 423, with a committee substitute adopted at the outset to allow commercial insurers and the Department for Medicaid Services to provide more specific reasons for prior-authorization denials. Rep. Kim Moore and Cory Meadows of the Kentucky Medical Association described the bill as a long-negotiated prior-authorization reform that would create a gold-carding or exemption program for qualifying providers, reduce red tape, and speed patient care. The committee approved the substitute and then gave the bill favorable expression. At the end, Senator Yates corrected the record to be marked as voting yes on House Bill 390 and House Bill 233.

Transcript Highlights:

• California; Miguel Batistas, Chief Deputy Legislative Director for the California Department of Insurance
• So she's with the California Department of Insurance Office of Health Equity Access.
• My name is Miguel Batistas with the California Department of Insurance here on behalf of Insurance Commissioner
• Mary Watanabe, Director of the Department of Managed Health Care.
• County's Department of Public Health.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the end of the Department of Human Services.
• </c><00:15:16.000><c> of</c> a transaction with the Department of a transaction with the Department of
• </c> the Department of Management and Budget. the Department of Management and Budget.
• </c> Department of Education on line 696. Department of Education on line 696.
• </c> case the Department of Education. case the Department of Education.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, like I said then, it was might be the shortest bill of the year, but on lines ...shortest bill of
• the year, but on lines 9 and 10, it simply adds the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Livestock
• Is there any type of insurance that they could take out that would suffice to carry these people over
• I was thinking about the amount of the bond. That's just two things I thought of.
• I was thinking about the amount of the bond. That's just two things I thought of.

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Keywords: Agriculture - Room 210, 27 February, 2026; 11:00 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is insurance for farmers in the state of Florida who have a very difficult time getting insurance
• One of the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act that is most popular with consumers is that insurers
• There's so much of it doesn't cover as a person that is insured and has the privilege of having that
• And that is with having the privilege of private insurance.
• Department of Defense, who reached out.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism took up several measures, beginning with SB 1666, which would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, smart contracts, blockchain, and NFTs. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. It also approved CS/SB 480, a proposal to create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model; the bill drew significant questions about preexisting conditions, ACA coverage, costs, and whether the plans would function like insurance, but it was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from some members and outside groups. The committee then unanimously advanced CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program; an amendment added military-spouse hiring preferences and protections for private employers that adopt them voluntarily. The committee also approved CS/SB 1400, a bill aimed at non-consensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes. The measure requires covered platforms to provide a removal process, post clear notice of that process, and remove identified content within 24 to 48 hours, with liability under the Florida Unfair Trade and Deceptive Practices Act for noncompliance; an amendment carved out internet service providers from liability. Members raised concerns about repeat uploads and the meaning of “reasonable efforts,” but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adopted SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, despite testimony opposing it as unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. It also passed SB 1252, which would create a centralized statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies; the sponsor said the first step would be a $250,000 feasibility study, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 922, which revises Florida’s restrictive covenant laws by creating a streamlined process for certain non-compete and garden leave agreements involving employees with access to sensitive information and higher wages. The bill drew extensive debate over worker mobility, global scope, and whether it would strengthen employer leverage too much; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. The last major item was SB 1776, a Florida Whistleblowers Act revision that adds a notice-to-cure requirement, narrows retaliation and employer definitions, and limits claims where another statutory remedy exists. Members and public speakers raised concerns that it could make whistleblower claims harder to bring and give employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was amended and then reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So is that what the Department of Commerce—Mr. Chair, that's my understanding. Okay.
• Mr</c> the the Department of Commerce the Mr the the Department of Commerce the Mr chair<00:19:44.960
• They have to have the same kind of liability insurance that the owner of a bar has, and what it—uh—drram
• Yes, there would need to be some insurance. It’s the last line of the bill, I believe so.
• </c> degree of uh liquor liability insurance degree of uh liquor liability insurance is<00:27:32.480>

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of... ...years ago, the Arizona State Land Commissioner and the Director of the Department
• number of block grants and federal funds by the Department of Economic Security.
• of Water or the Department of Education or whatever it happens to be.
• It is imposed by the Department of Revenue.
• And then finally, the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, otherwise known as DIFI, would

Bills: HB2053 , HB2116 , HB2148

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation, A.R.S. 45-119, natural resources, water policy, river management

Transcript Highlights:

• The work of the University of Arizona's Valley Fever Center for Excellence, along with the Arizona Department
• Senator, why do you need all this micromanagement of people who are getting unemployment insurance, but
• For the third reading of Senate Bill 1056. Relating to the Department of Administration.
• For the third reading of Senate Bill 1056. relating to the Department of Administration for the third
• It will result in people being kicked off of their health insurance.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and one of the problems was their health insurance coverage.
• Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to the Arizona Department of Education.
• And so when we say that, we mean whatever you described to the Department of Education regarding data
• Department of Education exists to begin with. Correct. And I think that's a pretty high barrier.
• Members, for the record, Mike Curtinbach, Director of School Safety at the Arizona Department of Education

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with brief announcements, including an invitation from Chad Heinrich of the University of Phoenix to an upcoming lunch-and-learn on artificial intelligence and education, and then members and staff exchanged end-of-session धन्यवाद and appreciation. The committee then took up several education-related bills, hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions before voting on each measure. SB 1497 would require larger school districts that operate self-insurance programs to obtain quotes for coverage and services at least every four years and to receive certain information from providers in advance. Supporters said the bill would increase competition, transparency, and cost savings for school employee health benefits; it passed 10-0. SB 1711 would direct the State Board of Education and ADE to compile and post age-appropriate resources on preventing and recognizing inappropriate contact, and to make those resources available to schools and families. Supporters framed it as a voluntary, parent-facing safety tool, while opponents argued it should include stronger evidence-based and trauma-informed requirements; it passed 7-3. SB 1798 would create a FAFSA awareness program recognizing schools that designate a FAFSA point person and promote financial aid completion. Supporters said it would help students access postsecondary funding, especially given Arizona’s low FAFSA completion rate and unclaimed federal aid; it passed 8-2. SB 1143 would require schools and districts to submit federal civil rights data to ADE and would require ADE to publish an annual school safety report. Supporters said it would improve transparency for parents, while opponents called it duplicative and raised privacy and scope concerns; it passed 7-3. SB 1684, as amended, would create a private cause of action against public schools for serious physical injury caused by bullying after a prior report and school negligence, with an amendment limiting the claim to bullying on school property or at school events and requiring written reports. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 6-3, after debate over litigation risk, school discipline, and whether the bill should also cover private schools. The committee also passed SB 1754, which would require ADE’s special education division to help complete incomplete complaints, post redacted complaint reports, and adopt related procedures; members emphasized transparency and privacy protections, and the bill passed 9-0 after an amendment extending the posting timeline and clarifying report contents. SB 1423, continuing the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education until 2036, passed 8-1, with one member objecting to the long sunset extension. Finally, SB 1763, dealing with school district “additional monies” funds and financial reporting, was discussed with an amendment to remove unemployment-compensation transfers and require board approval for expenditures, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• order and start with the Department of Industrial Relations first.
• My name is Jennifer Osborne, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations.
• Ken Lau, Chief Counsel, Department of Industrial Relations. Grace Henry, Department of Finance.
• Public assessments and workload for the Department of Industrial Relations and the Division of Workers
• of the public entity self-insureds.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard presentations on the Department of Industrial Relations’ labor-related budget items, with the main focus on proposed trailer bill language to reform the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and a related budget change proposal for staffing. DIR said SIBTF has grown far beyond its original purpose, citing the 2020 Todd decision, expanded eligibility based on chronic or asymptomatic conditions, and a backlog that has grown to more than 30,000 pending cases. The administration argued the reforms would restore guardrails, reduce liabilities and employer assessments, and speed processing for severely injured workers; the LAO said the proposal was largely consistent with its prior recommendations. Members raised concerns about using trailer bill language for major policy changes, the retroactive application to open cases, and the impact on workers already in the queue, while supporters from employer groups and public agencies backed the proposal as necessary to control costs and restore sustainability. Public comment was split, with injured-worker advocates opposing the retroactive changes and business/public employer representatives supporting the reforms. The committee then heard the SIBTF workload request, which would phase in 177 positions over five years at a cost of $36.5 million, including staff for the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Office of the Director Legal Unit, and administrative support. DIR said the additional staffing is intended to address very high caseloads and reduce processing times, but emphasized that the request assumes the reform package is adopted; LAO agreed the staffing increase made sense if paired with reforms. Members asked about vacancy rates, current staffing, and whether the workload request would become the new normal, and DIR said it would monitor caseload trends and adjust future requests as needed. Finally, the committee received an update on the California Workplace Outreach Program (CWOP), which DIR described as a partnership with community-based organizations to educate workers and help employers comply with labor laws. DIR reported that CWOP has reached 1.75 million workers and employers and made 8 million touchpoints since 2020, with the current round awarding $50.7 million to 87 partners for a two-year period through June 2027. Members and public commenters highlighted the program’s role in reaching immigrant, farmworker, janitorial, nail salon, and other vulnerable communities, and several speakers urged continued funding at $30 million per year for five years. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Labor.
• the Department of Labor.
• the Department of Labor.
• Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship.
• Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> department of education. department of education.
• Uh, we would rely upon the Department of Insurance to be insurance specialists.
• Uh, we would rely upon the Department of Insurance to be insurance specialists.
• They rely upon the state insurance regulations and state Department of Insurance to do that, so we're
• Chris Chamnus, Commissioner of the Department of Employee Insurance. >> Will Adams, counsel to the Department

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This department serves a significant jurisdiction in terms of spending and the number of Californians
• Part of today's hearing will address the Department of Finance's request for a state loan to cover a
• the department in the fall of last year.
• this department, the Department of Managed Healthcare, and the Department of Insurance.
• This is a joint BCP with the California Department of Aging and the Department of Developmental Services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Commerce um Julia dryer Department of Commerce um Julia dryer and<00:02:43.480><c> we</
• are all of the market, and that would limit people's choice of insurance.
• are all of the market, and that would limit people's choice of insurance.
• of of U of the National Association of of U of benefit<01:03:30.559><c> and</c><01:03:30.760><c> insurance
• /c><01:07:29.960><c> carriers</c> Department rate filings of the carriers Department rate filings of

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It was just kind of part of life there.
• So most of them are 18, but some of them are 17.
• There's been much made of what these people were doing at the time of all of this.
• They described being in Centerpoint where there was an incident commander, one of the fire department
• Moving on, on your camp, July 2nd, you said the inspection by the Texas Department of Health and Human

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am deputy commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
• I am deputy commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
• I I we said States Department of Labor.
• that's coming at the Department of Labor.
• <01:00:29.839><c> of</c><01:00:30.000><c> Labor</c> Department of Labor Department of Labor &gt;&gt;

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the U.S. Department of heard a motion. Is there an objection?
• in the Department of Family and Productive Services. of the Committee on Human Services, AB 1503 by
• HB 1518 by Montgomery relating to the issuance of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• episode of psychosis or further gimme on insurance.
• the Administrative Procedure Act, a certain actions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle related

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Labor. We've always done that.
• </c><00:09:54.240><c> This</c><00:09:54.480><c> legislation</c> Department of Labor.
• This legislation Department of Labor.
• </c><00:13:36.160><c> of</c><00:13:36.720><c> uh</c> with the Kentucky Department of uh with the Kentucky
• Department of uh securities?

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:32 HB 136 Discussion: 01:46 HB 136 Vote: 05:53 HB 183 Discussion: 07:03 HB 183 Vote: 14:45, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Insurance.
• of Insurance.
• I am the Chief Deputy Legislative Director for the California Department of Insurance.
• I am the Chief Deputy Legislative Director for the California Department of Insurance.
• I am here on behalf of the American Council of Life Insurers.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all