Video & Transcript : 'wage increases' :
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Industry, Business and Labor Apr 8th, 2025 at 02:45 pm
Industry, Business and Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a huge increase.
- Part of the shift to the employee would be an increased potential increased co-pays and out-of-pocket
- reality it might be a three-and-three increase in wages, right?
- Or I go start to think is it a high increase or a low increase.
- Or I go start to think is it a high increase or a low increase.
Bills:
SB2160
Committee:
House Industry, Business and Labor
Keywords:
health insurance, public employees, uniform group insurance, retirement, state employees, 908, all
Summary:
The committee resumed work on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the Public Employees Retirement System health plan from grandfathered to non-grandfathered status under the Affordable Care Act. PERS officials Rebecca Frickie and Derek Holbein explained that the bill would allow more flexibility in plan design, including higher deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums, while also adding enhanced preventive benefits. They clarified that ACA “essential health benefits” apply to individual and small-group markets, not to PERS as a large employer, and that the bill’s projected cost increases were based on actuarial estimates and prior bid scenarios from Sanford and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Members debated whether the bill would actually save money or simply shift costs to employees. Supporters argued that non-grandfathered status would create more levers to manage medical inflation and could produce net premium savings through plan redesign, citing prior bid comparisons showing potential reductions of 1% to 8% depending on the option. Opponents, including Representative Schauer and North Dakota United president Nick Archelette, questioned how the state would pay for the estimated $25 million to $30 million in added benefits and warned that employees could face higher out-of-pocket costs amid already strained household budgets. Frickie said the legislature would control funding decisions and that current law requiring the state to pay full family premiums could be changed only by statute.
The committee also discussed reserve funding, with members noting that a $4.3 million reserve draw in the bill was intended to cover the final months of the biennium and could be modified. After testimony and discussion, Vice Chair Johnson moved a do-pass recommendation and referral to Appropriations. The motion passed 10-3-1, with Representatives Ostlie, Schatz, and Schauer voting no. Representative Gump agreed to carry the bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This results in lower wages and reduces benefits to the very workers we represent.
- So if you were brand—if you came in 10 years later, you were not obligated for the previous wage increases
- So this bill fixes it and says you’re obligated for all the wage increases that the legislature has said
- This would have increased carrier participation in low-access counties.
- We've had several benefit mandates, our increased taxes.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying.
SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con.
Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <c> and</c> increased risk increased patience and increased risk increased patience and tolerance<00:
- In the paid leave program, each worker's wage replacement rate is determined by their wage credits in
- <01:37:03.680><c> their</c><01:37:03.840><c> wage</c><01:37:04.320><c> wage</c> rate is determined by
- their wage wage rate is determined by their wage wage credits<01:37:05.000><c> in</c><01:37:05.080><
- average wage.
Keywords:
workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 4th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we'll hear Senate Bill S-1759, sponsored by Senator Singleton and Scutari, increases the amount
- Certainly, increasing this and taking them out of a competitive program—where people bid what they need
- My issue is that we still have retired officers that are waiting for COLA increases and stuff, and it's
- Finally, these types of carve-out bills make wage and hour enforcement by the State Department of Labor
- Our income is not tied to a schedule or hourly wage, but to the success that we create over time.
Committee:
Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jul 12 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This budget provides increases in investments for nursing homes.
- We are not increasing taxes in order to pay for this spending.
- What we are doing is increasing transparency and accountability, and we are forcing We are increasing
- increase for the rape crisis centers here in our Commonwealth.
- President, with a dramatic increase—dramatic increase—in our rape crisis program, taking from $12 million
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5.
The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence.
The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 9 Jan 28th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Domestic workers are more likely to experience wage theft, outright exploitation, and unsafe working
- Domestic workers are more likely to experience wage theft, outright exploitation, and unsafe working
- Wage, affirming that workforce investment and fair compensation go hand in hand.
- Too many low-wage jobs simply do not provide a realistic path to stability, no matter how hard someone
- The most effective way to reduce poverty is to ensure that people are paid wages that are sustainable
Summary:
The House convened for a floor session that began with routine actions, including suspension of the rules and adoption of several committee-reported resolutions and orders. Members adopted a congratulatory resolution for Yolanda Kruger’s 100th birthday and approved orders extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadlines on House documents 4984 and 4988. The chamber also moved through a number of local bills, including measures authorizing additional alcohol licenses for Hudson and Cohasset and a charter amendment for Plymouth, all of which were passed to be engrossed.
The House then took up several major bills on third reading. House 3417, designating Domestic Workers’ Rights Day, was debated at length by Representative Sousa, who described domestic workers as essential but often invisible workers and argued the designation would raise awareness of existing protections and help prevent exploitation. The bill passed to be engrossed on a roll call vote of 156-0. The House also passed House 4992, authorizing Barnstable County and the town of Bourne to convey land, and House 4994, the “Paths Act,” which would require a phased-in apprenticeship participation standard on large public construction projects and establish a commission to study apprenticeship issues. Supporters emphasized workforce development, union apprenticeship pathways, and long-term economic opportunity.
Another major measure, House 4993, the Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act, would require automated external defibrillators and trained personnel at sporting facilities and events. Representative Decker described the bill as a response to the death of a young athlete from sudden cardiac arrest and said it would close a safety gap outside schools. Representative Frost offered amendments to create a state fund to help communities pay for AEDs and to allow exemptions for remote locations without permanent power, but both amendments were rejected on roll call votes. The bill itself later passed to be engrossed by roll call, and the House also enacted a Hingham land-use bill allowing municipal property to be used for a center for active living. The session included several recesses, introductions of visitors and constituents, and ended with the House adjourning to meet the next day at 11 a.m.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The vague definitions of due care could invite increased litigation.
- , particularly in low-wage and unregulated industries.
- It's not a worker shortage; it's a wage shortage.
- Since 2016, child labor law violations have only increased.
- Pay our teachers a living wage. Please don't know on this bill.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably.
The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Low wages increase the already high staff turnover that the field is prone to. Excuse me.
- The Great Start compensation grants have allowed providers to increase wages and benefits in the field
- You can't do increased minimum wage. That'll just get passed down to consumers.
- You can't do increased<00:43:28.319><c> minimum</c><00:43:28.640><c> wage.
- That'll just get increased minimum wage.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, if I give you an honest answer, it's a living wage. We need a living wage.
- And, you know, if I give you an honest answer, it's a living wage. We need a living wage.
- And, you know, if I give you an honest answer, it's a living wage. We need a living wage.
- And, you know, if I give you an honest answer, it's a living wage. We need a living wage.
- or not the cost but increase...
Summary:
The Public Works and Highways Committee held an orientation meeting focused on introducing members, outlining committee norms, and hearing an overview from the Department of Transportation. Chair David Mills emphasized the committee’s long-standing bipartisan working style, asked members to share contact information for short-notice scheduling, and noted that the committee would need to complete as much work as possible before the building is vacated later in the year. Members introduced themselves and described backgrounds in engineering, construction, planning, local government, military service, education, and business. Several members highlighted prior service on planning boards, school boards, zoning boards, or in transportation-related fields as relevant to the committee’s work.
Members repeatedly described the committee as collegial and nonpartisan, with most bills going to the consent calendar. The chair also noted that the committee’s work centers on state infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways, and buildings. Representative Cluder, the ranking member, and others echoed that the committee is effective because it talks issues through and resolves disagreements collaboratively. One member mentioned a recent trip that reinforced the importance of infrastructure resilience after storms and rebuilding efforts in other states.
Department of Transportation officials, led by Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer David Rodrig, gave a detailed organizational and operational overview. They described DOT’s structure, mission of “transportation excellence,” and major responsibilities across highways, bridges, rail, transit, aeronautics, maintenance, and administration. Rodrig reported 1,651 permanent positions and 404 vacancies, 2,160 state bridges with 115 on the Red List, 4,600 centerline miles of roadway, 25 public airports, 11 transit systems, and 194 active state-owned rail lines. He also outlined FY 2024 spending, project development activity, highway maintenance operations, fleet and fuel systems, and the distinction between the highway fund and DOT’s budget, including the role of federal funds and the turnpike enterprise fund. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this orientation meeting.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- on wages.
- </c><00:45:26.800><c> And</c> to pay wages on time or in full. And to pay wages on time or in full.
- make subminimum wage.
- </c> who otherwise make sub minimum wage. who otherwise make sub minimum wage.
- </c> actually call and file a wage claim for. actually call and file a wage claim for.
Committee:
Senate Commerce
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Legislative Budget Hearings - Education Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> between 24 and 25 $150 million increase between 24 and 25 $150 million increase in<00:12:37.279>
- Well, it increases your unfunded liabilities, which increases the rate you're paying to pay that off,
- ><c> unfunded</c> growth it can increase your unfunded growth it can increase your unfunded liability
- </c><01:36:52.560><c> increase</c><01:36:52.880><c> there</c> again an increase, small increase there
- Does that represent an increase? I think it is a very, very small increase. Yeah.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For CalPERS and employers, it creates cost pressures because they're paying for increased benefits that
- Additionally, this has increased the administrative workload needed to calculate and distribute benefits
- At the Labor Commissioner's Office, tens of thousands of wage claims remain backlogged, often taking
- These programs connect workers to stable, living-wage jobs while meeting the needs of state employers
- These programs connect workers to stable living wage jobs while meeting the needs of state employers.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard three bills. SB 939 by Senator Laird, sponsored by CalPERS, would end new enrollment in the actuarial equivalent reduction option for service credit purchases starting in 2028 and require any unpaid balance at retirement to be paid within 90 days. The author said the change would reduce unintended consequences for members, employers, and CalPERS administration. There was no opposition, and the bill was approved on a unanimous vote and sent to Appropriations.
SB 1038, also by Senator Laird and sponsored by CSEA, would expand CalPERS audit notification procedures so bargaining units receive notice when an employer is audited and receive relevant member information from final audit reports. Supporters said this would help unions protect members from benefit reductions or repayment demands caused by payroll or compensation errors, citing a Kern High School District audit example. Teamsters, the California Labor Federation, and AFSCME testified in support, with no opposition. The committee passed the bill unanimously and sent it to Appropriations.
SB 1227 by Senator Drozdoff/Dorazo (as referenced in the transcript) would require the Department of Industrial Relations to work with unions on apprenticeship pathways into enforcement jobs, such as Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner classifications, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters from United Steelworkers, SEIU Local 1000, CSEA, the California Labor Federation, and others argued apprenticeship would create a pipeline of trained workers and improve labor law enforcement. The committee accepted amendments, voted the bill out on a unanimous vote, and re-referred it to the Committee on Labor and Employment.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 17th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Increase in things other than hurricanes.
- So, we're gradually increasing as we move across this.
- In terms of wages, construction, etc.
- Director Stare talked about prevailing wages.
- If we increased by 100% right now the number of folks who have HVAC certification, and if we increase
Committee:
House Water & Natural Resources Committee
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Employee share of the House increases $184 million.
- Thank you for making those statements about the wages and the increases.
- or a 3% increase or a 6% increase as much as we'd like to do it.
- There's real hard data that demonstrates how wages have increased, especially under this administration
- They have significantly increased.
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Summary:
The committee first discussed the state budget and employee compensation, focusing on the 1% pay increase proposal and the broader cost of state employee raises and benefits. Members noted that over the past several years the state has invested heavily in payroll, pension contributions, pay studies, and band realignments, and several senators argued that the 80/20 health insurance change and other benefit improvements amount to significant compensation increases even without an additional raise. Others cautioned that recurring revenue is limited, that recent revenue collections were weaker than expected, and that the state should be careful about committing to ongoing costs given possible economic slowdown, federal uncertainty, drought, wildfire risk, and the possibility of future budget pressure.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 177, a major economic development proposal centered on quantum computing, advanced energy, robotics, synthetic biology, and related technologies. Supporters described the bill as a large strategic investment intended to leverage New Mexico’s national laboratories, universities, and existing quantum workforce to attract companies, create high-wage jobs, and diversify the economy. Testimony emphasized that much of the quantum workforce would be skilled trades and technicians rather than Ph.D.-level researchers, and members asked detailed questions about whether the state would receive long-term returns, how intellectual property and clawbacks would be handled, and whether the package included recurring costs. Witnesses also explained the bill’s trade association and workforce-development components, and several senators raised concerns about energy use, water use, guardrails, and ensuring the state does not subsidize outside interests without benefits returning to New Mexico.
After debate, the committee moved to table SB 177 indefinitely, with members noting that the funding and structure were already incorporated into House Bill 2. The motion passed on an 8-0 vote, with several members excused. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- From an economic perspective, we aspire to, you know, increase the person's ability to earn a wage, and
- From an economic perspective, we aspire to, you know, increase the person's ability to earn a wage, and
- From an economic perspective, we aspire to, you know, increase the person's ability to earn a wage, and
- From an economic perspective, we aspire to, you know, increase the person's ability to earn a wage, and
- From an economic perspective, we aspire to, you know, increase the person's ability to earn a wage, and
Committee:
Senate Education
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we are also seeing in Florida the number of these preemption measures continue to increase.
- We've also seen an increase in preemptions based on anecdote or a single occurrence.
- And so there was a robust conversation regarding living wage. County as much.
- And so there was a robust conversation regarding living wage.
- So when we talk about costs and increase, we can't look at it in a vacuum.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee held its first meeting of the 2025 session and focused on an overview of county and municipal home rule powers and state preemption. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Alex Rizzo and Vice Chair Griff Griffiths explained the constitutional and statutory basis for local self-government, the distinction between charter and non-charter counties, and how express and implied preemption limit local authority. Griffiths emphasized that home rule gives local governments broad power to address community needs, but the Legislature can override that authority through clear preemption, with courts ultimately deciding disputes. Representatives Holcomb and LaMarca added that local issues should generally be addressed locally first, but statewide standards can be appropriate when uniformity is needed or local action is ineffective.
The committee then heard from a panel representing counties, cities, business, and construction interests: Ginger Delegal of the Florida Association of Counties, Carolyn Johnson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Rebecca O'Hara of the Florida League of Cities, and Carol Bowen of Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida. Delegal and O'Hara argued that home rule is rooted in local autonomy, policy experimentation, and accountability to voters, and warned against broad or “vacuum” preemptions that remove local authority without replacing it with state regulation. Johnson and Bowen supported preemption when local rules create a patchwork that hurts statewide competitiveness, raises costs, or complicates business operations, citing examples such as labor rules, heat safety, permitting, and procurement preferences. The panel also discussed the 2023 local ordinances law, which requires business impact estimates and provides attorney’s fees in certain challenges, as a mechanism to resolve disputes locally before resorting to preemption.
Members questioned the panel about the 2024 heat-safety preemption and how to protect workers in the absence of local ordinances. Business representatives said existing OSHA duties and industry best practices already require employers to provide safe conditions, while local governments and the state should avoid inconsistent standards across jurisdictions. Another discussion centered on construction permitting, licensing, and local boards that may slow projects and increase costs; Bowen suggested eliminating redundant local fees and barriers while preserving statewide licensing and enforcement against bad actors. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational, with the chair inviting continued discussion on when preemption is appropriate versus when local governments should retain authority.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (12-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:14.800><c> in</c> and 2025, there's been a 41% increase in and 2025, there's been a 41% increase
- The industry heard our concerns on lost wages.
- Uh lost wages had been $200 per wages.
- </c> increased that for us to 180 days. increased that for us to 180 days.
- So, that kept that intact um uh wages.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:38
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:01:34
Proposed Legislation for the 2026 Session 00:10:14
Basic and Added Reparation (PIP) Benefits 00:10:41
Prior Authorization 00:46:15
Measures to Strengthen Kentucky’s Economic Infrastructure 00:59:46, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met in a special-called session of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance and first took up three Department of Insurance regulations tied to House Bill 256, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program: 806 KAR 22:00, 22:10, and 22:20. Commissioner Sharon Clark said the program would provide $5 million in grants to help homeowners strengthen roofs, with regulations covering eligibility and operations, contractors and evaluators, and reinspections in cases of suspected fraud. A committee substitute to 806 KAR 22:10 was explained as a technical correction to conform to the statutory preference for in-state contractors and evaluators. Representative Hampton moved and Representative Rudy seconded approval of the substitute, and it was adopted by voice vote; the amended regulations were then reviewed. Clark also said the grant money would be distributed statewide rather than targeted to storm-prone areas.
The committee then heard an update from Commissioner Clark on mental health parity in response to questions from Representative Pollock. Clark said the department reviews insurer filings and conducts market conduct examinations, but does not have authority over provider reimbursement rates or to require providers to join insurer networks. She said complaints are investigated and, when needed, teams review claims and data on site to check compliance with parity requirements. No action was taken on that discussion.
After approving the November 4 meeting minutes, the committee heard testimony on a proposed PIP reform package from Representative Josh Bray, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, and State Farm. Supporters said the bill would apply the workers’ compensation fee schedule to most PIP medical claims, keep the $10,000 PIP limit in place while stretching benefits further, reduce balance billing, modernize benefit amounts, and address fraud and delayed billing. They noted hospitals would be exempt from the fee schedule, while hospital-based physical therapy would be included, and said the compromise reflected negotiations among stakeholders. Some members questioned whether exempting hospitals undercut the bill’s purpose and asked about possible rate effects; proponents said they had not done a rate analysis and that the bill could lead to more treatments within the existing PIP limit. No vote was taken on the PIP proposal during this meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1204, Alvarez, local control funding formula increases: two-year bill.
- AB 247, Bryan, incarcerated firefighters wages: do pass with authors' amendments to set wages to $7.25
- AB 247, Bryan, incarcerated firefighters wages: do pass with authors' amendments to set wages to $7.25
- AB 1002, Gabriel, wage theft: do pass out on an A roll call.
- AB 1198, Haney, prevailing wage: two-year bill.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day.
The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion.
Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills.
At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In Ohio, 76% of SMBs increased their cybersecurity spending. spending post-law, with 58% adopting NIST
- of skilled local workers throughout our union halls, providing opportunities for family-supporting wages
- failing economies, and the vast majority are willing to work for remuneration that is below market wages
- Traits, as well as minimum wage, are often compromised.
- Unscrupulous employers regularly exploit illegal alien labor to cut costs and increase profits.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/03/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- They coupled that with labor protections such as wage theft protections, with the wages recovered last
- </c><01:25:26.800><c> theft</c> labor protections such as wage theft labor protections such as wage theft
- </c><01:25:29.040><c> recovered</c> protections uh with the wages recovered protections uh with the wages
- </c><01:35:16.560><c> that</c> low but we're looking to increase that low but we're looking to increase
- </c> somewhere and what their average wages somewhere and what their average wages were<01:35:42.800>
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development