Video & Transcript : 'Alabama Department of Insurance' :
Page 458 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I taught use of force for the Los Angeles Police Department.
- This will increase costs of liability insurance.
- This will increase costs of liability insurance.
- at the Department of Real Estate.
- Department of Education, for example, has shifted hundreds of millions of dollars away from minority-serving
Committee:
House Judiciary
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Ro, Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, said the department
- Ro, Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, said the department
- Ro, Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, said the department
- Ro, Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, said the department
- </c><01:42:26.159><c> of</c> Commissioner at the Department of Commissioner at the Department of Employment
Bills:
HF1976
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- For those of you who may cast your minds back a couple of years, there were some issues around the ITD
- It provides for a public process to ensure that the claim is reviewed both by the Department of Administration
- For those of you who may cast your minds back a couple of years, there were some issues around the ITD
- It provides for a public process to ensure that the claim is reviewed both by the Department of Administration
- It provides for a public process to ensure that the claim is reviewed both by the Department of Administration
Committee:
House Ways and Means
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , and Lucia Schmidt, who's the Director of the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, to
- I'm Director of the Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department, and with me
- The Department of Fish and Wildlife provided boats and water rescue teams.
- The Department of Ecology responded to a number of hazardous materials events.
- For the record, my name is Lucia Schmidt, and I am the director of the Snohomish County Department of
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on the December 2025 flooding in Washington and its impacts on agriculture, with no public testimony. Emergency Management Division Director Robert Azel described the storm sequence, record rainfall, widespread river flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and damage to homes, roads, flood control infrastructure, and agricultural land. He said the state was preparing a major disaster declaration request and noted that mitigation investments and interagency coordination helped reduce losses, while debris removal and federal reimbursement remain important next steps.
Snohomish County Emergency Management Director Lucia Schmidt focused on farm impacts in Snohomish County, where tens of thousands of acres were underwater. She described damage to equipment, fences, hoop houses, feed, hay, nurseries, and perennial crops, and said many small farms face losses not well covered by existing federal disaster programs. She urged funding for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s disaster assistance program and emphasized the importance of helping small-scale farms recover to preserve the local agricultural community.
WSDA Assistant Director Kelly McLean outlined the department’s disaster response role, including food and feed safety, animal health, livestock sheltering, and coordination of resources. She described efforts to keep feed and dairy products moving, support dairies and livestock producers, connect farmers to relief and mental health resources, and distribute food assistance. She also said WSDA is working on a report due in July with recommendations for small and mid-sized farms and noted interest in developing a broader agricultural disaster assessment tool. Washington State Dairy Federation policy director Jay Gordon described repeated flooding in the Chehalis Basin and other areas, praised state and local partnerships, and argued that continued flood mitigation, storage, levee adjustments, and basin-specific planning are needed because these events are becoming more frequent and severe. Committee members asked about debris removal, federal disaster assistance, insurance challenges, farmworker impacts, and future mitigation projects, and the chair adjourned the meeting after thanking the presenters.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Streamline some of the DEQ and Department of Lands processes, as well as move quite a few rule provisions
- So we removed that language that is unnecessary and then just referred to the Idaho Department of Lands
- I'm the Drinking Water Protection and Finance Division Administrator for the Department of Environmental
- I'm the Drinking Water Protection and Finance Division Administrator at the Department of Environmental
- So DEQ did maintain the professional liability insurance requirement as an important protection of the
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (01/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:31.880><c> of</c> Liz mow representing the Department of Liz mow representing the Department
- <01:20:07.800><c> of</c><01:20:07.880><c> Motor</c> Department of Motor Department of Motor Vehicles<
- We have the Department of Safety, the Department of Transportation, the Liquor Commission, the New Hampshire
- <04:08:07.960><c> and</c><04:08:08.119><c> the</c> department of M of vehicles and the department of
- </c><04:20:33.399><c> May</c> Department of Motor Vehicle shell May Department of Motor Vehicle shell
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers.
The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Today is the budget hearing for the Division of Medicaid within the Department of Health and Welfare.
- So in all of those moves, a number of positions were transferred from other areas in the department to
- I'm aware of some general information that the department collects on the share of households working
- of health insurance.
- Now it identifies that the Department of Health and Welfare...
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing on the Division of Medicaid within the Department of Health and Welfare. Legislative Services analyst Alex Williamson reviewed Medicaid’s five budgeted programs, enrollment groups, staffing, historic spending growth, and the distinction between ongoing base adjustments and one-time enhancements. She explained that most Medicaid spending is in trust and benefit payments, discussed the large FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget changes, and walked through the governor’s recommendations, including hospital assessment fund alignment, claims forecast updates, MMIS procurement funding, estate recovery, program integrity support, and population forecast adjustments.
Members asked extensive questions about the 4% provider rate reduction, the expansion population, federal match rates, and the effect of House Bill 345 and federal changes on Medicaid costs and eligibility. Williamson and Deputy Director Sasha O’Connell said the expansion population has declined, but costs are driven by utilization, provider rates, pharmacy, hospital, developmental disability, behavioral health, and long-term care services. They said the department is pursuing cost containment through prior authorization, redeterminations, higher cost sharing, and program integrity efforts, while noting that expansion is codified in law and any repeal or major eligibility change would require legislative action and could affect hospital assessment revenue and other offsets.
The committee also discussed the MMIS replacement project, with lawmakers emphasizing milestone-based funding and risk control. O’Connell explained the estate recovery request as a replacement case management system plus contractor support to help recover Medicaid costs from estates, and said the program is federally required and revenue-generating. Several members raised concerns about backlogs, contractor costs, and whether AI or other technology could improve efficiency in program integrity and estate recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the discussion remained informational and focused on the governor’s budget recommendations and possible future reductions or policy changes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So it removes them from... ...insurance under the laws of the Commonwealth.
- of Insurance or the Division of Insurance, and would preserve a patient's right to utilize... ...of
- providing a component of self-insurance for your care.
- not incur the additional overhead and the cost of insurance, and establishes a direct but monitored
- This is a direct way to do it that responds to the ever-growing threat of the cost of health insurance
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU-EIG, HOU DEFER, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-05-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> department of planning and permitting department of planning and permitting with<00:02:46.879><c
- which appropriates monies to the Department of Housing and Land Management and Department of Design
- the Department of Housing and Land Management and Department of Design and Construction of the City
- </c> Kauawaii Department of Water, uh we'd Kauawaii Department of Water, uh we'd get<00:16:04.800><c>
- Department of Taxation with >> Thank you. Department of Taxation with comments.
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The relationship that the state has had with the Department of Energy, this place...
- A couple of years ago, committee, we passed Senate Bill 1292, which allowed the Department of Lands to
- policy that is in place through the Department of Administration.
- locations in need of this general liability coverage, and then the Department of Administration is required
- locations in need of this general liability coverage, and then the Department of Administration is required
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee began by welcoming Mayor Joan Hawkins of Malad City, who filled in for Senator Anthon, and then approved the minutes from February 11, 13, and 16, 2026. The committee also recognized page Chase Janetz at the end of the meeting for his service, with members offering remarks about his experience and future plans.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to introducing and printing a series of RS drafts. These included RS 3341 on expansion of the research and development center tied to new nuclear projects and the 1995 settlement agreement; RS 3291, a controller’s office cleanup bill; RS 3314C1, which strengthens agency contract-reporting requirements; RS 33386, which tightens voter affidavit requirements; RS 33136, requiring annual reporting on refugee resettlement programs; RS 33321, strengthening enforcement of gold and silver payment contracts; RS 33028, allowing party committees to set additional criteria for precinct committeemen; and RS 3338, changing how appointed judges may run after filling vacancies. Most of these were advanced to print with little or no opposition, though RS 3338 drew concerns that it could discourage qualified judges from serving and reduce the pool of applicants.
The committee also introduced RS 33396, creating a specialty license plate to fund Idaho State Police salaries; RS 33420, regulating billing and reimbursement practices for out-of-network freestanding emergency rooms; RS 33379, a cleanup bill related to the Department of Lands’ legal authority; and RS 33382, aimed at protecting private property owners from warrantless visits by agencies or law enforcement except where allowed by law. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 613, which would reduce liability concerns for churches and other private facilities used as polling places by extending state insurance coverage for election-related activities. After questions about how liability would apply, the committee voted to send HB 613 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 11 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to the flag of the United States of America.
- Scarsdale for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Greg Pinkerton, an employee of the Department
- An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police
- An act authorizing the town of Orange to increase the membership of the Board of Selectmen.
- Mariano of Quincy offers an order in the hands of the clerk.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then received a message from the Governor filing a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent federal actions, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The House also adopted several Rules Committee orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committees on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery to March 18, 2026, and it adopted resolutions congratulating Webster School on being named a 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School and commending Daval Advoid for 50 years of service to the Plainfield Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.
The House suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two petitions to proceed: one on further regulating state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, and another on energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. It also concurred in a Senate order for a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then placed several House bills on the calendar, including measures exempting Hancock and Warwick schools, addressing homeowners insurance repairs, landlord notice of gas or electric shutoffs, locksmith notice requirements, retirement benefits, regional transit authority advisory boards, and naming an overpass in Sandwich for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torval.
The House suspended Rule 7A and ordered those bills to a third reading, then welcomed Westborough High School law students and guests visiting to learn about the legislative process. Later, the chamber enacted Senate Bill 24 on the Great Barrington Fire District and House Bill 4589 authorizing Ludlow to pay an unpaid bill. It also engrossed House Bills 4235, 4349, 4701, and 4908, dealing respectively with Rochester’s fire chief employment, a Boston police age waiver for Lewis Cabral, expanding Orange’s select board, and a sick leave bank for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- at the Department of Health.
- insurance and all of those pieces.
- But is there a reason you went with the Department of Health, not the Department of Public Safety?
- And the Department of Health, with its public health perspective, And the Department of Health, with
- with the Department of Health.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote.
The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0.
House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- with the Stuart Police Department at the invitation of Representative Overdorf.
- in or out of network be the insurance provider of the patient? Representative Griffiths.
- insurance. they'd send you to an in-network provider so that you could stay within your process of insurance
- L.E. by the Department of Children and Families.
- L.E. by the Department of Children and Families.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the Speaker announced schedule changes for the following week, including canceling the floor session on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
The main floor action centered on CS/HB 7033, the House tax package. Sponsor Rep. Duggan described broad tax changes, including reducing the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, exempting certain bullion sales, repealing the aviation fuel tax, delaying the natural gas fuel tax, changing corporate income tax treatment for charitable trusts, reducing the pari-mutuel tax on card rooms, and major changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use. The bill would redirect most TDT revenue toward property tax relief, dissolve tourist development councils, and include related property tax and local tax administration changes. Several amendments were debated: a Driscoll amendment to preserve local TDT flexibility failed; Duggan’s amendment giving local governments 25% discretion over TDT revenues was adopted; Eskamani’s combined-reporting amendment failed; and a Duggan amendment requiring audit certification of compliance with the TDT/property tax relief provisions was adopted. After debate, CS/HB 7033 passed 78-29.
The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1221 on local option taxes, which was presented as a companion-style measure to give local governments more flexibility while redirecting TDT revenues toward property tax relief. Supporters argued the bill would provide immediate relief to property owners and restore accountability in local tax use, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism funding, infrastructure, and local services. An amendment allowing local governments to retain 25% of TDT revenues for general purposes was adopted, and the bill passed 62-45 after floor debate.
The final item shown was the reading of CS/CS/HJR 1257, a proposed constitutional amendment related to property tax exemptions and assessment limits, but the transcript cuts off before debate or action on that measure.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - House Regulatory Oversight
House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- For thousands of years, gold and silver were the primary forms of money.
- As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, if you recall...
- If you recall the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress put
- state monies as bullion in the depository, and requires the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
- state monies as bullion in the depository, and requires the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
Summary:
The Committee on Regulatory Oversight heard two bills related to Arizona bullion and gold-backed transactions. HB 2123 would establish an Arizona bullion depository under the State Treasurer, allow third-party administration and electronic payment systems, require insurance for deposits, and recognize gold and silver as legal tender. Representative Lisa Fink presented the bill as a way to provide an optional, inflation-resistant payment method and to make gold and silver more accessible to ordinary Arizonans; a witness from the Transactional Gold and Silver Project described the depository as a fully allocated, insured warehouse system tied to a debit card and said the model had been used in other states. The committee voted 4-0 with one present to give HB 2123 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered HB 2140, which would allow state and local governments to use the Arizona bullion depository, permit the State Treasurer to place up to 10% of state monies in bullion there, and require rulemaking by the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Representative Fink again argued that holding some bullion could diversify state assets and reduce counterparty risk, citing Utah’s treasurer and broader central bank gold accumulation. A member asked about the bill’s rulemaking language and the sponsor said she was open to discussing changes with the State Treasurer. With no public testimony, the committee voted 4-0 with one present to recommend HB 2140 do pass, and then adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and surveillance tools of foreign adversaries that impede the state of Idaho's interests and the interests
- of the United States.
- The consolidation of municipal fire departments with fire districts is also addressed.
- appraisal and dispute process for the insured to go through with the insurer.
- He said it would also authorize the Department of Insurance to promulgate rules.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met to consider a full docket of RS introductions, with members noting the committee was working from digital materials and moving quickly. Representative Hill presented RS 33521, the Foreign Adversary Investment Act, to prohibit state public investment dollars from being placed in adversary countries; it was introduced. Representative Hawkins presented RS 33543, which would make it illegal to knowingly help hide, transport, house, financially support, or otherwise assist people in Idaho whose presence violates federal law; the motion to introduce passed with recorded nays from Representatives Rubel, Birch, and Church.
Representative Sauter presented three measures for special districts: RS 33530 on boundary adjustments and tax-base changes for fire and library districts, RS 33531 allowing fire and ambulance service districts to adopt development impact fee ordinances, and RS 33532 allowing certain special districts to use impact fee funds for up to 50% of fire apparatus replacement costs under a capital improvement plan. All three were introduced. Representative Wheeler presented RS 33414 on contractor registration and discipline, RS 33452 creating a dispute-resolution/appraisal process for auto insurance valuation disagreements, and RS 33453 raising the minimum property damage liability limit from $15,000 to $25,000; all were introduced.
Representative Shirts presented RS 33480 to create a licensing structure for retail hemp sellers and RS 33481 to clarify hemp grower violations and align state law with federal hemp standards; both were introduced. Representative Ehlers presented RS 32913 and RS 33477 as code-cleanup measures removing outdated or duplicative language, with RS 32913 addressing corporate credit unions and cemetery language and RS 33477 addressing fishing and game fines; both were introduced, and a minor typo in the statement of purpose for RS 33477 was noted but not amended in committee. Representative Pickett then presented RS 33437 to clarify that one motor vehicle remains exempt in bankruptcy regardless of operability, insurability, or registration status, and it was introduced. The committee adjourned after all motions carried.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (3-18-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Agriculture,</c><00:09:00.000><c> once</c> In the Department of Agriculture, once In the Department of
- insurance fund to further increase the funding of that system.
- </c><00:15:05.560><c> the</c> support the operations of the support the operations of the department.
- or</c><00:18:27.360><c> the</c> Department of Medicaid Services or the Department of Medicaid Services
- State</c><00:21:31.640><c> Police,</c> In the Department of State Police, In the Department of State
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:23
HB 503 Discussion 00:01:00
HB 503 Vote 00:02:17
HB 504 Discussion 00:02:53
HB 504 Vote 00:04:48
HB 500 Discussion 00:05:19
HB 500 Vote 00:29:18
HB 900 Discussion 00:32:02
HB 900 Vote 00:33:00, 958, all
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 503, the legislative branch budget, adopting a committee substitute and reporting it favorably. The chair said the Senate version fully funds defined calculations, provides 2% raises in each fiscal year for legislative employees, removes a paragraph on operating expense reductions, and includes $1 million in the first year for a judicial branch salary study. House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, was then amended and reported favorably; changes included 2% annual raises for judicial employees, revised operating expense language, $1 million each year for county current services, retention of Boyle County fit-up language, reporting requirements for smaller capital projects, full funding for nine judges added in 2022, and removal of furlough prohibitions and certain budget implementation language. Both bills passed the committee unanimously with favorable expressions to the floor.
The committee then considered House Bill 500, the executive branch budget, adopting a committee substitute before hearing a lengthy summary of major spending and policy changes. The chair described statewide 2% annual employee raises, agency base reductions with many exemptions, increased school safety and 911 funding, veterans and military funding, local government and severance-related changes, attorney general and auditor funding, pension and retirement system support, education funding changes including SEEK, postsecondary and scholarship provisions, public safety and corrections funding, and multiple capital projects. The chair also highlighted Medicaid-related provisions, including added waiver slots, increased state-directed payments, a 2.5% reduction in managed care vendor payments for plan years 2027 and 2028 with savings redirected to fee-for-service rates, and additional funding for behavioral health and public health programs. The bill was reported favorably after members explained their votes, with several noting they had only recently received the full 228-page bill and wanted more time for detailed review.
Finally, the committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 900, an appropriation measure for government agencies, and reported it favorably. The chair said the bill remains a work in progress and that one-time funding requests from across the Commonwealth and across party lines would continue to be addressed as the process moves forward. All measures considered during the meeting passed the committee with unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Apr 8th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 2511 requires the Department of Industrial Relations to work with other state agencies to examine
- Prohibitively low reimbursement rates have kept many of my peers from accepting insurance, and this is
- This bill further shifts this reporting to a different agency at the Department of Industrial Relations
- Health insurance companies, hospitals, there are some of the most detail-oriented businesses you will
- The bill directs the Department of Industrial Relations to partner with the University of California
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Arizona Highway Patrol was instituted as a branch of the Arizona Highway Department.
- It moves the responsibility of the Arizona Geological Survey from the State Lands Department over to
- Another area where it was not requested, and it kind of leaves the department in limbo.
- having the, honestly, we have great health insurance, instead of having the good health insurance plan
- This gives them the choice of 60%, which is what large insurance programs cover versus the 10 essential
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill now clarifies roles and responsibilities of the governmental agencies such as the Department
- of Economic Development and the Department of Revenue, as well as the treasurer and participating city
- So you either have it covered through your insurance or you pay it out of pocket yourself.
- He says, no, your insurance doesn't cover it. You have to pay for it out of pocket.
- Brandon Koch, with the Missouri Insurance Coalition, here to testify in support of the bill.
Committee:
House Commerce
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle Baass, Director of the Department of Health Care Services.
- Jennifer Troya, Director of the California Department of Social Services.
- the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
- the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
- Noel Fakhouri, Department of Finance.