Video & Transcript Research : 'liability'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-15 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- on them. need without the fear of having liability on them.
- Again, we understand that the person who is pregnant is exempt from liability.
- So what this amendment does is it exposes the moms to liability.
- Some of you did, but you're opening up such liability for the doctors.
- We talk about liability insurance. We talk about medical malpractice insurance.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established, then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber first took up HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands. Sponsor Rep. McClure said the bill would remove strict liability for previously mined phosphate lands if a Department of Health study is done at the owner’s request and the former mining status is recorded publicly. Opponents, including Reps. Cross, Nixon, and Eskamani, argued the bill did not provide enough notice to future buyers and renters and could create health and disclosure concerns. The bill passed 87-24.
The House then passed HB 145 on suits against the government, which Rep. McFarland said updates Florida’s sovereign immunity caps for the first time since 2010, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident with future automatic increases, aligning the statute of limitations with private claims, and allowing governments to settle above the caps if they choose. He said the bill would make redress more accessible without eliminating the liability shield. The bill passed 104-7.
The chamber then considered CS/HB 289 on civil liability for the wrongful death of an unborn child, a bill by Rep. Greco that would amend the Wrongful Death Act to allow parents and other survivors to bring claims for the death of an unborn child, while exempting the mother and lawful medical care provided within the standard of care. Debate centered on whether the bill could affect abortion access, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, surrogacy, and liability for doctors, friends, family members, and others. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow the bill or add carve-outs for abortion, fertility care, surrogates, perinatal professionals, rape/incest/human trafficking situations, and to require the mother’s consent before suit; sponsors and opponents argued over whether these changes would prevent frivolous lawsuits or instead create loopholes and weaken the bill. None of the amendments were adopted during the portion of the transcript provided.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- It mentions only criminal liability towards officers. Okay. Right. Any further questions?
- It mentions only criminal liability towards officers. Okay. Right. Any further questions?
- It mentions only criminal liability towards officers. Okay. Right. Any further questions?
- It mentions only criminal liability towards officers. Okay. Right. Any further questions?
- So that section is being cited in testimony as far as a um liability to a department. far as a um liability
Bills:
SF0101
Keywords:
Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, Senator, when you mean shifting the liability, can you clarify in terms of the liability pay
- >
if <01:00:17.960>they in terms of the liability pay if they in terms of the liability - <01:02:29.000>
that you know avoid those liabilities that you know avoid those liabilities - compensation property and liability compensation property and liability claims<01:18:23.280>
- state be on the hook for the liability state be on the hook for the liability this<02:26:51.240>
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Oct 9th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I work specifically on a team that looks at long-term retirement and deferred maintenance liabilities
- Four states were showing stable amortization, meaning they did not create any new liabilities, but they
- Layered amortization basically suggests that every year your unfunded liability, or the gain that you
- Instead of that number continuing to grow, you're paying off the liabilities in a smoother way.
- The way that our underfunded liability is being presented, Hawaii is also below us, which is a.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We know what every bill's cost is, that there's no unfunded liabilities created, and we just want to
- That's also the discount rate, which increases the unfunded liabilities.
- It certainly has been a factor in some of the growing unfunded liabilities.
- It create it unfunded liabilities.
- Uh and you can also see our liabilities.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Attendance Roll Call: 01:02
Approval of Minutes: 02:03
Annual Investment Review: 04:10
Adjournment: 37:34, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, welcomed new staff member Sean Parks, and announced that it would not meet in November. The next meeting was scheduled for December 8 at 10:00 a.m., with the chair noting that pension bills would be heard then and emphasizing that all pension bills must go through the full process and include actuarial analysis.
Brad Gross of the Public Pension Oversight Board presented a detailed review of Kentucky retirement systems’ investments and funding. He said fiscal year 2025 ended with about $50.5 billion in pension assets and $12.52 billion in retiree health assets, both up from the prior year. He reported strong investment performance across the systems, with all Kentucky public pension funds exceeding their policy benchmarks and the median peer return of 10.4%. He also discussed long-term return trends, asset allocation differences among the systems, fee levels, and cash flow, noting that cash flow remains a key monitoring issue and that supplemental appropriations have improved the cash position of some funds, especially the Kentucky State Police and TRS systems.
Gross also explained that assumed rates of return have generally fallen over time, which increases unfunded liabilities and required contributions, and said the systems’ current assumptions range from 5.25% to 7.1%. He noted that the committee’s materials included peer comparisons and historical charts, and that all asset classes were within target ranges. In response to a question from Senator Funky From, Gross was asked about pension spiking and whether supplemental general fund contributions could create a false sense of security in cash flow analysis; the question was raised but not resolved in the portion of the transcript provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It imposes wrongful death liability.
- This is not criminal liability.
- Strict liability, Senator. This is strict liability.
- Section 171A.407, liabilities.
- Most folk would probably consider criminal liability a lot more serious than civil liability, but to
Bills:
SJR59, SCR30, SCR46, SB31, SB127, SB324, SB401, SB407, SB467, SB482, SB506, SB529, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB647, SB659, SB715, SB732, SB735, SB771, SB784, SB800, SB801, SB816, SB1013, SB1026, SB1049, SB1055, SB1065, SB1137, SB1169, SB1181, SB1383, SB1395, SB1410, SB1433, SB1524, SB1531, SB1568, SB1640, SB1666, SB1681, SB1718, SB1754, SB1757, SB1972, SB1980, SB2004, SB2007, SB2041, SB2046, SB2050, SB2075, SB2076, SB2154, SB2173, SB2206, SB2225, SB2253, SB2268, SB2306, SB2308, SB2314, SB2322, SB2330, SB2351, SB2366, SB2371, SB2392, SB2398, SB2476, SB2533, SB2540, SB2544, SB2589, SB2610, SB2623, SB2660, SB2662, SB2693, SB2707, SB2717, SB2722, SB2742, SB2753, SB2779, SB2807, SB2843, SB2844, SB2858, SB2877, SB2880, SB2885, SB2920, SB2938, SB2986, HJR4, HCR35, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB260, SB1786, SB914, SB963, SB1197, SB1415, SB1437, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR46, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB1433, SB2322, SB2877, SB407, SB1718, SB1395, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB2253, SB584, SB1085, SB2314, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB1137, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB1055, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB647, SB1721, SB2268, SB2366, SB1013, SB2797, SB2371, SB2383, SB646, SB1169, SB1754, SB2779, SB2004, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1972, SB2540, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB2330, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, HJR4, HB135, HB1109, HCR35, HCR64, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586
Keywords:
education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in Louisiana, from a liability standpoint and civil liability, you have to establish that there was
- So the small... ...in there that it could not be used for the purpose of establishing liability, it was
- Bamberg was mentioning, the worry of liability, like they either have a current person... As Rep.
- Bamberg was mentioning the worry of liability, like they either have a current plan right now or they
- person, As Rep Bamberg was mentioning the worry of liability, like, they either have a current plan
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended.
Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended.
The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 13, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh, I don't think we want to put liability where liability is not where it needs to be.
- Keep the liability where it lies.
- So, uh, I don't think we want to put liability where liability is not where it needs to be.
- Keep the liability where it lies. Keep the liability where it lies.
- investigating and there' be a liability investigating and there' be a liability on<01:00:09.760>
Bills:
SF0082
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 17th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- They must have liability insurance just like any other vehicle.
- And liability, etc.
- But I just wanted to >> and liability etc.
- with the liabilities. with the liabilities.
- <00:46:51.200>
for could further increase liability for could further increase liability for
Keywords:
lottery winnings, lottery prize, state lottery, income tax exemption, tax exemption, gambling, games of chance, prize proceeds, Alabama Department of Revenue, state income tax, tax relief, winnings, jackpot, lotto, Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- But we have no fiscal obligation and no fiscal liability. And Mr.
- <00:14:08.880>
And obligation and no fiscal liability. - And obligation and no fiscal liability.
- Thank you. immunity and civil liability. It's it's immunity and civil liability.
- Because I mean I if we liability then?
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's SB 164 on civil liability.
- Tab 2, it's SB 164 on civil liability for the wrongful death of an unborn child by Senator Graal.
- This could have devastating impacts on liability insurance for private businesses and homeowners.
- less likely to be able to have liability insurance, as was already said in prior testimony.
- Passing a bill like this could put victims of abuse and rape at risk of civil liability as well.
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing it as a major criminal enterprise in Florida driven by online recruitment, local victims, and organized traffickers. She outlined Miami-Dade’s task force, victim-centered prosecution practices, training efforts for schools, hotels, transit workers, and other partners, and community-supported services such as the Project Phoenix shelter and Thrive Clinic. She also urged better interstate communication about known traffickers and noted that prior legislative changes, including restrictions on tattooing minors, came from trafficking cases. Senators asked about school-based exploitation, technology and social media recruitment, and information-sharing with other states; Fernandez-Rundle said training and technology remain essential and offered to share materials and tour the facility.
The committee then considered CS for SB 656, which Senator Bradley said would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force funding program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a needed response to online child exploitation and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892 by Senator Martin, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related designations by reducing paperwork delays tied to clemency and requiring clearer notice before pleas; it too was reported favorably unanimously.
The most extensive debate centered on SB 164, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil damages for the death of an unborn child. Senator Graal said the bill uses existing statutory language defining an unborn child and is intended to let parents recover damages when negligence causes a pregnancy loss. Supporters argued it recognizes unborn life and should be strengthened; opponents warned it would function as a personhood measure, create liability risks for doctors, businesses, friends, and family members, chill miscarriage and abortion-related care, and worsen Florida’s OB-GYN shortage. Several speakers raised concerns about abuse by rapists or abusive partners and about impacts on IVF and emergency care. The committee heard extensive questioning about the bill’s scope and its relationship to existing criminal statutes, but no vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Yes, sir. what what are the liabilities >> Yes, sir. what what are the liabilities
- dollars or what is the liability dollars or what is the liability responsibility responsibility
- So, what are the limits of liability<00:33:21.440>
and <00:33:21.919>where <00:33:22.320 - >
are <00:33:22.640>they <00:33:24.000>uh <00:33:24.399>actually liability - and where are they uh actually liability and where are they uh actually put<00:33:26.960>
in <
Keywords:
HB300, Choctaw County, probate court, probate judge, recording fee, filing fee, deed tax, mortgage tax, deeds, mortgages, property records, recordation, county local act, local legislation, technology upgrades, digitalization of records, recordkeeping, county treasury, special fund, court administration
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 771 would dramatically expand liability for third-party speech, conflicting.
- They will mute any speech that risks liability.
- It's a liability.
- It's seen as a liability to address mental health. ...only address our physical health.
- It's a liability. It's seen as a liability to address mental health issues.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call.
SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call.
The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/11/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- valuation leaving an unfunded liability valuation leaving an unfunded liability of<00:54:40.920>
- We have 35.4 billion of actuarial accrued liability, asset valuation of 28.3 billion, unfunded liability
- We have 35.4 billion of actuarial accrued liability, asset valuation of 28.3 billion, unfunded liability
- amortization of the unfunded liability amortization of the unfunded liability ility<00:56:56.680
- That gave us a funded ratio of 67.2% and an unfunded liability of $6 billion.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And then Russ Olson from the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency.
- And then Russ Olson from the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency.
- We also are seeing increased premiums and insurance liability.
- So let's start with the utility liability market study.
- It's a strict liability statute.
Summary:
The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline.
The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments.
The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/25/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:10.760>
I liability for your negligent conduct. - I liability for your negligent conduct.
- Willful or wanton liability there.
- That's the limitation of the liability That's the limitation of the liability as<00:48:05.600>
- It creates liability for the owner, not It creates liability for the owner, not the<01:03:15.640>
- It creates liability for the owner, not It creates liability for the owner, not the<01:03:15.640>
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- That's relating to energy and establishes a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund to be placed within DCCA for
- to energy establishes Wildlife liability to energy establishes Wildlife liability trust<00:08:19.280
- But I guess it would be hard to figure out a different way to address the liability question.
- <00:31:40.320>
issue at the addressing the liability issue at the addressing the liability - <00:34:51.480>
question <00:34:51.879>was liability question was liability question was
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later.
The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a way for us to look at liability and reducing the liability of people who are hunting in this
- So that's less of a question and more of a think about liability, and I'm happy to think about liability
- and um reducing us to look at liability and um reducing the<00:14:23.519>
liability <00:14:24.440 - Is there a way for us to look at liability and reducing the liability of people who are hunting in this
- I encourage thinking about liability I encourage thinking about liability mechanisms<00:42:38.960
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As you can see here in chart one, on page one, the report estimates the current and likely liability
- to be between $200 and $700 million with possible liabilities as high as $1.6 billion.
- the low end of our likely orphaned well liability to be about $700 million.
- These are the wells that the report terms 'possible liability.'
- Chair, that is insufficient for the likely liability.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- YOUR BILL OUTLINES FOR SOMEBODY WHO'S BEEN PRACTICING NURSING AND HOW THAT HAPPENS BUT WHAT'S THE LIABILITY
- MY QUESTION IS WHAT LIABILITY FALLS ON THE NURSE IF THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE SOMEBODY IS BEING TRAFFICKED
- Bartleman: I WOULD ASSUME THE SAME LIABILITY FOR SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T RECOGNIZE A MEDICAL CONDITION.
- FOR ANY OTHER LIABILITY.
- GROW, I'M GOING TO GET FURTHER AS A MOTHER OF A NURSE FURTHER CLARIFICATION ON THE LIABILITY FOR YOU,