Transcript Highlights:

• You can't have a binary classification system with more than two configurations, even if they are the
• You can't have a binary classification system with more than two configurations, even if they are the
• You can't have a binary classification system with more than two configurations, even if they are the
• <01:54:39.440> is provided for this classification is provided for this classification is
• This bill focuses on three situational classifications, but I'll be just addressing bathrooms.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, which Rep. Jim Kofalt said is the same language as last year’s HB 396, vetoed by the governor. He described the bill as allowing, but not requiring, separation by biological sex in three areas: bathrooms and locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions. Kofalt argued the bill would give local school boards and other policymakers discretion to set practical rules, citing concerns about safety, privacy, and a Milford incident involving a biological male in girls’ locker rooms. Committee members pressed him on the lack of a definition of “biological sex,” and he said he did not think one was necessary because males and females are commonly understood. He also said the bill was meant to address situations where outside groups threaten lawsuits and leave local boards with no latitude. Testimony then split sharply. Supporters, including Executive Counselor Karen Hill and several others, said HB 148 would roll back anti-discrimination protections, contradict New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” values, and harm transgender and non-binary people. Opponents described the bill as discriminatory and unnecessary, arguing that existing bathroom and sports policies already work and that the bill would invite harassment, invasive enforcement, and legal conflict. Several speakers, including trans residents and parents of trans children, said they had used public restrooms without incident and warned that enforcement would be impractical or abusive. One supporter argued the bill was needed to protect girls’ privacy and safety and cited school sports disputes and a concern about a sex offender at a game as examples of why sex-segregated rules should be restored. Committee members asked questions about how biological sex would be defined, whether the bill was responding to real incidents in New Hampshire, and how any restrictions would be enforced. Kofalt said he was aware of issues in several school districts and at the State House, but did not have detailed documentation for every case. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the chair instead moved through public testimony under a strict two-minute limit and noted that follow-up questions would be limited so the committee could hear multiple bills that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:25.359> Premiums mortgage approval process. Premiums mortgage approval process.
• Chair. that uh drive the cost of premiums and that uh drive the cost of premiums and insurance<00:45:
• achieve specific premium savings. achieve specific premium savings. probably<00:47:39.680> the
• <00:48:32.240> any homeowner uh insurance premiums any homeowner uh insurance premiums any
• don't get credit for it on your premium don't get credit for it on your premium um um um and<01:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force met on October 22, 2025, with a quorum present and several members participating remotely. Members approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Michelle Urick of the Legislative Coordinating Commission then gave an administrative update on proxy voting and the task force’s operating procedures. She said the enabling statute only authorizes the officially appointed member to act and vote, so proxy voting is not allowed, and votes must be cast in person at the meeting where the item is considered. She also said members may submit written positions, but not vote before or after a meeting. In response to concerns about attendance for future votes, the chair said the January meetings would be rescheduled if possible using a Doodle poll so more members could be present in person. The group also agreed to treat the revised document as operating procedures rather than a formal charter, with no separate adoption action needed at that time. The task force then moved into testimony on homeowners and commercial property insurance. Paul Edgar of Minnesota Realtors said rising insurance costs are adding to housing affordability pressures, citing an increase in the monthly principal, interest, taxes, and insurance payment on a median-priced Minnesota home from $1,622 in 2021 to $2,642 in September 2025. He said higher insurance costs and limited coverage can affect buyers’ financing, especially for condominiums and townhomes, and urged continued work on liability and insurance-related laws that may discourage condo development. He also referenced prior bipartisan reforms to Minnesota’s condominium construction defects law and said his organization supports further improvements to encourage more condo production. Keenan Ravery of the Minnesota Mortgage Association focused on how insurance requirements affect mortgage lending. He explained that lenders require insurance both at origination and throughout the life of the loan, with standards aimed at protecting collateral rather than providing full homeowners coverage. He said replacement-cost coverage has long been the norm, but recent issues with roofs, deductibles, HO-6 policies, and force-placed insurance have become pain points for consumers and lenders. He said his association is working with national trade groups on reforms that could allow more flexibility in coverage types and deductibles, and he expressed hope that Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency may announce policy changes in the coming months or by early 2026. No votes or substantive policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and agreeing to pursue scheduling adjustments for January.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average admitted market homeowners pretty premium is $2,755.
• collective, which is the total collection of premium in the state.
• premium rate for short period of time.
• And I'm going to show premium level and a couple of slides.
• We pay or premiums to you. And I can say, you know what?

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care premiums are skyrocketing.
• COVID-era premium subsidies.
• SO THIS IS NOT WHAT IS AFFECTING OTHER PEOPLE'S PREMIUMS.
• PREMIUM INCREASES ARE ACTUALLY DRIVEN BY MULTIPLE FACTORS.
• TOLD HER PREMIUMS WILL JUMP TO NEARLY A THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From 2012 to 2022, for every dollar collected in premiums, some insurers in California spent $1.13 in
• And how those costs translate into premiums and frankly ultimately?
• Gordon, NFIP has been experiencing a decline in direct premiums written. Mr.
• The average home insurance annual premium rate in the U.S. last year was $2,151.
• Do you have a sense of how much premiums like how much we We would estimate premiums would go up if NFIP

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• RATE INCREASES, YOU'LL NOTICE THE 12.8% AVERAGE IN THE BOTTOM AND GREEN AND WE PROVIDED THE AVERAGE PREMIUM
• IN THE ACA MARKET THROUGH THE INCREASED SUBSIDIES REALLY ENHANCED ADVANCED PREMIUM TAX CREDIT.
• >> IN 2021 THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN WAS PASSED AND THAT PROVIDED AN ENHANCED PREMIUM TAX CREDIT.
• >> PREMIUMS DID STAY LEVEL, YOU SAW MODEST INCREASES OVER THAT >> PREMIUMS DID STAY LEVEL, YOU SAW MODEST
• AND THEN THE TOP LINE THE LOWEST PRICE YOU HAD THE TOP TWO YOU HAD SOME ZERO PRICE PREMIUM PLANS.

Transcript Highlights:

• farmers face both high premiums and high deductibles?
• /c><00:03:57.159> high farmers face both High premiums and high farmers face both High premiums
• formulas and particular exemptions from paying premiums.
• <01:11:56.480> thank premiums thank premiums thank you<01:11:59.000> thank you thank you
• <01:25:04.719> tax we have made enhanced premium tax we have made enhanced premium tax credits

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Our premiums did time through to 2016. Our premiums did not<01:21:18.880> increase.
• My premiums have gone up.
• My premiums have gone up.
• My premiums have gone up.
• My premiums have gone up.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there was a rate holiday on insurance premiums that had been given in the past.
• So what that does is tell you, um, here's a classification, here's what they should be paid, or here's
• So what that does is classification.
• ><02:43:25.680> um<02:43:26.000> here's<02:43:26.319> a<02:43:26.479> classification
• , tell you um here's a classification, tell you um here's a classification, here's<02:43:27.439><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is seeking $25.1 million to provide targeted salary actions for classification titles
• where salaries are below the same classification titles at other natural resources. agencies and within
• Thank you. expand a little on the flood control dam classification and risk assessment and specifically
• The hazard classification, I'll begin with that, Senator.
• Exceptional item number three is our board member group classification.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without action, premiums Without action, premiums will rise for families purchasing insurance on the
• Redemption prior to maturity, with or without a premium.
• If the amount of premium taxes, or the sum of all premium taxes filed by all insurance companies on any
• In 2019, estimated cost to premiums, $34 million.
• Acupuncture coverage, $18 million, to increase premiums.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our retiree monthly premiums that we collect once they enroll with us.
• It also gives actual premiums that our members have paid.
• And if we look at the Medicare Advantage, our premiums...
• Our premiums back in 2017 were actually higher than some of the premiums that we have now in 2025.
• And we've had actually lower trends as far as premium increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• system UI Online uh to collect premiums system UI Online uh to collect premiums as<00:37:41.800>
• Reporting and premiums, obviously, that's sort of the payroll deduction and premiums payments, and then
• <00:48:01.880> will then the first quarterly premiums will then the first quarterly premiums
• In 2026, when premium collection starts, they'll use that same system to pay their paid leave premium

• know to pay uh their paid leave premium know to pay uh their paid leave premium much<01:28:26.639

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the Lady Tigers now have the third most volleyball state championships in Arkansas among the classifications
• district champions for the last six years, regional runners-up, ranked 10th overall across all classifications

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The regulatory classification of conditional and prohibited species is based on the risk these species
• The prohibited classification also eliminates commercial sales of the species, with some limited exceptions

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened with a quorum present and excused Senators Arrington and Pizzo. The committee first took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 1 through 4, and Senator DiCeglie moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees together. The motion passed unanimously, and the appointees were favorably recommended. The main presentation was from FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton on invasive species management in Florida. He described the scale of the problem, including more than 500 non-native species reported in the state, and outlined FWC’s prevention, containment, removal, outreach, and research efforts. He highlighted risk screenings, the conditional/prohibited species framework, enforcement actions against illegal wildlife trafficking, and public programs such as the Florida Python Challenge, lionfish outreach, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the “I’ve Got One” reporting app. He also noted ongoing removal efforts for pythons, tegus, lionfish, and iguanas, and discussed new technologies and partnerships aimed at improving control efforts. Members asked follow-up questions about FWC issues beyond invasive species, including the status of special activity licenses for threatened species and giant manta rays, the upcoming bear hunt, and whether the committee could help reduce barriers to invasive species removal on federal lands. Wharton said all SAL permits for threatened species are currently suspended pending Commission review, that Florida is on track for a bear hunt this December with 172 permits issued across four subpopulations, and that bear management is based on scientific data while urban bear conflicts still require separate management. He also said federal partners are increasingly cooperative on python control, including commercialization of hides, and that drones, sentinel snakes, robotic lures, and AI-based traps may improve future invasive species removal. Senator Sharief and Senator Burton later requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on tabs 1 through 4, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next bill: Senate Bill 1567, relating to classification and compensation systems.
• Senate Bill 1567 relates to classification and compensation systems.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• premiums.
• Dollar premiums for this population.
• We're opposed to Medi-Cal, and we're also opposed to the premiums, the discriminatory premiums for undocumented
• We're opposed to the premiums, the discriminatory premiums for undocumented immigrants 19 and over, and
• We're opposed to the premiums, the discriminatory premiums for undocumented immigrants 19 and over, and

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• My weekly premium is $321.64, and that is weekly.
• So when drug costs spike, so do premiums, jeopardizing affordability and access.
• But state mandates account for more than 17 percent of premiums in Massachusetts.
• But state mandates account for more than 17 percent of premiums in Massachusetts.
• Legislature to examine the effects a law or regulation would have on insurance premiums.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing. On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals. Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• and you’re late on a premium.
• and you’re late on a premium.
• . premiums. premiums.
• We know that not to pay our premiums.
• So, I paid for my premiums that day.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the state premium subsidy program.
• We have the state premium subsidy program.
• The $1 premium subsidies.
• Premiums are about $600 a month.
• Some people have much higher premiums, and people have lower premiums.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.