Video & Transcript : 'prompt pay' :
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LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- this project, but how much of that is coming from less people occupying other hotels, as well as paying
- So do you pay them the 143? We don't know where they're getting the 143.
- Like, when you say it's up to, I get it, but if you're paying them 143, then there is no up-to, which
- So you pay in a $140. The total amount of the contract. So French.
- So you're paying them $143.50. The total amount of the contract.
Summary:
The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted.
The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month.
Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 22nd, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, we're raising fees for Louisianians to pay a non-state entity.
- I do know for me personally, I am more than willing to pay the convenience fee.
- If they choose to go to the public tag agency and pay for it, that's their choice. I understand.
- 748 by Representative Brough provides that any Louisiana school board-owned vehicles be exempt from paying
- Preventing school board-owned or leased vehicles from paying tolls is a matter of sound fiscal stewardship
Bills:
SB309 , SB457 , SB513 , HB148 , HB149 , HB358 , HB384 , HB428 , HB487 , HB593 , HB613 , HB657 , HB675 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB728 , HB732 , HB845 , HB846 , HB965
Keywords:
driving school, driver education, prelicensing course, motor vehicles, Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles, third-party tester, third-party examiner, private driving instructor, license application, consumer protection, course pricing, tuition regulation, administrative rules, transportation committee, construction, management, project delivery, public contracts, legislative approval
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several transportation-related bills, many involving license plates, toll exemptions, and administrative changes. The committee first advanced HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds support repairs at the Pentagon/first LSU building rather than going to the state. It then heard HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway; the bill was supported with remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy, and the committee observed a moment of silence before reporting it favorably without objection.
The committee next considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates and clarifies fees charged by public license tag agents. Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exempt Shreveport from the fee increase, but it failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, also by Rep. Boyer, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove a restriction limiting issuance to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, which clarifies the substances referenced in DUI-related motor vehicle statutes, received technical amendments and was reported favorably without objection.
The committee also advanced HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting Louisiana school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, including the Bell Chasse toll bridge area, after testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney describing toll costs and operational burdens; the bill was amended to include leased vehicles and then reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade creating a homeschool pride specialty plate was also reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and proceeds going to Homeschool Louisiana. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce and DOTD for administrative support, was amended at the request of the Governor’s Office and reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- this project, but how much of that is coming from less people occupying other hotels, as well as paying
- So do you pay them the 143? We don't know where they're getting the 143.
- Like, when you say it's up-to, I get it, but if you're paying them 143, then there is no up-to, which
- So you pay in a $140. The total amount of the contract. So French.
- So you're paying them $1.40. The total amount of the contract.
Summary:
The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement.
The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment.
A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections.
Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- While at this bill, veterans may only access abortion care by paying out of pocket at a non-VA provider
- If you are uninsured and you cannot pay for an abortion, the uncompensated care program was created..
- And you cannot pay for an abortion, the uncompensated care program was created to cover the cost of that
- It's intended for low-income individuals and those that don't have insurance and otherwise means to pay
- Means to pay. So there is an income threshold in the current program.
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The office is not permitted to own property, so those funds pay rent to house UP employees and securely
- It will pay for up to 50%? Is that correct? Thank you for the question.
- million, then they're going to be holding those recipients of those tax dollars in that ad valorem pay-out
- They were paying out the nose. All those got.
- I'm not I'm not, I'm not in favor of us just paying these things in perpetuity or even you know fixing
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Keywords:
veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- But these are 180 individuals that would have good-paying jobs and will definitely be a support for the
- So they got that service that they need to pay back.
- And that's helping inform us at least what locations we need to pay closer attention to.
- LOSAN and all rail needs is something that we're also trying to pay very close attention to.
- LOSAN and all rail needs is something that we're also trying to pay very close attention to.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, routine agenda items, and the confirmation hearing for Dina El-Tawansy to serve as Director of the California Department of Transportation. The committee first approved a series of appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Contractors State License Board, and Medical Board of California, along with bill referrals, a rule waiver for guests on the Senate floor for a memorial adjournment in honor of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these actions were approved on 5-0 votes, with the early appointment items passing 3-2.
The committee then heard testimony from El-Tawansy, who emphasized her 28 years at Caltrans, a focus on safety, equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including the impact of federal and state disputes affecting immigrant truck drivers and highway funding, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal rules, asphalt recycling and disposal, climate-related damage to roads and coastal infrastructure, and the future of gas-tax revenue and road user charges. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is prioritizing safety and emergency projects, working on reevaluating DBEs, advancing climate adaptation planning, and studying road user charge pilots and related technology.
Members also asked about small business participation, toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. El-Tawansy described Caltrans programs to support small and disadvantaged businesses, local hiring, heavy equipment and CDL training, standardized toll lane agreements, delegated maintenance MOUs with local governments, and expanded efforts on encampment response and rail/transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms urging confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- But these are 180 individuals that would have good-paying jobs and will definitely be a support for the
- So they got that service that they need to pay back.
- And that's helping inform us at least what locations we need to pay closer attention to.
- LOSAN and all rail needs is something that we're also trying to pay very close attention to.
- LOSAN and all rail needs is something that we're also trying to pay very close attention to.
Committee:
Senate Rules
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Other - PSCOC Mar 11th, 2026
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- some members of the council are sure that these are justified, particularly if the state's going to pay
- We're going to be paying 100 that we really scrutinize the options to make sure that they're really needed
- And I just want to be careful That because we're paying for it, and we are, and we want to be careful
- that, that we don't create sort of a second class tier of Housing because these are folks that we're paying
- And to your point, people want the nicest thing, especially if they don't have to pay for it And how
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I just want to recognize all the people from the Secretary of State's office who are here to pay
- Now, we may find that there's another location in the future, but the question is paying for it.
- Now, members, the first question people ask with a project like this is always the same: How do you pay
- In other words, the growth created by the bridge can actually pay for the bridge.
- I like the idea of growth created by a bridge paying for the bridge.
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met on March 10 and considered a series of highway, bridge, and ferry naming bills, many honoring deceased public servants, veterans, and community leaders. The committee first heard House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office offered extensive tributes to Salter’s career in education, legislative service, and state government. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then took up House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge crossing connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. Rep. Eccles argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed bridge project and emphasized toll-free, growth-based financing. Some members questioned the political and practical logic, but the bill was reported favorably on a 12-2 vote, with Reps. Murray and Walters voting no. The committee also reported favorably several other memorial naming bills, including HB 356 for the Elward T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for the Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, and HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr.
Additional measures were amended and reported: HB 355, designating Highway 10 as the Veterans Park Highway, was amended to add “Memorial Highway” and then reported favorably; HB 657, naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., was amended to remove “Memorial” from the designations and reported as amended; HB 675, naming U.S. 425 in Franklin Parish for Assistant Chief Bill Putt Linder, was similarly amended and reported; and HB 384, naming a portion of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Highway, was amended to add “Memorial” and reported with amendments. HB 354, renaming the Magnolia Bridge as the Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge, drew emotional testimony from the victim’s parents about his death in a drunk-driving crash and was reported favorably. HB 358, naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., was also reported favorably.
At the end of the meeting, the committee voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda. The committee then adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, what is the rate we should pay the landowner? What's that look like? I don't know.
- I was shocked at how much they pay. They pay for putting pipelines across somebody's land.
- Well, they really ought to be buying that property because they pay a one-time easement, and that property
- This is kind of like a renter paying a cleaning fee. Thank you for the question, Mr.
Committee:
Senate Energy
Keywords:
environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of covered entities and manufacturers that would be required to report, with covered entities not paying
- Therefore, they can help pay for it. Asking for a no vote on this amendment.
- Therefore, they can help pay for it, asking for no vote in this amendment.
- the end of the day, someone with a hearing issue, those hearing aids, your insurance company only pays
- for it once every 10 years. ...issue, those hearing aids, your insurance company only pays for it once
Summary:
The Health Care and Wellness Committee heard executive action on seven bills, with discussion focused on prior authorization, the 340B drug pricing program, biosimilars, HIV drug coverage, exchange certification criteria, and hearing/speech board authority. Members also considered several amendments, including a date change to prior authorization reporting in SB 5395, a large striking amendment and multiple policy amendments on SB 5981, and market-criteria amendments on SB 6210. Testimony and debate centered on transparency, administrative costs, rural access, patient care spending, market stability, and the balance between state authority and federal law.
SB 5395 on prior authorization received Amendment 247, which moved the carrier reporting deadline to the Office of Insurance Commissioner from January 1, 2027 to October 1, 2026, and was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. SB 5981 on 340B drug pricing adopted a striking amendment creating reporting and fee structures, but rejected amendments that would have removed filing fees, required 90% of revenues to go to direct patient care, limited additional contract pharmacies to rural or underserved areas, or delayed the bill’s effective date; the bill then passed out of committee 11-7. Supporters emphasized transparency and safety-net funding, while opponents raised concerns about federal preemption, litigation, costs, and administrative burden.
SB 5594 on biosimilar substitution, SB 5877 on certified anesthesiology assistants and the physician health program, and SB 6183 on coverage of FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without utilization management all advanced with broad support and due pass recommendations. SB 6210 on health benefit exchange market factor criteria adopted a striking amendment but rejected amendments that would have limited updates to every two years, narrowly defined “meaningfully different,” or changed implementation timelines; it also passed 11-7. SB 6226 on the Board of Speech and Hearing adopted Amendment 313 to expand standards-of-care authority for hearing aid fitting and dispensing, then passed 17-1 after debate about patient safety, tele-audiology, and access to care.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-17-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- This House Bill 364 is a National Guard hazardous duty payment bill that basically pays National Guard
- members hazardous duty pay when they're called up for a natural disaster or other emergencies by state
- that's why in the bill you'll see the first 72 hours is when it gives that option for the hazardous duty pay
- probably what you're going to have most out in the field at that time, receives about $110 a day for base pay
- probably what you're going to have most out in the field at that time, receives about $110 a day for base pay
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Salary and benefits obviously pay for the person.
- Our admin allocation pays for people.
- Our admin allocation pays for people in internal operations that support every program.
- A simple way to really think about the difference between these is basically standard E pays for the
- electric bill, and the admin allocation pays for the accountant who actually processes that bill.
Summary:
The committee held a special hearing on a tentative amended, restated gaming compact between the State of Washington and the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission Director Tina Griffin said the state and tribe had reached tentative agreement after collaborative negotiations, and explained the approval process: public comment and a commission vote with ex officio legislative members, followed by governor review, tribal submission to the Secretary of the Interior, and Federal Register publication before the compact becomes effective. Squaxin Island representative Ray Peters said the tribe supports the amendments, describing them as clarifications that improve casino regulation and align the compact with other state compacts while supporting jobs and funding for housing, health care, and other services.
Commission staff member Johnny Bray walked through the compact changes, including restating several appendices, removing the CX2 addendum, and adding new appendices on limitations and electronic table games. He said the limitations appendix raises certain wagering and facility ceilings, including higher table-game and tribal lottery system limits, authorization for credit for qualified patrons, and screening requirements for high-limit areas. He also described the new electronic table games appendix, which allows wager limits up to $500 and a nine-to-one ratio of electronic games to gaming stations, along with additional responsible-gaming commitments. Members asked about the location of the tribe and whether higher limits could increase problem gambling; staff said the limits are ceilings, other tribes already have similar authorizations, and the tribe must screen patrons and implement protections.
The committee then held a work session with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and staff on the office’s fiscal note process. Tim Gallivan explained the office’s three-day turnaround, workload-based FTE estimates, use of assumptions and ranges, and how fiscal notes include both salary/benefit costs and broader operating costs such as enterprise support and administration allocations. He also described how litigation costs are estimated in coordination with the Attorney General, including when costs are known, estimated from comparable cases, or marked indeterminate. Members questioned whether fiscal notes can reflect policy disagreements and how assumptions differ across agencies, and discussed examples involving the Washington Voting Rights Act and ranked choice voting. Hobbs and staff said fiscal notes are based on bill language, not intent, and that early sponsor contact can help refine estimates. No votes were taken in the work session.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
9-1-1 Management Authority Feb 5th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- If I'm going to offer a technology and we're gonna pay for it, we got to pay for that from now on you
- You know, we'll pay for 50% if you'll pay for 50%. Something along those lines, or we fund it all.
- Citizens to pay for this. Then why do we need federal money?
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Instead of paying 30% to 40% of their paycheck on rent, homeownership is truly an American dream.
- And I think before we launch into a new program and still pay out credits from the five-year carry for
- That's a two-bedroom, three-bedroom apartment—families paying $700 a month in Miami, Arizona.
- Expanding reliable energy options means expanding access to good-paying jobs, long-term jobs, and supports
- The two things I would add: I rent a bill, HB 2949, to ensure that data centers are paying for their
Committee:
House Rural Economic Development
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a pay-to-play bill to relieve a little bit of the general fund costs on them.
- Currently, they pay $40. That's the cap for that fire protection. That's very cheap fire insurance.
- collect that tax or fee or whatever you want to call it and send it to IDL, so if you don't want to pay
- collect that tax or fee or whatever you want to call it and send it to IDL, so if you don't want to pay
- Sometimes we call these hankies in the wind that we send to Congress, hoping that they will pay attention
Summary:
The House convened with 65 members present, approved the journal, and received Senate Bill 1221, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including House Bills 502, 512, 494, 531, and 542, while House Bill 570 was re-referred to Judiciary, Rules and Administration. The House also introduced a number of new bills and resolutions, including measures on justifiable homicide, copyright/piracy repeals, court-rule review, LLC formation, short-term rentals, unauthorized workers, inspection requirements, the FAST Act, rangeland improvement, virtual education, income tax changes, the parental choice tax credit, indigent eligibility, patient immigration status, and a constitutional amendment on state-owned land. House Concurrent Resolution 26 supporting wildlife crossings was filed for printing.
On the floor, House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring the firefighters and engineer affected by the Coeur d'Alene brush fire incident passed 68-0, and House Bill 515 on school notification procedures for serious bullying incidents passed 68-0 after debate over whether it should also apply to private schools. House Bill 511, which would raise the cap on fire protection charges in the wildland-urban interface, passed 46-22. House Joint Memorial 9, urging Congress to reaffirm FLPMA for federal land exchanges, passed 69-0. House Bill 518, authorizing the Attorney General to take on human trafficking investigations and prosecutions when requested by local law enforcement, passed 68-0 with support from members who said it would strengthen anti-trafficking efforts.
The House then returned House Bill 522 to committee due to a clerical error after the sponsor described it as a drone-restriction bill aimed at prison security. House Joint Memorial 10, supporting the use of natural sugar in school meal programs and aligning with the MAHA movement, passed by voice vote. House Bill 504, aimed at stopping lottery syndicates from bulk-buying tickets, passed 62-6. Announcements followed on legislative receptions, an ICAC presentation, Disability Advocacy Day, a Medicaid listening session, and committee meetings, and the House adjourned until 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- just not worrying about performing inspections because they know that the private sector will have to pay
- just not worrying about performing inspections because they know that the private sector will have to pay
- Then the state would purchase that amount of stable coin and pay them in that amount of stable coin.
- Then the state would purchase that amount of stable coin and pay them in that amount of stable coin.
- through the... ...that are paid through the treasurer's office are going to be reduced, and they would pay
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The committee considered several RS drafts and one bill, with most of the discussion focused on property rights, business regulation, and state payment modernization. RS 32990, which would allow businesses to use a commercial registered agent address instead of a home address, was introduced after questions about whether it could make it harder to tell if a business is actually located in Idaho. RS 33170, dealing with short-term rentals, was also introduced; the sponsor said it would clarify property owners’ rights while preserving existing nuisance and public-safety protections. RS 33182, requiring employers to verify legal immigration status through E-Verify, was introduced after members said they wanted to discuss carve-outs and current verification practices in more detail.
The committee then heard RS 33102, which would extend the state’s inspection “shot clock” to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections. Members asked how the private-inspector backup system would work, whether municipalities might delay inspections knowing private options exist, and how refunds or certifications would be handled. The sponsor said the bill continues last session’s approach and that private inspectors are already certified, but several questions were left for the full hearing. RS 33063, a stablecoin proposal, drew the most skepticism and questions about whether it resembled a digital dollar, the fiscal impact, company ownership restrictions, and whether foreign ownership could be involved. Despite concerns, the committee voted to introduce it.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 512, which would reinstate an open-book Idaho jurisprudence exam for land surveyors. The sponsor and several surveyors testified that Idaho-specific law is essential because surveying affects property boundaries, rights-of-way, subdivisions, and irrigation issues, and that mistakes can lead to costly disputes years later. Opponents were not prominent in the testimony, though members asked about reciprocity and how out-of-state surveyors are licensed. After public testimony, the committee voted to send HB 512 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- parents should be compensated for taking care of their child while they're working, or NICA should pay
- level that gives them the highest quality of life that they're able to have and continue to be able to pay
- else is actually caring for the child and being compensated for that care, we cannot afford to be paying
- remember what we're trying to do with this bill: make sure that this organization, responsible for paying
- for that care—not necessarily providing the care themselves, but paying for the care—has the funds to
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment
Summary:
The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably.
The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably.
The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- parents should be compensated for taking care of their child while they're working, or NICA should pay
- level that gives them the highest quality of life that they're able to have and continue to be able to pay
- else is actually caring for the child and being compensated for that care, we cannot afford to be paying
- things we're trying to do with this bill, is to make sure that this organization responsible for paying
- for that care—not necessarily providing the care themselves, but paying for the care—has the funds to
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286, which expands Florida’s first responder recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel, and establishes a PTSD institute within DFS. Supporters from the fire service and local government spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks. After adopting a substitute amendment, members heard testimony from consumer advocates, industry representatives, and credit unions about scam prevention, elder financial exploitation, and the need for regulatory certainty. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Members also approved SB 772, which allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and SB 1504, which creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure through insurance and personal finance coursework.
Later, the committee approved SB 1038 and SB 1040, which together create a Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and the related trust fund, both with technical amendments. SB 1440, dealing with public records exemptions tied to cybersecurity events and financial regulation, was also reported favorably after amendment. The committee then heard SB 1668 on the NICA program, with testimony both supporting solvency reforms and raising concerns about benefits and retroactivity; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 570 created a task force on payment scams under DFS, was amended to reduce FDLE staffing requirements, and was reported favorably. The meeting ended after senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 9 Jan 28th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- clearest messages I heard time and time again was the need for a clear and definitive pathway to good-paying
- These are wages that allow working families to afford to pay for childcare and build long-term economic
- That allow working families to afford to pay for child care and build long-term economic security.
- to appropriation, a Massachusetts AED Communities Fund shall be established to help cities and towns pay
- just put it all on our communities who are currently having a tough time as it is getting by with paying