Video & Transcript : 'emission standards' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed bill sets the program to ensure affordability at the widely accepted 30% payment standard
- The proposed bill sets the program to ensure affordability at the widely accepted 30% payment standard
- ensuring consistent rules for renters, landlords, and administrators while setting fair market rent standards
- bill, like, lies in ironing out the details on that right there, because, you know, through the standard
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Housing
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools.
A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes.
The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- don’t let them nickel and dime you between, this is a MasterCard, this is a platinum, this is a standard
- This is a MasterCard, this is a platinum, this is a standard card. You know, make them bid a...
- small retailer, I could go and look: okay, oh, this is what Bread usually charges, this is what a standard
- And then standard consumer credit rates will be capped at a maximum of 1.25 for eight years.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers.
Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete.
No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- don't let them nickel and dime you between, this is a MasterCard, this is a platinum, this is a standard
- This is a MasterCard, this is a platinum, this is a standard card. You know, make them bid a...
- small retailer, I could go and look: okay, oh, this is what Bread usually charges, this is what a standard
- And then standard consumer credit rates will be capped at a maximum of 1.25 for eight years.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, payment industry groups, and a credit card issuer. Much of the discussion focused on proposed state laws that would limit interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions, especially Illinois’s Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and similar efforts in other states. Witnesses opposing the proposals argued that interchange helps fund fraud protection, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit, and warned that state-by-state rules would create a patchwork that could harm state-chartered banks and credit unions, raise compliance costs, and reduce consumer access to credit. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a significant burden on merchants, especially small businesses, and that current pricing is opaque and often bundled with other processor charges.
Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides major benefits to merchants and consumers, including security, convenience, faster settlement, online commerce, and broader access to credit. One witness from Capital One said the industry’s losses from fraud and default are substantial and that interchange helps offset those risks; he also noted that merchants already have some tools, such as surcharging where allowed and negotiating clearer processor contracts. Retail representatives and the National Retail Federation countered that small businesses are under pressure from many costs and that interchange and related fees remain a real pain point, with some urging the commission to consider reforms that would return more money to businesses without disrupting the system. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as a significant merchant win that includes temporary rate reductions, more surcharge flexibility, and the ability to decline certain card tiers.
No votes were taken. The meeting concluded after all scheduled testimony was heard, with the commission chair saying the session had been productive and that the committee would continue gathering testimony and written comments before making recommendations.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- No other changes, but it gives the kids and teachers more time to teach the standards and for them to
- More time to teach the standards and for them to benefit academically. I vote aye.
- No other changes, but it gives the kids and teachers to be able to have more time to teach the standards
- and for them to benefit. more time to teach the standards and for them to benefit academically.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills.
Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools.
On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to present AB 2322, which provides a standardized definition statewide for commercial, industrial
- As a result, the standard VMT mitigation strategies, which include transit investments and trip reduction
- Madam Speaker and Members, AB 2113 establishes a clear public safety standard surrounding unauthorized
- AB 2113 establishes a clear public safety standard surrounding unauthorized drone activity at large outdoor
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement.
The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case.
Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- They're already up to standard with the Louisiana Supreme Court and simply absorb those misdemeanor cases
- The federal guidelines and standards and all other states have crime victim compensation programs.
- The federal guidelines and standards and all other states have crime victim compensation programs.
- Beneath those three, the bill systematically transfers rulemaking and standards-setting authority across
Committee:
Senate Judiciary B
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Apr 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And one of the things that he was talking about was student conduct standards and school climate and
- And so his issues were really regarding standardized approaches, maybe to how we deal with conduct from
- I've noted your interest around the return to work, student conduct standards, the Attendance for Success
- be another potential component within program requirements that actually help to normalize and standardize
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session -Part 2/Joint Convention of House and Senate/State of the State Address 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But here in Minnesota, you passed a Voting Rights Act of our own prohibiting standards that would deny
- 48:22.960><c> prohibiting</c> Rights Act of our own prohibiting Rights Act of our own prohibiting standards
- 24.560><c> would</c><00:48:24.680><c> deny</c><00:48:25.200><c> or</c><00:48:25.359><c> limit</c> standards
- that would deny or limit standards that would deny or limit >> [cheering] [applause] [applause
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It would also have one standardized test.
- You don't need to have different testing standards for all these different lanes in a track while one
- LEARNS, you get a one-year voucher after that, and then you go to performance standard.
- added accountability measures tied to student performance... ...let me emphasize performance, the standardization
Committee:
All HOUSE RULES
Summary:
The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, which would have allowed introduction of a bill by Representative Richmond addressing disclosure and restrictions for certain real-estate arrangements where buyers purchase interests in entities rather than direct ownership of property. Richmond said the measure was aimed at transparency, consumer protection, and preventing private tribunals or discriminatory practices, while several members questioned whether it would affect homeowners associations, hunting clubs, arbitration clauses, or duplicate existing law. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution.
House Resolution 1006, sponsored by Representative Schultz, proposed increasing the Homestead Tax Credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created by Amendment 79 and supported by sales tax revenue. Schultz argued the fund could support the increase now and that families needed relief amid high prices. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Senator King and Representative Eaton, which sought to change how turnback funds are distributed to counties, with a focus on giving counties more predictable annual funding for roads, jails, water, sewer, public safety, and other infrastructure. Members raised concerns about taking $150 million off the top of sales tax revenue and about whether the bill should be handled through budget language instead; the resolution failed.
House Resolution 1008, by Representative Wooten and Senator King, would have amended the LEARNS education program to reduce costs, limit or change eligibility, and add performance-based requirements and reporting for certain school-choice funding. Supporters said the program was financially unsustainable and needed accountability, while opponents argued the proposal would create larger problems and that the issue should be handled in the regular session. The resolution failed after a point of order prevented reading a supporting letter into the record. Finally, House Resolution 1009 and House Resolution 1013, both tied to Senator Bryant’s proposals on local control over crypto mines and data centers, were discussed together with testimony about water use, energy demand, and local opposition; both failed. House Resolution 1015, which would have amended the IDEA economic-development bill to remove eminent domain authority and address board accountability, also failed after members said more concerns remained to be worked out.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Apr 7th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- A stronger alternative would recognize federal VA accreditation's fee rules as the controlling standard
- By anchoring state law directly to federal standards and using existing consumer protection laws for
- By anchoring state law directly to federal standards and using existing consumer protection laws for
- By anchoring state law directly to federal standards and using existing consumer protection laws for
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee and the International Paralympic Committee to ensure that the Games really uphold the highest standards
- How is L.A. 28 ensuring that existing venues are adequately upgraded to meet Olympic standards without
- I will say that, you know, in the governor's budget, there's a 90... ...standards without triggering
- We produced a surplus in those Games that was so great by today's standards—$670 million in today's dollars—that
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also adds some safeguards to current law, puts in standards for when representation is needed
- We receive this request, we write them up, and we have a standard format for the information that we're
- Importantly, this bill does not change the definition of abuse, raise the standard of proof, or increase
- It still does not change the definition of abuse, raise the standard of proof, or increase penalties.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee heard several bills focused on developmental disabilities, food security, veterans, aging services, child care, and elder abuse reporting. SB 969 by Senator Reyes would make remote services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a permanent option; supporters said virtual programming improves access, continuity, and choice, and there was no opposition. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate state food programs, improve CalFresh enrollment, and develop a 24-hour hotline; committee members raised questions about duplication, metrics, and oversight, but the bill advanced after discussion. SB 1052 by Senator Gonzalez would allow the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to appoint contingent authorized representatives so people with disabilities are not left without support if a family member becomes unavailable; supporters described immigration enforcement, illness, and family separation as reasons for the bill, and members discussed administrative burden and renewal procedures before the bill passed. SB 1077 by Senator Gonzalez would require CDSS to prepare for future federal shutdowns by creating a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions and a state-backed emergency food assistance mechanism; members discussed how it would work with existing CalFresh administration, and the bill passed. SB 1201 by Senator McNerney would seek federal waivers to protect vulnerable veterans from new SNAP work requirements and require referrals to county veterans service officers; supporters said the federal cuts would harm homeless, newly discharged, and disabled veterans, and the bill passed. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would let aging and disability resource centers continue operating through partner transitions so services would not be interrupted; supporters emphasized continuity of care and the bill passed. SB 1110 by Senator Becker would revise child care subsidy funding and stabilization rules for alternative payment programs and community providers; supporters said the current reimbursement structure is outdated, and the bill passed after the author said a budget-related provision would be removed. The committee also later voted SB 969, SB 1052, SB 1077, SB 1201, SB 1261, and SB 1110 out of committee, with the bills kept on call for absent members, and began hearing SB 991 on elder abuse reporting, where supporters argued that licensing records should distinguish abuse from lesser resident-rights violations so families and policymakers can better understand facility conduct.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee and the International Paralympic Committee to ensure that the Games really uphold the highest standards
- How is L.A. 28 ensuring that existing venues are adequately upgraded to meet Olympic standards without
- I will say that, you know, in the governor's budget, there's a 90... standards without triggering cost
- We produced a surplus in those Games that was so great, by today's standards, $670 million in today's
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, with opening remarks from Assembly Members Tina McKinnor and Chris Ward emphasizing the Games’ cultural, economic, and statewide significance. Members highlighted opportunities for arts and culture, tourism, and community participation, while also noting the need for orderly proceedings and public cooperation. LA28 leaders Reynolds Hoover and Janet Evans described the organizing committee’s structure, the scale of the event, and its goals of delivering a fiscally responsible, no-build Games centered on athletes, sustainability, and legacy benefits.
LA28 testified that the Games will be the largest in Olympic history, with more than 15,000 athletes, over 800 events, more than 50 venues, and a budget of $7.2 billion. They discussed venue plans, the athlete village at UCLA, the addition of new sports such as cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball arrangements, and the first Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Members asked about fashion and merchandising, faith-based participation, venue upgrades, housing, small business opportunities, environmental goals, and athlete mental health. LA28 said it is prioritizing local and small business participation, has launched youth sports and volunteer initiatives, and is working with the IOC on mental health support and with venue owners on improvements.
City of Los Angeles representative Paul Corcoran outlined the city’s role in maximizing economic benefit and long-term legacy through the Mayor’s “Games for All” vision, including accessibility, human rights, youth sports, arts and culture, and transportation improvements. He said the city is using tools like RAMP, Compete for L.A., business source centers, and procurement and financing programs to help local businesses participate, and that the city is seeking broader support for arts and culture programming tied to the Cultural Olympiad. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins described transit planning for a “transit-first” Games, including the Games-Enhanced Transit Service, borrowing about 1,700 buses from agencies nationwide, and asking the state for $379 million in construction funding for legacy transit projects. She said all projects are environmentally cleared and expected to be ready in time for the Games, while members raised concerns about traffic, multilingual wayfinding, and the need for strong public messaging to reduce congestion. Public comment urged that the Games be experienced beyond venues and across communities, and no formal votes were taken.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079 Apr 3rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Municipal utilities and co-ops will follow the same standard.
- Municipal utilities and co-ops will follow the same standard.
- Municipal utilities and co-ops will follow the same standard.
- Um, members, yesterday at 4:35 Mountain Standard, Artemis 2 was successfully launched and it's currently
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty One - Wednesday, March 25 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation also brings together stakeholders to develop standardized financial aid award letters
- This legislation also brings together stakeholders to develop standardized financial aid award letters
- Again, the standardization of this will only help to ensure students and families can make informed decisions
- That's just so standard today.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 40th day by a roll call vote of 122-1. The chamber then spent a long period on points of personal privilege and introductions, including tributes to Scott Bell and the late Ernie Dempsey, recognition of numerous student, civic, and advocacy groups visiting for Child Advocacy Day, and several special guests and pages for the day.
The main floor business centered on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework with a $4 million annual cap and continued pay-for-performance funding. Supporters said it helps adults complete high school, especially women and parents who need flexible online access, while opponents argued the state should not divert foundation formula money from K-12 students and questioned the program’s cost and structure. An amendment to add college admissions and financial aid task force language failed 55-82, then the previous question was ordered 88-42, and the bill was perfected and printed.
The House also took up House Bill 1768/2016, which would prevent county assessors from reclassifying single-family short-term rental homes from residential to commercial for tax purposes. Supporters framed it as a property rights and tax relief measure for homeowners and small investors, while some members raised concerns about LLCs, commercial use, and local control; the bill was perfected and printed. House Bill 2944, dealing with the senior property tax freeze, was also amended and perfected and printed; it would simplify the application process, make the freeze easier to maintain, clarify that it applies across taxing districts, and add notice requirements for changes in eligibility. An attempted Jackson amendment was ruled out of order as previously amended material.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Mar 19th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because of this leadership of this body, Massachusetts continues to set the standard for humane treatment
- But, as we've done time and time again in Massachusetts, when federal standards fall short of our values
- Duner, Animal Welfare Standards. The Senator from Bristol and Plymouth. Thank you, Madam President.
- Duna, Animal Transfer of Safety Standards. Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
Summary:
The Senate opened with ceremonial items and several unanimous or voice votes, including adoption of a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout. It then enacted two bills: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a police officer applicant. The chamber also handled a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while on Navy training, and it printed that statement in the journal.
The Senate next considered multiple local bills and committee reports, including third-reading and engrossment votes for a Rutland recall elections bill, a Boxford liquor license extension bill, and another Boston police age-waiver bill. It also adopted several extension orders for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Committee on Health Care Financing, with senators explaining that some matters were late files or required additional stakeholder input, hearings, or coordination with larger bills. Most of these procedural motions were adopted by voice vote after brief debate.
A major portion of the session focused on H. 2145, designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, which passed to be engrossed by roll call, 38-0. Senator Feeney gave an emotional floor speech describing the bill as a way to create space for awareness and support for families experiencing pregnancy loss. The Senate then adopted a resolution recognizing March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month, with Senators Kennedy and others highlighting the need for greater awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis.
The chamber then took up the omnibus “Pets Act,” S. 3014, which combined several animal welfare measures. Senators Montigny, O’Connor, Todd, Rauch, and Payano spoke in support of provisions banning retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits from pet shops, strengthening animal cruelty enforcement, expanding protections for pets in housing, and prohibiting breed discrimination in certain housing and insurance contexts. Senator Keenan offered amendments on renter insurance, nuisance/quiet enjoyment, and property damage; one nuisance-related amendment was adopted, while the insurance and property-damage amendments were rejected. Senator Tarr’s amendment on research animals was adopted, as were amendments expanding animal welfare standards and, after negotiation, a compromise amendment broadening tethering protections to all domestic animals and directing related funds to the homeless animal fund. The Ways and Means amendment was then adopted as amended, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and the Senate began a roll-call vote on engrossment when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Voluntary placement ensures that takeout decisions are aligned with underwriting standards, capital capacity
- incorporating the current Fair Plan premium into the submission data, establishing a clear and standardized
- I don't know that that's really necessarily standard in California.
- At least I haven't seen it be standard in California, that people would be made aware: you may not be
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%.
Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation.
The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
On-time payment credit reporting option 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without clear standards and safe harbor protections for good faith reporting errors, a mandatory system
- Without clear<00:09:40.240><c> standards</c><00:09:40.760><c> and</c><00:09:40.920><c> safe</c><00:09
- :41.200><c> harbor</c> clear standards and safe harbor clear standards and safe harbor protections<00
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Voluntary placement ensures that take-out decisions are aligned with underwriting standards, capital
- incorporating the current FAIR Plan premium into the submission data, establishing a clear and standardized
- I don't know that that's really necessarily standard in California.
- At least I haven't seen it be standard in California, that people would be made aware: you may not be
Committee:
House Insurance
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- By providing clear standards and proportional consequences, House Bill 668 helps protect children, supports
- Why are we not giving kids at least that same standard? The violation begins to...
- Why are we not giving kids at least that same standard?
- offender is considered to habitually live at a location, including objective time and frequency standards
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules