Video & Transcript Research : 'Legislative Cooperation'

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WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-AM

Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:22:06.960> legislation.
  • legislators legislation. It can change. legislators legislation. It can change.
  • <00:31:21.679> We in this legislation. It's a fallacy. We in this legislation.
  • Just talk about binding future legislative bodies in this legislation. It's a fallacy.
  • >> No.<00:37:16.160> Cooper. >> No. Cooper. >> No. Cooper. >> No.
Keywords: 916, all
VA

Virginia 2026 1st Special Session

June 29, 2026 - Special Session 1

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Third portion of the morning hour: member requests for legislation to go by for the day.
  • The third portion of the morning hour: member requests for legislation to go by for the day.
  • Those of us who have cooperatives in our region...
  • Those of us who have cooperatives in our region appreciate that, but one thing we are seeing here is
  • Majority-passed legislation restricted when law enforcement officers may wear facial coverings while
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members received introductions of Pastor Ralph S. Hodge of Second Baptist Church in Richmond and students from the 26th District and surrounding areas. The House also adopted House Resolution 2195 honoring Robert Stouffer, with a request that adjournment be in his memory. During personal privilege remarks, members spoke on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ rights, and another member delivered a lengthy floor speech opposing firearm restrictions and defending self-defense rights. The chamber then adopted memorial and commending resolutions in blocks, including additional commending resolutions added by the clerk. The main item of business was House Bill 30, the budget, on which the House considered the governor’s 14 amendments. Amendments 3, 4, and 5 were taken up together and adopted, followed by adoption of Amendment 1 on referendum costs, Amendment 2 on Atlantic research support, Amendment 6 expanding REGO utility credit to cooperatives, Amendment 7 clarifying law-enforcement facial covering restrictions, Amendment 8 creating a firefighter cancer screening grant program, Amendment 9 funding a digital services team, Amendment 10 relating to acquisition of Oak Hill Farm, Amendment 11 on data center electricity tax technical changes, Amendment 12 on local sales tax referendum timing, Amendment 13 on paid sick leave, and Amendment 14 on firearms in public areas and delayed enactment. Most amendments passed by substantial margins, with Amendment 8 adopted unanimously. The House completed work on the calendar and then agreed to a motion to stand in recess pursuant to House Resolution 2069.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Farm Credit Mid-America is a customer owned, lending cooperative, and a proud part of the Farm Credit
  • The Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act, better known as the ACRE Act, is tax legislation that
  • Riceland Foods is a farmer-owned cooperative that's been in business since 1921.
  • , a particular significance to cooperative such as Riceland, the Section 199A deduction stands out as
  • I support this legislation and thank you for taking the lead on that.
Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Labor - 04/14/26

Labor

Transcript Highlights:
  • cooperative space.
  • local cooperative development nonprofit. local cooperative development nonprofit.
  • worker cooperative model.
  • worker cooperative model.
  • cooperatives in the state. cooperatives in the state.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • instead of the legislators?
  • We also can’t tie the hands of future legislative bodies. Please.”
  • This is what we, as state legislators, get to decide.
  • Once again, on Friday our commission was briefed on this legislation.
  • Once again, on Friday, our commission was briefed on this legislation.
Summary: The House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee heard a series of wildlife- and agriculture-related bills, with most of the discussion focused on conflicts between ranching, public hunting, and wildlife management. HB 2197 would revise the unlawful camping statute near watering sites; after a Griffin amendment and verbal amendment, the committee heard support from the sponsor, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and a rancher, while one member raised concerns about expanded criminal penalties. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 6-1 vote. HB 2497, which would recognize a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit unreasonable restrictions, drew strong support from hunting groups and opposition from animal welfare and conservation advocates who argued it would undermine Game and Fish authority and repeat a measure voters rejected in 2010. After debate over whether hunting is a right or a privilege, the committee recommended the bill do pass by a 5-3 vote. HB 2147 would require landowner deer permits on private lands under certain conditions, with a cap tied to lottery-issued deer tags. The sponsor said it was meant to address deer damage to crops in St. David and planned an amendment to make the permit nontransferable; Game and Fish said population management hunts were already addressing the problem, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. The committee approved the bill 5-3. HB 2158 would expand the definition of predatory animals to include bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves; Game and Fish testified that big game status preserves data collection and science-based management, while supporters said ranchers need more flexibility to protect livestock and property. Opponents argued the bill would weaken protections and conflict with endangered species rules. It passed 5-3. HB 2159 would allow landowner permits for taking Mexican gray wolves on private and leased grazing lands and create a voluntary compensated trapping program. Opponents said it would violate the Endangered Species Act and privatize wildlife, while the sponsor and supporters argued it was needed to protect ranchers and challenge federal control; Game and Fish said the bill would be unlawful until the wolf is delisted, though they acknowledged ongoing recovery and stakeholder meetings. The committee still recommended it do pass by a 5-3 vote. HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish Commission member to be a cattleman or rancher, was introduced as a way to ensure agricultural experience on the commission; Game and Fish opposed it, saying the current appointment process already includes ranching input and the commission is meant to represent all Arizonans. The discussion ended with the commission explaining its current membership and appointment structure, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on HB 2162 is shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • There are also other consequences of this legislation.
  • There are also other consequences of this legislation.
  • Representative Cooper. Representative Legoree. Madam Chair, please.
  • Representative Cooper. Madam Chair, please. Thank you. Representative Cooper? Madam Chair, please.
  • Representative Cooper, aye. Representative Lulbore, aye.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • and supporting legislators.
  • The electric cooperatives have been very supportive of this bill.
  • Her name is Eileen Cooper Grubbs.
  • So, guys, let's hear for Eileen Cooper Grubbs and extend the privilege of the floor. Mr.
  • about city legislators, making fun of them, such as the great legislator from southwest Oklahoma or southwest
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, March 2, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cooper or Just More questions? Mr.
  • Senator Cooper. Senator Cooper. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Senator Cooper. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Chairman, Senator Cooper, I think Mr.
  • Chairman, Senator Cooper.
Bills: HB0116, HB0056
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 9th, 2026 at 08:35 am

House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • But given the time within the legislation. Really try to refine how it is you define that.
  • But given the time within the legislative session, it could be very difficult to do that within this
  • But given the time within the legislation. really try to refine how it is you define that.
  • But given the time within the legislative session, it could be very difficult to do that within this
  • What are you talking about with cooperative agreements? Mr.
Keywords: 996, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We're going to work hard and efficiently in a collaborative, cooperative way, and we think we can do
  • way and we think we can do Cooperative way and we think we can do this<00:04:01.319> certainly
  • We're going to work hard and efficiently in a collaborative, cooperative way, and we think we can do
  • As much as we can, because, of course, they are an important part of the legislative process.
  • Minnesota sent in this legislature 201 legislators.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • And in that cooperation? And with the Russians, what do you worry about the most?
  • Latin America on the willingness of those countries to cooperate?
  • Some of our cooperation, the exercises specifically focus on the counter drug fight.
  • I'm glad that Senator Gillibrand and I have legislation to do just that.
  • cooperation mission? operation in the Caribbean?
Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session May 31st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is no longer a public-to-public school transfer provision in the legislation.
  • President, those are the negotiated items and the legislation for Senate Bill 12.
  • I think it's— Senator Perry's legislation. Senator Sparks.
  • Texas State Senate in the closing days of the 89th legislative session.
  • First, let me explain why this legislation is so important. A little background on deepfakes.
Bills: SB27, SB1494, SB2121, SB2373, SB2431, SB1, SB8, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB30, SB37, SB260, SB268, SB331, SB379, SB441, SB447, SB457, SB568, SB650, SB763, SB1405, SB1506, SB1540, SB1566, SB1610, SB1637, SB1660, SB2018, SB2024, SB2217, SB2308, SB2337, SB2601, SB2753, SB2878, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB4, HB40, HB46, HB119, HB145, HB300, HB493, HB705, HB1545, HB2011, HB2017, HB2067, HB2516, HB2885, HB2963, HB2974, HB3071, HB3372, HB3556, HB3595, HB3642, HB3909, HB5138, HB5246, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59, SR634, SR687, SR703, SR709, SR715, SB1494, SB2121, SB2373, SB2431, HB46, SB1, SB8, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB37, SB260, SB331, SB379, SB441, SB447, SB457, SB568, SB763, SB1405, SB1540, SB1566, SB2018, SB2308, SB2337, SB2878, SB3059, HB705, HB2017, HB2067, HB3071, HB3372, HB3556, HB3595, HB3909, HB5246
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 04/21/26

Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This idea of being in a cooperative, that's what we should be focusing on.
  • This idea of being in a cooperative, that's what we should be focusing on.
  • This idea of being in a cooperative, that's what we should be focusing on.
  • This idea of being in a cooperative, that's what we should be focusing on.
  • coordinate with the legislative coordinate with the legislative sergeant-at-arms<01:07:17.400>
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee took up Senate File 203, a broad housing bill authored by Senator Port. Port described the measure as a package including $50 million in housing infrastructure bonds, MHFA administrative and investment reforms, expanded Greater Minnesota infrastructure grants for workforce housing, manufactured housing bill of rights provisions, and a private equity restriction on large investors buying certain single-family homes starting in 2026. Fiscal analyst Eric Olafson walked through the spreadsheet and said the $50 million bond authorization would add debt service costs over time, with the total estimated debt service for that authorization at about $75.8 million. Senator Draheim raised concern about the growing cost of bonding and said the state should rely more on cash than debt. The committee then adopted two technical amendments. The A21 amendment, described by Port as correcting manufactured housing bill of rights language, aligning MHFA board meeting language, conforming a lived-experience exemption to federal law, and fixing a capacity-building grants reference, was approved without objection. The A20 amendment, offered by Draheim, was also adopted and would give the legislature more control and visibility over MHFA funding and how quickly program dollars are reinvested after agency operations. Members then debated Draheim’s A22 amendment, which would delete the manufactured home park provisions from the bill. Draheim and several Republicans argued the section could function like rent control, could burden good park owners, and might have unintended consequences for park operations and purchases. Port, Senator Boldon’s allies, and other supporters said the provisions were needed to protect residents from rent spikes and private equity abuses in manufactured home communities, where residents own their homes but not the land. The transcript ends during that debate, before any final disposition on A22 or the bill itself is shown.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • And when as an individual legislator?
  • with their school safety legislation with their school safety legislation that<01:08:57.440>
  • It's in recent legislation in Kentucky.
  • <01:26:34.000> It's safety legislation out there. It's safety legislation out there.
  • We are educational cooperatives.
Summary: The committee opened its sixth meeting of the 2025 Interim Joint Committee on Education, confirmed a quorum, recorded attendance votes, and approved the minutes. Chair Lewis reminded presenters to keep remarks brief because of the full agenda and limited time. The first presentation was from United Way of Southern Kentucky, with Anne Puckett, Craig Browning, and Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton introducing a regional early childhood initiative. The presenters argued that kindergarten readiness and early childhood support are critical to later academic and life outcomes. They cited research and statistics about brain development in the first five years, the effects of unprepared kindergarten entry, and links between low literacy, school discipline, dropout rates, and incarceration. They said their region’s readiness scores fell during COVID and after a tornado, and that the most effective response was in-home parent education to help families support children from birth to age five. They described the model as voluntary, community-based, and not requiring new buildings, and said similar programs have been successful in Missouri. The group said it had already raised more than $1 million in private donations and committed three years of funding for four additional staff, expanding service in Allen, Logan, and Warren counties. They requested $600,000 per year for the next two-year budget cycle to add 12 more educators, serve about 360 families and 660 additional children, and build evidence for a possible statewide model. Members generally expressed support for the concept, with Representative Tipton and Representative Jackson discussing a prior home-based preschool pilot and the importance of starting early. Representative Calloway questioned whether increased family chaos and government involvement justified the approach; presenters responded that the program uses community educators, not a government-run organization, and is aimed at helping overwhelmed families. Representative Stalker asked about eligibility and early intervention, and presenters said the program serves children from birth to age five and can help identify needs early enough to connect families with services such as First Steps.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Jan 28th, 2026 at 03:17 pm

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's if they're feeling pressured, but if they want to cooperate, it prevents them from cooperating
  • Our legislation, our way of government in America is based on a roundhouse, our legislation, our way
  • This legislation began to straighten the course. We've lost our way on that.
  • Please pass this legislation. Find the guiding star and latch on to it.
  • I don't think that's what legislation is all about.
Bills: SB100
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/16/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bless them with a spirit of cooperation taught by our sages in the Ethics of the Fathers, where Hillel
  • President, your Committee of the Whole, having had under consideration the legislation listed below,
  • President, your committee of the whole, having had under consideration the legislation list below me,
  • Arizona State Senate, legislative proclamation honoring St. Patrick's Day.
  • Whereas since the founding of the city of Phoenix, Legislative proclamation honoring St.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized guests including the doctor of the day, visiting family members, and representatives from the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons demonstrating Stop the Bleed techniques. Members also acknowledged a St. Patrick’s Day visit by the Speaker of the Irish Parliament and adopted a proclamation honoring Irish heritage and the Arizona-Ireland relationship. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced several bills. SB 1046, relating to information technology, was amended and given a do-pass recommendation. SB 1066, concerning civil liability and fraudulent scientific research, was amended with a floor amendment limiting liability for certain researchers, universities, and registered drug manufacturers, then advanced. SB 1332, relating to light rail expansion participation, was amended after debate over transit policy and state versus local control, and also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1286, on veterinary prescriptions, was amended to adjust electronic prescribing timeframes for flea/tick and antimicrobial drugs and then advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1009 on school curriculum and AED training, SB 1086 on the Arizona health care cost and payment system, SB 1317 appropriating money to the Attorney General for a coordinated jail reentry program, SB 1580 appropriating money to the Department of Administration, SB 1582 funding school safety, SB 1709 on probation for dangerous crimes against children, SB 1550 appropriating money to the state treasurer, SB 1761 appropriating money to the University of Arizona, SB 1046, and SB 1286. Several members explained votes, including support for reentry programming and school safety, and opposition based on concerns about funding sources, judicial discretion, or program effectiveness. The House requested reconsideration of HB 4027 and HB 2444, and the Senate then recessed, received a list of bills for first reading and committee referral, announced committee meetings for the next day, and adjourned until March 17, 2026.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 13, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:04:02.080> for worked on this leg legislation for worked on this leg legislation for years
  • So, I think it's essential that we do pass this legislation.
  • <00:09:03.040> This that we do pass this legislation.
  • This that we do pass this legislation.
  • >> And Cooper, are you seconding that? >> And Cooper, are you seconding that?
Bills: SF0020, SF0021, SF0022
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 2/10/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the legislative process take place. the legislative process take place.
  • They're a part of the legislative They're a part of the legislative process.<01:03:28.559> They
  • We're going to cooperate more. We're going to cooperate.
  • We're going to cooperate more.
  • c><01:06:23.280> utilize<01:06:23.520> our cooperate. we're going to utilize our cooperate
Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, confirmed a quorum, and welcomed several guests and groups, including Maryland Library Association members, Stephen Decatur High School’s boys soccer team, Clarksburg High School’s girls flag football team, NAMI representatives, Baltimore Promise, local soil conservation district representatives, and a 911 center leader. The chamber also journalized the invocation and prepared for the Governor’s upcoming State of the State address by exchanging messages with the House and appointing Senate members to escort the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The body then took up a series of Finance Committee bills, most of them receiving favorable reports and being ordered to third reading without objection. Measures discussed included SB 14 on small business health insurance SHOP enrollment effective dates; SB 22 on Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations; SB 134 on Medicare supplement policy enrollment periods; SB 139 on third-party administrator enforcement; SB 199 on the Individuals with Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Voting Fund; SB 205 codifying federal mental health parity requirements; SB 216 on unemployment insurance confidentiality; SB 43 on the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund; SB 46 on state veterans cemeteries interment provisions; and SB 226 on the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Several bills had brief amendments or procedural issues. SB 22 received a technical amendment changing “Attorney General” to “Office of the Attorney General.” SB 199 received an amendment adding a co-sponsor, and SB 46 was briefly set to lie over under the rule after a senator requested time to review a technical clarification. The chamber also received House Bill 1, which was referred to committee, and SB 624 was reassigned to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Most committee reports were adopted unanimously or without objection, and the Senate repeatedly congratulated the honored school teams and library advocates.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session-Day 3, February 11, 2026-PM

Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cooper? No. I. I. Case? I. I. Cooper? No. No.<00:10:14.880> Crago?<00:10:15.920> I.
  • I.<00:15:17.680> Cooper? I. Cooper? I. Cooper? I.<00:15:19.280> I.
  • Senate file two, legislative budget. Senate file two, legislative budget.
  • We had wildfire legislation.
  • Do all legislators get to attend?
Keywords: 916, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our legislation we passed has also become the model legislation for the National Association of Insurance
  • pressure, cost drivers, and legislative pressure, cost drivers, and legislative regulatory<00:57
  • cooperative notfor-profit structure is cooperative notfor-profit structure is the<01:12:35.679><
  • not for-profit cooperatives, credit not for-profit cooperatives, credit unions<01:14:16.400>
  • <01:25:03.360> to they would be pursuing legislation to they would be pursuing legislation
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them. Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase. Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.