Video & Transcript Research : 'maximum allowable cost'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- For each measure being presented today, we will be allowing primary witnesses here in the room to speak
- We can lessen the burden on many small restaurants by allowing these businesses to open faster.
- cost.
- This bill creates a very narrowly crafted solution to allow that to happen.
- This bill creates a very narrowly crafted solution to allow that to happen.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on reproductive health, professional licensing and sunset reviews, consumer protection, and business regulation. Early testimony centered on AB 260, which would protect access to medication abortion, mifepristone, and telehealth reproductive care in California; supporters emphasized state protections against federal restrictions, while an opponent argued the bill removed safety safeguards. The committee also heard AB 714 on closing a loophole in regulation of low-cost commercial driving schools, AB 968 on allowing pharmacists to prescribe non-hormonal contraception, AB 671 on streamlining restaurant permitting, AB 1027 on strengthening cannabis product testing oversight, AB 1271 on broadband pricing and speed transparency, and AB 1332 on narrowly allowing medicinal cannabis shipments for seriously ill patients. Several sunset bills were also taken up, including AB 1482 on animal shelter and breeder transparency, AB 1501 on the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board, AB 1502 on the Veterinary Medical Board, AB 1503 on the Board of Pharmacy, and AB 1504 on the Massage Therapy Council.
Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with many bills drawing co-sponsors or support from industry, consumer, or professional groups. AB 1503 generated the most sustained opposition, with nurses, physicians, and drug industry representatives objecting to expanded pharmacy technician ratios, standard-of-care language, and therapeutic interchange authority; supporters argued the bill would modernize pharmacy practice and expand access. AB 1504 also drew mixed testimony, with massage therapy groups supporting continuation of the council but raising concerns about proposed public records and governance provisions. AB 1271 drew a policy dispute over whether broadband reporting requirements duplicated federal FCC processes, while supporters argued California needed its own consumer-facing data and complaint system.
After quorum was established later in the hearing, the committee began taking roll-call votes. AB 1271, AB 1332, AB 1482, AB 1501, and AB 1502 were all reported out on due-pass motions, with AB 1271 amended and the others generally amended or as introduced as noted. Earlier bills including AB 260, AB 671, AB 714, AB 968, and AB 1027 also received motions and were approved once the quorum was present. The chair repeatedly noted the lack of quorum during the hearing, but once one was secured, the committee completed votes on the agenda items and advanced the measures to Appropriations.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- were for an allowable activity and were allowable per the annual federal budget.
- The only numbers that were reported there was an estimation of the cost of future meals at no cost to
- and stabilize costs.
- I know it's another state agency, but opening up, you know, allowing the access and how they would allow
- You know, allowing that access and how they would allow that access and the security of the people that
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- Is the cost of living increase. In January into December, ERS provided a cost.
- They've been increasing a lot more than regular health care costs, than medical costs, if you will.
- So health care costs have been increasing and pharmacy costs have been increasing. more than anything
- Did LBB come up with any potential costs that it would cost the agency?
- The cost, housing costs mainly, are the big.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- However, we pay a higher than average rate for the cost of transmission cost allocation, and as a result
- And the third is through the transmission cost recovery... Of its direct cost to interconnect.
- In my view, it unfairly shifts costs to the industrial class if you're looking at cost causation.
- It brings down costs to everybody.
- , and water cost.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It allows us to act quickly if they run into some sort of financial problems.
- the taxpayers a lot of money, millions of dollars in legal costs, lobbying costs. quo and my office will
- <00:35:59.440>
the Trust, it has cost the Trust, it has cost the taxpayers<00:36:01.280> <00:55:43.040>smaller What RSA 5B does is it allows smaller What RSA 5B does is it allows - Whereas the maximum that's in the proposal is lower than what they think is right.
Summary:
The committee took up several insurance-related bills. Senate Bill 47, concerning health insurance policies related to the birth of the mother, was moved ought to pass with no amendments and was approved on a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 121, dealing with Medicare Advantage plan notice requirements, was amended to reduce the required notice from 120 days to 90 days and to remove a federal citation; the department said the change was to avoid conflict with federal notice rules. After discussion about the stress caused when carriers leave the Medicare Advantage market, the committee voted ought to pass as amended, 7-0.
The committee then heard a detailed explanation of the continuing care retirement communities bill, described by the Insurance Department as a rewrite of a 1989 law to modernize oversight, require quarterly financial reporting as an early warning system, create a bill of rights for residents, and clarify issues such as entrance fees and removal of dangerous residents. A member recalled the bill’s original purpose as protecting solvency because residents pay substantial upfront fees. The bill was moved ought to pass and approved unanimously, 7-0.
The final major discussion concerned a pooled risk organizations bill. Members debated whether oversight should remain with the Secretary of State or be moved to the Insurance Department. Supporters of moving it argued the issue is solvency, citing concerns about reserve levels, prior insolvencies, and the Insurance Department’s expertise. Opponents said the Secretary of State’s office had historically overseen the entities and that the bill would fundamentally change how they operate. A straw vote favored an amendment, but the committee ultimately voted to retain the bill for further work, with plans to revisit it later in the session.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- But at the same time, our cost increase.
- consistent with trying to get maximum consistent with trying to get maximum outcome<00:05:17.520
- So why it cost us millions of dollars.
- , going to be some u implementation costs, going to be some u implementation costs, but<00:17:25.679
- But as far as going of the costs there.
Keywords:
00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:38 - Discussion of 26RS SCR 9
22:00 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SCR 9
23:15 - Discussion of 26RS SJR 23
33:20 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SJR 23
35:18 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 from Sen. Steve Meredith. He argued that Kentucky’s Medicaid system is too costly and bureaucratic, saying spending has grown dramatically and that managed care organizations do not align with improving health outcomes. His proposal would create a feasibility study for a five-year pilot of an “accountable community healthcare organization” in three area development districts, with a locally owned, nonprofit, provider-driven model intended to reduce costs, address social determinants of health, and keep savings in the community. Members asked about how the model would differ from MCOs, administrative costs, eligibility changes, and implementation costs; Meredith said the model would eliminate preauthorization barriers, rely on provider and community risk-sharing, and could be funded initially through existing grant opportunities. The committee then voted unanimously to report SCR 9 favorably.
The committee next took up Senate Joint Resolution 23, the “Food is Medicine” resolution, introduced by Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Dana Feldman of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. They described the resolution as part of a broader wellness and rural prosperity effort, emphasizing that nutrition should be treated as part of health care and that Kentucky agriculture can support better health outcomes through local, healthy food. They said the effort grew out of task force work and regional listening sessions and is intended to build a foundation for continued collaboration between hospitals, agriculture, and state agencies. Members expressed support for the concept and the partnership approach, and the discussion highlighted using evaluation and shared learning to expand the initiative.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we know what the cost will statement? Do we know what the cost will be?
- What what it will cost us or what it be?
- What what it will cost us or what it will<00:20:42.400>
cost <00:20:42.559>to <00:20:42.799 - >
implement will cost to implement will cost to implement >> there? - Um, would you all speak to the cost of the training for the peers?
Keywords:
00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:27 - Discussion of 26RS HB 470
29:05 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 470
32:06 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 25
34:49 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 25
37:08 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 470, which was presented as a cleanup and delay measure related to peer support specialists and Medicaid reimbursement. The bill would extend the deadline for registered alcohol and drug peer support specialists to be Medicaid reimbursable, address issues created by delayed regulations under House Bill 505, remove a limit on direct client care hours, and create a work group to examine oversight and possible future board structure for peer professionals. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony.
Bill sponsor Rep. Kim Moser and supporting witnesses said the change was needed because implementation problems and regulatory backlogs had created a peer support workforce shortage and confusion across multiple peer categories, including substance use, mental health, re-entry, and gambling peers. Elena Swezy argued the bill would stabilize the workforce, improve oversight, and allow time to develop a more effective credentialing framework. Frank Miller Jr. testified in opposition, arguing the bill lacked a proper enabling statute for Medicaid-related changes and would not be enforceable as written. Sarah Vaughn also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on mental health peer specialists, multispecialty behavioral health groups, and whether separate regulations would be needed for mental health and substance use services.
Committee members questioned the bill’s structure, fiscal impact, training costs, and whether the work group would be appointed or informal. Sponsors responded that the bill does not require providers to hire anyone, only sets registration requirements if they do hire substance-use peer specialists, and said the work group was intended to help develop a more unified oversight model. Several members expressed concern about the complexity of the issue and the short testimony time, while others supported the bill as a way to improve oversight and reduce fraud risk. The committee approved House Bill 470 as amended by the committee substitute, and then adopted a title amendment; the bill passed with favorable expression.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 041 Feb 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- settlement costs. settlement costs.
- allowed to protect themselves. allowed to protect themselves.
- questions and concerns around costs questions and concerns around costs then?
- is the cost to the locals. is the cost to the locals.
- see increased costs to see increased costs in<02:12:31.360>
litigation.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 20, 2026 journal, and then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, and Senate Bill 25, concerning land survey monumentation, were both adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out as amended and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The chamber also briefly recognized the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and welcomed a visiting family member of a sergeant during moments of personal privilege.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 5, which creates a state court remedy for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement. Senators Weissman and Gonzalez supported the bill, arguing it is meant to protect constitutional rights and provide a civil remedy when those rights are violated. Senator Gonzalez urged a strong vote in favor, while Senator Weissman explained the bill’s scope and later supported amendments as technical or clarifying changes.
Two amendments to SB 5 were debated at length and both were defeated. Amendment L004, offered by Senator Baisley, would have required that a violation be done “knowingly and intentionally”; supporters argued it would add fairness and guard against frivolous claims, while opponents said it would raise the burden for injured people and was unnecessary because the bill already concerns federal constitutional rights. Amendment L005, offered by Senator Lon, would have barred claims where the plaintiff provoked the conduct; supporters said it would protect self-defense and limit abuse of the bill, while opponents called it victim-blaming and said it would undermine accountability. Both amendments failed on voice votes, and debate on the bill continued.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- So we do allow remote work.
- They've been increasing a lot more than regular health care costs, than medical costs if you will.
- So health care costs have been increasing and pharmacy costs have been increasing more than anything
- would cost the agency?
- costs and it gets figured into your costs for everything.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- EVEN THOUGH WE CAN GO UP TO THAT MAXIMUM 35,000 AND IN SOME A HIGHER COST COUNTIES INCLUDING IN SENATOR
- COST BURDENED IF THE HOUSING COSTS EXCEED 30% OF THEIR INCOME AND SEVERELY COST BURDEN IF THE HOUSE
- COSTS EXCEED 50% OF THEIR INCOME.
- THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF COST BURDENED RENTERS TO ALL RENTERS.
- FOR FLEXIBLE ZONING, ONE EXAMPLE IS TO ALLOW ACCESS DWELLING FOR FLEXIBLE ZONING, ONE EXAMPLE IS TO ALLOW
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:39.279>
me point just raised if you would allow me point just raised if you would allow - <00:48:30.040>
of in order to get over the high cost of in order to get over the high cost - , stick-built, allowed in the town?
- <01:09:52.520>
in <01:09:52.640>the allowed uh stick built allowed in the allowed uh - things like that you should be allowed things like that you should be allowed to<01:10:21.840>
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns.
Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency.
A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill simply updates the maximum entry fees allowed for small public horse events that are exempt
- We can't even buy a ribbon for that cost.
- AB 411 will allow ranchers to compost livestock carcasses on their farms.
- A strong table grape industry allows for the job and economic for you.
- And it's allowed those farmers to save thousands of dollars a year on fertilizer and pesticide costs,
Summary:
The Assembly Agriculture Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then adopted its committee rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session by a 5-0 vote. The committee heard a series of agriculture-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and moving forward. AB 1142 by Assemblymember Hoover would raise the fee thresholds for small public horse events that are exempt from equine medication monitoring rules; supporters said the current limits are outdated and hurt small riding clubs, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 411 by Assemblymember Papin would allow ranchers to compost livestock carcasses on-farm; supporters cited cost, environmental, and predator-control benefits, while rendering industry representatives asked for amendments to protect existing services and limit the bill’s scope. The bill passed to Natural Resources. AB 482 by Assemblymember Solache would modernize the California Table Grape Commission law and raise assessment caps without increasing assessments themselves; it passed to Appropriations. AB 312 by Vice Chair Alanis would shorten the holding period for ag theft property from six months to three months; it also passed to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 937 and AB 947 by Assemblymember Connolly. AB 937 would make technical changes to the Organic Transition Pilot Program to improve access to organic transition support, with testimony from a farmer who said the program helped him pursue organic certification; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 947 would expand and refine technical assistance under the Healthy Soils/Climate Smart Agriculture programs, including training, grant writing, matching funds coordination, equipment sharing, and outcome monitoring; supporters said the changes would help small and organic producers access state climate programs, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1486, presented by the chair, would use Proposition 4 funding to start grants for public postsecondary agricultural research farms focused on climate resiliency; members praised the role of CSU and UC research farms, and the bill passed to Natural Resources as amended.
The most extensive discussion centered on AB 928 by Assemblymember Rogers, the California Cockfighting Cruelty Act. Supporters argued the bill would help law enforcement target cockfighting and rooster trafficking, reduce avian disease risks, and protect public health and animal welfare; opponents, including poultry hobbyists, breeders, and 4-H-related participants, said it would overreach into lawful poultry keeping and harm heritage-breed and youth programs, urging instead that cockfighting penalties be increased to a felony. Committee members echoed concerns about unintended impacts on legitimate poultry owners and requested continued work on exemptions and language. The bill passed to Judiciary on a 5-2-1 vote, with one no vote and one abstention, and the chair noted that further committee review would continue as the bill advances.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- not have an increase in the maximum not have an increase in the maximum benefit<00:04:12.480>
- the cost earlier and so C that increases the cost and<00:14:35.040>
there <00:14:35.279>are - would have allowed would have allowed 65%<01:00:40.599>
so <01:00:41.200>that <01:00 - It wouldn't be a cost in the sense that when they're transferring the amount is flush, but it just allows
- I just think it'd be more efficient and cost effective, because it's such a timesaver to just allow agencies
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week.
A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic.
The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Commerce Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 1615 will also allow Minnesota businesses to export their products to other states and allow
- Allowed to be able to come in.
- If they don't need to, we should allow the businesses to operate.
- This could help if the medical companies were allowed to participate fully or more than this ratio allows
- Minnesota only allowed two companies to operate.
Keywords:
medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (1-13-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- With not a cost increase since 1992 for it, we're at the point of needing a cost-of-living increase for
- With not a cost increase since 1992 for it, we're at the point of needing a cost-of-living increase for
- five of the six is dealing with the cost five of the six is dealing with the cost of<00:09:43.600
- certain part of time where we have cost certain part of time where we have cost living<00:09:54.080
- So the district's cost share is 50% and the Army cost shares 50% at the district level.
Summary:
The committee heard an Office of Education Technology presentation on the Kentucky Education Technology System (KTS) and a request to increase its annual budget from $15.4 million to $30 million, including an additional $14.6 million. The witness described KTS as a statewide service model that provides districts with student information and financial systems, internet bandwidth, regional support, cybersecurity, online registration, learning management and email services, and collaborative instructional technology support. He argued the state’s centralized purchasing saves districts 40% to 60% compared with buying services individually, and said federal internet discounts and district matching funds create a strong return on investment. He also said KTS has faced long-term funding cuts, has not received a cost-of-living increase since 1992, and is now at a “breaking point” where some services may have to be shifted to districts at higher cost.
The request was broken into six main items: restoring funding for the computer science and information technology academy; strengthening cybersecurity defenses in response to sharply rising attacks on K-12 systems; funding online registration through Infinite Campus; stabilizing ongoing support costs for Infinite Campus; providing cost-of-living increases for KTS services; and increasing the KTS financial assistance sent to districts, which requires local matching funds. Members asked about the current appropriation, and the witness said it is $15.4 million. One member praised the office’s work and support for districts, while another noted the district had been an early adopter of one-to-one technology.
The committee then received an overview of the KRS 156 salary schedule and step-and-rank system for state-operated career and technical education staff at area technology centers. Officials explained that salaries are set under statute and regulation based on years of service and educational rank, with annual calculations tied to statewide teacher salary averages and retroactive adjustments to July 1. They said the current ABR request is $325,000 over the biennium to cover step and rank increases. The presentation noted that KRS 156 salaries are generally comparable to local districts but are less competitive with business and industry, making recruitment and retention difficult, especially for instructors coming from the trades. Members agreed that trade instructors are underpaid relative to the market and said the issue deserves further review, with department officials indicating they are considering possible statutory revisions and a delayed implementation in a future biennium.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- So, just to clarify, there would be a I'm just they Would allow, be allowed to, they're allowed to, they're
- increased costs in their community.
- And the cost as far as Following the law is that the question, senator?
- We don't allow excise taxes on other industries, like it or not.
- to bear that cost.
Keywords:
income tax, tax rates, revenue certification, Oklahoma Tax Commission, state budget, education, tax credit, school choice, private school, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, insurance, taxation, premium, home office credit, healthcare, teacher tax credit, income tax credit
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 9th, 2026 at 08:38 am
House Health & Human Services
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It allows confiscation of any other dog during the investigation and appeal.
- This would allow a public utility to request recovery of costs for RNG infrastructure in the state of
- The maximum extent practical language, excuse me, on line 20.
- The maximum extent practical language, excuse me, on line 20.
- , administrative cost do you see this, of cost, administrative cost, do you see this, the health care
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners.
For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, there is a floor of 2% that the formula allowance will increase each year, and a maximum of 3% that
- maximum of 3% that the formula<00:08:13.879>
allowance <00:08:14.319>will <00:08:14.560> increase <00:08:15.039>each formula allowance will increase each formula allowance will- that shows the formula allowance that shows the formula allowance inflationary<00:08:32.760>
- some reductions in the school lunch cost some reductions in the school lunch cost expectations<00
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we all know, if you're practicing lawyers, how expensive court costs are.
- You know, X amount of dollars plus court costs. Now I've got to charge you 2x plus 2x court costs.
- All right, would this allow for the... Well, this would allow to invest in gold... No.
- All right, would this allow for the, well, would this allow the investing in gold and silver?
- Would allow, yeah, right. But more importantly, would it also allow the investment in Bitcoin?
Summary:
The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.