Transcript Highlights:

• But I think if we remove 7 through 20 on page 2, I think that's the amendment.
• And on page two, it's going to delete line 7 through 20, so that would be subsection...
• It's not loaned out. It's not part of someone else's holding.
• So it's just easier to remove large sections at a time.
• It adds a provision of law to add the section we are enacting in this bill to the public record section

Bills: HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB416 , HB482 , HB610 , HB749 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1193

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA, Louisiana Supreme Court, court of appeal judges, district court judges, city court judges, parish court judges

Transcript Highlights:

• Here we are section by section. Section one regards community common interest community resources.
• Section<00:08:46.680><c> two,</c> Section two, Section two, the<00:08:49.200><c> service</c><00:08:49.560
• Section 7 was also in H. 775.
• Section 7 was also in H. 775.
• </c> of Section 10 and then eliminate Section of Section 10 and then eliminate Section 11<00:47:24.440

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 7 billion, not million, billion. 7 billion, not million, billion.
• </c> lending process and our loan monitoring. lending process and our loan monitoring.
• </c> ongoing disciplined loan monitoring. ongoing disciplined loan monitoring.
• This is informational. loans this year. Again, we're sticking loans this year.
• </c> closed on any solar garden loans. closed on any solar garden loans.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes changes to Step 7. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This bill makes changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula.
• The bill, as it came to us from the House, also adds two new sections.
• The first section directs the Department of Human Services to pay licensed child care program subsidy
• Both of these sections make exceptions to the conditions with reference to Chapter 21, Article 6, Section

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requirement for the any initial loan requirement for the any initial loan they<00:06:04.280><c>
• </c><00:26:40.679><c> and</c> apply for the for the loans and apply for the for the loans and everything
• You have a good cross-section now.
• What are the loan terms?
• So it's a 10-year loan, and then the loan would be repaid at that time.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, do you mind if I start with 24-7? I know. Yeah, sure.
• Chair, do you mind if I start with 24-7? I know. Yeah, sure. Sir.
• Do you mind if I start with 24-7? I know. Yeah, sure.
• They wrote loans using enslaved people as collateral.
• Item 7, AB 1876, Addis. Harabedian, aye. Item 7, AB 1876, Addis. Harabedian, aye.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the amendment, Section Five.
• Okay, so we took out Section 4, Roman 3; Section 4, Roman 8; Section 4, Roman 11; Section 4, Roman 12
• ; Section 3, Roman 11; Section 4, Roman 2B; and then we took out all of Section 5 except for Section
• 3 section 4 Roman 8 section 4 four Roman 3 section 4 Roman 8 section 4 Roman<00:37:55.880><c> 11</c><
• 12 Section 3 Roman 11 section 4 4 Roman 12 Section 3 Roman Roman Roman 2B<00:38:02.599><c> and</c><00

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 7 amends the eligible recipients for the Minnesota Housing Tax Credit contribution grants and
• Section 11 amends the high-rise sprinkler system grant program to allow loans and amends the definition
• Section 8 modifies the Verbaton.
• Section 9 amends the institution.
• Section 12 requires the bill.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• loan compared to a loan that might have been achieved in the regular market unsubsidized?
• But are we going to value that at the whole $2.5 million loan?
• loan compared to a loan that might have been achieved in the regular market unsubsidized?
• So it is directly addressed as far as pre-development loans. Yeah. Under that section.
• So it is directly addressed as far as pre-development loans.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee opened its first Senate Housing hearing of 2026 by establishing quorum and explaining that several two-year bills and bond measures would be heard, with witnesses limited to two minutes and “me too” testimony grouped together. The first bill, SB 222 by Senator Wiener, would streamline permitting for heat pumps, water heaters, and HVAC installations and limit HOA barriers. Supporters said it would lower costs, speed replacements, reduce pollution, and help Californians switch to efficient electric appliances. The League of California Cities opposed unless amended, raising concerns about a permit-fee cap and the feasibility of virtual inspections. Committee members largely supported the policy but flagged fee recovery, inspection liability, HOA authority, and possible electrical panel upgrade costs; the bill passed to Local Government on a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, which was narrowed to two remaining changes related to commuter rail definitions and mobile home exemption language, with a separate future cleanup bill for SB 79 promised later in the session. Local governments and counties said the amended bill still needed clearer definitions and implementation guidance, while several groups shifted to support after the amendments. The committee approved the bill 10-1 and sent it to Local Government. Next, SB 417 by Senator Cabaldon proposed a $10 billion 2026 affordable housing bond to fund construction, preservation, rehabilitation, supportive housing, and homeownership opportunities. Supporters emphasized the need to replace exhausted housing funds, leverage federal tax credits, and keep shovel-ready projects moving; opponents and some members raised concerns about state debt, the lack of a dedicated CalHome share, and whether the bond should include more homeownership or higher-education allocations. After extensive debate over bond indebtedness and housing need, the bill passed to Appropriations on an 8-1 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 492, a youth housing and youth center bond proposal. Senator Reyes described it as a way to fund transitional housing and youth centers for transition-age youth up to age 25, arguing that early intervention could prevent future homelessness and reduce long-term public costs. Witnesses from Covenant House California and the California Coalition for Youth supported the measure, citing the needs of foster youth and homeless young people, the benefits of transitional housing, and the high success rate of youth exiting to stable housing. The transcript cuts off during additional testimony, so no final action on SB 492 is shown in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for your FY 24 on slide 7, you can see a further breakdown of the mandatory spending.
• Uh, largely changing how student loans will be consolidated into fewer programs and fewer student loans
• In the comment section and said, what does it look like for New Mexico?
• Jack has worked, this is a project that goes over 7 soil and water districts.
• I think they've got over 7 million from state forestry.

Transcript Highlights:

• and so section two of this<00:01:36.799><c> bill</c><00:01:37.280><c> specifically</c><00:01:37.880>
• your testimony that already those that are here illegally cannot access any of the state grants or loan
• That is 7 percent of the total State Grant recipients.
• He said one was the definitions section, section 136A.101, subdivision 8, which provides a number of
• </c> and state Grant the way I read section and state Grant the way I read section one<00:31:02.919><

Transcript Highlights:

• in Minnesota, and talking to Commissioner Peterson, what this essentially did was open up another loan
• are they in the process right now of working on their operating loans?
• </c> question has to do with operating loans question has to do with operating loans and<00:41:49.520
• </c> now of working on their operating loans now of working on their operating loans Mr<00:42:01.760>
• </c> Hansen thank you Mr chair so if the loan Hansen thank you Mr chair so if the loan officer<00:42:

Bills: HF711 , HF653

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 11. A. A law or equity. Section 11. A. A law or equity. Section 11. A.
• Section one section 4163 and 4164 code of Alabama section 4163 and 4164 code of Alabama section 4163
• Section one section 17430 code of Alabama is amended section 17430 code of Alabama is amended section
• with section accordance with section accordance with section 17410.
• Two, this section shall become section. Two, this section shall become section.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that covers section 5 and section 6.
• Now moving on to section 7 on page 1003, uh, requires the director to submit a proposed budget to the
• Now moving on to section 7 on page 1003, uh, requires the director to submit a proposed budget to the
• <c> section</c><01:41:29.520><c> 7</c><01:41:29.960><c> on</c><01:41:30.160><c> page</c> moving on to
• section section 7 on page moving on to section section 7 on page 1003 1003 1003 uh<01:41:32.440><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.
• loan funds.
• It's 24/7 monitored.
• So I'm addressing finding on page 7.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met on June 5 and first adopted prior minutes and several committee reports. The executive committee report noted adoption of its minutes, staff updates on scheduled audits, approval of an annual financial audit for the City of Horseshoe Bend, and an update on the intern program. The Counties and Municipalities report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, compliance follow-up with towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Omer, Fargo, Jericho, and Haynes, and review of current and deferred reports; the committee filed most current reports but deferred several and referred some matters to prosecutors and the Attorney General. The Educational Institutions report said 103 education audits were reviewed, most with no findings, while several school districts had findings and one Booneville School District finding was referred to law enforcement. The State Agencies report included findings at the Department of Finance and Administration and a deferred Department of Health report, and the committee filed 13 reports. The committee then received lengthy presentations on the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report and the state single audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Legislative Audit issued unmodified opinions on the state financial statements, but identified two material weaknesses: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and improper methodology changes and documentation issues at the Division of Workforce Services affecting year-end estimates for unemployment-related accounts. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed. Auditors reported 33 findings overall, including 31 federal findings, $12.9 million in outstanding questioned costs, and qualified opinions for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Committee members questioned DHS, the broadband office, OST, DFA, Education, and Workforce Services about the findings, corrective actions, cyber protections, federal drawdowns, child care reporting, and accounting methodology changes. Several agencies described corrective steps. DHS said it had changed how it draws Summer EBT funds, addressed provider revalidation and incarceration-related Medicaid issues, and updated internal processes and staffing. The broadband office said the questioned costs reflected invoice documentation disputes rather than missing payments and expected Treasury review to resolve the issue. OST said it was expanding logging, endpoint detection, and enterprise monitoring, and described broader cybersecurity investments, training, and a roadmap. DFA and Workforce Services addressed the workers’ compensation and unemployment accounting issues, with Workforce Services saying it had updated its policy and submitted the methodology to DFA. After discussion, the committee voted to hold the two statewide audit reports over until the August meeting, with members asked to submit specific questions in advance so only needed agencies would return. The final item was a special report on the Hot Spring County Solid Waste Authority for January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. The audit reviewed compliance with laws, board procedures, bidding, payroll, permits, inspections, and cash handling. It noted prior private audit findings on segregation of duties, that recent private audit reports had not been obtained for 2023 through 2025, and that the current administrator said prior office staff and bookkeeping contractors resigned when he was hired. The authority’s operations and revenue sources were described, and the report was presented for committee review.

Transcript Highlights:

• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.
• loan funds.
• These revolving loan funds are administered by ADFA.
• It's 24 by 7 monitored.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm curious about PTSA 6, 7, and 8. Thank you. You recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Our completers were also up from 22-23 to 23-24 by 7 percent.
• Our completers were also up from 22, 23 to 23, 24 by 7 percent.
• And the average loan amount is $5,000.
• So we can keep our tuition low, which means less loans for our students.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if I did 7 on early voting on day 1, 7 on day 2, and 7 on day 3, I would do an affidavit every time
• I call up House Joint Resolution 7 with Senator.
• Members, the Senate-amended House Joint Resolution 7, which H.J.R. 7 implements, our committee recommends
• Members, along with Senate Bill 7, H.J.R. 7 represents a generational leap in the history of Texas. water
• 7, it says...

Bills: HB5560 , HB2 , HB24 , HB3233 , HB1397 , HB2067 , HB3133 , HB5696 , HB5680 , HB2885 , HB3966 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB144 , HB26 , HB2038 , HB521 , HB4 , HB 1178 , HB42 , HB 1211 , HB783 , HB3963 , HB2240 , HB1690 , HB 1234 , HB3372 , HB27 , HB4211 , HB2243 , HB2853 , HB4638 , HJR7 , HB 100 , HB 126 , HB3783 , HB5138 , HB2512 , HB5616 , HB4751 , SB17 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB21 , SB2778 , SB260 , SB8 , SB12 , SB37 , SB379 , SB441 , SB1566 , SB2878 , HB4112 , HB3866 , HB4749 , HB2844 , HB150

Keywords: groundwater, civil penalties, water conservation, drought contingency, environmental protection, public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, zoning, public notice, local government, residential development

Transcript Highlights:

• This would allow us to get the loan from NMFA.
• I believe it's either Article 8, Section 5, or Section 5, Article 8.
• Lastly, if they have ever received loans from the agency, those loans must be in good standing before
• And so the way the program works is a loan-for-service program.
• Clear, this is what we call a loan-for-service program. Mr.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Looks like on page 8, 294:7-b.
• Looks like on page 8, 294:7-b.
• Looks like on page 8, 294:7-b.
• Well, we don't consider it a loan because with a loan there's a guaranteed certain payment, meaning that
• Well, we don't consider it a loan because with a loan there's a guaranteed certain payment, meaning that

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 733-FN, a bill on third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors financing lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, and contributes to litigation abuse, higher insurance costs, and what he called a “tort tax.” He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with specific references to foreign-entity restrictions, consumer-protection guardrails, and reporting requirements. He also noted a few technical fixes to the draft, including adding the word “knowingly” and restoring a section that had been omitted. Committee members questioned how the bill’s foreign-entity language would work, including whether a governor or the Department of Safety would designate countries of concern, and whether the bill would bar foreign parties from using litigation funding. Cole and others clarified that the bill was intended as a reporting measure, not a ban on litigation funding itself, and that the goal was to disclose who is funding lawsuits and to what extent. Representative Sal asked whether the bill would prevent a litigant from getting outside financing; Cole answered no, emphasizing disclosure rather than prohibition. Brandon Grat of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau testified that the bill’s enforcement provisions were too limited. He said the draft appears to give the Attorney General only a civil-penalty remedy, likely too small to deter violations, and not the broader Consumer Protection Act tools such as injunctions, restitution, or investigation authority. He also raised concerns about whether the Attorney General or Insurance Department would have proper jurisdiction, given that the product may be financial or insurance-related. Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the department sees possible benefits from transparency because disclosure of litigation funding could help insurers assess risk, improve underwriting, and potentially ease hard-market pressures, especially for nonprofits and child care providers. He also said the bill’s language likely needs further work to clarify agency authority and suggested involving the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and banking regulators. Opposition testimony came from the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association. Marissa Chase and Samantha Hering argued the bill is one-sided because it requires disclosure only on the plaintiff side and not from defendants or insurers. They said New Hampshire already has court rules and discovery procedures that cover relevant disclosures, making the bill unnecessary, and questioned whether the existence of a funding contract is even relevant in litigation. The hearing ended with the committee continuing to discuss possible revisions and enforcement options, but no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.