Transcript Highlights:

• So on the first page, if you're looking what I am, it's line three and it goes through line 21.
• > line<01:51:15.760> 21.
• it goes through line 21. it goes through line 21. >> I<01:51:17.440> see.
• Sounds like Senator Lang had a similar line of thinking in his work session.
• <02:44:47.520> of Senator Lang had a similar line of Senator Lang had a similar line of thinking

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division 3 met in work session and opened with procedural remarks from the chair about the committee’s schedule, deadlines, and recommendation options, noting the meeting was advisory and no votes were expected. The first bill discussed, House Bill 1569, concerned repealing the directive to sell the Anna Philbrook Center for Children property in Concord. Testimony from DHHS and New Hampshire Hospital focused on whether the property could be subdivided, the relationship to Senate Bill 572, the status of the city of Concord’s first right of refusal, and the practical effects of a sale. Witnesses said the $5 million sale estimate was a budget assumption, that moving staff and equipment would create some relocation costs, and that the center had required significant recent maintenance and renovation spending. Members also discussed the number of transitional housing beds at the site, the temporary nature of those beds, and whether the property should remain available given hospital workforce and service needs. The committee then turned to House Bill 661, which had been recommitted for further review after new information emerged. The chair summarized federal developments, including a December 2025 ACF letter and a related executive order, as well as a federal HHS press release about states diverting foster youths’ Social Security survivor benefits. Representative Walner explained that amendment 3055H had been drafted to move the bill forward in smaller steps, with a fiscal note requested on the amendment because the original bill was viewed as too large and expensive. Members discussed whether the committee had received copies of the amendment and whether federal guidance or funding had changed the policy landscape. The discussion also included broader questions about foster youth benefits and whether federal action would support state implementation. One member cited ACF language stating that only 11 states had enacted policies to stop interception of survivor benefits and that technical assistance would be available to the remaining states. The meeting remained in work-session mode throughout, with no votes taken and no final recommendations made during the portion provided. The chair indicated the committee could return to the bills later in the month.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment on the second page of the amendment, starting at line 32... the amendment, line starting
• I hadn't contemplated that line 30 in the amendment.
• Uh, replace line 120 on page five with the following: putting the right code in place.
• Replace line 175 on page 7 with the following: again, replacing the code.
• Replace line 191 on page 7 with the following: again, just putting in the right code.

Bills: HB188, HB52

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical treatment, access, affordability, income tax, CHOOSE Act, education funding, ABLE account, tax credits, poverty threshold, legislative funding, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• get a fiscal note on my side, but this side it has, and I've looked at it, and I've got one little line
• Page 4, lines 25 through 27, Part D, a pharmacy benefit manager in the state bears all costs associated
• It's really just staying in line with the current statutes that allow the patient to select their pharmacy
• For example, the recently suspended House race, our staff is on the front lines conducting early voting
• the same time that this is happening, the state is auctioning off hundreds of vehicles every year, surplus

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with eight members present and deferred HB 127. It then considered a series of bills, most of which were reported favorably without opposition. HB 22 revised COLA rules for the clerks of court retirement system, allowing more frequent COLAs when the system is better funded; HB 324 made judicial stipends permanent and added future COLAs subject to available funding; HB 233 increased jury mileage reimbursement; HB 47 reorganized assessor retirement COLA statutes; HB 533 allowed St. Tammany Parish to transfer unused witness-fee account balances to the 22nd Judicial District Court; HB 980 adjusted eligibility for the Firemen’s Supplemental Pay Board; HCR 45 urged Congress to clarify ARPA deadlines for water projects; HB 559 increased court costs in the 4th Judicial District; HB 290 recreated the Department of Treasury and related entities in statute; and HB 382 addressed Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget review authority over Group Benefits plans. The committee also reported HB 1157 favorably, creating a financing bank mechanism for infrastructure projects, and HB 575 favorably, giving youth aging out of foster care preferred access to surplus state vehicles through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency. Several measures drew more discussion. HB 1236, dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and professional dispensing fees, prompted extensive testimony from the sponsor, the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Department of Insurance, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens enforcement of existing PBM law and protects independent pharmacies; opponents argued the bill’s requirement that PBMs bear dispensing-fee costs would be difficult to implement and could raise premiums. The sponsor said he would work on amendments, including clarifying language and a delayed effective date, and the bill was nevertheless moved favorably. SB 25, on registrar of voters compensation, was amended to a revised pay structure and then reported favorably. HB 47 and HB 533 were also presented as funding and administrative cleanups for retirement and court-related accounts, with local support noted. The committee also heard HB 233 on jury duty mileage reimbursement, which the sponsor said updates a 1961 rate and would be funded locally at an estimated average increase of about $4,000 per judicial district. HB 324 on judicial salaries was described as self-funded by the judiciary and subject to available funding, with no budget impact. HB 575 on foster youth transportation was presented as a non-appropriation measure aimed at helping youth aging out of foster care by giving them preferred access to surplus vehicles. HB 382, which concerns the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget’s role in approving Group Benefits plans, was reported favorably with little discussion. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line nine, it says any funds as necessary. So that could be quite a bit.
• Furthermore, if you look at nines lines nine and 10, this amendment is a blank check to the executive
• And after having a lot of Budget, uh, on the status report page 31, uh, on line six, you see that we
• And so it looks like it's long, but really it's in this first paragraph on lines 6 through 13.
• 15 identify any can see starting on line 15 identify any positions<03:44:55.920> organizational

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 40 works with line 44.
• Line 40 works uh with line 44. year. Line 40 works uh with line 44.
• Line 92 works with line 108.
• > Line 92 or excuse me line 91 is the Line 92 or excuse me line 91 is the coalition<00:25:04.240>
• Line 92 works with line $200,000.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the line 105, also, same line, line 22, same page, different line, that remove the portion that says
• And the line 105, also, same line, line 22, same page, different line, that remove the portion that says
• And the line 105, also, same line, line 22, same page, different line, that remove the portion that says
• And the line 105, also, same line, line 22, same page, different line, that remove the portion that says
• And the line 105, also, same line, line 22, same page, different line, that remove the portion that says

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if<00:14:11.279> you<00:14:11.360> look<00:14:11.519> to<00:14:11.680> line
• language in the bill if you look to line language in the bill if you look to line 2.20<00:14:13.199
• A sample ballot is something that, as you know, line 1.15—oh, yeah, also 1.
• Sorry, sample ballot is referenced on line 1.15.
• So I think, you know, the reason why I want to continue this line of questioning is that in Minnesota

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The current structure that houses those aircraft on the flight line was built nearly 70 years ago when
• aircraft on structure that houses those aircraft on the<00:01:23.600> flight<00:01:23.880> line
• was<00:01:24.360> built<00:01:24.840> nearly<00:01:25.159> 70 the flight line
• was built nearly 70 the flight line was built nearly 70 years<00:01:25.799> ago<00:01:26.159>
• They also have their Cambridge site on surplus and are looking to demolish those buildings, with the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So then their line item within their budget for salaries will be addressed in the balanced budget and
• K-1 is the surplus income and distribution report.
• On line 06 is the motor vehicle set-aside.
• Special language allows appropriation transfers between refund line items.
• to the miscellaneous tax line.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this case, the commercial line, it would be outside of the state. Thank you.
• And in this case, on the personal lines, it's covered by Citizens.
• In this case, the commercial line, it would be outside of the state. Thank you.
• So for some reason, line 16 through 17, it says the leading reporting requirements.
• And in the surplus lines market, of course it is. So that's a good thing.

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on health care sharing ministries and insurance agents. Senator Yarbrough presented the bill to repeal a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing consumer protections; opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could increase confusion or misuse of agents and brokers. The committee adopted a title amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate, with Senator Pizzo raising concerns about consumer reliance and lack of guaranteed coverage. The committee then approved SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, and SB 266 on public adjuster contracts. SB 266 would let vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts at any time without penalty; it drew support from consumer and industry groups, with some discussion about estimates and claim work product. The committee also passed SB 832 on residential property insurance transparency, which requires rate transparency reports and a consumer resource center at OIR, and adds a provision excluding land value from homeowners coverage calculations in most cases. Testimony on SB 832 was generally supportive of the transparency goal, though insurers said some of the required cost breakdowns may be difficult to produce as written. The committee next considered SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which would create a commercial lines clearinghouse to move eligible policyholders into the private market and reduce Citizens’ commercial exposure. Supporters said it would lower taxpayer risk and improve competition; a speaker suggested additional changes to deductibles, water-damage caps, and repair practices. The bill was reported favorably after a delete-all amendment and supportive debate from Senator Boyd. Finally, the committee passed SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which adds cybersecurity requirements for certain licensees, updates oversight of investment advisers and money service businesses, adjusts some charter and meeting rules for financial institutions and credit unions, and includes amendments clarifying repossession/deficiency claims, family office exemptions, and virtual credit union meetings. The meeting ended with all of the considered bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis County, please do not intercede the line of debate.
• There on line six of the amendment, it says state auditor may—that was a shall.
• I do have a question on page 38, starting with line 121.
• I think all it does is put us back better in line with practices.
• No, this is more in line with conservation spending.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're on lines 32 through 37.
• We figured out how much surplus money we project to have, and we said, let's spend that.

Bills: S1002, S1016, S1030, S1594, S1630

Keywords: child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support

Summary: The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably. The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• when we laid out, when the Madam Chair laid out Article 2 last session, we had an, uh, unprecedented surplus
• Those lines are those beds are just coming online, uh, probably the second year of the biennium, uh,

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is by rejecting the Governor's proposal to take $10 billion and put it into a temporary surplus
• I think I would correct that: they're suggesting putting $10 billion in a temporary revenue surplus account
• So that was why we had made our recommendation, and this line of questioning has been quite helpful in
• I was actually elected almost 20 years ago in a continuous line of people who are protecting Golden Gate
• I don't want you to have to stand in line twice. No, thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the May Revision from the Department of Finance and comments from the Legislative Analyst’s Office on the state’s overall budget condition and natural resources proposals. Finance said the May Revision keeps the budget balanced in 2026-27 and 2027-28, reduces the structural deficit, and includes major natural resources items such as Proposition 4 climate bond spending, including up to $125 million for the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, $23.2 million for wildlife refuge and wetland projects, $25 million for Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, $25 million for Bay-Delta environmental flows, $1 million for coexisting-with-wildlife work, and $2.5 million for cancer-risk research. The LAO said revenues remain strong but argued the budget still relies too heavily on reserves, recommended more savings and fewer new discretionary expenditures, and urged the Legislature to prioritize only urgent health and safety needs while planning for uncertainty in greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues. Members focused heavily on the Golden Gate Fields purchase, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, the wildlife coexistence initiative, and cap-and-invest funding for transit. On Golden Gate Fields, agency officials said the property is a time-limited, once-in-a-generation opportunity, that the state’s contribution would help secure the acquisition, and that the land would ultimately transfer to East Bay Regional Park District, which would assume operations and maintenance. Officials said the site would be remediated by the current owner, the state would use deed restrictions to prevent commercial development, and the remaining purchase price would be covered by nonstate partners. On Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, Finance and the Natural Resources Agency said the $25 million would support scientific monitoring and early implementation of the Bay-Delta plan update, while the LAO questioned the timing and said the request was premature until the Water Board formally adopts the plan. The committee also discussed the coexisting-with-wildlife proposal and wolf-livestock conflict. Finance said the May Revision’s $1 million proposal would backfill existing funds to support limited-term staffing, deterrence tools, and conflict response, while members and the California Cattlemen’s Association said the need is larger and includes direct loss compensation, indirect loss compensation, and nonlethal deterrence. The Cattlemen’s Association said private insurance is limited and often inadequate for these losses. Members also raised concerns about the greenhouse gas reduction fund and transit, warning that lower auction revenues and possible CARB rule changes could leave major transit and other tier-three priorities underfunded. The LAO recommended planning for multiple revenue scenarios and reconsidering the current cap-and-invest spending framework. No votes or formal actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody to cooperate and start moving lines and doing all these other things.
• So if they were to put money in the program, they may choose to build other sections of the line.
• we're going to have to pay to assist with this note, and then what, because this is going to be a line
• that may not have the higher traffic that some other potential lines would have, is there going to be
• your staff and your office about some of those issues, some of the other opportunities around the line

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard an update from the California High-Speed Rail Authority on its 2026 draft business plan and related budget proposals. The Authority said work in the Central Valley is advancing, with 59 of 92 major structures complete, 80 of 119 miles under construction finished, utility relocations 93% complete, and track-laying expected to begin later this year. It said the revised plan targets completion of the Merced-to-Bakersfield early operating segment in 2032-33, and it highlighted a new strategy focused on ancillary revenues, public-private partnerships, and possible value-capture tools such as real estate, energy, broadband, logistics, and tax increment financing. The Authority also asked for reappropriation of $423 million in Prop 1A funds for the Link Union Station project and $246 million in federal trust funds to avoid expiration. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no specific concerns with the two budget change proposals but raised broader concerns about the draft business plan and the project’s finances. LAO said the plan appears to assume optimistic cost savings, immediate approval of major statutory changes, and reliable future cap-and-invest revenues, while actual funding may be insufficient even for the revised Central Valley segment once borrowing costs are included. LAO also said the draft business plan was missing several required elements identified by the Office of the Inspector General, and it suggested the Legislature could wait until the plan is finalized before acting. Department of Finance had no additional comment. Members questioned the Authority about whether all proposed financing and policy changes are necessary, how tax increment financing would affect local governments and school districts, and what authority the Authority has to enter public-private partnerships without further legislative approval. The Authority said utility relocation authority is its top legislative priority, that value capture is a longer-term tool not needed to complete Merced-to-Bakersfield, and that any state backstop beyond the current $20 billion commitment would require returning to the Legislature. It said a private partner is expected to be selected around June 1, with more detailed financing analysis to follow over six to eight months. Public testimony was split: labor groups and project supporters backed the budget request and urged action on utility relocation and job creation, while local government and special district representatives strongly opposed tax increment financing and related land-use proposals without local consent. The hearing ended with no vote taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• SURETY AND 48 STATES AND A NEW EXCESS AND SURPLUS LINE.
• WE ARE BROUGHT ACROSS THE COMMERCIAL LINES IN MANY STATES.
• ANY EVENT, WE KNOW THE FRAUD IS SOMETHING THAT IS IN ALL THE INSURANCE LINES.
• PLUGGING IN THOSE FOR THAT LINE VERSUS THE OTHER LINE -- I THINK IT'S ACROSS ALL LINES BUT IT'S DEPENDING
• EACH COMPANY WOULD USE AI DIFFERENTLY ACROSS LINES.

Transcript Highlights:

• the ERS program, including retired state troopers and prison guards who have put their lives on the line
• and cents for people struggling to make ends meet, people that have put their lives... ...us on the line
• It would cost a small fraction of the available funds in the state surplus, but it would make a meaningful
• And so what this does is bring Texas in line with I believe about 39 or 40 other states that currently
• these other states, and my math that I have on page three shows... ...that Texas does actually fall in line

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• And in this case, on the personal lines, it's covered by Citizens.
• In this case, the commercial line, it would be outside of the state. Thank you.
• So for some reason, line 16 through 17, it says the leading reporting requirements.
• And in the surplus lines market, of course it is. So that's a good thing.
• I think the commercial lines are down 10%. I think windstorm and hail are down 40%.

Bills: S0266, S0394, S0540, S0632, S0642, S0832, S0834, S1028

Keywords: public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lines 1.2 and 1.3. This has to do with a correction to the LCC budget recommendation.
• And then if you go to section 16 on line 7.6.
• What line was that? So there is a letter in. The Racing Commission is on line 7.6 of the amendment.
• You will see that there are 38 lines in the appropriation or 38 sections in the appropriation.
• Seven years old, and that's line point 12 of the amendment that on page 19, line 28, we are striking

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to refrain from going through line by line some of these bills, the issues that I see with
• This is a common-sense measure that will bring them sold in line with 15 states that enacted a similar
• It was the bill that was included that got across the finish line. That's an important distinction.
• The manner it got across the finish line was challenged in the Minnesota Supreme Court.
• Unfortunately, it did not get across the finish line.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all