Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's<00:14:02.640> about<00:14:02.960> being<00:14:03.200> able<00:14:03.440
• um<00:14:04.960> further<00:14:05.360> testing<00:14:05.960> that<00:14:06.240><
• <00:14:13.080> Um<00:14:13.480> for<00:14:13.680> example,<00:14:14.600>
• :14:21.240> they<00:14:21.400> should<00:14:21.600> need<00:14:21.800> one
• <00:14:33.360> and<00:14:33.560> recommend<00:14:34.320> what's<00:14:34.560>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because<00:14:08.240> each<00:14:08.480> of<00:14:08.560> these<00:14:08.800>
• requirements<00:14:25.920> for<00:14:26.160> KSP<00:14:26.720> to<00:14:26.959>
• move faster<00:14:42.399> and<00:14:42.720> more<00:14:42.880> efficiently<00:14
• <00:14:54.079> They<00:14:54.320> are<00:14:54.639> competitively<00:14:55.279
• The<00:14:56.240> concern<00:14:56.480> with<00:14:56.800> master<00:14:57.199><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Staff Report on Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System- 00:01:09 Kentucky State Police and Finance and Administration Cabinet Response to Staff Report- 00:48:37 Adjournment-01:34:512, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025. The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements. Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:49.240> the<00:14:49.320> 500,000<00:14:50.120> to<00:14:50.240> 36 we
• <00:14:51.920> And<00:14:52.040> I<00:14:52.080> think<00:14:52.320> that's
• <00:14:54.960> return<00:14:55.360> for<00:14:55.480> that<00:14:55.720>
• that is very obvious<00:14:56.960> as<00:14:57.080> you<00:14:57.200> saw<00:14
• 14:58.560> the<00:14:58.680> past<00:14:59.280> two<00:14:59.400> days<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee received a budget and program update from Kentucky Emergency Management on the state’s urban search and rescue buildout. Eric Gibson and Doug Hargrave said the legislature’s funding was used to create FEMA-type urban search and rescue capacity, including Kentucky Task Force 1 and 2, the incident support team, and the helicopter aquatic rescue/hoist team. They emphasized that the effort is not just equipment purchases but also training, credentialing, warehouse and training-facility development, canine program expansion, and coordination with local search and rescue agencies across the Commonwealth. Gibson reported that the agency executed 99.4% of the $16.175 million appropriation by the end of the fiscal year and said the team met its readiness target ahead of schedule, with equipment already being deployed in recent flood response operations. He also said $500,000 per year was set aside for local search and rescue grants, with about $482,000 awarded to 29 teams in one year and $490,000 to 36 teams in the next, averaging about $20,000 per grant. Several members urged the committee to consider increasing support for local responders in future budgets, noting rising equipment costs and the importance of local teams as first on scene. Members asked about staffing, coverage, and benefits. Gibson explained that the task force is a mixed workforce of full-time fire personnel loaned from local departments, professional service staff such as doctors and engineers, and temporary deployment staff, with workers’ compensation coverage provided through KYEM and/or home agencies depending on the arrangement. He also said local search and rescue members are not currently included in line-of-duty death benefits. In response to questions about coverage and deployment, he described the two task force locations as designed to keep resources within roughly 100 miles of every Kentuckian. The discussion also turned to recent flood response and disaster recovery. Gibson said the state had mobilized up to 24 teams over the weekend, documented roughly 60 to 80 water rescues or assisted evacuations, and was seeing significant damage in counties such as Cumberland, Clinton, and Metcalfe, including agricultural losses. He said several counties were meeting FEMA public assistance thresholds and that the state was preparing a broader relief request that could include FEMA, SBA, and USDA assistance. He also updated members on efforts to claw back and reallocate unused “strained fiscal liquidity” funds by the statutory deadline, saying notices were sent and funds were redirected where possible to unmet local needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.399> of<00:14:34.519> money<00:14:34.720> on<00:14:34.839> the<00:14:
• 00:14:36.880> as<00:14:37.000> I<00:14:37.120> mentioned<00:14:37.399> before
• <00:14:43.199> and<00:14:43.399> we<00:14:43.680> have<00:14:43.839> grown
• <00:14:47.639> two<00:14:47.880> we<00:14:48.000> had<00:14:48.279> 120<00
• <00:14:54.440> about<00:14:54.800> later<00:14:55.079> on<00:14:55.759> um

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Office of Higher Education on college access efforts, with a focus on FAFSA outreach, the Get Ready program, and Direct Admissions Minnesota. Wendy Robinson said OHE’s role is to provide nonpartisan information, partner with K-12, colleges, and community groups, and use statewide programs to expand awareness of higher education options and financial aid. She highlighted outreach through brochures, virtual sessions, conferences, the State Fair, and events serving specific populations, as well as the Lumina-funded Connect College grant and the federally funded Get Ready program, which serves about 7,500 low-income students across 14 capacity-building schools and 28 additional schools with tutoring, college visits, application help, and financial aid support. A member asked for demographic data on Get Ready students, and staff said they would provide it later. Robinson also reviewed FAFSA outreach, noting that last year was especially difficult for students because of federal FAFSA problems. OHE’s Ready Set FAFSA sessions drew 1,300 unique registrations in October and 939 in January, and the agency continued training K-12 and college staff on state aid programs, FAFSA simplification, and implementation of North Star Promise. OHE said it also held FAFSA completion events with partners, including at the State Fair, and planned another financial aid event in Duluth. The bulk of the presentation covered Direct Admissions Minnesota. Robinson said the program is now in its fourth year, with 55 participating colleges and universities and 182 participating high schools in the third cohort, serving just over 32,000 students. She described the program as a broad, collaborative model that sends students letters listing colleges that would admit them based on junior-year performance, while preserving student choice and waiving application fees for participating schools. She said the program is intended to reduce anxiety about admissions, encourage FAFSA completion, and keep more Minnesota students in-state. Robinson previewed second-year data showing continued positive outcomes, including higher FAFSA completion, increased college enrollment, and more students staying in Minnesota. Participation increased among students eligible for free and reduced lunch, rising from 21% in the first year to 40% in the second year. She noted a continuing concern about American Indian and Alaska Native students, whose FAFSA completion declined and whose participation numbers were lower in the newest cohort, and said the agency would continue to study that data. She also said some of the increase in free-and-reduced-lunch participation may reflect the impact of North Star Promise and related financial aid messaging. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:05.560> finally<00:14:06.440> the<00:14:06.600> inart<00:14:07.160> art
• c> will<00:14:08.240> unite<00:14:08.720> communities<00:14:09.480> in<00:14
• /c><00:14:28.519> history<00:14:29.480> but<00:14:29.680> also<00:14:30.040>
• a space<00:14:30.839> where<00:14:31.040> the<00:14:31.360> past<00:14:32.160><
• very clear again<01:14:08.120> that<01:14:08.280> they<01:14:08.400> could<01:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• required to undergo employment screening, and it must be active by January 1, 2026, and updated by October
• Representative Hunschofsky, having 2026 and updated by October of each year.
• I'm a parent to three kids, and my middle son, Brendan, is 14, and he lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• I'm a parent of three kids, and my middle son, Brendan, is 14, and he lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• My son is currently 14 years old.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met and took up four bills. First, CS/HB 633 by Rep. Koster on managing entity reporting and transparency for behavioral health services was amended to clarify reporting requirements and timing, and to address the bill’s fiscal implementation through conferencing. Members and one public speaker supported the measure, emphasizing accountability and better use of state funds. The bill was reported favorably. Next, CS/HB 531 by Rep. Hunschofsky on background screenings was amended with a strike-all that would require ACCA to create a public webpage with screening education, level-two screening standards, and a searchable catalog of positions requiring screening. Because the amendment changed the bill’s relating-to clause, the chair noted it would be temporarily postponed under House Rule 7.11D and returned to the committee later. The committee then heard HB 1089 by Rep. Booth, which adds Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the recommended newborn screening panel, subject to appropriation. A parent testified in strong support, describing the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment, and several members spoke in favor. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 907 by Rep. Anderson created the Sunshine Genetics Program, an opt-in newborn whole-genome sequencing program, and established the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics Consortium. An amendment made funding contingent on appropriations and added Nicholas Children’s Hospital and Florida International University to the consortium board. After supportive testimony and debate, the bill was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:04.560> clock<00:14:04.880> is<00:14:05.000> running<00:14:05.360>
• This<00:14:37.760> slide<00:14:38.000> shows<00:14:38.240> that<00:14:38.560>
• to EIDBI providers 338 site visits to EIDBI providers between<00:14:42.480> October<00:14:43.440
• Out<00:14:46.520> of<00:14:46.600> those<00:14:46.800> 338<00:14:47.800> site
• <00:14:48.040> visits<00:14:48.400> 54<00:14:49.120> of<00:14:49.280> the

Bills: HF3542

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think in our discussion, the law, if this becomes law, would not go into effect until October of this
• year, which would be October of 2025.
• What this does is say a 14... citation.
• And that's probably the reason for the 14-year-old... and also a jet ski at 14. Yes, it does both.
• This just makes it 14 and 15 because they can get...

Bills: HB202, HB42, HB146, HB492, HB285, HB7, HB454, HB42, HB7

Keywords: law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, HB285

Transcript Highlights:

• to develop<00:14:17.720> attention<00:14:18.280> span<00:14:18.839> and<00:14:19.000
• If yes, then you<00:14:28.959> have<00:14:29.360> your<00:14:29.600> answer<00:14
• > with<00:14:36.800> a<00:14:36.839> master's<00:14:37.320> in<00:14:37.480
• in education and 30<00:14:38.720> years<00:14:39.079> as<00:14:39.240> a<00:14:
• > of<00:14:42.160> Pencil<00:14:42.560> Box<00:14:42.880> Solutions<00:14

Bills: HF3776, HF3557, HF3585

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education

Summary: The committee first approved the previous day’s minutes, then took up House File 3776, as amended by the A2 amendment, which clarified how the bill would apply to students with IEPs and 504 plans. The bill’s author argued that Minnesota should address screen time for preschool and kindergarten students, saying current law is too broad, that young children are especially vulnerable to developmental and attention harms from screens, and that parents and teachers should have more control over device use. The bill was laid over after discussion. Testimony on HF 3776 was split. Amanda Faye of Minnetonka Public Schools opposed the bill as drafted, saying it would conflict with existing academic standards, READ Act screening requirements, accessibility tools, and local control, and would force districts back to paper-based screening. Katherine Myers of Live More Screen Less supported the bill, citing concerns about early childhood screen exposure and arguing that screen-free time supports child development. Members raised concerns about local control, parental rights, and how to protect students who need devices for accommodations; the author and nonpartisan staff noted that schools can already adopt cell phone policies, but exceptions may be needed for certain students and uses. After laying over HF 3776, the committee began House File 3557. Representative Craft introduced the bill as a voluntary program to promote practical science education and workforce development tied to climate literacy, including a proposed Minnesota Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students. The bill was only introduced before the transcript ended, with no vote or final action recorded on HF 3557.

Transcript Highlights:

• HOLIDAY BREAK TO ENSURE THAT MARK RUN SIX STATE ON SCHEDULE SO ONE OF THE THINGS IN THE REPORT IN OCTOBER
• SPEAKING OF ASSESSMENTS, THE DASHBOARD WE SHOW HERE COMES FROM OUR MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCTOBER WHICH WAS
• THE MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCTOBER WHICH WAS DISTURBED BACK IN NOVEMBER, ACTUALLY NOVEMBER 14.
• IN JANUARY 2026 AND IN ADDITION TO A DELAY IN THE START OF USER TESTING WHICH WOULD BE PLANNED FOR OCTOBER
• A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND I KNOW THAT IN NTT'S REPORT TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE OCTOBER

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be having a birthday in October, God willing, and the creek don't rise.
• And this committee will be doing a deep dive on medical malpractice at our meeting in October in Albuquerque
• We will cover many of these issues in our October meeting.
• If you will now turn with me to page 14.
• Finally, if you will please turn with me to page 14, I want to quickly highlight the implications of

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:14.640> if<00:14:14.760> there's<00:14:14.960> going<00:14:15.240>
• to be changes<00:14:16.080> that<00:14:16.240> that<00:14:16.520> happens<00:14
• A<00:14:36.839> continuity<00:14:37.680> of<00:14:37.800> care<00:14:38.240>
• Uh<00:14:45.440> we<00:14:45.640> understand<00:14:46.960> that<00:14:47.400>
• 14:31.080> was<03:14:31.240> a<03:14:31.400> glitch<03:14:31.760> in<03:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're<00:14:00.360> the<00:14:00.480> one<00:14:00.880> amongst<00:14:01.560>
• ><00:14:03.960> negotiations<00:14:04.920> there<00:14:05.200> with<00:14:05.560
• 06.040> with<00:14:06.200> the<00:14:06.280> GOP<00:14:06.880> and<00:14:
• Of<00:14:09.800> these<00:14:10.040> 17,<00:14:10.680> how<00:14:10.840> many
• the<00:14:20.880> work<00:14:21.280> that<00:14:21.680> our<00:14:22.120>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues. A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief. The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.

Transcript Highlights:

• > can<01:14:15.360> lead<01:14:16.040> some<01:14:16.280> of<01:14:16.440
• 14:23.480> this,<01:14:23.800> but<01:14:24.480> not<01:14:24.720> in to
• Um<01:14:30.760> we<01:14:30.880> can't<01:14:31.160> add<01:14:31.360> more<
• > think<01:14:33.440> we<01:14:33.520> need<01:14:33.720> to<01:14:33.840
• This<01:14:38.360> is<01:14:38.480> an<01:14:38.760> investment<01:14:39.280>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:24 Approval of September 18, 2025 Minutes: 00:02:03 Discussion on the Condemnation of Agricultural Land: 00:03:12 Discussion on the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative: 00:50:00 Adjournment: 01:19:10, 958, all

Summary: The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value. Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict. Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:10.240> We<00:14:10.560> hope<00:14:10.720> it<00:14:10.880> can
• /c><00:14:14.399> just<00:14:14.560> wanted<00:14:14.720> to<00:14:14.880> ma
• :14:18.079> you're<00:14:18.320> going<00:14:18.399> to<00:14:18.480> hear
• <00:14:19.040> that<00:14:19.279> from<00:14:19.600> us real<00:14:24.720>
• <00:14:25.120> As<00:14:25.279> I<00:14:25.519> said,<00:14:26.079> we

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:22 Forging the Future: Kentucky's National Leadership in Metals Manufacturing 00:01:33 Improvements to Kentucky’s Incentive Programs 00:52:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) on Kentucky’s metals industry. Speakers described metals manufacturing and recycling as a major economic backbone for the Commonwealth, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper operations, with broad impacts across production, fabrication, supply chains, and related businesses. They emphasized that the industry supports high-paying jobs, significant capital investment in Kentucky, and is aligned with broader efforts to expand U.S. manufacturing. A central theme was workforce development. MI2 leaders said the industry faces a persistent talent gap and that current education programs do not always produce the skills needed for modern metals jobs. They argued for stronger exposure and awareness, more direct industry involvement, and a dedicated metals career pathway through high schools, area technology centers, career and technical centers, and KCTCS. They also described pilot efforts in Logan, Warren, and Carroll counties that would introduce students to metals careers in middle school, move them into credits and pathways in high school, and connect them to internships, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training. Recycling and supply-chain security were the other major topics. Testimony stressed that recycled inputs are far cheaper than raw ore extraction and that recycling is increasingly important to competitiveness, environmental performance, and keeping materials from leaving the U.S. Speakers also raised concerns about China’s large steel and aluminum capacity and said unfair trade and global market manipulation make it harder for Kentucky producers to compete. Committee members and presenters framed MI2 as a collaborative effort among industry, state government, and academia to strengthen workforce pipelines, recycling, and long-term industry growth. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um >> and<00:14:26.160> um<00:14:26.320> we<00:14:26.639> would<00:14:26.800
• c> um<00:14:29.279> be<00:14:29.519> instituted<00:14:30.720> um<00:14:30.880
• data<00:14:34.480> about<00:14:34.800> whether<00:14:35.040> or<00:14:35.279>
• <00:14:52.480> um<00:14:52.880> this<00:14:53.120> is<00:14:53.519> something
• >> Yeah,<00:14:56.480> I<00:14:56.720> wouldn't<00:14:57.279> um<00:14:58.240

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems. A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout. Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think October of 2023, we hit 1.41 million policies.
• Now, this was as of September 30 of 2024, we had 14%.
• On September 30, we came down to 14%.
• Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota as a Category 3 on October 9.
• Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota as a CAT3 on October 9th.

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation CEO Tim Serio, with Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworski also answering questions. Serio reviewed Citizens’ role as Florida’s insurer of last resort, its statutory funding structure, eligibility rules, depopulation program, reinsurance obligations, and the surcharge/emergency assessment mechanisms that can be used if Citizens runs a deficit. He emphasized that recent legislative reforms, combined with lower litigation and improved market conditions, have helped the private market recover and reduced Citizens’ policy count from a peak of about 1.41 million in 2023 to 936,182 at the end of 2024, with a projected drop to about 771,000 by the end of 2025. He also said the reforms reduced Citizens’ rate need and helped avoid an emergency assessment after the 2024 storms. Members asked about Citizens’ rate increases, why Citizens still seeks higher rates despite lower litigation, how the 20% eligibility threshold works, whether Citizens should be wind-only, and whether the state or federal government could help with deficits. Serio explained that Citizens is still charging below actuarially sound rates in most areas, that rate filings reflect reduced litigation and lower reinsurance exposure, and that assessments on all Florida property policyholders are the reason Citizens tries to build surplus and depopulate. He said the depopulation program is working better than in the past, with less than 2% of takeout policies returning to Citizens, and that the Office of Insurance Regulation has been vetting takeout companies more carefully. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on claims handling after Debby, Helene, and Milton, including flood-versus-wind disputes and Citizens’ use of the Division of Administrative Hearings for some claim disputes. Serio said Citizens had received 76,625 claims from the three storms and had paid nearly $823 million in indemnity and expenses as of January 7, 2025. He said many closed-without-payment claims were either below deductible, withdrawn, duplicate, or flood-only, and that Citizens had asked its internal audit function to independently review the claims data and denials. He also described Citizens’ storm outreach, catastrophe response centers, managed-repair program, and claim review process, and said the corporation remains focused on paying valid claims while minimizing the risk of assessments on the broader Florida market.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• Chapter 14 rulemaking process does allow ample opportunity for public comment, public testimony, written

Keywords: 1183, house