Transcript Highlights:

• One, we have an educational piece that'll be available for our minors and their parents.
• But you mentioned something about a disclosure that the parents would have...
• has to sign a disclosure... >> So, the parent has to sign a disclosure?
• It has to have a warning to the minors or the parents. >> Okay, so how do you know that the parent is
• These children and these parents don’t have lobbyists. They have us.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Often times there'll also be discussion with the parents of what's happened.
• Often times there'll also be discussion with the parents of what's happened.
• notification. Um what will happen is notification.
• <00:22:35.440> of also be discussion with the parents of also be discussion with the parents
• Could this be something that parents Could this be something that parents when<01:27:46.960>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, got notification of the commissioner, and I'm sorry about our loss in our family.
• Parents struggle to find staff, agencies struggle to hire and retain workers, and services are often
• Parents struggle to find shortages.
• Parents,<00:47:28.320> self-advocates,<00:47:29.040> and<00:47:29.160> community
• Parents, self-advocates, and community Parents, self-advocates, and community organizations<00:47:30.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• notification that their registration<00:20:03.200> has<00:20:03.520> been<00:20:03.760
• > um<00:31:24.480> across<00:31:24.880> the work closely with parents um across
• Um, working parents uh really deserve our support, so we hope we'll move this forward.
• Um, working parents uh really deserve our support, so we hope we'll move this forward.
• Working parents really deserve our support, so we hope we'll move this forward. Thank you so much.

Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575

Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will add that it lessens the stress on the parents of these infants, who are dealing with a lot in
• They may have primary commercial coverage through an employer, a parent, or a spouse, or they may have
• <00:40:37.680> uh<00:40:38.000> doctor through their parent uh doctor through their
• parent uh doctor prescribed<00:40:39.000> a<00:40:39.119> medication<00:40:39.760>
• the the the parent could not even<00:41:02.839> just<00:41:03.079> out<00:41:03.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I absolutely agree with you, however, on the school board notification of parental rights, do you believe
• <00:13:40.120> of<00:13:40.320> parental Schoolboard notification of parental Schoolboard
• notification of parental rights<00:13:42.360> do<00:13:42.519> you<00:13:42.720> believe
• Parental rights, and it lists all the parental rights in there.
• c> Bill balance against parents a parental Bill balance against parents a parental Bill of<00:25:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• heard directly from partners, some sitting in this room, who recently received abrupt late-night notifications
• In the specific notification letters of previously awarded and now terminated awards was the vivid declaration
• Next we have Maurice Parent from the Front Porch Arts Collective. Hello, good afternoon.
• My name is Maurice Parent. My name is Maurice Emanuel Parent.
• email received at 2 o'clock in the morning through a non-governmental address, we received the notification

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• parent parents parents navigating single parent parents parents navigating gender<01:18:56.760> identity
• Parents don't always agree.
• respond to Parent A or Parent B, and how is that determined which parent, if they both have equal custody
• ><01:25:42.280> and to respond to parent a or parent B and to respond to parent a or parent B
• One parent says, I want this. The other parent says, I disagree.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These parents are not simply educators; they are the foundation of our children's success.
• And also, for the notification, we cleaned up that language as well.
• 28.280> we<01:28:28.400> cleaned also, for the notification, we cleaned also, for the notification
• However, the notifications required by HB 1275 were not aligned with the VRA notification process, and
• The bill also aligns notifications outlined in HB 1275 with the usual process for VRA notifications by

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from April 20, 2026. Members then made announcements about committee schedules, open enrollment, and the Bolder Boulder event, and welcomed guests from the Leadership Program of the Rockies. The House also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 20, recognizing April 9, 2026 as Home Education Day in Colorado, on a 60-2 vote with three excused. Supporters described home education as a longstanding family choice and emphasized parental rights and educational flexibility. The chamber then received committee reports, including an Appropriations Committee report advancing House Bills 1052, 1132, 1143, 1226, 1343, and 1344 to the Committee of the Whole. The Majority Leader moved several bills to special orders for April 21, 2026 at 9:20 a.m., and the motion was adopted without objection. The Committee of the Whole took up House Bill 1028, concerning second language diploma endorsements for graduating high school students. After adopting the appropriations report, the House passed the bill. Supporters said it would recognize bilingualism and Colorado’s diversity. The committee then considered House Bill 1143, concerning background checks for non-employment-based educational opportunities. The bill sponsor said it would allow qualified people without Social Security numbers to participate in internships, clinical placements, and volunteer opportunities by using alternative identification. Several members opposed the bill and supported amendments, arguing for employer or institutional choice, narrower definitions, and concerns about constitutional rights, tax compliance, and the breadth of the bill. Amendment L6 failed, and the transcript ends amid extended discussion of Amendment L7 regarding enforcement against public entities, with no final action on the bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• No notification requirement for them to tell me when they're looking at a proposed agreement.
• I need to get access to those and have it be required that they provide that notification.
• I need to get access to those and have it be required that they provide that notification.
• So in the notification that's required and the redetermination, you would see that they have not fixed
• Children rely on their parents for transportation to school, health appointments, and anything that makes

Summary: The committee first heard a DMV budget presentation on the state-to-state verification system required for Real ID compliance and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP) modernization project. DMV officials said the state-to-state system is a pointer-based exchange used when a person applies for a license in another state, with only limited identifying data shared initially and the full driver history sent only after a qualified request. Members raised concerns about privacy, possible misuse by other states or federal actors, notification to Californians, hacking, and whether California could detect or stop abusive access. DMV said it can monitor requests, see patterns of access, work with AAMVA and legal counsel, and seek to block or challenge misuse; LAO said California is in a difficult position and should consider guardrails rather than opt out. On DXP, DMV said the project is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is expected by the end of calendar year 2026, and the full system should be finished by fiscal year 2028-29, with phased rollout and reappropriated funding to keep costs controlled. The committee then heard from the California High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General on a trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a framework for retaining and disclosing work papers, and the proposed trailer bill would create that framework while also adding authority to hire needed classifications and purchase goods and services. He also said the office needs a clearer statutory definition of “proposed agreements” and notice when the High-Speed Rail Authority is reviewing them, so the office can review contracts and related agreements effectively. LAO raised no concerns with the trailer bill language, and Finance said any amendments would come in the May revision. Members debated the scope of confidentiality in the Inspector General proposal, especially whether reports could be held confidential when they identify weaknesses in fraud controls, security, or other vulnerabilities. The Inspector General said confidentiality would be temporary, tied to articulating the risk, reassessing it every 120 days, and releasing the report once the risk is no longer substantial; he also said the office had already published reports at its discretion and had found at least one procurement violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract. Several members pressed for stronger transparency and suggested time limits or broader disclosure, while others argued the bill would improve oversight and make the Inspector General’s authority clearer. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the item was left for further work on the trailer bill and AB 1608 language.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the parent organization is required to notify the Office of Charitable Gaming of the names of the
• of picks up on what was seen as gaps in the rape kit tracking system and the follow-through on notification
• The rape kit tracking system and the follow-through on notification of CODIS hits.
• a champion for victims of crime and noted that the bill she previously passed already requires notification
• Whittington continued that in those cases, the notification requirement is understandable.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing. Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<01:33:00.960> and children away from parents, and children away from parents, and disrupted
• prior to 2010, there was no notification prior to 2010, there was no notification requirement.<03
• Number six, this notification through 8.
• legislature created the notification legislature created the notification requirement<03:18:26.239
• <03:18:53.040> to legislature has required notification to legislature has required notification

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House returned from recess and took up S. 208, a bill on standards for law enforcement identification. The House Judiciary Committee explained that it had rewritten the bill into a model-policy approach focused on Vermont state and local agencies, rather than imposing direct requirements on all law enforcement, because of constitutional and preemption concerns raised by a recent Ninth Circuit decision. The amended bill would direct the Law Enforcement Advisory Board to develop a statewide policy on officer identification and facial coverings by July 2027, require agencies to adopt a consistent policy by October 1, 2027, and deem agencies to have adopted the model policy if they do not act. The committee reported the bill favorably on a 6-5 vote. Members then debated an amendment offered by Representatives Berbeco and McGill to restore federal officers to the bill. Supporters argued that public authority should not be anonymous, that visible identification is necessary for transparency, accountability, and public trust, and that the bill should apply to federal agents as well as state and local officers. They said the amendment included exemptions for undercover work, tactical teams, protective equipment, and safety concerns, and argued Vermont should not wait for courts to resolve every constitutional question before acting. Opponents on the Judiciary Committee said the language remained likely unconstitutional and could jeopardize the bill’s passage; the committee had found the amendment unfavorable on an 8-1 vote. The floor debate continued with several members speaking in favor of the amendment, including arguments that other states have adopted similar requirements and that Vermont should lead on the issue. One member raised a point of order that was not sustained, and the Speaker ruled federal authority relevant to the question. The transcript ends while debate on the amendment was still underway, after a request for a roll-call vote was granted, with no final floor vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• autonomous vehicle do pass out with Republicans not voting AB 65 a gear curry paid disability and parental
• Counties and city jails do pass with author's amendments to limit the required notification to in-custody
• AB 1159 Cork Silva incarcerated parent sorry 1195. Thank you.
• Cork Silva incarcerated parent visitations do pass out on a request of the tribe out with Republicans

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And 60% of nonworking parents say that childcare is the top reason why they're not in the workforce.
• I'm here today to express my strong support for House Bill 3807, which will ensure that working parents
• When we strengthen access to childcare, we strengthen our economy by ensuring that parents can remain
• I'm here today to express support for Texas House Bill 3173, which addresses essential planning, notification

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're talking text messages, push notifications, in which case that is a variety of platforms.
• Additionally, the bill allows service warranty associations to document its parent companies' required
• But the parent companies, that's a different issue.
• This is... with you, but the parent companies, that's a different issue.
• So the parent companies, that portion of it is still, that's in place today.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason for that is I'm not qualified to make that death notification.
• In 2022, each dispatcher received a notification that our retirement benefits were in question because
• Maybe they're bleeding out in a car crash, or maybe their friend is overdosing, their parent is having

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems. The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where parents that welcome a child in their home in 2025 are eligible to take leave in 2026.
• 37:30.800> template created a model notification template created a model notification template
• But for example, parents who 2025.
• last few months have been new parents last few months have been new parents who<01:09:44.080>
• Uh, typically birthgiving parents take a longer time than non-birththing parents.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the parents' coverage.
• If the young woman is under the parents' coverage, the parent and this would cover the grandchild.
• ><00:34:28.320> that<00:34:28.560> as that notification piece so that as that notification
• Uh so that is the notification effort.
• Oh well. terms of notification. Our rules are terms of notification.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, it provides for an emergency contact and notification system, which is a budget-neutral voluntary
• I'm concerned about all of the parents in the state of Minnesota who tuck their children at night and
• I'm concerned about all of the parents I'm concerned about all of the parents in<00:53:11.920>
• And when a public agency, we call it an owner in the construction industry, gets that notification, they
• ,<02:17:10.000> they industry, gets that notification, they industry, gets that notification

Keywords: 1187, senate, all