Transcript Highlights:

• insured or stay insured with us, to say what has this meant for you and what is your lived experience
• , and they're no longer insured.
• We have a lot of clients that are worried about their insurance.
• With my patient losing his insurance, his health suffered.
• Personally, even with insurance, I have paid up to $2,500.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the cost of uncertainty in California health care, especially the effects of federal policy changes on coverage, access, and affordability. Opening remarks from committee leaders and members emphasized that California’s uninsured rate had fallen to historic lows under the Affordable Care Act and state policies, but that the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, H.R. 1, and other federal regulatory changes could reverse those gains. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the strain on low-wage workers, families, clinics, hospitals, and public programs. The first panel reviewed the federal landscape and state response. A federal policy analyst described the ACA’s coverage gains and consumer protections, then outlined current threats: H.R. 1’s Medicaid and marketplace cuts, the end of enhanced premium tax credits, shorter open enrollment, more verification requirements, and changes affecting preventive services and vaccines. Covered California reported that the loss of subsidies is expected to nearly double average monthly premiums, reduce enrollment, and push more consumers into bronze plans with higher deductibles; it also noted that California’s $190 million affordability fund is helping the lowest-income enrollees. HCAI’s Office of Health Care Affordability explained its work on spending targets, market consolidation review, and primary care investment, saying the goal is to slow spending growth rather than impose price caps. Committee members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of bronze plans, administrative burdens, immigration-related disenrollment, provider taxes, uncompensated care, and whether California can sustain current coverage levels without new revenue. Witnesses said bronze plans preserve essential benefits but shift more costs to consumers, and that H.R. 1’s verification and auto-renewal changes will likely reduce enrollment. They also said provider tax reductions could significantly weaken state financing over time, and that higher uninsured rates may increase uncompensated care and pressure premiums elsewhere in the system. The second panel, featuring UC Berkeley Labor Center and California Health Care Foundation experts, highlighted broader affordability problems across job-based coverage and Medi-Cal, citing medical debt, skipped care, and the role of underlying system costs, administrative waste, and lack of competition. They pointed to medical debt relief efforts such as Los Angeles County’s program as a short-term mitigation strategy while the Legislature considers longer-term policy and budget responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• BG Murphy, Florida Association of Insurance Agents, waving in support.
• We're giving the authority to assess casualty insurance companies.
• insurers.
• So Florida domestic insurers also cannot offer rates below 6.5 percent.
• This bill expands the rule that all Florida domestic insurers follow.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. HB 1311, relating to legal tender, ratified DFS/OFR rules to implement last year’s gold-and-silver legal tender law, repealed a prior repeal provision, and clarified the definition of custodian for electronically transferable gold and silver. The sponsor said the bill was a technical follow-up to ensure the law could take effect; members asked about the need for the bill, consumer awareness, and banking industry input. A technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1343 would create an optional high school elective on property and casualty insurance that could satisfy pre-licensure education for a 440 insurance license after graduation. The sponsor said it would help students enter the insurance workforce or gain consumer literacy. An amendment directing DOE and DFS to develop the curriculum was adopted. Testimony from insurance groups and others supported the bill, and members spoke in favor of the workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 1291 addressed the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), aiming to strengthen its long-term solvency by creating clearer triggers for funding remedies and expanding covered services. Public testimony focused heavily on families affected by birth injuries, with a parent and NICA board member describing the lifelong care needs of medically fragile children and the importance of stable funding. Members expressed sympathy and support, and the sponsor said the bill increases access to reserve funds, authorizes casualty insurer assessments, and preserves benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 271 would cap bail bond rates at 6.5 percent for foreign and alien bail bond insurers as well as domestic insurers, to create a more even competitive and tax treatment across carriers. The sponsor explained that out-of-state corporations had an advantage under current reporting and premium rules. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has insurance company B. The truck driver has insurance company A.
• So as it pertains to insurance premiums, what is going on here is insurance company A is creating for
• Now, most people don't know this, but I used to sell insurance about 20 years ago.
• Could it have an impact on insurance premiums?
• So as it pertains to insurance premiums, what is going on here is insurance company A is creating for

Bills: HB3790 , HB2941 , HB2959 , HB3087 , HB3974 , HB3500 , HB3697 , HB3262 , HB3582 , HB4226 , HB3037 , HB4139 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB2936 , HB3322 , HB4296 , HB3278 , HB4202 , HB4176 , HB3303 , HB3648 , HB4119

Committee: House Civil Judiciary

Keywords: home repairs, consumer protection, contracts, homeowner rights, rescission, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, school abuse reporting, child abuse, neglect, mandatory reporting, student safety, school employee misconduct, administrator reporting, superintendent

Transcript Highlights:

• coverage through the Affordable Care Act and the Be Well health insurance.
• health insurance exchange.
• Tax credits help offset the cost of our insurance premiums.
• They could see their health insurance increase by as much as $15,000 a year.
• have to address that in the commercial insurance market still apply.

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• for the purpose of the Florida Insurance Code, because such coverage is not insurance.
• ... ...the same quality or have access to the same quality insurance as traditional insurance plans.
• I was a little confused when it says it's insurance, but then it's not insurance. Thank you, Mr.
• The level of insurance and the quality of that insurance is tailored specifically to this.
• for up to 30 months after the health insurance payment of a claim.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The committee heard and acted on six bills. SB 480, by Senator DeSigley, would allow a narrowly tailored nonprofit agricultural organization to offer health coverage to its members, especially farmers and ranchers, outside the Florida Insurance Code; supporters said it would improve affordable access in rural areas, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network warned the plans would not have to cover preexisting conditions or comply with ACA protections. An amendment aligning the bill with the statute for nonprofit religious organizations was adopted, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1226, also by Senator DeSigley, would create a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs; it drew no opposition and was reported favorably. SB 988, by Senator Truenow, would revise securities exemption and filing requirements under Florida’s Invest Local exemption law; a strike-all amendment clarifying terms, fingerprinting, and related compliance provisions was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute. SB 944, by Senator Davis, would correct an omission in the law governing insurance overpayment claims so the 12-month limit applies to psychologists and HMO claims, with an effective date tied to January 1, 2026; the Florida Psychological Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with committee substitute after an amendment. SB 756, by Senator Burton, would remove the age-8 diagnosis cutoff and age cap for mandated insurance coverage for autism services, update the autism definition to the current DSM, and also repeal age caps for Down syndrome diagnosis; disability advocates and provider groups supported the bill, and it passed as amended. SB 1078, introduced on behalf of Senator McLean, would streamline permitting and inspection procedures for certain fire alarm and sprinkler projects, set deadlines for local agencies, limit extra documentation demands, and restrict enforcement of local ordinances not properly submitted; fire industry representatives supported the compromise amendment, some senators questioned local flexibility and permitting delays, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also approved a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when it comes to getting malpractice insurance, liability insurance, we did talk to the same one I
• And so, but to answer your question directly, we don't diagnose to insurance because we don't bill insurance
• He then turned to insurance, saying insurance is accountability.
• If they can get that insurance and they got that license, they get the insurance.
• He continued that if they got the license, they get the insurance, and insurance is a form of accountability

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll get you an insurance card.
• They send the bill to the insurance company, and the insurance company sent them the money.
• If I could, so health insurance is— private health insurance is my department.
• That's our insurance department.
• insurance against that.

Summary: A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable. Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults. Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• already insurance plan?
• This is insurance for farmers in the state of Florida who have a very difficult time getting insurance
• I have, health insurance I have available, and I'm paying through the roof, and my Insurance I have,
• to have private insurance.
• opportunity to have private insurance.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There’s also an issue with the insurance companies doing...”
• I can say I have called insurance.
• I can say I have called insurance.
• I can say I have called insurance.
• I can say I have called insurance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She has insurance company B, the truck driver has insurance company A, and insurance company A came to
• It's not every auto insurer where we see this issue.
• So as it pertains to insurance premiums, what is going on here is Insurance Company A is creating for
• Now, most people don't know this, but I used to sell insurance.
• Could it have an impact on insurance premiums?

Bills: HB3790 , HB2941 , HB2959 , HB3087 , HB3974 , HB3500 , HB3697 , HB3262 , HB3582 , HB4226 , HB3037 , HB4139 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB2936 , HB3322 , HB4296 , HB3278 , HB4202 , HB4176 , HB3303 , HB3648 , HB4119

Committee: House Civil Judiciary

Keywords: home repairs, consumer protection, contracts, homeowner rights, rescission, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, school abuse reporting, child abuse, neglect, mandatory reporting, student safety, school employee misconduct, administrator reporting, superintendent

Summary: The committee considered a series of House bills, mostly on civil procedure, public records, insurance, local government, and liability issues. Early measures included HB 4139, creating the Oklahoma Home Warranty Transparency Act to improve disclosures in home service contracts; HB 4143, raising the property-damage threshold for Oklahoma City officers to work traffic collisions from $300 to $3,000; HB 4144, clarifying that arrest and incident reports must include a brief summary; and HB 3974, allowing counties in multi-county jails to limit lawsuits to the county that placed the inmate in the facility. Each of these bills received a motion, no debate, and a unanimous due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard HB 3303, which was presented as a response to an insurance claim dispute involving fault allocation after a red-light crash. The author said the bill would align with Oklahoma Insurance Department processes and could be revised further before oversight; members raised concerns about jury verdicts and whether the bill could affect premiums. HB 3790, giving homeowners a five-day cooling-off period after door-to-door home repair sales, and HB 3697, a procedural fix codifying extra time defendants can already obtain by reservation, also advanced unanimously. HB 3262, a request bill from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office to update warrant fees, was amended to say “up to” and then passed 7-2. Additional bills approved included HB 4226 on timelines for judicial recusals, HB 2936 barring people convicted of pedophilia from adopting, HB 3322 on interpreting statutes when multiple versions exist, HB 4296 protecting a notary’s home address from publication, HB 3278 creating a process to resolve Open Meetings Act violations without court, HB 4202 moving radiology reimbursement rates in workers’ compensation to the fee schedule, HB 3648 extending Governmental Tort Claims Act coverage to OU Health entities, HB 3500 removing a nine-month delay for filing a transfer-on-death deed confirmation, and HB 3037 adding certain students working under professors to the employee definition for tort-claim purposes. The committee also laid over HB 2941, HB 2959, HB 387, HB 4176, and HB 419, and adjourned after reporting the remaining bills due pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> part of my responsibility as insurance part of my responsibility as insurance commissioner<01:39
• </c> not traditionally covered by insurance. not traditionally covered by insurance.
• </c> Children have a commercial insurance. They're covered by commercial insurance.
• </c> every insurance avenue you can make. every insurance avenue you can make.
• </c> insurance works. We can't. insurance works. We can't. &gt;&gt; All<03:21:11.439><c> right.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the insurance law in relation to requiring health insurance policies include coverage
• insurance.
• An act to amend the insurance law and the vehicle and traffic law in relation to permitting an insurer
• When it comes to insurance, it's a tough subject.
• We were coming down, Haley said, I like insurance.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance held its first meeting of the year on February 3, 2026, chaired by Senator Jamaal Bailey. The chair opened with introductions of committee members, staff, and guests from the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s Youth and Community Advisory Council, emphasizing the importance of bringing young people into the legislative process. Senator Pamela Helming, the ranking member, also offered opening remarks focused on affordability in insurance, especially health care premiums and property/casualty costs, and said she would be advancing a bill requiring fiscal notes for health care premium legislation. The committee then acted on five bills. Senate Print 1763A (Fernandez), concerning certain cost-sharing fees for outpatient and substance abuse treatment, was moved and referred to the Finance Committee. Senate Print 2644 (Addabbo), prohibiting retrospective denial of payment for substance use disorder treatment services, was reported to the floor without recommendation. Senate Print 3820B (Rivera), requiring health insurance coverage for anesthesia for the full duration of a medical procedure, was reported to the floor. Senate Print 4964 (Bailey), relating to excess line coverage for certain medical malpractice insurance, was reported. Senate Print 5052 (Payne), allowing insurers in certain circumstances to rescind or retroactively cancel a policy, was also reported. Throughout the meeting, members stressed that insurance affordability is a major concern for New Yorkers and that the committee would be addressing related issues during the session. The meeting concluded after the bill actions and brief closing remarks, with no recorded opposition on the measures beyond the noted without-recommendation report on Senate Print 2644.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> workers compensation insurance workers compensation insurance requirements.<00:03:50.239><c> Sections
• </c> insurance programs. insurance programs.
• Section two defines an owner-controlled or contractor-controlled insurance program as a type of insurance
• </c><00:06:47.120><c> fraud</c> program can have an insurance fraud program can have an insurance fraud
• And section five requires a insurer.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have other insurance. They would opt out.
• They have other insurance. They would opt out.
• to private market health insurance or Apple Health.
• insurance.
• afterward. ...insurance.

Bills: HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2160 , HB2179

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: retirement, lump sum payment, financial security, pension reform, monthly benefits, retirement system, investment earnings, trust funds, public pensions, financial management, education, benefits, school employees, membership eligibility, employment, public employees, port workers, federal retirement plan, pension, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• I have personally seen how insurance barriers and I have personally seen how insurance barriers and shifting
• It's that many of the dentists aren't in the insurance networks because insurance companies may keep
• AB 1629 will require insurance companies to send insurance payments directly to dentists, preventing
• The fee doesn't change regardless of the insurance.
• They're actually dropping all insurance.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on March 17 and first approved a consent calendar of several bills, then heard AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would restore the 988 “Press 3” LGBTQ youth crisis line. Supporters, including suicide prevention advocates, behavioral health groups, and local governments, argued the service is a vital, identity-affirming suicide prevention tool for LGBTQ youth. Opponents, including detransitioners and conservative advocacy groups, argued it would steer vulnerable youth toward organizations they viewed as harmful. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Communications and Conveyance Committee, with several no votes; the bill was later held on call and then advanced. The committee next heard AB 1671 by Assemblymember Tangipa, creating a Rural Medical Provider Grant Program to help providers serving rural communities with operational costs, equipment, workforce needs, and related expenses. Supporters said the bill would help retain providers and improve access in areas where patients travel long distances for care; committee members also discussed telehealth as an important rural access tool. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 1876 by Assemblymember Addis, the Fair Care for All Act, which would codify federal health care nondiscrimination protections into California law, including protections related to race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, and gender identity. Supporters said the bill is needed because federal protections are vulnerable to rollback and because patients, especially transgender and intersex Californians, face coverage denials and care disruptions. Opponents argued the bill would force coverage of gender-affirming care and raised concerns about detransitioning. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, with some no votes, and later held it on call before it advanced. Finally, the committee heard AB 1629 by Assemblymember Haney, which would require dental plans to honor assignment-of-benefits requests and improve reporting on network adequacy. Supporters said the bill would reduce upfront costs for patients and improve transparency, while opponents, including Delta Dental and dental plan groups, warned it could weaken networks and increase out-of-pocket costs. After discussion about network participation and patient access, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed the remaining votes, including the consent items, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the commercial insurance at all.
• through their family, the insurance through their family, the health<00:04:26.800><c> insurance</c><
• </c> I chose this path of private insurance I chose this path of private insurance and<00:09:31.040><
• ,</c><00:10:34.240><c> medical</c> this system, private insurance, medical this system, private insurance
• </c> And it is a system that the insurance And it is a system that the insurance companies<00:36:54.640

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't remove their ability to have insurance.
• And this is insurance for everything. It's auto insurance, it's liability insurance.
• And this is insurance for everything. It's auto insurance, it's liability insurance.
• We're deleting an insurance requirement. Why do we have that insurance requirement?
• This is not like automobile insurance here.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote. Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1. Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are homeowners experiencing with the lack of insurance? Or is it the high cost of insurance?
• </c> a year on insurance. a year on insurance.
• </c> insurance, home insurance in that area? insurance, home insurance in that area?
• </c> people who get their insurance there. people who get their insurance there.
• </c> relating to health insurance. relating to health insurance.

Bills: HB20 , HB2612 , HB2404 , HB2459 , HB2194 , HB1880 , HB2284 , HB1969 , HB2458 , HB1546 , HB2161 , HB1721 , HB1641 , HB2137 , HB1782 , HB2360 , HB1965 , HB1897 , HB1513

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next bill, SB 2961, SD1, HD1, relating to insurance. On behalf of the Senate, myself as Insurance.
• Thank you very much. relating to insurance. We have the relating to insurance.
• </c> insurance because of the flooding. insurance because of the flooding.
• It'll rebuild the house the insurance companies thought they had when they insured the house.
• </c> &gt;&gt; It's a it's a good insurance bill. &gt;&gt; It's a it's a good insurance bill.

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know what the insurance company costs?
• department insurance carriers insurance agents consumer advocates for those folks that have struggled
• This is not an insurance bill; this is a beer bill, right?
• Follow up: So don't we talked earlier about insurance? So businesses can get insurance, can't they?
• in businesses and property, the insurance company basically, you're paying for the insurance company

Bills: SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1442 , SB1592 , SB1623 , SB1625 , SB1913 , SB1940 , SB1949 , SB2102 , SB592 , SB992

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: ticket sales, resale, consumer protection, fraud, bots, transparency, refunds, event tickets, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana license, commercial grower, grow operation, bond requirement, land reclamation fee, revolving fund, environmental remediation, redevelopment, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA