Transcript Highlights:

• That if it can, quote, turn out the lights, walk away, take costs out of the business.
• , there is a massive runway after the fact for increasing profits through reducing operating costs. cost
• Should one company in any area be bearing that full cost? Thank you for the question.
• If they're going to reduce it, they're going to have to reduce the cost. their op-ex costs through deregulation
• If you're asking for a release for that, replace it with broadband, right?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is a cost to it.
• , the medical costs that go into this, the cost to replace that worker while they're out.
• And medical cost and wage replacement come in as secondary factors into that calculation.
• Getting them the cost—let me go back to that—reducing the cost for— Getting them the cost—let me go back
• I know it's a small cost to physicians, but that's a minor cost. Yes.

Summary: The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on May 7, 2026, and first deferred several measures, including House Bill 460, Senate Bill 322, Senate Bill 32, Senate Bill 22, and House Bill 561. The committee then took up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz, which would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) by MCG as the primary guideline, while keeping the existing variance and appeal process. Cruz and MCG representative Troy Prevo argued that ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and used in many states, and said it could reduce delays, disability duration, and costs. Dr. Jason Picard, the state medical director, testified that Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference in many cases because the state schedule lacks coverage for some body parts and treatments, and said the bill would not otherwise change the appeals process or care delivery. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would delay care or improve it. Several members questioned the private-company nature of ODG, the $400 annual subscription cost, and whether Louisiana doctors would be forced to rely on an out-of-state guideline. Rep. Glorioso and others raised concerns about preauthorization delays and proposed amendments to create tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and make the carrier prove by clear and convincing evidence that care was not medically necessary to challenge it. Chairman Cruz said he was willing to work with those ideas, and the committee also discussed adding an on-ramp or legacy language so current patients would not be disrupted. Opposition testimony came from injured-worker advocates and representatives of medical and labor groups, including Joseph Jola St. and Robin Krumholt. They argued that Louisiana’s current guidelines are already working, that rates have fallen over time, and that the real problem is delay in approval rather than the content of the schedule. They said ODG is overly rigid, cost-driven, and can lead to denials that shift costs to workers, Medicaid, or private health insurance. They urged the committee to keep Louisiana’s existing system and instead adopt tacit approval under current law. The bill was still under discussion at the close of the transcript, with amendments being read and no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Typically, those are a county cost.
• just want to make sure that it is not just a cost to the state, but it is also a cost overall to the
• costs from other areas?
• And that's what I'm trying to say is we need to limit some sort of cost, have a cost limitation to this
• You know, when these bills come forward with mandates on them, then there's cost, fiscal costs that are

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to a replacement to something that, I don't know. ...to a replacement to something that is almost an
• Yeah, the full implementation cost of the program, or estimated full implementation cost. Yes.
• Yeah, the full implementation cost of the program, or estimated full implementation cost. Yes.
• Yeah, the full implementation cost of the program, or estimated full implementation cost. Yes.
• We don't have any cost-benefit analysis.

Summary: The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion. OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated. The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• agonists, the costs that are... ...of these antagonists and agonists to the costs that are normally
• And my mother told me that cost $5,200.
• Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, often requiring replacement every few years.
• In the scheme of things, the cost of untreated hearing loss far outpaces the cost of hearing aids.
• In the scheme of things, the cost of untreated hearing loss far outpaces the cost of hearing aids.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• costs all through the year very closely. costs all through the year very closely.
• , slightly more than the full cost.
• > cost.
• than the full cost. than the full cost. there<01:46:16.000> is<01:46:16.600> a<01:
• for what we call the normal cost for what we call the normal cost component<01:46:26.159> of<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We see auto repair costs continue to go up.
• That adding regulatory costs, as Senator Guthrie mentioned, it more cost to back to the insurance carriers
• instead of lowering homeowners' costs.
• A bumper from the salvage yard might cost $800, while a new one from the factory might cost $1,500.
• Now, it can cost $4,500 to $5,000 just to replace the back bumper due to sensors and cameras.

Bills: SB1969, SB1953, SB1277, SB1287, SB1061, SB1916, SB1589, SB2178, SB1444, SB1438, SB1501, SB1873, SB1364

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• So how are you dealing with the cost?
• Simply because it might cost OTA a little bit more money to pay above and beyond that.
• And when we're raising the cost to 150% minimum, that's a large increase.
• Is take care of people that's going to be affected by this, their replacement costs.
• So, but if it is available, what's it going to cost?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It costs more. Because the city still has to make up the money. It costs more than the 25%.
• replace the— The substitute amendment to the strike-all, which will replace the— Yes, which will replace
• and really listening in the time of extreme costs.
• So, High bill costs and really listening in the time of extreme costs.
• Do those costs for that benefit get the ratepayers where they should be?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• . replacement. replacement.
• they're struggling with all these costs. they're struggling with all these costs.
• cleanup costs. Is that correct? cleanup costs. Is that correct?
• c> annual<02:26:51.800> cost<02:26:52.120> to DCYF estimates the cost annual cost to
• no longer worth the risks or the costs. no longer worth the risks or the costs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and generating about an additional $4 million a year that the station owners can then apply for to replace
• are protected, all while keeping costs are protected, all while keeping costs financially<00:03:
• When failures occur, cleanup costs can easily reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars
• , and saves the prad response costs, and saves the prad significant<00:04:42.720> long-term<00
• and the feed cost becomes low.

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• :30:14.560> from<00:30:14.800> our replacing what's been removed from our replacing what's
• This has to do with replacing what that.
• It is to replace lines 199 through 202 on page eight with the following...
• All right amendment two is replacing All right amendment two is replacing line<00:37:36.760>
• And now cost, what's the transportation.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I can't tell you specifically what the cost per student of education there is.
• , excess costs for OPS, excess costs for all other personnel.
• It's just operating costs. Okay, thank you. Senator Brodeur, one last question.
• You're actually taking them away at a cost of over $700,000.
• Authorizes Valerie House to provide no-cost grief support services.

Summary: The Senate began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into floor consideration of the 2026-2027 budget. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented Senate Bill 2500, describing a $115 billion budget that reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental and agricultural programs. Highlights included increased funding for school scholarships and safety, workforce and university programs, Medicaid and child welfare, corrections operations, affordable housing, rural communities, Everglades and water quality projects, and infrastructure. Members then asked detailed questions about several budget items. Senators sought clarification on the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries, charter school capital outlay funding, EASE grants, New College funding, DOC inmate counts and reimbursement, lottery staffing, concealed weapons licensing positions, election security funding, iBudget waiver support, ADAP funding, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, and scholarship and enrollment supplements in K-12 education. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected technical shifts or right-sizing, that some funds were being moved below the line for better tracking, and that several items—such as ADAP and corrections operations—would likely remain conference issues with the House. After questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the budget and implementing measures and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles to prepare for conference. The chamber passed the budget-related bills and several conforming measures, including bills on retirement, fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, court trust funds, judgeships, and K-12 and higher education conforming changes. Votes on the major bills were overwhelmingly unanimous or near-unanimous, and the Senate repeatedly voted to accede to the House’s request for conference on the substituted bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• administered by Pearson—what is the cost for a student to take that test?
• I believe the cost is around $1,400 for them to take the part one.
• What’s the difference in cost for the Canadian test?
• What is the cost for a student Pearson.
• difference in cost for the Canadian<00:36:48.240> test?

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• our Roof Systems and window replacements our Roof Systems and window replacements uh<00:30:48.600
• You know, the estimate before you is $26 million for cost and then cost materials about $12.5 million
• for for cost and then cost materials for for cost and then cost materials about<00:46:24.079>
• <00:52:27.359> of reconstruct constuction replacement of reconstruct constuction replacement
• <00:54:32.319> a place and we increased our cost a place and we increased our cost a million

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm appointing Senator Kuby to the Committee on Health and Human Services to temporarily replace Senator
• We had a really robust discussion, and the Chair very graciously reduced the cost of this program.
• Members, we should not be discriminating and costing people their lives over a vaccine and whether or
• 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Section 36-29.01, relating to the Arizona Health Care Cost
• one of Arizona defense attention by next section of 30 3629.0.1 relating to the Arizona health care cost

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and non-benefit costs.
• Fund costs of $1.9 billion by 2029-30.
• Fund costs of $1.9 billion by 2029-30.
• And do we know the cost of that?
• Prop. 56 absorbed the costs.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:29.360> us definitively shown it's going to cost us definitively shown it's going to
• cost us uh<00:20:30.080> some<00:20:30.480> something.
• and the cost of projects for example and the cost of projects that<00:29:53.200> again<00:29:
• uh other funding to replace this funding if<00:35:47.680> possible.
• <00:57:52.160> section to make that change uh replace section to make that change uh replace

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• abroad, and what that's showcasing on the cost of gas, electricity, the cost of groceries, it's clear
• Families are facing rising housing costs, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and a cost-of-living crisis
• We can lower costs without jeopardizing our future.
• too much, prescription drugs cost too much, child care costs too much.
• I thought that in the piece of legislation, it referred to covering the cost for a cost calculator.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance, which was an additional cost compliance, which was an additional cost that<00:06:27.360
• this is an ongoing cost. this is an ongoing cost.
• program and increase costs for everyone. program and increase costs for everyone.
• So, those costs add to small businesses. So, those costs add to small businesses.
• We cannot easily redistribute the work or bring in temporary replacements without significant cost and

Keywords: 1183, house