Video & Transcript Research : 'rap back'
Page 68 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY AND I WILL INVITE MISS NIPPER BACK UP AND WE CAN TAKE
- Woodson: I WILL COME BACK. THERE MAY BE OTHERS. >> Chair: ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
- Woodson: THANK YOU, SIR, AGAIN, GOING BACK TO DATA COLLECTION.
- IS MAKING SURE HOW DOES A TIE BACK INTO PERFORMANCE?
- WE MAY HAVE TO COME BACK. I THINK IT'S DIFFERENT THAN HOW TO THE TIME TO THE FUNDING MODEL.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're back again for more fun on House Bill 1216.
- Once you leave it, we can't go back.
- It comes back to us from the House amended.
- So we stuck them back in.
- We had voted back on this bill 45 to 2.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened and handled several House messages and conference committee appointments before taking up a series of bills. It appointed conference committees on Senate Bill 2265 and House Bills 1454, 1448, and 1524. The chamber also adopted a Senate amendment to House Bill 1216, delaying its effective date for the copay accumulator prescription drug bill to January 1, 2026, with later renewal timing for non-PERS plans.
House Bill 1216 then came up for final passage. Senators debated whether allowing copay accumulator programs to count manufacturer coupons toward deductibles would help patients with expensive drugs or unfairly shift costs to insurers and other policyholders. Supporters said it would help people afford life-saving medications and that the coupon payments go to pharmacies, not insurers; opponents argued it could raise premiums and create perverse incentives for drug pricing. The bill passed 29-18. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2160, which changes health insurance benefits under the Uniform Group Insurance Program to move from a grandfathered to a non-grandfathered plan, with supporters emphasizing added benefits and flexibility and opponents warning of higher costs and irreversible changes. That bill passed concurrence 33-14 and final passage 39-8.
The Senate next concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2339, the wildfire mitigation bill, which requires utility mitigation plans to be updated every two years, incorporate national electric standards, and creates a rebuttable presumption of reasonable care if the plan is followed. The bill then passed final passage 46-1. The chamber also adopted conference committee reports and passed House Bill 1460 on adult foster care and monitoring devices, House Bill 1440 on cigar lounge tobacco use, and Senate Bill 2374 on insurance-related provisions including property insurance arbitration, managed repair programs, and surplus lines issues; SB 2374 also added a study on towing and recovery coverage. The session ended with announcements of upcoming conference committee meetings and adjournment until April 22, 2025.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are back on the bill.
- We are back on two has not been adopted. We are back on the<00:44:22.560>
bill. - We are back on the bill.
- We are back on three has been adopted. We are back on the<00:48:37.280>
bill. - Back to Senator Thank you, Senator. Back to Senator Hicks. Hicks. Hicks.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:22:44.480>
it Senator, if you if you look back, it Senator, if you if you look back, - So going back to public water system.
- able move the money back to 2026. able move the money back to 2026. let<01:31:05.280>
it < - back fill back to HHS approves the the back fill back to the<01:37:44.000>
date <01:37:44.159> - I don't back in terms of the backlog.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- to that orange and let's go back to that orange and let's go back to that orange sticker let's go back
- to that orange sticker let's go back to that orange sticker let's go back to that orange sticker for
- back in the the 2010s that stuff back back in the the 2010s that stuff back back in the the 2010s and
- back I'll help you next year come back back I'll help you next year come back back I'll help you next
- that I can come back I just want minutes that I can come back I just want minutes that I can come back
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- regarding pay raises if we're going back regarding pay raises if we're going back to<00:51:24.680
- <00:54:22.920>
in this sir but I think the idea back in this sir but I think the idea back - number of I get a lot of push back number of I get a lot of push back political<01:02:17.599>
- thing uh you need paper only here back thing uh you need paper only here back to<01:38:41.760>
- <02:04:14.520>
tomorrow today and we we'll come back tomorrow today and we we'll come back - <02:04:14.520>
Summary:
The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process.
The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management.
A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Leadership Division Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Expect us back to be back where we were. That's what markets do. They fluctuate.
- And if you go back to the crude-by-rail issue and...
- We could be back to $85 by tomorrow afternoon again.
- So, but I do think Continental is planning to put rigs back up.
- And I'll come back to it in the end.
Summary:
The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline.
Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns.
OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- One more back, if I can go back one more. There we go. The result was they didn't grow.
- And now they've come back on.
- And it was a proposal that was put forth back in an amendment. I mean, the idea goes back to 2007.
- And it's great to be back in the building just a few years back, as Senator Rush's chief of staff, I
- Just a few years back.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Massachusetts sea scallop fishery, especially the economic importance of the industry, federal scallop management, and two policy questions: reopening the Northern Edge area on Georges Bank and allowing permit stacking/permit consolidation. Chairing senators emphasized their interest in hearing both sides, their frustration with federal bureaucracy, and their view that the issue should be guided by science while protecting the long-term resource and local communities.
Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council and Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the Magnuson-Stevens framework, annual catch limits, rotational area management, and the role of industry-funded surveys and the research set-aside program. They said scallops remain the most lucrative council-managed commercial fishery on the East Coast, but recent changes include more small scallops, lower biomass in some areas, higher natural mortality, and shifting abundance toward Georges Bank. On the Northern Edge, they explained that the council previously considered opening the area through a framework/joint action with habitat management, but discontinued the action in 2024 because of conflicting objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and other species. They said the issue could be revisited through future council priority-setting.
Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund argued that the fishery needs modernization to remain economically viable. They supported reopening the Northern Edge and strongly backed permit stacking, saying it would allow two permits on one vessel while keeping ownership caps in place, reducing costs, improving safety, and helping family-owned fleets avoid financial distress and outside investment. Port of New Bedford representative John Regan stressed the port’s central role in the state economy, the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure, and the importance of any permit changes preserving local ownership and participation. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members asked that the witnesses keep the committee informed as the council and federal agencies consider next steps.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (06/19/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Dams, like for holding back water. >> Dams, D-A-M. >> The dams.
- The way it was, so we'd have to come back.
- Let's see what a jury comes back with.
- They may come back with zero.
- I'm going to go back to Mr.
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review.
The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget.
The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 05:55 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I kind of stare back at them like, “I don’t know.”
- So I started giving him rides home and picking him back up.
- I got sent to the back row when I was an energy chair.
- I'm a lot more refined now than I was back then.
- So now the way the bill has come back to us, do...
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the back of the bill, there is $691 million from the general revenue fund that reverts back. $691
- the state go back into general revenue.
- because we want that budget back.
- Back then, it was a billion-dollar program.
- It’s in the back of the bill.
Summary:
The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants.
Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language.
The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Happy to be back and to be with the Ways and Means Committee. Thank you so much.
- year to battle back at the State Board of Equalization, to immense cost to them.
- Representative, Brittany, welcome back.
- And again, back to the mailing, as I said before, we sent out mail all the time.
- Do you ever do that, have them come back to try to connect with them? Mr.
Keywords:
tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land
Summary:
The committee began with member, staff, and page introductions, then heard reminders about public testimony limits. It first considered House Bill 2016, which would eliminate late-filing penalties when a tax return shows zero tax due. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent unnecessary fines on small businesses and individuals with no liability, while staff noted any fiscal impact would likely be minimal. The bill passed on an 8-1 vote, with one member opposing it on the grounds that current waiver procedures already exist and the change could weaken compliance incentives.
The committee then took up House Bill 2104, which would bar county assessors from reclassifying agricultural property for four years after an owner prevails on appeal, unless there is a change in use, ownership, or parcel configuration. The sponsor and agricultural groups said the measure would reduce repetitive annual appeals and provide stability for ranchers and farmers, especially in urbanizing areas and in places affected by fallowing. County assessors opposed the bill, arguing that their offices are better qualified than the State Board of Equalization, that the bill could allow inaccurate classifications to persist, and that it relies too heavily on owners to report changes. After extensive testimony from the Maricopa County Assessor and the State Board of Equalization executive director, the committee approved the bill 5-4.
Next, House Bill 2105 was heard. It would require advance notice of certain property inspections and provide inspection reports to property owners. The sponsor said the goal was to give owners a chance to be present for inspections and to receive the reasons for any denial of agricultural status. Assessors opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate and said they already communicate with owners through mail, door hangers, and other methods, but that a standardized report form does not currently exist. Supporters from the farm and ranch community said the bill would improve transparency and help avoid disputes. The committee passed the bill 5-4.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2289, which updates truth-in-taxation and election pamphlet language to reflect higher residential property values, including a new $400,000 example. The sponsor and the Arizona Tax Research Association said the changes would make taxpayer notices more accurate and noted the bill was similar to one that had previously advanced, but without a provision that contributed to a veto. No vote was taken on this bill in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Back on the bill. Let's see.
- And when I came back, I came back with four separate bills.
- put the language back in.
- put the language back in.
- I love you all back.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0.
The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:11:05.840>
and make to make sure they come back and make to make sure they come back and - We want our guests to have a good experience when they stay here, to come back, keep coming back, and
- and prisons and bring them back and prisons and bring them back home<01:44:44.840>
and <01 - <01:49:04.440>
halava when we bring those people back halava when we bring those people back - Uh, and because they came back on a violation, more than likely they came back for failure to report,
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit.
HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals.
HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue.
HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 18, March 3, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Back to the bringer for a second time. Back to the bringer for a second time.
- We are back on the bill. >> Back to the bringer. Representative >> Back to the bringer.
- We're back on the bill.
- We're back on the bill. We're back on the bill.
- We are back on the has been adopted. We are back on the bill.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's why we get back to... Which was the 34.5%.
- This will give us a lot of information going into when we hear back from you, and you'll be back in this
- Going into when we hear back from you, and you'll be back in this committee, probably April or June?
- We hear all this information will be coming back and we'll have the reports.
- Seeing no other business, we will be back May 13th. We are adjourned.
Summary:
The committee received an update from Grant Wallace on the rebid and possible decoupling of the state’s Medicare Advantage retiree coverage. He said the state is exploring splitting medical and pharmacy benefits for post-65 retirees, with UnitedHealthcare as the incumbent vendor, and that preliminary estimates suggested savings of about $100 to $200 per participant per month. He outlined the expected timeline for final CMS rate announcements in April 2026, with contract amendments likely to come before the committee in May or June after review by the EBD Advisory Commission and State Board of Finance.
Representatives from Segal Consulting then reviewed the history and current structure of the Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan, explaining that the plan was adopted after a 2021 recommendation and launched in 2023 alongside the existing Med-Sup option. They said the Medicare Advantage option has produced substantial savings, including a lower monthly rate than the Med-Sup plan and about $40 million in savings from initial enrollment, while also restoring pharmacy benefits for some retirees. The presenters then explained recent federal changes under the Inflation Reduction Act, including major changes to Part D funding, the direct subsidy, and risk-score methodology, which they said have made risk adjustment much more important and are driving interest in separating medical and pharmacy contracts.
In response to questions from senators, the presenters said the Medicare Advantage plan covers post-65 teacher and state employee retirees, including retirees from state agencies and K-12 public schools. They also explained that the new Part D structure has reduced out-of-pocket costs for members, with a $2,000 annual cap and lower average member spending to reach it, while shifting more cost to the plan. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported; the committee simply received the update and was told to expect further information after the April rate notice. The meeting adjourned with the committee scheduled to return on May 13.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Come back. answer your more questions. Come back.
- And it's high time that we get back to putting our coal miners back to work.
- We'll come back.
- We'll come back. We uh heard questions. We'll come back.
- come back and talk. Anything else? come back and talk. Anything else?
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12
Approval of Minutes 00:02:25
Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48
Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58
Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56
Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members.
The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky.
Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Jul 1st, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, everybody, who grabbed the quick lunch and got back on time.
- This was negotiated back up to a larger amount.
- So, I'll pass it back to Troy. Thank you.
- But then I came back and said, boy, we need to address this.
- Or get your full cost back on the Medicare cost report.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, and we struck a deal back there.
- I sold my house and I moved back to N.A.
- It'll never come back, and I understand that now, but back then, I couldn't comprehend how this could
- I'll be right back. I'll be back in three minutes. I don't know. Is he coming back?
- I will announce when we're coming back.
Keywords:
commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So there are a variety of reasons why when they get back. Cops, they may fall back into it.
- They figure out the drug combination that gets them back to competency and then they send them back to
- They can't fight back for themselves.
- Back up. And once again, Ms.
- He, I assume he's not back.