Video & Transcript Research : 'SBA reforms'

Page 70 of 243
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll be happy to answer any questions, but the reforms... ...any questions, but the reforms, the notifications
  • It also reforms and improves the public notification process by requiring the independent third-party
  • House Bill 925, creating logic for efficiency and accountability reform, clear act create. >> I ask to
  • then the concern that is shared by most conservatives, and I may be mistaken and forgotten how tort reform
  • And so I've shared your concern, but I... tort reform, you know, doing new causes of actions are not
WY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We've got campaign finance reform. Go ahead, Senator. Committee, good to see you here all today.
  • Seminoe, child abuse criminal statute reform.
  • :20.800> abuse<00:45:21.800> criminal<00:45:22.520> statute<00:45:23.120> reform
  • child abuse criminal statute reform. child abuse criminal statute reform.
  • I am requesting for the committee to consider criminal reforms which would develop a tiered classification
Keywords: 916, all
Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide. The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency. Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 02/24/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we did witness that, the big drop in 2022 reflects the result of tax reform in 2001, where there
  • <00:08:15.080> tax uh, reflects the result of, uh, tax uh, reflects the result of, uh, tax reform
  • in 20 in 2001, um, where there reform in 20 in 2001, um, where there was<00:08:18.520> huge<00
  • And again we saw a decline because all those old districts that were created before the reforms hit their
  • And the but-for test is up in the air sometimes, which is why I had that reform legislation last year
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session May 31st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It also reforms faculty senate, cleans up the patchwork of general education requirements across post-secondary
  • It also reforms faculty senate, cleans up the patchwork of general education requirements across post-secondary
  • Without Senate Bill 1, those reforms are just words on paper.
  • the State Commission on Judicial Conduct's capacity so that, in accordance with Senator Huffman's reform
  • And on top of the reforms that we made, I think that was in the bill I passed, I think it was 2017, that
Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Apr 23rd, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are part of Students Demand Action, an advocacy group that is working for common-sense gun reform
  • He prioritized education reform, raising teacher pay and expanding access to community colleges.
  • He modernized state government, reformed civil service, and invested in public health.
  • He prioritized education reform, raising teacher pay and expanding access to community colleges.
  • He modernized state government, reformed civil service, and invested in public health.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm

S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • It identifies you as a reformed politician.
  • commissioners court, which I used to have the privilege of serving as one, no longer; that's why I'm reformed
  • Hence, I'm now a reform politician after redistricting.
  • My name is Brandon Copick, and I come to you not only as a justice reform advocate, Members, my name
  • is Brandon Coppick, and I come to you not only as a justice reform advocate, but as a victim of the very
Summary: The subcommittee on county and regional government heard a long agenda of county-related bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097, by Rep. Martinez, would let counties that opt in use an independent hearing examiner instead of a civil service commission for certain deputy sheriff discipline appeals; the bill drew support from CLEET’s Robert Leonard, who said it would be fairer and faster, and it was left pending. HB 4642, by Rep. Gonzalez, would require counties that contract with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas jail-standard protections and oversight; Gonzalez, detainee Jess Hampton, his wife, Texas Jail Project’s Krish Kundu, and TCJS director Brandon Wood all discussed deaths and poor conditions in Louisiana facilities, staffing shortages, and the need for guardrails and data collection. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, by Rep. Capriglione, allowing peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face targeted threats and should have protections similar to judges; a title industry witness warned about preserving the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687, by Rep. Harless, would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet training and certification standards within set timeframes; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen supported professionalization, and the bill was left pending. HB 4105 would let very large counties give a local-bid preference for construction and infrastructure contracts, and HB 4205 would require pay parity for similar law enforcement ranks within large counties; both were supported by Harris County officials and constables and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 5403, which would repeal a special rule limiting Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs’ control over commissary funds; the author said it would remove an outdated population bracket, and the bill was left pending. HB 4462 would require large counties to allow elected officials named in civil suits to seek outside counsel and have a role in settlement decisions; supporters argued county attorneys and commissioners court can have conflicts of interest, while questions focused on who qualifies and whether the bill could complicate settlements. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 240, by Rep. Swanson, would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively preventing tax action without all commissioners present and defaulting to the no-new-revenue rate if quorum is not met; urban counties opposed it as a potential budget obstruction, while supporters said it protects taxpayers and representation. That bill was also left pending. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 3319, which would create a civil service system for constable department employees in large counties, but the discussion is cut off before testimony or action.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 21st, 2025

S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • It identifies you as a reform politician.
  • Hence, I'm now a reform politician after redistricting.
  • Hence, I'm now a reform politician after redistricting.
  • My name is Brandon Copick, and I come to you not only as a justice reform advocate, but as a victim of
  • Members, my name is Brandon Coppick, and I come to you not only as a justice reform advocate, but as
Bills: HB240
Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of county and regional government bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097 would let counties that opt in give sheriff’s deputies an alternative appeal route for certain discipline cases through an independent hearing examiner instead of the Civil Service Commission. The author and a CLEET witness said it would be faster, cheaper, and fairer; questions focused on why the bill was needed and whether sheriffs could already use such a process. No opposition testified, and the bill was left pending. HB 4642 drew extensive testimony after the author said it was prompted by a death involving an out-of-state jail contract. The bill would require counties contracting with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas-like jail standards and oversight provisions. The author, a former detainee held in Louisiana, his wife, and a Texas Jail Project advocate described poor conditions, lack of accountability, and multiple deaths of Texans housed out of state. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards director said five counties are currently housing 1,251 Texas inmates out of state, mostly because of staffing shortages, and said the bill would give the commission more authority and oversight. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, which would allow peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face retaliation risks and should have protections similar to judges and other officials; a title industry witness cautioned that redaction should not compromise the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687 would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet specified training and certification standards, and HB 4105 and HB 4205 would give Harris County preferences in construction contracting and require pay parity for comparable law enforcement ranks within the county, respectively; all drew support from county officials and were left pending. HB 5403 would repeal a special rule requiring Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs to get commissioners court approval for commissary disbursements, and it was also left pending. Later, HB 4462 would let elected county officials in large counties choose outside counsel in civil cases involving them, rather than relying solely on the county attorney. Supporters argued this would reduce conflicts of interest and protect officials’ reputations; questions centered on who qualifies and whether it could conflict with county interests. Finally, HB 240 would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively requiring all commissioners to be present before a new tax rate can be adopted; supporters framed it as a taxpayer protection, while the Conference of Urban Counties opposed it as giving one member a de facto veto and potentially disrupting the budget process. Both bills were left pending.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to determine the best policies to reform
  • The resolution seeks to reform pharmacy benefit manager practices in the state to ensure transparency
  • So just proposing some alternative options with how other states are looking at PBM reform.
  • c><00:27:08.640> looking<00:27:08.880> at<00:27:09.120> PBM<00:27:09.600> reform
  • <00:27:10.159> I states are looking at PBM reform. I states are looking at PBM reform.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PSM-LBT, TCA-PSM, PSM Public Hearings 03-10-2025

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of the other testimony in opposition agrees statewide standards are appropriate but asserts reform
  • Most of the other testimony in opposition agrees statewide standards are appropriate but asserts reform
  • Most of the other testimony in opposition agrees statewide standards are appropriate but asserts reform
  • standards are appropriate<00:30:36.919> but<00:30:37.039> asserts<00:30:37.559> reform
  • but asserts reform should be done<00:30:38.720> first<00:30:39.039> by<00:30:39.200>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities. After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain. The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • these they anticipate these amendments will have on the business community and the opportunities the reforms
  • Today, I'm here to talk to you about Archer and how these reforms could attract.
  • Thank you for your leadership. for considering how these reforms can help fuel companies like ours to
  • And I want to thank our friends. at Texans for Lawsuit Reform as well, a great, great leader in this
  • Michigan has spent years reforming and changing again, for example, establishes criminal penalties for
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Feb 12th, 2025

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Commission on Immigration Reform, will be hosting—we will be hosting Susan Martin at FSU in mid to late
  • Most people agree that there is a need for comprehensive immigration reform, but this costly, resource-intensive
  • really stop and look back at the history to see how close we have been to comprehensive immigration reform
  • delegation in Washington, D.C., and demand that they lead the effort for comprehensive immigration reform
  • in Washington, and then none of us ever have to come back here again. ...reform in Washington, and then
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee took up SB 2-C, a major immigration enforcement bill sponsored by Senator Gruters and co-introduced by Senator Fine. Gruters described the measure as a broad crackdown on illegal immigration that would replace a single immigration officer with a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, create a $250 million grant program for local law enforcement, fund additional Department of Agriculture interdiction staff and facilities, expand pretrial detention for certain unauthorized immigrants, increase criminal penalties, require more cooperation with ICE, and eliminate in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students. He and supporters framed the bill as a way to support law enforcement, deter illegal immigration, and align Florida with federal enforcement efforts. Committee questioning focused heavily on the bill’s education, detention, and enforcement provisions. Senators pressed Gruters and Fine on why the bill did not address employer sanctions or E-Verify, whether the tuition changes would affect students who had grown up in Florida, how sanctuary-policy enforcement would work, and whether the bill would create practical burdens for prosecutors, jails, and local officials. Gruters said he was open to working on E-Verify in regular session but not to amending this bill, and Fine argued the tuition repeal would apply to undocumented students who had qualified under existing law. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri testified in support, saying ICE bed capacity was still insufficient and that county jails needed more resources to honor detainers. Mark Schlachman of FSU Law offered historical context, noting prior state-federal cooperation efforts and warning of unintended consequences, while several public witnesses opposed the bill as unconstitutional, costly, and harmful to immigrant families and the economy. Opponents from the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU of Florida, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, Florida Policy Institute, AFL-CIO, and immigrant advocacy groups argued the bill would invite litigation, encourage racial profiling, harm the workforce and higher education, and punish law-abiding immigrants and their families. They emphasized that immigration is a federal matter, that K-12 education must be provided regardless of status, and that removing in-state tuition would reduce access to college and hurt Florida’s economy. Some speakers urged the committee to grandfather current students if the tuition waiver is repealed. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote reflected in the transcript provided.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate and Governmental May 20th, 2026

Senate & Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • On the transportation side, I was involved in the reform bills of last year for the department, worked
  • On the transportation side, I was involved in the reform bills of last year for the department work with
  • For that reason, after Hurricane Katrina, voters statewide overwhelmingly supported reforms that would
  • because unfortunately what we have seen in our group, which was involved in the passage of those reforms
  • Three governors abided by those reforms until the current governor made a series of moves and appointments
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - Senate Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • So SB 1501 is a simple common-sense reform.
  • So SB 1501 is a simple common-sense reform that gives Arizona real oversight without creating new government
  • So SB 1501 is a simple common sense reform that gives Arizona's real oversight without creating new government
  • Moving away from having a single unaffiliated member be the deciding vote is a very important reform,
  • With that, I vote no and hope to see some reforms made to the bill before we get to the Senate.
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1825, which would shift precinct committeeman vacancy applications in certain cases from county party chairs to legislative district chairs and require the list of nominees to be submitted within five days. Supporters said the bill would streamline a bottlenecked process and better reflect local party leadership, while the County Supervisors Association said it had no issue with the basic structure but objected to the five-day deadline. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The committee then considered SB 1566, a measure aimed at preventing municipalities, counties, the state, and state agencies from maliciously delaying permits or approvals, with enforcement by the Attorney General and civil penalties. After a strike-everything amendment narrowed the bill mainly to single-family residential construction and clarified terms, the sponsor and home builders argued it would deter intentional delays that increase housing costs, while one member raised concerns about breadth and public safety or planning issues. The amended bill passed 3-2, with two not voting. SB 1571, as amended, would bar monopoly utilities with a defined customer base from passing marketing, sponsorship, community relations, and similar costs through to ratepayers, and would require annual public reporting and an attestation that such costs were not passed on. Support came from the sponsor, the Home Builders Association, and environmental advocates, while a municipal power users representative warned the language could be too broad for small public utilities and emergency communications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the bill a do pass as amended recommendation by a 4-2 vote, with one not voting. Later, the committee approved SB 1501, which expands the Administrative Rules Oversight Committee’s review authority to include whether agency rules or policies exceed statutory authority, and SB 1805, which requires county recorders to verify that a notary on a quitclaim deed is actively commissioned before recording the deed. It also passed SB 1808, as amended, to prohibit HOAs and condominium associations from banning flags of nations designated as major non-NATO allies, and SB 1688, as amended, to require certain membership associations receiving public dues support to disclose fees and allow opt-outs. SB 1246, as amended, increased the delinquency thresholds and time periods before HOA/condo foreclosure on common expense liens, and passed unanimously. Finally, SB 1428 was introduced to expand county boards of supervisors in larger counties, with debate focused on representation, cost, and the differing constitutional roles of counties and cities; the transcript cuts off before any final action on that bill.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • also profound moral failure, and it gives families across Indian country new hope for justice and reform
  • I provide our tribe's initial support for Senate Bill 1611, which seeks to strengthen and reform the
  • And then, you know, we're also discussing a lot of reforms even today in this hearing.
  • We've been involved in past reforms related to step therapy.
  • We've been involved in past reforms related to step therapy and really think, for this population, more
Summary: The committee first approved the February 4 minutes and then heard Senate Bill 1086, which would require AHCCCS contractors to reimburse non-contracting providers for certain laboratory services when a member was referred by a contracting provider, and would bar prior authorization for diagnostic services and retaliation tied to such referrals. AHCCCS testified neutral but warned the prior-authorization ban could increase utilization and create fiscal and federal compliance concerns. The committee adopted the Warner amendment limiting non-contracting reimbursement to no more than contracting-provider rates, then passed SB 1086 as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee next took up Senate Bill 1611, an emergency measure to require AHCCCS to contract with an administrative services organization for program integrity and case management functions for the American Indian Health Plan, while keeping AHCCCS ultimately responsible. The chair’s amendment expanded the ASO’s duties to include provider support, quality improvement, and data analytics, removed AHCCCS claims payment authority, added more tribal observers, and exempted IHS and tribal facilities. Testimony strongly supported reforming the system after fraud and overcorrection harmed Native members and providers, but AHCCCS raised concerns about the fast timeline, possible duplication of fraud-fighting functions, and the need for 45 days of tribal consultation. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1611 as amended on a 5-2 vote. Senate Bill 1630 would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based services program for adults with serious mental illness, capped initially at 250 members under the Angius amendment, with semiannual reporting and a process for future expansion only if costs are reduced or neutral. Supporters said the bill would help the sickest SMI patients avoid repeated hospitalizations, jail, and homelessness, and could save the state general fund by shifting costs to federal Medicaid funding; AHCCCS was neutral and said it was finalizing the fiscal estimate. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1630 unanimously. The committee also passed SB 1193, protecting emergency medical care technician personal information from disclosure; SB 1318, repealing an outdated state dense-breast notification requirement to align with FDA language; and SB 1345, restricting anonymous complaints against health care institutions, though AHCCCS warned that federal law may still require investigation of complaints from any source and that the bill could reduce reporting and invite litigation.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Finance Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:05 am

Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then there's also a public education reform fund appropriation for innovation zones further down.
  • On line 128, this is your public education reform fund appropriation recommendation from HFC.
  • They're three-year appropriations but paid out of the public education reform fund.
  • There is some funding in the LFC recommendation for innovation zones in the Public Education Reform Fund
  • Rec. have innovation zone funding in the public education reform funds.
Keywords: 996, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:45 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Youth Community Collaborative is a network-building, solutions-based youth justice policy and systems reform
  • And then lastly, will this, the lack of malpractice reform, doesn't affect this bill.
  • If the behavioral trust is not made whole, the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act, in my mind
  • I ask you all to vote yes, as reform and investment in our behavioral health system continuum of care
  • As reform and investment in our behavioral health system, continuum of care is much larger than a four-year
Bills: SB5, SB6, SB8
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it will protect the historic tax reforms that we passed together for those who need them the most
  • then working with the legislature, we delivered the most significant housing regulatory and zoning reforms
  • significant housing regulatory<00:28:14.640> and<00:28:14.880> zoning<00:28:15.279> reforms
  • ><00:28:15.600> in<00:28:15.840> over<00:28:16.080> 40 regulatory and zoning reforms
  • in over 40 regulatory and zoning reforms in over 40 years<00:28:17.120> so<00:28:17.279> we
Keywords: 910, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Sep 12th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Representing over 100 Congregations in California
  • There were portions of the bill that addressed trying to reform that and as part of the discussions with
  • our education partners I think there was a concern that one, we couldn't reform what is essentially
  • of the reason why the other elements of the bill are important because this bill does not address reforming
  • of Rabbis of Southern California, California Jewish Democrats, California Religious Action Center, Reform
Keywords: 988, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • actually go after what is driving the cost of energy up, such as net metering, and whether they can have reform
  • actually go after what is driving the cost of energy up, such as net metering, and whether they can have reform
  • actually go after what is driving the cost of energy up, such as net metering, and whether they can have reform
  • actually go after what is driving the cost of energy up, such as net metering, and whether they can have reform
  • actually go after what is driving the cost of energy up, such as net metering, and whether they can have reform
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We've tried for reforms at the federal level to unlock some of those dollars in a better way, but that's
  • think it's a little more difficult to say what's working better than the others, because not all reforms
  • A land use reform may take a little bit longer to bear fruit than, like, a direct incentive or funding
  • Sometimes it takes an external shock to our institutions to create an opportunity for some of the reforms
  • missed it last January, Spur published a report that was titled "Structuring for Success: How to Reform
Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.