Transcript Highlights:

• Under the language in this bill, if a provider prescribes a non-opioid medication for pain, the insurer
• The insurer cannot deny the non-opioid in favor of an opioid, force the patient to try an opioid first
• Right now, foster houses and institutions cannot buy insurance to protect them for liability because
• insurance companies have stopped providing it, and it’s become very. them for liability because insurance
• We had to put an amendment on it in committee that would limit the state funds liability to a million

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with Reed Brothers Insurance in Somerset. I've been in insurance for 12 years.
• I'm with Reed Brothers Insurance in Somerset. I've been in insurance for 12 years.
• </c> law enforcement as well as insurance law enforcement as well as insurance companies<00:08:47.080
• </c> an a property uh in property insurance an a property uh in property insurance claim<00:09:24.880
• and Tornado Insurance Fund.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up several insurance and health-related bills, beginning with Senate Bill 18, which was presented by Senator Girdler and insurance witness Adam Sheridan. The bill was described as addressing a shortage of garage liability insurance for used auto dealers in Kentucky, which has left many small dealers with only one or two coverage options and, in some cases, unable to obtain the insurance needed for a dealer license. The committee adopted a motion and second, then passed SB 18 unanimously and reported it favorably with the recommendation that it pass on the House floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 24, also presented by Senator Girdler with testimony from Eric DeCampo of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill was framed as an anti-fraud measure that would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover misrepresentations about property damage and repair costs in property insurance claims. Testimony emphasized that insurance fraud raises premiums for consumers and that the bill would help deter inflated or fabricated claims. After a brief question about whether the bill created new felonies, the committee voted to pass SB 24 unanimously and report it favorably. House Bill 524, presented by Rep. Aaron Thompson with officials from the Office of the Controller and State Risk, would extend reinsurance requirements for the state’s fire and tornado/self-insurance fund from July 1 of this year to July 1, 2030, and rename the fund the Commonwealth’s Property and Casualty Insurance Fund. The bill was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps without out-of-pocket cost or prior authorization issues and update colorectal cancer screening coverage rules for high-risk patients by incorporating multisociety task force guidelines. Members discussed the bill’s personal importance and its minimal fiscal impact; it passed unanimously with a committee substitute. House Bill 236, presented by Rep. Adam Moore and Commissioner Sharon Clark, would cap annual out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine at $100. Members spoke in support, including personal remarks about the importance of access to epinephrine, and the bill passed unanimously with a favorable recommendation. Finally, House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Michael “Sarge” Pollock and Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, addressed dental limited benefit plans and direct payment to dentists. Members asked whether the bill also affected vision/hearing arrangements or third-party administrators; the witness said it was intended for non-ERISA dental plans in Kentucky and suggested follow-up with the commissioner for further clarification. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed HB 210 favorably, with 15 yes votes and no votes against. The meeting then adjourned, with a reminder about the Banking and Insurance dinner later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> like limited liabilities like limited liabilities that<00:53:25.440><c> are</c><00:53:25.680><c>
• </c> because they are afraid of liability because they are afraid of liability issues.<00:54:16.559><
• These are like the medical insurance pieces of workers' comp, for instance, or car insurance.
• The insurance company still forth.
• It's adopted. insurance company and this language insurance company and this language actually<02:06:

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• And that had a lot to do with payouts from our insurance providers and not paying an equal rate on the
• That's why you also had the insurance situation you had.
• So while a particular hospital that serves more profitably insured patients like Boone, because they
• I'm from the Missouri Insurance Coalition, and I've been invited here by your request.
• They had a five-year-long... ...insurance dispute with a carrier named Highmark.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 1714, adopting an amendment that clarified the bill would not apply to hunting dogs or animals not under direct control of the hunter and would not affect a specified section of law. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee Substitute and voted the substitute do pass, with the roll call showing passage. The committee then heard House Bill 317, which would authorize MU Health Care to collaborate with hospitals and providers in a 25-county area and seek state-action antitrust immunity for those transactions. The sponsor and MU Health Care testified that the bill is intended to help preserve rural hospitals and keep care local, citing multiple hospital closures in Missouri and examples from Alabama and other states. Supporters from MU Health Care, rural hospitals, and local business and health leaders described the bill as a way to stabilize struggling facilities, maintain emergency access, and protect rural economies. Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and the Missouri Health Plan Association, warned that the bill could codify monopoly power, raise prices, and reduce competition, and argued that the language was too broad and not limited to distressed hospitals. Some committee members also raised concerns about antitrust immunity, facility fees, market share, and whether the bill should be tightened to ensure voluntary participation and clearer limits. No vote was taken on House Bill 317 before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I forced to assume liability on.
• , which would impact our insurance premium taxes and I have more people that are looking for health insurance
• </c> state employees insurance board state employees insurance board requested<00:36:24.800><c> a</c>
• So projected liability for that year.
• The total PHIP liability in the ETF is, I think, $210 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE MAJORITY OF OUR TAX LIABILITY IS BASED ON THAT.
• CORPORATE INCOME TAX IS A 5.5 PERCENT IT IS A 70 CENTS FOR EVERY 100 PERCENT AND INSURANCE TAXES 1.75
• TO PERCENT FOR TAX INSURANCE PREMIUMS COLLECTED.
• BECAUSE THE .5 PERCENT CORPORATE TAX DOES APPLY TO LIABILITY AFTER INCOME OF 50,000 WHEN YOU HAVE AN
• IT IS ONLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE LIABILITY BEYOND THAT THAT YOU WOULD APPLY THIS TO.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 944, a bill to be entitled an act relating to insurance overpayment
• Colleagues, under current law, insurance companies can preapprove service and pay in advance and have
• Do have a difficult time getting affordable health insurance in our state.
• The first allows more than one insurance policy to be used by licensed extended warranty companies to
• You are recognized. relating to limited liability companies. Is there a debate?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including state championship athletic teams, visiting chambers of commerce, apprentices, students, and other guests. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with no committee reports or executive messages on the desk. A moment of silence was held for Walton County Deputy William Will May, who died in the line of duty. Among the major bills passed was SB 234, which strengthens restrictions on resisting law enforcement officers and increases penalties related to manslaughter of an officer; an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties was adopted, and the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 7020 on open government review of certain cybersecurity information, SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, SB 944 reducing the overpayment claim period for insurers/HMOs seeking reimbursement from licensed psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, SB 878 extending probation treatment options for misdemeanor offenses involving controlled substances, SB 538 updating the state court system, SB 480 expanding nonprofit agricultural medical benefit plans, SB 472 giving correctional education credit toward professional licensure, SB 86/House companion 421 expanding peer support for first responders to include support personnel, SB 164 on vessel accountability, SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements, SB 316 creating Series LLC rules, and SB 384 requiring notice to legislative delegations before municipal annexation of state-owned lands. The most debated measure was CS/CS/SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification, which Garcia said would prohibit unauthorized atmospheric interventions, create reporting and enforcement mechanisms through DEP, and impose felony penalties; Polsky questioned the bill’s practicality, federal preemption issues, and agency capacity, while supporters said it would address public concerns and close loopholes. The Senate also passed CS/SB 166 on public school administrative efficiency after adopting several amendments affecting school purchasing timelines, third-grade retention exemptions, teacher contracts, certification, facilities planning, and an OPPAGA study of cost-per-student-station limits; senators debated testing, teacher evaluations, and school accountability. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget process guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper on SB 2500 and SB 2502 amendment deadlines, and then adjourned until April 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in this Compensation fund, it is an administrative fund, and you're proving eligibility, not liability
• And I just want to Keep harping on the word eligibility, because once again, this is not about liability
• I am concerned that when it comes to the public entity, they will never lose their insurance, and we
• Entity, they will lose their insurance.
• And that wrongful death increased their insurance from one claim... by $170,000, and that nursing home

Bills: HB97 , HB280 , HB183 , HB151 , HB202

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, child safety, training and education, healthcare funding, youth internships, workforce development, education, grant funding, employment, drinking water, water quality, environment, public health, water filtration, private well testing, federal funding, childhood sexual abuse, time limitations, civil actions

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, every state in the Northeast quadrant requires insurance for drivers.
• In fact, every state in the Northeast quadrant requires insurance for drivers.
• </c><01:07:36.119><c> but</c> properly Road tested and insured but properly Road tested and insured but
• </c><01:43:34.440><c> law</c> particularly the strict liability law particularly the strict liability
• </c><02:12:10.559><c> for</c> risking litigation and liability for risking litigation and liability for

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll start with the liability.
• to be entitled an act relating to the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
• Is there a notice requirement to the insured?
• Members, we need to remember that Citizens insurance was created as the insurer of last resort.
• And healthy competition in the private sector means lower prices on our insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the patient compensation fund is a little bit like an insurance fund, but not exactly like an insurance
• I think that should be between the insurance company, the medical malpractice insurance provider and
• So I struck all that business about personal liability.
• Our malpractice insurance premiums will continue to go up, and fewer insurers will offer policies.
• Our malpractice insurance premiums will continue to go up, and fewer insurers will offer policies.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• They derive a benefit on their liability insurance by combining it with workers' comp.
• They derive a benefit on their liability insurance by combining it with workers' comp.
• They derive a benefit on their liability insurance by combining it with workers' comp.
• They derive a benefit on their liability insurance by combining it with workers' comp.
• They derive a benefit on their liability insurance by combining it with workers' comp.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Summary: The committee opened its labor hearing on SB 655 and outlined the day’s schedule, including a later working session on SB 416 and an executive session planned for 2:30 p.m. Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 655, describing it as a technical bill affecting employee leasing companies/professional employer organizations (PEOs), workers’ compensation coverage, and a Senate-added minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement. He said the PEO change would let either the PEO or the client business hold workers’ comp coverage, while still requiring coverage, and argued it would align New Hampshire with most other states and reduce barriers for small businesses and multi-state employers. He also said the baseball provision would clarify wage treatment for minor league players and support the Manchester team. Justin Warell of Insperity testified in support of the PEO portion, explaining that PEOs provide HR, payroll, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation administration through a co-employment model. He said the bill would preserve mandatory coverage while allowing flexibility for the client or PEO to maintain the policy, which could help clients who already have preferred coverage or who face cost or administrative issues in multiple states. He noted that most clients would still remain under the PEO’s policy and said Insperity would submit written comments. Committee members asked about how the arrangement would work, whether the client or PEO would pay, and whether the bill would affect liability insurance packaging; Warell said the employer still bears the cost and that the bill mainly gives larger clients an option. One member asked him to remain available for possible follow-up after hearing from the labor department. Stephen Gonzalez of Major League Baseball testified in support of the minor league baseball exemption. He said MLB and the MLB Players Association negotiated a collective bargaining agreement that already provides players with salary, housing, meals, per diems, health and retirement benefits, disability continuation, tuition assistance, and signing bonuses. He argued that treating players as hourly workers creates impractical time-tracking problems because players do work-related activities on their own time, and said the bill would recognize them as salaried workers and avoid litigation over what counts as hours worked. Committee members questioned why the exemption was needed if players are already salaried and whether MLB could simply amend its CBA; Gonzalez said the bill would help prevent wage-and-hour lawsuits and noted that similar exemptions have been enacted in other states. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair indicated the bill would be considered for executive action later that afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee will come to order. Kimberly, please call the roll.
• Representative Redondo, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
• created for the purpose of being the insurer of last resort, to continue to shed liability on the commercial
• It accounts for about 20 percent of Citizens' overall liability exposure.
• Do we have enough insurers for them at this time, or do you foresee that being a problem?

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard four bills. HB 1231, relating to final disposition, funeral, and cemetery services, was presented as a consumer protection and workforce modernization measure. After questions about hospice/funeral provider exclusivity, direct disposal licensing, causes of action, and funeral director/embalmer licensure, the bill was amended by strike-all to remove some provisions and add authorization and regulation of natural organic reduction. Support came from funeral industry representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute. HB 943 would require Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to create a commercial lines clearinghouse by January 1, 2027, to move certain commercial residential and other commercial risks into the private market while maintaining current eligibility rules. The sponsor and members discussed Citizens’ remaining commercial exposure, surplus lines participation, and carrier financial-strength guardrails. A strike-all amendment conforming to the Senate version and making technical corrections was adopted, and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute after supportive debate from members. HB 1221, a Department of Financial Services bill, was described as streamlining DFS processes, improving licensing, updating the My Safe Florida Home Program, strengthening public adjuster protections, and modernizing unclaimed property rules. Three amendments were adopted: notice before a My Safe Florida Home application is deemed abandoned, removal of a misdemeanor disclosure requirement for certain licensure applicants, and a provision allowing public officials to appoint or promote relatives to firefighter positions through a competitive process in a collective bargaining agreement. Testimony was generally supportive, including from firefighters and unclaimed-property claimants’ representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute. HB 99, concerning reinsurance intermediary managers, would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance business from the intermediary manager statute and instead require an agency license. With no public testimony or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think when you look at the substance of it, it's not even an insurance policy.
• , including personal liability and employer liability; trespass laws; ethics and communications; emergency
• We can all agree that health insurance is way too expensive and that health insurance premium growth
• Health insurance isn't affordable today for so many.
• Senate Bill 876 by Senator Padilla, an act relating to insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a banking and insurance committee meeting at 9:30.
• We do have a banking and insurance committee meeting at 9:30.
• We do have a banking and insurance committee meeting at 9:30.

Bills: SB309 , HB192 , SB178 , SB179 , SB237 , HB10 , HB107 , HB189 , HB37 , HB226 , SB309 , HB192 , SB178 , SB179 , SB237 , HB10 , HB107 , HB189 , HB37 , HB226

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Bills: HB1322 , HB3053 , HB3180 , HB3244 , HB3269 , HB3299 , HB3301 , HB3302 , HB3430 , HB3497 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3606 , HB3742 , HB3743 , HB3755 , HB3764 , HB3767 , HB3835 , HB3848 , HB3903 , HB3905 , HB4108 , HB4130 , HB4142 , HB4227 , HB3996

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, elderly, parole, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, Oklahoma statutes, firearms, handgun permits, self-defense, training requirements, Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, elderly exploitation, identity theft, crimes and punishments, criminal offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• , while multinationals can evade some or even all of their tax liability.
• , while multinationals can evade some or even all of their tax liability.
• I don't want to say insurance companies are denying claims intentionally.
• I don't want to say insurance companies are denying claims intentionally.
• It's clearly an unfair advantage that the insurance companies have.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funding to cover the medical insurance funding to cover the medical insurance payments<00:10:26.920
• </c><00:15:56.240><c> fund</c> cost of uh the medical insurance fund cost of uh the medical insurance
• They certainly can for the health insurance, but the pension—there are some contract questions.
• </c> employees toward the pension liability employees toward the pension liability and<00:21:28.279><
• </c><00:21:40.360><c> the</c> cover 100% of our medical insurance the cover 100% of our medical insurance

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 545, a routine claims bill. Representative Tim Truett explained it as a measure to pay debts the Commonwealth owes. The bill received a motion, a second, and a roll call vote, and passed with favorable expression and no nay votes. Members then considered House Joint Resolution 54, which related to the Kentucky State Fair Board’s expansion plan. The chair explained that the resolution simply acknowledged receipt and approval of the plan so previously appropriated funds could be released. The resolution passed by roll call with no nay votes and was reported favorably to the floor. The main discussion centered on House Bill 694, concerning the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System medical insurance fund and the 2010 “shared responsibility” agreement. The bill would redirect employer contributions from local districts from the health side to the pension side once the plan reaches 100% funded. The chair and Senator Givens argued the bill was a continuation of the state’s long-term commitment to TRS and taxpayer responsibility, while Senator Neal raised concerns about fairness, the timing of the change, and whether the original agreement and statutory trigger for TRS board recommendations had been honored. Testimony from KEA President Eddie Campbell and former Jefferson County Teachers Association president Brent McMahan supported the 2010 agreement but urged the committee to pause the bill, saying the parties should return to the table and that the current proposal could conflict with the original understanding, create actuarial and legal issues, and potentially affect school district finances and bond ratings. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 8-1 to pass House Bill 694 with favorable expression, with Senator Neal voting no and explaining his objection as a process and good-faith concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• Metropolitan Dallas HR 349 by Cole Huston Tillotson University HR 352 by Leo Wilson, Texas First Insurance
• HB 929 by Harrison relating to prohibiting a school district from procuring training insurance products
• HB 946 by Garcia-Hernandez relates a prohibiting oral releases of automobile insurance claims referred
• to the committee on insurance.
• HB 991 by Toth relating to abortion including civil liability for the distribution of abortion-induced

Bills: HCR21 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR31 , HCR41 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR45 , HCR52 , HCR53 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR73 , HR8 , HR10 , HR13 , HR20 , HR21 , HR50 , HR59 , HR61 , HR71 , HR74 , HR79 , HR84 , HR86 , HR90 , HR91 , HR102 , HR103 , HR107 , HR113 , HR125 , HR126 , HR132 , HR142 , HR145 , HR149 , HR150 , HR152 , HR167 , HR179 , HR181 , HR183 , HR186 , HR192 , HR196 , HR199 , HR207 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR216 , HR249 , HR256 , HR259 , HR261 , HR263 , HR272 , HR281 , HR285 , HR294 , HR295 , HR300 , HR305 , HR311 , HR313 , HR315 , HR316 , HR323 , HR331 , HR339 , HR340 , HR346 , HR349 , HR352 , HR357 , HR358 , HR360 , HR363 , HR374 , HR377 , HCR20 , HCR28 , HCR30 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HR14 , HR15 , HR19 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR29 , HR47 , HR48 , HR55 , HR56 , HR66 , HR85 , HR92 , HR93 , HR95 , HR96 , HR140 , HR155 , HR164 , HR204 , HR241 , HR242 , HR250 , HR253 , HR260 , HR262 , HR265 , HR279 , HR310 , HR312 , HR328 , HR332 , HR359 , HR362 , HR367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• find it in the bill itself, but there's a section here that says something about $75,000 for the insured
• ...section here that says something about $75,000 for the insured dwelling or $200,000 for an uninsured
• catastrophic rebuilds completed within the tax bill's time frame, the exemption cap is $75,000 for insured
• So that 3% would have to equal that total liability that you're 3%.
• So that 3% would have to equal that total liability that you're saying is a replacement? Yes. Okay.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform