Transcript Highlights:

• The Louisiana Fortified Homes Program, created in this committee, is a proven mitigation program that
• The Louisiana Fortified Homes Program, created in this committee, is a proven mitigation program that
• Today is insurance.
• So the brokers already have to get the name of the insured, the address of the insured.
• In terms of insurance risk.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 23 with a quorum present and began by announcing that HB 1142 was deferred. The committee then took up HB 1187, which would direct any excess Louisiana Citizens emergency assessment funds, after related debt is satisfied, toward the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program or future Citizens obligations. Commissioner Tim Temple and Rep. Sawyer said the bill would likely redirect about $50 million to the popular fortified roof grant program, which has already awarded thousands of roofs and is oversubscribed. With support from Citizens and others, the committee adopted technical amendments and reported HB 1187 favorably. The committee next considered HB 1210, a proposal by Rep. Dana Henry to create a pre-suit claim review process for Louisiana Citizens disputes modeled on Florida’s system. After explaining that the bill was prompted by constituent concerns about rising homeowners insurance costs, Henry voluntarily deferred the bill and instead moved toward a study resolution. The substitute version, which would have allowed Citizens disputes to be resolved through the Division of Administrative Law, was adopted for discussion, but the bill was ultimately voluntarily deferred after testimony from Citizens and the department supporting further study. HB 1199, by Rep. Jordan, would require coverage for genetic testing and medically necessary treatment for SCN2A-associated disorders. After adopting an amendment clarifying that coverage depends on provider order and medical necessity, the committee heard emotional testimony from a parent describing her daughter’s severe SCN2A condition and the difficulty obtaining genetic testing. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 880, the Louisiana Artificial Intelligence Insurance Fairness Act, which would regulate AI use in underwriting, rating, and claims. Jordan said the bill raised state-federal insurance regulatory issues and could jeopardize federal broadband funding, so he voluntarily deferred it; HB 920 was also voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee considered HB 1221, by Rep. Amadee, which would narrow data collection under the surplus lines premium tax system to protect policyholder privacy. Former Rep. Bowler argued the department should not collect names, addresses, or coverage limits and that the bill would preserve privacy without affecting tax collection. The Department of Insurance said the broader data is needed for premium tax reconciliation, fraud detection, and post-disaster assistance. After debate, a motion to report HB 1221 favorably failed on a 6-6 roll call. The committee then moved on to HB 869 by Rep. Lyons, a health insurance bill covering injectable drugs for glucose or weight-loss treatment, but the transcript ends before further action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's the self-insured plans and there's the fully insured plans, which are basically insured through
• And because the policy, the science, is so far ahead of the policy, insurance, in many cases, insurers
• Such programs typically cost more in the short term than a skilled nursing-based program, but if they
• Such programs typically cost more in the short term than a skilled nursing-based program, but if they
• We believe insurance companies have put co-pay accumulator programs in place in part because of the assumption

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• They went from a program with one insurer to a program with 18 insurers to now a program with about 32
• :07.599> one<00:59:07.799> insurer from with uh a program with one insurer from with uh
• a program with one insurer to<00:59:08.599> a<00:59:08.760> program<00:59:09.079> with
• <00:59:10.520> a to a program with 18 insurers to now a to a program with 18 insurers to now
• insurers<00:59:13.200> but<00:59:13.359> we're program with about 32 insurers but

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and other food programs that help people that are disadvantaged.
• I think 48% of that 48% is straight to student loan programs, so Some of these things are not utilized
• This language here proposes to remove references to the pilot program and sunset for a now successful
• alternative certification program offering a two-year path to a teacher certification.
• So, if we remove the pilot status of this program, that we can say we recognize success in.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• We are home to the first accredited doctor of physical therapy program.
• Our programs in rehabilitation counseling, computer science, STEM disciplines, education, and nursing
• Programs like Oklahoma's Promise and Inspired to Teach are the lifelines for our students.
• The budget was in shambles, and important programs were being cut that would ultimately harm working
• And I think they sold an insurance company or something somehow they get to use that money for that.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Wagner-Peyser programs to 30% in our re-enrollment programs.
• I will say that I sat down with a couple of insurers, the lobbyists for insurers.
• With auto insurance, if you don't pay, you don't have insurance.
• insured anymore.
• rate on his insurance?

Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker explained that the agency is the National Flood Insurance Program, a federal program backstopped
• The National Flood Insurance Program is a federal program, obviously backstopped by the federal government
• If this is such a good idea, why doesn't the insurance industry fund these programs?
• That is how insurance companies generally think about whether a program is expensive or not.
• That is how insurance companies generally think about whether a program is expensive or not.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• current state supported insurance current state supported insurance program<01:18:51.840> and
• So, this is a program that we passed in 2023, and it's essentially an insurance industry program where
• > was insurance discount program that was insurance discount program that was passed<01:22:33.040
• an insurance and it's essentially an insurance industry<01:22:40.880> program<01:22:41.280>
• So mo Minnesota homes insurance program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They also investigate crimes associated with insurance fraud or insurer fraud and any insurance agent
• They also investigate crimes associated with insurance fraud or insurer fraud and any insurance agent
• We work closely with the FSU School of RMI, which is risk management insurance, which is a great program
• Secretary, as you know, DMS oversees the state's health insurance program, state government, and private
• Secretary, as you know, DMS oversees the state's health insurance program.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding. Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach. Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's the National Flood Insurance Program.
• It is a federal insurance program, a federal program obviously backstopped by the federal government
• So it's the National Flood Insurance Program.
• It is a federal insurance program, a federal program obviously backstopped by the federal government
• Um, if this is such a good idea, why doesn't the insurance industry fund these programs?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• is liable, not the insurance company. is liable, not the insurance company.
• <00:15:36.800> I insurance claims handling. I insurance claims handling.
• <00:24:59.679> in<00:24:59.919> the insurance company and its insured in the insurance
• program goes away. That is incorrect. program goes away.
• But that... ...fix that program, a federal uh program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, our TNC programs, including two key programs established oversight, annual reporting to the CPUC
• Program.
• extend the Access for All program.
• Is the cost of insurance.
• To provide, have some other type of insurance if it isn't R-U-M-U-I-M insurance. I got it. Amazing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, SB 158 requires insurers to submit an annual report to the Office of Insurance Regulation
• There is no financial impact on this bill for Medicaid insurers. [00:34:35.000] The insurers mentioned
• It also streamlines the department's ability to purchase insurance, reinsurance, and excess insurance
• It also streamlines the department's ability to purchase insurance, reinsurance, and excess insurance
• It also streamlines the department's ability to purchase insurance, reinsurance, and excess insurance

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• People buy flood insurance because they have to buy flood insurance.
• People buy flood insurance because they have to buy flood insurance.
• Other states tie their mitigation grant programs to insurance premium taxes or specific fees on insurance
• What we don't have anywhere in the country is a successful state-run wildfire property insurance program
• and affordable insurance?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To surveys that were done of state employees, the health insurance fully paid program is the number one
• adding coverages to the insurance program.
• adding coverages to the insurance program.
• Group Insurance Program.
• This bill draft creates another subgroup under our Uniform Group Insurance Program for retired peace

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance companies may wish to participate in the program.
• Insurance companies may wish to participate in the program.
• Insurance companies may wish to participate in the program.
• Insurance companies may wish to participate in the program.
• Insurance companies may wish to participate in the program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their interpretive program.
• . of Insurance.
• We do have an insurance and fraud and auto theft prevention program.
• The insurance fraud and title programs again have no general fund increases, but these are insurance
• The Fraud and Title Program, as I mentioned, is funded by insurance industry assessments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not cover Medicare, it doesn't cover Medicaid, it doesn't cover self-insured programs,
• This bill does not cover Medicare, it doesn't cover Medicaid, it doesn't cover self-insured programs,
• This bill does not cover Medicare, it doesn't cover Medicaid, it doesn't cover self-insured programs,
• This bill does not cover Medicare, it doesn't cover Medicaid, it doesn't cover self-insured programs,
• This bill does not cover Medicare, it doesn't cover Medicaid, it doesn't cover self-insured programs,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have a state park program. You have a Cal Fire program. You have a Forest Service program.
• You have an NRCS program.
• not going to insure you.'
• How is the insurance playing a role with that in addition to the state's grants programs?
• And our regular insurance, which is 99.9% of what we need for insurance...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Committee on Insurance.
• to the Committee on Insurance.
• to the Committee on Insurance.
• insurance. insurance for the Committee on Insurance.
• Committee on Insurance.

Keywords: 1184, house, all