Video & Transcript Research : 'fee phaseout'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- the Gaming Control Fund, to maintain a regulation that states the authorized purpose and use of the fee
- This provision is an important step toward ensuring that all fees collected under the Gaming Control
- clearly tied to their specific regulatory purposes and that stakeholders can readily understand how fee
- Senate Bill 920 advances good governance practices that promote greater transparency in fee adoption
- Archuleta has said, to add kind of belt and suspenders to the fees of the Gambling Control Commission
Summary:
The subcommittee met at 1:40 p.m. with quorum established and heard one bill, SB 920 by Senator Archuleta. The bill was described as a good-governance measure based on a 2018 audit of the Gaming Control Fund. It would require the Gaming Commission, when adopting or adjusting a fee deposited into the fund, to maintain a regulation stating the fee’s authorized purpose and use, with the goal of improving transparency, accountability, and fiscal integrity in gambling regulatory fees.
The bill’s sponsor and supporters, including Communities for California Card Rooms and representatives from several casinos, testified in strong support, saying the measure would add clarity and “belt and suspenders” to the fee process. Assembly Member Dixon asked about the delay since the 2018 audit and said she supported the bill. There was no opposition.
The committee voted do pass SB 920 to Appropriations, with the roll showing enough aye votes to pass while the roll remained open for absent members. The committee then approved a consent calendar containing SB 33, SB 1205, SB 1235, SB 1236, SB 1273, and SB 1434, all with do pass to Appropriations recommendations. The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If you take a look at how tab fees If you take a look at how tab fees compare<01:27:15.360>
to - <01:29:52.800>
A It's over $1,000 for the tab fee. A It's over $1,000 for the tab fee. - And so it's it's costs on these fees.
- taxes so this is a way to cut tab fee taxes so this is a way to cut tab fee costs<01:36:21.679><
- sure that we are reducing uh tab fees. sure that we are reducing uh tab fees.
Keywords:
transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on S.F. 1832 - Jobs and Labor Omnibus - 05/14/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So the fee related to the systems.
- on R86 were to go forward and the fees on R86 were to go forward and the fees were<00:12:04.880>
- language on and or if there was a fee language on and or if there was a fee increase<00:13:41.360
- It would establish a fee be inspected.
- fee fees associated to wouldn't be any fee fees associated to this<00:14:49.279>
or <00:14:49.519
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 2438 - Transportation Omnibus - 05/08/25
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:21:02.640>
transaction recommendation for no fee transaction recommendation for no fee - Line 397 is for a fee increase to the no-show fee that's currently $20.
- That is for a fee recommendation.
- c> increase to the uh no-show uh fee that's increase to the uh no-show uh fee that's currently<00:29:
- thank you for including the no fee thank you for including the no fee transactions<01:33:53.280>
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also find that the current $250 max fee is a little bit low in the Dollar max fee is a little bit
- So your last slide about fees, increased Tier 2 fee capital. What is it? Here, two feet.
- So your last slide about fees, increased Tier 2 fee capital. What is it? Here, two feet.
- Fees, increased Tier 2 fee. What is the Tier 2 fee? Mr.
- Chair, the Tier 2 fee is the fee that accompanies Tier 2 reporting.
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work.
The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements.
The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- California Jobs did not lose as much land as west Virginia by 2012. eliminating that fee will create
- , where those fees are in fact.
- to prime lands, and we urge the committee to reject the repeal of solar use easement cancellation fees
- That has been addressed in amendments offered by the author and the sponsors. fees, I think, you know
- interested in funds that go to preserve ag land and mitigate the loss of ag land, but cancellation fees
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Debate — April 26 Apr 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- However, Madam Speaker, it is still an increase to the fee.
- It's a fee increase.
- And as we've discussed before, when a fee increases— ...discussed before, when a fee increases high,
- very high, this high, it ceases to be a fee and it becomes a tax.
- And I feel strongly that this addition to these fees are in fact a tax.
Summary:
The House considered Substitute Senate Bill 5393, relating to closing Rainier School by June 30, 2027. After many withdrawn amendments, the House adopted striking Amendment 1455, which changed the bill to allow current residents to remain at Rainier School as long as they choose and can live there, while also creating opportunities for community care transitions, return to Rainier if needed, and regular reporting from DHS on transition outcomes, mortality, and related data. Members speaking in favor emphasized the need to move away from institutional care, protect vulnerable residents, and improve accountability; some noted the emotional and personal significance of the issue. The bill then passed the House 76-22 and was immediately transmitted to the Senate.
The House also took up several Senate-amended bills and concurred in the Senate changes before final passage. Second Substitute House Bill 1207 passed 54-44 after debate over a fee increase and whether the revenue would benefit local jurisdictions enough. Substitute House Bill 1498 passed 70-28 after a modest Senate adjustment giving more first-year flexibility. House Bill 2003 passed 53-45 despite concerns that it would reduce fishing opportunities. Substitute House Bill 2047 passed 58-40; supporters praised the Senate changes, while opponents argued it still ended a valuable employee ownership program and remained subject to appropriations. House Bill 2050 passed 56-42 after the Senate removed an apportionment shift from the bill, though some members still objected to the remaining ALE enrollment cap.
The House also received messages from the Senate indicating passage of a gross substitute House Bill 249 and that the President had signed gross substitute Senate Bill 5041. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 17, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if you are a resident and you own an EV in the state of Wyoming, you pay a $200 registration fee,
- residents to pay only one upfront fee residents to pay only one upfront fee that<00:24:55.880>
- with what actual gas-powered vehicle owners pay each year in taxes and fees.
- with what actual gas-powered vehicle owners pay each year in taxes and fees.
- Fee that allows for counties to be reimbursed for the expenses that they incurred.
Keywords:
driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing- Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:24:29.720>
associated would be no attorney's fees associated would be no attorney's fees - One is attorney's fees.
- But if an attorney is allowed, the attorney's fees are not going to be allowed.
- But where we heard a lot of the complaints about attorney's fees was in relationship to fines.
- But where we heard a lot of the complaints about attorney's fees was in relationship to fines.
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees.
The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns.
HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the Gaming Control Fund, to maintain a regulation that states the authorized purpose and use of the fee
- This provision is an important step toward ensuring that all fees collected under the Gambling Control
- clearly tied to their specific regulatory purposes and that stakeholders can readily understand how fee
- Senate Bill 920 advances good governance practices that promote greater transparency in fee adoption
- Archuleta has said, to add kind of belt and suspenders to the fees of the Gambling Control Commission
Summary:
The committee met as a subcommittee and heard one bill, Senate Bill 920 by Senator Archuleta. SB 920 would require the Gaming Commission, when adopting or adjusting a fee deposited into the Gaming Control Fund, to maintain a regulation stating the fee’s authorized purpose and use. The author described it as a good-governance measure based on a 2018 audit of the fund, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and clarity around regulatory fee revenues. Supporters from Communities for California Card Rooms and related casinos testified in favor, saying the bill would add a useful layer of documentation and oversight; there was no opposition.
Members asked a brief question about the delay since the 2018 audit, and the author responded that it was a matter of governance. The committee then voted SB 920 out on a motion by Assembly Member Gibson, seconded by Assembly Member Soria, with the bill passing “do pass to appropriations.” The roll was left open briefly for absent members.
The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 33, SB 1205, SB 1235, SB 1236, SB 1273, and SB 1434, and approved those measures on a motion to “do pass to appropriations, recommend consent.” The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/28/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- By the way, there's another deinstallation fee at the end of the period as well.
- monthly fee? monthly fee? Sure.<00:29:40.399>
Senator <00:29:40.720>L. - <00:30:38.000>
at there's another deinstallation fee at there's another deinstallation fee - Um, they provide the property for a fee per month.
- <00:40:46.800>
per provide the property for a fee per provide the property for a fee per month
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill increases fees for the California State Athletic Commission.
- So 79% of managed care providers are also fee-for-service providers.
- And that's because we're switching them from managed care to fee for service?
- The shift from managed care to fee for service is as a result of the requirement.
- So there is a savings associated with the shift to fee for service.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- Section four deals with salvage inspection fees.
- We wanted to have a discussion maybe at examiner's fees from 1,000 to 1,200 that examiner's fees from
- >
the <00:37:43.040>'90s fee was set in the '90s fee was set in the '90s or<00:37:44.480 - savage inspection fees. savage inspection fees.
- So, hence that's why we're asking fees.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1131, which would revise penalties for procuring prostitution by increasing the misdemeanor fine from $200 to $1,000, increasing the felony fine from $1,000 to $2,000, and adding 100 hours of community service. Representative Ford explained that the bill had been changed from an earlier version that made the first offense a felony. The committee approved the bill after brief discussion.
Members then discussed a strike-all for House Bill 1613, a drug trafficking bill that had been amended to add a pill-count threshold for aggravated trafficking and to include language addressing abortion-inducing drugs. The added provisions would make certain conduct involving abortion-inducing drugs a felony punishable by one to ten years and would authorize the Attorney General to seek civil enforcement. Senators raised questions about whether the House and Senate versions were identical, and one member expressed concern about mail-order abortion pills and the lack of medical oversight. Another senator raised a concern about the definition of "clinically diagnosable pregnancy" and ectopic pregnancies. The committee adopted the strike-all and passed the bill.
House Bill 525, dealing with sexual battery sentencing, drew the most extended debate. Representative Rimac said the bill was prompted by constituent concerns about what he viewed as lenient sentences in a few cases and would add minimum sentences of five years for a first offense and ten years for a second offense. After discussion, the committee adopted a friendly amendment narrowing the bill by striking language related to age-difference provisions, with members noting that those provisions could affect cases not intended to be covered. Several senators then debated whether mandatory minimums were appropriate, with some arguing the bill was needed to ensure meaningful punishment for sexual battery and others arguing it would remove judicial discretion and respond to a small number of outlier cases. The committee ultimately passed the bill as amended.
The committee also considered House Bill 538, which would require political subdivisions to cooperate with immigration detainers and give the Attorney General enforcement authority, but only after adding a reverse repealer. Senators raised concerns about possible sovereign-immunity issues and the breadth of the cooperation language, while others urged narrowing the bill to avoid unintended consequences. The committee adopted the strike-all and passed the bill. At the end of the meeting, the chairman introduced House Bill 1612, a Department of Public Safety restructuring bill, and noted that Commissioner Tindell would present it with a possible conceptual amendment, but that bill was not yet discussed in the portion of the transcript provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- In order to enroll in a CCRC, seniors must pay a significant entrance fee.
- So they must pay a significant upfront entrance fee.
- Many CCRCs have policies stating that the fee will not be returned until someone else rents the unit.
- CCRCs are financed through a combination of an entrance fee and a monthly service fee.
- But my mother was in an independent senior living center that required an entrance fee, and they said
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several aging-related bills, with most speakers focusing on housing stability, home-based services, and care transitions. Representative Badger and a commissioner testified in support of H4039, which would create a universal breakfast and lunch program at senior centers funded through a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, arguing it would reduce food insecurity and social isolation among older adults. Representative Lipper-Garabedian and multiple providers then supported H780/S495, the hospital-to-home partnership program, describing how embedded aging-services liaisons help older patients transition safely from hospitals to home, reduce readmissions, and avoid nursing facility placement; witnesses from Mystic Valley Elder Services and Mass Aging Access cited pilot results, including hundreds of patients served and examples of substantial cost savings and successful discharge planning.
The committee also took testimony on S478, which would require continuing care retirement communities to disclose entrance-fee refund policies more clearly at enrollment. Senator Lovely and LeadingAge Massachusetts said the bill would improve transparency for residents and families, while a consumer witness said her family experienced delays and confusion in getting a refund after her mother left a CCRC. Members noted the issue is also being examined by a special commission on CCRCs.
A large portion of the hearing focused on S475, a statewide bridge subsidy program for older adults facing housing instability. Advocates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Western Massachusetts, Somerville, Northampton, East Hampton, Old Colony Elder Services, and Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability described rising senior homelessness, long waitlists for subsidized housing, and cases where short-term rental assistance kept older adults housed while they waited for permanent housing. Somerville witnesses said the pilot program helped nine households remain housed and that some participants have since moved into permanent housing. Members asked about wait times, program design, and how to prioritize applicants; witnesses emphasized flexibility, emergency risk, and the need for a statewide expansion. The hearing also included testimony on S465, an ALS bill that would expand home care access regardless of age and bar the use of quality-adjusted life-year metrics in coverage decisions, with the sponsor and ALS Association arguing the measure would reduce discriminatory treatment and better center patient care. No votes were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We will now turn to our first item of discussion on the vehicle license fees.
- So agenda item one pertains to a backfill for vehicle licensing fees.
- Gray Davis had just increased the vehicle license fee by 300%.
- It's not a parks fee, it's not a yoga in the park fee that folks are paying.
- , or the vehicle in-lieu fees.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a budget item on vehicle license fee backfill funding, where the Department of Finance said the administration was not proposing the requested $119 million for San Mateo County, Alpine, and Mono, arguing the payment is discretionary and that existing excess ERAF formulas should remain unchanged. Senator Becker and former Senator Jackie Speier testified that the money is owed under the VLF swap arrangement and that San Mateo County faces major service cuts without the backfill; Senator Cabaldon raised broader policy questions about county boundaries and the structure of the formula. The chair held the item open after public comment.
The committee then reviewed Secretary of State budget proposals. The department requested funding for SB 851 implementation, including additional duties related to election litigation notice, voting system standards, and vendor reporting, with $1.1 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $807,000 ongoing for four positions and software. Members asked about election security, federal HAVA funding, staffing, and implementation timing; the department said current federal funds are expected to run out in 2027-28 and that it hopes to hire quickly once funded. The item was held open.
The Secretary of State also presented the Cal Access Replacement System (CARS), seeking $11.8 million General Fund to finish the project and begin operations, and the notary automation replacement project, seeking $9.795 million in Business Fees Fund for continued development of the outdated notary system. Members focused on project delays, stakeholder input, and whether the funding requests matched prior plans; the department said both projects were still on their original funding tracks but had shifted timelines due to planning needs and election-related workload. Both items were held open.
CalVet presented its department overview and then discussed the new 240-bed skilled nursing facility at Yountville, which is nearing completion and will replace the aging Holderman Hospital building. Members asked about the future of Holderman, other campus capital projects, and a payroll/fringe-benefit issue affecting some employees; CalVet said Holderman will continue to house some functions, the roofing and steam projects remain in progress, and the tax issue has been addressed with new procedures and repayment arrangements. The committee also discussed eliminating vacant positions under Control Section 4.12, with CalVet saying the positions were long-vacant CNA and related jobs and the LAO noting the Legislature had not concurred; Senator Cabaldon said he had no objection, and the item was held open.
Finally, the California Arts Council gave an overview of its work and its cultural districts program, describing grants and technical assistance in all 58 counties and citing examples of local impact. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas strongly supported additional funding, including a proposed $50 million General Fund investment and a $10 million carve-out for cultural districts, arguing the program supports economic development, preservation, and community identity; council staff said the program is currently unfunded and has only been able to designate a fraction of applicants. Senator Cabaldon noted that many parts of the state still lack cultural districts and urged broader geographic representation. The item was informational and no vote was taken.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- What we're finding is that fee has not kept up with inflation.
- But these fees have basically stayed stagnant over the years.
- >
stayed these fees have basically stayed these fees have basically stayed relevant<00:28:17.200 - <00:29:43.279>
that's problem just by raising the fee that's problem just by raising the fee - Um, we also have two paying that fee.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to complete required application materials, fees, and criminal background check.
- ,<00:40:30.720>
and application materials, fees, and application materials, fees, and criminal - What I'm talking about in course<00:54:11.200>
fees <00:54:11.599>here <00:54:11.839> - here is some of the career course fees here is some of the career tech<00:54:14.240>
courses, - that may be associated with a fees that may be associated with a particular<00:54:30.400>
career<
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Registration fees are another. source of our revenue.
- We've not had a fee increase since 2018.
- The board, in the past, has not reduced license renewal fees.
- But that way, you can go in and pay your fee and that kind of thing.
- The last time that we increased our license fees for the doctors was in 2010.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- overdraft fees and credit card late fees overdraft fees and credit card late fees suing<02:12:28.400
- cost of a late fee.
- Bureau it cuts credit card late fees Bureau it cuts credit card late fees from<05:43:43.680>
- overdraft fees by more than 80%.
- You can lift the $5 overdraft fee.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-10-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- No initial non-refundable fee shall be charged. Fee shall not include interest.
- <00:07:56.560>
Fee non-refundable fee shall be charged. - Fee non-refundable fee shall be charged.
- There's no mention of no fees for initial claims. Um, no fees for payments of future benefits.
- <00:18:31.120>
for There's no mention of no fees for There's no mention of no fees for initial
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and opened with the pledge and prayer before taking up House Joint Resolution 44 and House Bill 508, both related to veterans’ benefits assistance and accreditation. Rep. Cook said the resolution urges Congress, specifically Rep. Jack Bergman, to create an accreditation program for private companies that help veterans with claims. The resolution was framed as a response to concerns about bad actors while preserving veterans’ choice in who helps them. It passed the committee with favorable expression after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 508, which would regulate third-party, for-profit veterans’ claims assistance by requiring disclosures, limiting fees, barring certain practices like international call centers and direct access to personal information, and requiring reporting to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. Rep. Cook emphasized that the bill would not affect accredited VSOs or attorneys and said it was meant to provide guardrails without eliminating free services. Supportive testimony came from representatives of private veterans-benefits organizations, who argued that veterans need more options and that the bill protects choice while targeting bad actors.
Opposition testimony came from Daryl Casey of JACVO, who said the bill should instead require VA accreditation for any for-profit company assisting veterans and argued the fee structure could take veterans’ benefits. Committee members questioned both sides about whether third-party vendors are operating now and whether accreditation is feasible. Several members said the bill was a step in the right direction, and Rep. Moore and others noted they might support an amendment tied to future federal accreditation. House Bill 508 passed the committee with favorable expression.
After Rep. McCool stepped out, the committee began House Bill 335, a separate measure allowing schools and other government facilities to have anti-choking devices and limiting liability to align with Good Samaritan protections. Sponsor Rep. Massaroni described it as a simple bill, and Lauren McCubbins testified emotionally in support, recounting the death of her 8-year-old son Landon after he choked at school and saying the bill could help prevent similar tragedies.