Video & Transcript Research : 'fee update'

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AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Judiciary

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are other fees that this bill addresses, like the right to a fee for appeal, and in my view, we
  • In Arizona, however, there is a fee for some of these and the ability to charge a fee for others.
  • However, there is a fee for some of these and the ability to charge a fee for others.
  • This bill removes that fee and blocks future fees on any constitutional rights that we have.
  • collection of the fees.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would tighten Arizona’s regulation of kratom by treating synthetic or highly concentrated 7-OH products as narcotic drugs, raising the legal sale age to 21, and imposing criminal penalties for prohibited sales or preparation. Supporters, including the sponsor, a recovering user, the American Kratom Association, and the Attorney General’s Office, argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic products while preserving natural kratom leaf products. Opponents, including the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, warned the amendment could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties for possession. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415 as amended a 6-3 do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would bar multiple Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offenders from living together in the same residence unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor and neighborhood witnesses described a local home with six or seven offenders and said the arrangement frightened nearby families and children. Opponents argued the bill would destabilize housing for people on probation, increase homelessness, and interfere with supervision and rehabilitation; some also noted existing probation oversight and low sexual recidivism rates. After debate over whether the bill should instead target only certain housing settings, the committee voted 5-4 to give HB 2870 a do-pass recommendation. Next, HB 2413 was heard, requiring GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who do not have a fixed address until one is established. Supporters said the bill would close a gap for homeless or transient registrants who otherwise report only every 90 days, while opponents raised due process, cost, and implementation concerns, noting that some offenders are already monitored through probation and that DPS does not itself supervise offenders. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. The committee also heard HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund. Supporters said it targets buyers and helps deter trafficking demand; opponents argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers. The committee adopted a Bliss amendment clarifying the affirmative defense and use of funds, then approved HB 2720 as amended by an 8-0 vote with one member present. Finally, HB 2418, appropriating $600,000 from the General Fund to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for five major incident division task forces, was supported by county sheriffs’ representatives and passed unanimously by the committee.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 10th, 2026 at 06:48 pm

House Consumer & Public Affairs

KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We also asked for an update of session.
  • Um, we do appreciate the update.
  • Looking at 1997 fees, 75% of 1997 fees, it is extraordinarily, um, we are extraordinarily grateful and
  • , 75% of 1997 um the looking at 1997 fees, 75% of 1997 fees,<01:02:16.160> it<01:02:16.400>
  • uh in their fee schedules and their<01:02:54.799> fee<01:02:55.040> structures,<01:02:
Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Board meeting opened with quorum, approval of the March 9 and March 16, 2026 minutes, and a welcome to new member Representative Willner. The board then heard a presentation from the Department of Medicaid Services on several statutory reports: the quarterly budget analysis (LRC) report, the quarterly MCO report, the provider tax and assessment report, the enrollee demographic report, the annual behavioral health/substance use disorder utilization report, and the Medicaid pharmaceutical rebate fund. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Bechal explained the reports and answered questions. On spending, DMS said the quarterly budget analysis report should be read using the summary tabs because the first tab reflects only traditional Medicaid and does not include all populations. Lee said the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026 showed about $191 million more in waiver spending than the same period last year, about $250 million more in other categories such as nursing facilities, CCBHCs, and FQHCs, and roughly $450 million more in total fee-for-service spending. She also noted that Medicare Part D premiums are 100% state funds and estimated the state-fund increase at about $140 million. For managed care, DMS said pharmacy, inpatient hospital, and outpatient hospital spending made up about 66% of MCO payments so far this fiscal year. Members asked about administrative costs, provider tax impacts, citizenship-status categories, medical loss ratio, and whether the reports could be expanded to show recoupments and citizenship-based spending. DMS clarified that the spending figures discussed were benefit costs only, not administrative costs, and said administrative match rates vary. On the provider tax and directed payments report, Lee said the new CMS proposed rule would allow separate payment terms to continue through the grandfathering period, but that the impact would be substantial for providers even if the administrative effect was minimal. She also said DMS was still reviewing unusual citizenship categories such as “other” and “unspecified,” and would provide more information on medical loss ratio and recoupments if available. Auditor Ball raised concerns about alleged waste, duplicate Social Security numbers, ineligible enrollees, and high error rates in other programs. Lee responded that Medicaid focuses on fraud, waste, and abuse, but said the cited $800 million figure was not factual because it did not account for people enrolled in more than one Medicaid program at the same time. She said DMS is reviewing eligibility systems, including changes tied to community engagement requirements, and is working with the cabinet’s eligibility staff and ombudsman division on error rates. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, if there are updates at the federal level that need to be managed at the state level, we're happy
  • Um, did want to provide just a couple updates.
  • So, the Queen's board has updates.
  • The issue with the FBI database is it is very contingent on states updating it.
  • Now, as far as updating dispositions of an arrest, right? There could be some delays.
Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Finance and Taxation General Fund

Transcript Highlights:
  • and yes, are these funds the money that is held in these funds actually collected from, like, filing fees
  • to each individual court to oversee what they do with their money. >> Collected from, like, filing fees
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this bill relates to student access to certain academic records, authorizing a fee.
  • It has not been updated since then, other than a recodification in 1971.
  • We've been working very hard to hold tuition and fees. steady now, I believe this is the third session
  • College application fees alone can be a deterrent. current for prospective students.
  • Research shows that application fees, even modest ones, can discourage students from applying to malls
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The fee has not changed since 1980, number one.
  • where the fee is.
  • But fee-wise, it would be in line with university fees. Thank you. Yes, sir. Okay.
  • Do they see in their tuition and fees as compared to a resident of Texas?
  • They would see the same increase because it would be a mandatory fee.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 14th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • And a license is reinstated once all the fees are paid? Witness: Yes.
  • Witness: There isn't a fiscal note, but of course there were fees for the first three late fees, so there
  • I'll ask you online here: is that, I mean, we're raising fees on one.
  • I'm interested in putting a voluntary fee on for litter abatement.
  • So this is all a convenience fee. Somebody agrees to pay this voluntarily.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And for the banking department, it's been 20 years since they've had a fee increase.
  • So to adjust for inflation, the fee goes from $3,000 to $4,000 for an original license, and then the
  • House Bill 4153 reinstates previous statute about new drivers qualifying for licensure and updates the
  • Members, House Bill 3691 updates privacy rights when obtaining a Class D driver's license by allowing
  • The court system is already in a place where they are investing in updating their systems.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • landowners need to reframe their ownership of that land so that they think of it as a leasehold and not a fee
  • So now the policies that we are following, which we are updating, is that every island is going to have
  • Next up, we have HB 2544 relating to administration fees. >> Okay.
  • Next up, we have HB 2544 relating to administration fees.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.