Transcript Highlights:

• Charles Chapman: When we look at pension costs and actuarial liabilities associated with that, you have
• I believe which will impact their liability.
• You want to talk about the liability insurance crisis? Same thing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The faith-based group that provides the program accepts liability, provides transportation, and… liability
• We at First Baptist in Gulf Shores are willing to take on the burden of responsibility and liability.

Bills: SB166, HB365, HB272, HB232, HB234, SB278, SB277

Keywords: Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, STEM, science education, technology education, engineering education, math education, workforce development, career pathways, Alabama STEM Council, Department of Workforce, education policy, higher education, community colleges, K-12 education, teacher pipeline, STEM careers

Transcript Highlights:

• Why don't you just create personal liability for the person responsible for turning over the document
• I mean, if you want to solve this problem, why don't you just create personal liability? Mr.
• Right now, the mechanism to have liability is basically an attorney's fees, and those are rarely given

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things some of our friends found out is that the liability language is different for everybody
• The liability exclusion...
• officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the board shall be immune from suit and liability

Bills: SB174, SB180, HB196, HB25, SB193, HB25

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, juvenile detention, county management, legal procedures, juvenile justice, county commission, supervision, administration, emergency services, 911

Transcript Highlights:

• We estimate tax year 2024 income tax liability is higher largely because capital gains, interest, and
• Much of the higher tax liability carries forward into tax years 2025 and 2026, increasing the revenue
• <00:15:52.079> and<00:15:52.320> is tax year 2024 liability and is tax year 2024 liability
• is higher largely because liability is higher largely because capital<00:16:08.240> gains,<00
• <00:16:15.759> into<00:16:16.079> tax tax liability carries forward into tax tax liability

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• same powers and limitations on liability same powers and limitations on liability as<00:31:31.840
• <01:21:06.719> pool,<01:21:07.440> a health pool, property liability pool, a health
• pool, property liability pool, a public<01:21:08.000> entity<01:21:08.480> pool<01:21:
• That's where their liability ends.
• That's where their liability ends. it. That's where their liability ends.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up the pooled risk management program bill and reviewed a new amendment drafted with input from the Insurance Department and Legislative Services. Department witnesses explained that the proposal would move oversight of pooled risk management programs from the Secretary of State’s office to the Insurance Department, add a licensure requirement, preserve the programs’ non-insurer status, and exempt them from third-party administrator licensure. They also described a series of solvency tools in the draft, including financial reporting, risk-based capital standards, minimum capitalization, investment limits, commissioner examination and enforcement authority, rulemaking authority, merger and affiliate-transaction review, confidentiality protections, and a separability clause. A major theme of the discussion was that pooled risk management programs differ from commercial insurers because the risk remains with the member local governments rather than being backed by a state guarantee fund. Witnesses said the bill is designed to emphasize solvency over return of premium and to give the Insurance Department a regulatory “toolbox” to prevent insolvency, including a proposed $5 million excess or stop-loss coverage benchmark, optional accessible policies, and a requirement that boards vote on dividends or premium returns when capital exceeds 600% of risk-based capital. Members questioned how this approach differed from the original Secretary of State bill and whether assessments on towns would still be possible; the department responded that the new framework would allow more flexible oversight and alternatives to immediate court action. The committee also discussed why the statute should continue to say the programs are not insurers, with the department explaining that this preserves their autonomy and avoids applying unrelated insurance laws and premium taxes. Members asked about the department’s workload and were told the department believed it could absorb the new duties without additional funding. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• would ensure continued access to medication abortion and shield providers and manufacturers from liability
• It's a liability shift that punishes the wrong parties without reaching the true source of risk.
• As well as the liability.
• I know that there's cost and liability issues that are of concern, I'm sure, to some of the companies
• AB 1018 will result in regulatory burdens and liability risk.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, health privacy, location data, digital provenance, reparations, and age assurance. AB 54 would protect the medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and others from liability; AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and enforcement tools for child sexual abuse material on social media; AB 49 would limit ICE activity at California public schools; AB 82 would expand privacy and safety protections for gender-affirming care patients and providers; AB 1355 would restrict the collection, use, and sale of precise location data; AB 853 would expand provenance requirements for AI-generated and authentic content; AB 62 would create a pathway for restitution for racially biased eminent domain takings; and AB 1043 would create a device-based age assurance framework for online services. Supporters generally framed the bills as necessary responses to current harms: reproductive rights advocates emphasized California’s role as a safe haven; child safety witnesses described the persistence and re-victimization caused by CSAM online; immigrant rights and education advocates said schools should remain safe from immigration enforcement; health and LGBTQ+ advocates stressed privacy and safety risks tied to tracking and harassment; privacy and consumer groups backed limits on location data and stronger provenance tools; and reparations advocates said AB 62 would help address historic injustices. Opposition came from family policy, tech, business, law enforcement, and industry groups, who raised concerns about safety claims, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, transparency, law enforcement access, and the need to preserve existing privacy frameworks and voluntary standards. The committee members largely expressed support for the policy goals while noting implementation concerns on some measures. Several members asked for or were offered coauthor status on bills. AB 1137, AB 54, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 853, and AB 62 all received do-pass votes to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. AB 1355 and AB 853 were advanced with amendments or ongoing work promised with opponents, and AB 1043 was presented with discussion of possible amendments on parental consent and age assurance details, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• House, requires watercraft and boat livery owners who rent out vessels to maintain commercial boat liability
• strikes a burden of proof language that requires clear and convincing evidence and strikes board liability

Summary: The caucus reviewed a series of Senate-amended bills, with staff summarizing each measure and noting whether the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2305 would revise Arizona’s private towing laws and remove a requirement that municipalities or law enforcement enforce the prescribed towing rates; HB 2398 would impose insurance requirements for watercraft rentals, charters, and peer-to-peer sharing; HB 2957 would bar state and local governments from requiring a digital or mobile driver’s license for identification, while dropping a House provision on biometric identifiers. Members asked for Senate vote counts on several bills and clarified that HB 2305 and HB 2398 were separate from other towing and boot-related measures. The committee also discussed HB 2321, which requires DCS caseworkers to place a security freeze on a child’s credit record after entry into care, with the Senate removing a $100,000 appropriation and one FTE; HB 2408, which changes Nursing Board complaint and expungement procedures and expands how anonymous complaints may be investigated; HB 2397, which updates HOA/condo disclosure rules and drew noted opposition from the Community Associations Institute and home builders; HB 4005, which requires public school districts to provide AI instruction at specific grade levels and directs ADE to adopt curriculum; and HB 2755, which shifts state land lease renewal language to notice and sale procedures for underperforming commercial leases. Senate vote counts were provided for several of these measures, generally showing narrow or party-line margins. The final items were HB 2406, a heavily amended bill now restricting access to records and images related to deceased minors, including child abuse images, with supporters citing concerns about misuse through AI and opponents raising disclosure and media-access concerns; and HCR 2001, a ballot referral on citizenship, voting, and election-related contributions that was substantially narrowed in the Senate but still requires voter ID, limits voting to citizens, bars foreign nationals from election spending, and mandates on-site tabulation for early votes, prompting continued county opposition because of cost and implementation concerns. The caucus ended after members were reminded that the agenda and caucus sheets had been emailed rather than printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have some concerns about how we make sure that we're not creating a liability also for the owner
• ... ...a liability also for the owner of the field.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection met for its second meeting of 2026, with Chair Rachel May noting National Consumer Protection Week and mentioning upcoming consumer fraud outreach and new online fraud-reporting tools from the Attorney General. The committee considered eight bills focused on consumer issues, including junk fees, arbitration transparency, gas stove labeling, retailer biometric tracking notices, credit monitoring services, and youth sports recording rights. Several bills were advanced with little or no opposition. S.363A on clear and conspicuous pricing for mandatory junk fees was reported to first reading. S.926 on arbitration organizations drew support for its transparency goals, but Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick raised concerns about confidentiality and a private right of action; it was still moved forward. S.1280B on gas stove health-risk labeling also advanced despite opposition from Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Weber. S.2539A, requiring retailers to warn customers about electronic tracking and biometric data collection, was supported by Senator Myrie, who described it as a notice-only measure. The committee also advanced S.3078 on credit monitoring services and S.2517, though the transcript of the discussion on S.2517 was largely garbled. Chair May’s S.8666, which would prevent youth sports operators from barring parents from taking in-person photos or recordings of their children, prompted concerns from Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick about privacy, liability, and recordings by other parents; the chair responded that the bill includes limits for safety, court orders, privacy protections, and restricted areas. The meeting concluded after the bills were moved and voted on, with several reported to first reading or to another committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussions were held with legal counsel and administration on the liability of assuming such responsibility
• You've made a reference that in the discussion with the lab, he had a comment about the liability of
• So how much of this is a question of reducing their liability or transferring their liability with the
• of the concern, that if they're having a statement on the planning, we're removing some of that liability
• issued by the building or fire code official in order to ensure the architect would have future liability

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• so, basically, these banks and insurance companies are using this tax credit to offset their tax liability
• to offset offset offset uh<00:12:03.160> their<00:12:03.520> tax<00:12:04.000> liability
• uh their tax liability uh their tax liability in<00:12:05.760> exchange<00:12:06.360>
• So that is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax liability that the investor claims.
• The reduction in their federal tax liability.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the member, that one concern that comes to mind specifically is pension liabilities, and I'm
• and the lack of a school liability and the lack of a school construction<01:55:36.920> program
• for us to meet the goals of liability for us to meet the goals of the<01:55:41.480> education
• This would shield the district's tax liability, and it would also shield the tax liability of districts
• , and it would also shield the liability, and it would also shield the tax<03:01:09.240> liability

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tiffany Lumley focused on lessons from horses and horsemanship, using the imagery to encourage legislators to lead, listen, stay patient, and remain attentive to constituents outside the chamber. The chamber then welcomed newly appointed Representative Kevin Scully of Burlington, who was sworn in and assigned to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Members took up several procedural items and resolutions. Senate Bill 239, relating to a child abuse and neglect reporting working group and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 157, relating to recovery residence certification and affecting state revenue, was referred to Ways and Means after a favorable report with amendment from Human Services. The House also read and adopted concurrent resolutions honoring the federal TRIO programs in Vermont, recognizing tourism economy day and the importance of the visitor economy, and honoring former Representative John Killacky of South Burlington for his artistic and legislative contributions. Multiple members offered personal remarks about John Killacky/Colacci, his arts career, activism, and service in the House, and guests connected to the resolutions were welcomed from the gallery. The House then concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 237, which would allow certain doctoral-level psychologists to prescribe medications. The committee explained the Senate’s changes, including revised training and rotation requirements, a later effective date, and a future OPR report, and said the bill was intended as one tool to address mental health provider shortages; the House agreed by voice vote. The chamber next began second reading of House Bill 955, a major education reform bill titled “next steps in transforming Vermont’s education system,” with the Education Committee describing mandatory cooperative education service areas, merger study committees, and related changes intended to improve efficiency, support local voice, and strengthen public education. No final action on H.955 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the value of the credit exceeds their tax liability, then we will cut that company a check out of
• > exceeds<02:10:19.520> their<02:10:19.760> tax<02:10:20.079> liability,
• the credit exceeds their tax liability, the credit exceeds their tax liability, then<02:10:21.199>
• , know, don't have a lot of tax liability, know, don't have a lot of tax liability, especially<02
• <03:26:56.239> on um for their property tax liability on um for their property tax liability

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said it is their goal to pay back that liability to the general fund.
• He said it is their goal to pay back that liability to the general fund.
• He said it is their goal to pay back that liability to the general fund.
• <02:30:23.920> in comprehensive Collision liability in comprehensive Collision liability in
• <02:32:59.319> you're comprehensive your liability you're comprehensive your liability you're

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:

• I'm struggling to come up with a scenario in which an adjuster would have personal liability for anything
• I'm struggling to come up with a scenario in which an adjuster would have personal liability for anything
• the I I'm struggling to come up with a scenario in which an adjuster would have personal liability
• <00:25:41.279> on<00:25:41.520> an But to impose personal liability on an But to impose
• personal liability on an adjuster<00:25:42.080> for<00:25:42.320> that,<00:25:42.480><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So my wife and I started reading all of the liability releases that was required to sign for camps and
• On the issue of liability, my colleague from CJAQ will cover those issues.
• Two items: risk assessments and the liability structure.
• Two items: risk assessments and the liability structure.
• And then when we turn to the liability structure in 226, ...low threshold here.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three main coverages: liability, public assets, and auto.
• While we do not have control over its operations... ...liability, public assets, and auto.
• The claims department manages claim intake, coverage analysis, investigation, liability determination
• Who's that fault, that liability?
• It's a county that has a statement of net position that has zero liabilities.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can see that for 2026, there is a $889 million increase in the unfunded actuarial liability as
• So you can see that for 2026, there is a $889 million increase in the unfunded actuarial liability as
• So you can see that for 2026, there is a $889 million increase in the unfunded actuarial liability as
• <01:10:49.040> Um<01:10:49.440> and liability as a result of that.
• Um and liability as a result of that.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:35 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:56 Deferred Compensation Authority Update: 00:03:12 Retiree Health Update - TRS: 00:15:58 Retiree Health Update - KPPA: 00:56:13 Adjournment: 01:20:33, 958, all

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board received updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. Chris Biddle reported that deferred compensation assets had grown to about $4.787 billion with roughly 88,000 participants, crediting auto-enrollment, targeted marketing around pay raises, and retiree-focused services. He said the board’s self-directed brokerage account, authorized by last year’s legislation, is being designed around a $40,000 account-balance threshold with up to 25% transferable into the brokerage window, tentatively for July 1 of the coming year. He also described the free financial planning program, which has been used by about 3,300 to 3,500 participants with an 87% return rate, and noted that the plan is currently in a fee holiday; members asked about the fee structure and whether the CFP service is provided through Nationwide, which Biddle confirmed. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s growth and asked for the legislation referenced by Biddle. He said the plan’s annual fees are capped, with a $1 monthly fee plus other charges up to a $225 cap, for a maximum of $237 per year absent a managed account. He also said the program is seeking unified payroll access to expand participation, especially among teachers, and that prior lineup changes saved about $6 million annually in participant fees. Bo Barnes of TRS then addressed retired teachers’ health insurance, first clarifying a prior question about declining federal contributions to the retirement annuity trust. He explained that federally funded school positions generated contributions that rose from $72 million in 2019 to $109 million in 2022, then fell to $85 million this year, with a projection of $80 million over the next three years; if those dollars do not come from federal sources, they would have to be replaced through the SEEK formula. Barnes then reviewed TRS health coverage, explaining that the statutory contract guarantees access to group coverage but not fixed premium levels, and that TRS administers two retiree plans: KEHP for retirees under 65 or otherwise not Medicare-eligible, and MEHP for retirees 65 and older or Medicare-eligible. Barnes said TRS completed RFPs for the 2026 plan year, retaining Express Scripts for prescription drugs and switching the Medicare Advantage medical provider from UnitedHealthcare to Humana, while keeping plan design, provider access, out-of-pocket costs, and benefits materially unchanged. He noted a modest hearing-aid improvement of $500 per ear beginning in 2026. He also reported that the TRS Board approved the maximum state contribution for KEHP at $1,044.96, up from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said would require about $15 million to $16 million more annually, while the MEHP premium would drop from $210 to $200 per month because of the new contract. Using the 2024 valuation, he said the KEHP increase would slightly reduce the health trust funded ratio from 80.4% to 80.1% and raise unfunded liability from $4.036 billion to $4.051 billion. Barnes closed by reviewing the 2010 shared-responsibility reforms that shifted retiree health costs away from a pay-as-you-go model, including phased employee and district contributions and Commonwealth stabilization funding. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes were made to the pensions, you know, we did a lot of hard work to address the unfunded liabilities
• and that is on a unfunded liabilities and that is on a good<00:54:02.720> track<00:54:03.119>
• That's a multi-million-dollar shift in property tax liability going from the commercial sector to the
• going<01:01:20.039> from<01:01:20.200> the<01:01:20.359> commercial tax liability
• going from the commercial tax liability going from the commercial sector<01:01:21.240> to<01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfunded liability: 122,988,967,431,782,266.
• <03:41:20.319> 13 insurance 12 unfunded liability 13 insurance 12 unfunded liability 13 2,378,384
• Unfunded liability amortization payments. Step pay. Para direct distribution.
• <05:23:23.920> cost<05:23:24.240> 85,811,4861 liability cost 85,811,4861 liability cost
• <05:53:01.440> 10850,355 liability 10850,355 liability 10850,355 55<05:53:03.440> 527,814163,256

Keywords: 981, all