Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, because it sounded to me like it's more... more of a cost analysis, not a benefit analysis.
• analysis should include an analysis of the potential benefit of these mandates. related to health care
• analysis bill the bill you know it sounds like that's what you want it to be a cost benefit analysis
• Those additional benefits are not part of the pure. cost analysis.
• But I don't think the intent of the bill was to be. solely a cost-benefit analysis and you know my mind

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have any long-term data on does that cost offset the benefit.
• under a benefit.
• Cost. Cost to us that the consumer that's buying the insurance will have to pay for. Yeah.
• And I would imagine, you know, utilization and the cost of those benefits drive. premium cost so.
• A coordination of benefit.

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Bills: HB 35, HB 138, HB 754, HB 1314, HB 1612, HB 2254, HB 2510, HB 2789, HB 3560, HB 3597, HB 4224, HB 4273, HB 4643, HB 4783

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• there's been a continued growth in costs there's been a continued growth in costs and<00:24:09.480
• overall just as kind of staff unit costs overall just as kind of unit<00:26:46.000> costs<00:
• And we did think it might just be helpful to see the cost, the average cost of goods and services per
• And we did think it might just be helpful to see the cost, the average cost of goods and services per
• And we did think it might just be helpful to see the cost, the average cost of goods and services per

Bills: HF1538, HF1965, HF2251, HF2838

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have STR 109 SD1, urging the insurance commissioner to study the potential benefits of expanding
• of<00:17:28.640> expanding<00:17:29.039> the<00:17:29.280> use potential benefits
• of expanding the use potential benefits of expanding the use of<00:17:30.080> mail<00:17:30.320
• STR 172 SD1 HD1 requesting the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the
• best paths to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk to Hawaii residents while meeting

Bills: SCR96, SCR109, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, mail-order pharmacy, insurance, healthcare access, chronic disease management, cost savings, rural access, emergency healthcare, patient adherence, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The creation of new benefit mandates. The creation of new benefit mandates.
• of uh benefit mandates in the country. of uh benefit mandates in the country.
• these mandates come with a cost. these mandates come with a cost.
• 05:24.160> Commerce<00:05:24.560> to Requires the Department of Commerce to conduct a cost-benefit
• analysis.

Bills: HF3388, HF400

Keywords: HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance, health insurance, group health carriers, MCHA, MNsure, individual market, premium stabilization, carrier assessment, health insurance assessment, premium security plan account, state innovation waiver, high-risk pool, reinsurance payments, healthcare premiums, insurance carriers, deferral of assessment, financially impaired condition, HF400

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior day and then heard House File 400, a bill described as a defrayal measure for health insurance mandates. Representative Perryman said the bill would not block future mandates, but would require the state to pay the added costs of any new mandated benefits so those costs would not be shifted to premium payers. She and supporters framed the bill as a way to protect affordability for Minnesota employers, workers, and families, especially in the fully insured market. Testimony in support came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Council of Health Plans. They argued that Minnesota has a high number of mandated benefits, that each new mandate adds cost to premiums, and that businesses—especially small and midsize employers—are already struggling with rising health insurance costs. The health plans representative said the bill would use the existing Commerce defrayal process to reimburse plans for eligible mandate-related claims, allowing those costs to be removed from premium rates. Several members echoed support, saying the bill would improve transparency by showing the fiscal impact of proposed mandates and help prevent people from being priced out of coverage. Members also explored how mandates apply in the market and how premiums are set. Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer explained that, unless otherwise specified, mandates generally apply to the individual, small group, and fully insured large group markets, while self-insured ERISA plans and other markets are generally outside that scope. Representative Elkins noted that the affected market is relatively small and said small businesses are increasingly moving to self-insured plans because of cost. He and others raised concerns about affordability, while Representative Smith argued that mandates often ensure needed care and that the bill shifts costs to taxpayers rather than insurers. Representative Bacham added a personal example from tribal self-insurance, saying preventive physicals had saved lives and asking whether other factors besides mandates are driving insurer costs. No amendments were offered, and the bill was laid over for possible future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• us millions, and it would have cost us lives, and it would have cost us economic recovery and development
• us millions and it would have cost us lives and it would have cost us economic recovery and development
• And with that comes increased costs.
• My own prescription costs...
• My own prescription costs. prescription costs this is not hypothetical my own prescription costs were

Bills: HB2780, HB4029, HB4030, HCR2052

Keywords: judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2780, a technical cleanup measure related to Arizona’s judicial tax lien foreclosure and excess proceeds process. The sponsor and a witness said the bill clarifies when a court should order a public sale, standardizes distribution of sale proceeds, and corrects inconsistencies left from prior reforms. No opposition was raised, and the committee approved HB 2780 unanimously on a 9-0 do pass vote. The committee then took up House Bill 4029, which would require the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to evaluate the revenue impact of federal tax conformity changes earlier in the process, and would require the Department of Revenue to issue tax forms consistent with statute. An amendment was adopted to have OSPB and JLBC each make the evaluation and to require a governor’s report if the impact is $100 million or more, along with new reporting deadlines for DOR. Supporters argued the bill would force earlier action on conformity and prevent tax forms from diverging from statute; opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay filing. The committee approved HB 4029 as amended by a 5-4 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 4030 and the related HCR 2052, both aimed at limiting local tax and fee increases. HB 4030 would bar municipalities and counties from adopting, imposing, or collecting increased fees, transaction privilege taxes, and utility rates from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. The sponsor said the measure was intended to protect taxpayers from inflation and rising local costs. Cities, counties, and utility representatives opposed the bills, warning they would hinder infrastructure financing, water and wastewater projects, road improvements, and public safety services, and could force general fund subsidies or delayed maintenance. Supporters argued local governments have seen substantial revenue growth and should be restrained from further increases. The committee did not reach a final vote on HB 4030 or HCR 2052 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . costs. costs.
• actually address the health care costs actually address the health care costs in<00:20:40.640>
• There is no immediate cost to this.
• It is no it is no increased costs.
• <00:53:06.760> We working, but not to our benefit. We working, but not to our benefit.

Bills: HF4502, HF3388, HF4106, HF400, HF4138, HF4118, HF4203

Keywords: trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Less litigation means lower costs for all of us consumers.
• Appraisals are there to resolve these cost disputes, not coverage and causation.
• But cost disputes, the amount of the loss, to do that quickly, but understanding that some matters can

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a potential for some cost savings.
• It doesn't work to the benefit of the physicians.
• And what that comes to is those aren't costs of doing business; those are costs of getting. and paid.
• If you look at the analysis Analysis year over year and over all these years, even TLTA's analysis shows
• It's the cost of their rates of interest.

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no cost.
• This division will assist state agencies in reviewing rules and conducting cost-benefit analysis. analysis
• agencies accountable, HB 10 allows for a rule to be invalidated if an agency fails to properly perform a cost-benefit
• We've worked with folks in Idaho, who've also. done a lot, advancing great ways to look at cost-benefit
• We wholeheartedly support the invalidation of this legislation. of rules if the cost-benefit analysis

Bills: HB10, HB 12, HB675, HB10, HB12

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's just a traditional fiscal analysis of state costs. So Mr.
• That's on page four, where you say the pharmacy benefit manager shall bear all costs associated with
• So the way these plans work is we update the benefit plan for a higher cost share.
• This bill also requires pharmacy benefit managers to absorb the full cost of professional dispensing
• It is my understanding that the plan, the benefit, the PBM, will absorb these costs.

Bills: HB591, HB765, HB826, HB870, HB938, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1236, HB1241

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• Balance billing is a benefit plan.
• The cost of the study, we said, not to exceed $50,000.
• you know, end up costing the consumer?
• cost to the<00:10:36.959> consumer?
• may<00:15:25.360> include benefit plan which may include benefit plan which may include emergency

Bills: SB9, HB400, SB9, HB400

Keywords: Alabama Athletic Commission, Attorney General, criminal penalties, unarmed combat, regulation, boxing, mixed martial arts, civil fines, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, smoking ban, vaping, public health, indoor air quality, clean air, ambulance services, health insurance

Bills: SB19

Keywords: SB19, prostate cancer, prostate cancer screening, PSA test, digital rectal exam, preventive screening, health insurance mandate, no cost sharing, copay, deductible, coinsurance, high-risk men, African American men, men over 50, men over 40, family history, genetic marker, health benefit plan, insurer coverage, Alabama insurance code

Transcript Highlights:

• > cost<00:11:02.920> reduction<00:11:03.440> and<00:11:03.600> minimize to
• maximize cost reduction and minimize to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial<00:11:04.560>
• resources in producing these analysis. resources in producing these analysis.
• Okay, our final measure, SCR 172 SD1, on the comprehensive analysis.
• the comprehensive analysis. the comprehensive analysis.

Bills: SCR142, SCR39, SCR40, SCR83, SCR168, SCR96, SCR166, SCR172

Keywords: dust monitoring, public health, environmental quality, Waimanalo Gulch, air quality, particulate matter, community engagement, health risks, pollution mitigation, mattress stewardship, environmental protection, recycling, producer responsibility, solid waste management, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals. Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language. In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as the of cost-benefit analysis.
• and this cost-benefit analysis is done and this cost-benefit analysis is done and it it it and<01
• c> like cost-benefit analysis for something like cost-benefit analysis for something like a<01:13
• cost-benefit analysis for the work cost-benefit analysis for the work involved<01:13:55.120>
• cost benefit analysis say, at do another cost benefit analysis say, okay,<01:25:03.000> now<01

Bills: SF856, HF4482, HF3672, HF1234, HF4591, HF3554, HF936

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• If a state legislature passes a new state-mandated benefit, we are required to defray the cost of any
• to these folks plus there's an benefits to these folks plus there's an extra<00:57:47.039> cost
• health benefits by preventing ing<01:07:25.760> those<01:07:26.000> costs<01:07:26.880
• costs of those benefits from ing those costs of those benefits from being<01:07:28.119> passed
• regard to uh cost of that benefit since being<01:12:39.239> uh<01:12:39.400> enacted<01

Bills: HF747, HF1014, HF320, HF400

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association, MIGA, insurance guaranty fund, insurer insolvency, covered claim, net worth threshold, high-net-worth insured, financial information request, insurance claims, self-insured retention, deductible, commercial insurance, insurance regulation, Minnesota Statutes 60C.09, guaranty association

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone, please remember this analysis... All right, members, thank you for being here.
• As part of this resolution, we would have to go through the analysis, not just the inventory, but the
• financial accounting, the cost-benefit analysis, and all of the description.
• least cost $100,000.
• It's going to trigger the reporting, the review, analysis, and reporting that's in this resolution.

Bills: HR290, HR298, SB405, SCR61, HR318

Keywords: gender-affirming care, gender affirming therapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, transgender health, trans youth, LGBTQ, mental health, psychosis, psychiatric conditions, puberty blockers, androgen blockers, cross-sex hormones, estrogen, testosterone, informed consent, screening, monitoring protocols, Louisiana Department of Health, LDH, House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• We have veteran service benefits. We have veteran service benefits.
• The benefits that you deserve. The benefits that you deserve.
• relating to the pharmacy benefit relating to the pharmacy benefit managers.
• The cost recovery fund recovery fund. The cost recovery fund recovery fund.
• Those technology costs the 911 system. Those technology costs the 911 system.

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• explained that if El Paso electric was going to go forward and do this that they We would undertake a cost-benefit
• analysis and they would make sure that this works for all the consumers and the rate payers in our region
• So the amendment makes that cost-benefit analysis something they have to do, not something they can't
• amendment on it, we make sure that... we're going to do our due diligence to make sure that there's a good cost-benefit
• analysis done in that process.

Bills: HB10, HB 12, HB147, HB1522, HB422, HB675, HB204, HB748, HB912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel