Transcript Highlights:

• The suite of risk management tools should provide a critical backstop for producers and ensure adequate
• Crop insurance is the premier risk management tool for the American farmer.
• The Risk Management Agency and FSA offer important risk management programs and financial relief to farmers
• Hopkins, crop insurance is the most effective and reliable risk management tool available to farmers
• Yes, crop insurance is the number one risk management tool in the belt for ag lenders.

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• She built a New England region to one of substance with $12 billion under management.
• She was then made a managing director of the firm the following year, one of the youngest female managing
• Today it is a group of 34 people managing $71 billion.
• I'm really proud of the SIC for doing the best management possible to grow these funds.
• I'm going to ask you to manage their time.

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Bills: SB 410, SB 795, SB 2510, SB 728, SB 2689, HB 143

Keywords: Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, recycling, environment, sustainability, economic development, Texas Recycling Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Many invasive procedures have well understood quantifiable risks, and when the probability of those risks
• I am the president of Summit Property Management based in Dallas.
• A month or two later, and the manager who's not represented by, by counsel, we try to get our managers
• They all said they had verbal leases with the previous management.
• Specifically those at risk of experiencing homelessness in Denton County.

Bills: HB15, HB171, HB204

Keywords: flood risk, campground, safety regulations, civil penalty, guest safety, Harris County, flood control, governance, expansion, public health, local governance, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• and... ...and to expand insurance for these burn managers.
• The largest single hurdle to developing these burn managers, and the largest single risk to active burn
• managers is the lack or loss of general liability insurance.
• a self-insurance risk pool for our volunteer fire departments.
• I think the risk pool is.

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't take more risk in case there's a storm or something that occurs, you know, or risk tolerance
• And the other thing is that there may be multinational risk; they may have risk in Texas.
• I'm Shannon Maroney, and I'm here on behalf of Velocity Risk.
• For businesses, it's a management decision.
• Globalization requirements, it’s there.

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Lani Ichinose, Department of Health Solid Waste Management Branch.
• We stand on our Waste Management Branch. We stand on our written<00:03:38.840><c> testimony.
• Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing, global temperatures are rising, our planet is fast approaching
• climate or a world plunged manageable climate or a world plunged into<00:08:57.920><c> chaos.
• global keep growing, global rising,<00:09:10.760><c> our</c><00:09:10.920><c> planet</c><00:09:11.560

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:

• think that some of the kind of corporate work in terms of how PBMs and how prescriptions are now managed
• think that some of the kind of corporate work in terms of how PBMs and how prescriptions are now managed
• conduct a comprehensive analysis on the best paths to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk
• Hawaii</c><00:25:17.279><c> residents</c><00:25:17.600><c> while</c><00:25:17.840><c> meeting</c> risk
• to Hawaii residents while meeting risk to Hawaii residents while meeting state<00:25:18.400><c> goals

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:

• Global Mass says clearly to the world, Massachusetts is open to global capital, global companies, and
• global talent.
• a structure to attract global institutional capital into Massachusetts through a professionally managed
• So I don't have that much—no, Global Mass.
• , such as the Global Mass Fund and the Global Mass Innovation Access Fund.

Bills: H5386

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development bill, H.5386, the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowitz described the bill as a follow-on to the 2024 Mass Leads Act, with roughly $305 million in new bond authorizations and several policy changes aimed at lowering business costs, attracting global capital, supporting AI/quantum/robotics/defense innovation, expanding downtown revitalization, and easing housing and development rules. The administration also highlighted a proposed Global Mass initiative, a $50 million innovation access fund, $20 million for international company sites, a reduced LLC filing fee, a larger small business energy tax exemption, internship tax credits, and changes to non-compete law and nurse English proficiency requirements. Committee members questioned the administration about AI competition, infrastructure and data centers, housing affordability, and whether the bill would actually keep graduates and companies in Massachusetts. Healey and Paley argued that the state must compete globally, not just with other states, and said the bill supports housing production, workforce development, energy relief, and targeted investments in sectors where Massachusetts is already strong. Gorzkowitz said the bond authorizations fit within the state’s debt affordability framework and emphasized fiscal discipline. Several witnesses supported specific provisions, including Northeastern University on internship tax credits, the Latino Empowerment Advisory Council on waiving redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, municipal officials and the MMA on codifying standardized site plan review, and business and international company representatives on the Global Mass proposal. There was also notable opposition to some sections. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, arguing it would significantly reduce revenue and could increase fraudulent filings. Attorney Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, saying the current law was a negotiated compromise and warning that moving alternative consideration to separation could backfire. The AFL-CIO urged adding a trigger law to preserve labor protections if federal labor law is weakened. Other testimony included support for tiny homes as a housing option, a proposal on low-carbon fuel standards from Rep. Markey, and regional economic development advocates asking for more flexible competitive grants. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee accepting written testimony afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would allow the Department of Finance Division Risk Management Bond Program to satisfy the requirements
• ><c> to</c> division risk management bond program to division risk management bond program to satisfy
• </c><00:08:47.360><c> company</c> there is the property management company there is the property management
• , the local property management person, the merchant of record.
• The property management company shall be the merchant of record for the transaction.

Bills: SB294, HB296, HB300, SB269

Keywords: public officers, bonding, risk management, notification, delinquency, consumer protection, rental home, marketplace guarantees, insurance, commissioner of insurance, healthcare, breast cancer screening, insurance coverage, deductible, copayment, emergency medical services, ambulance reimbursement, health care insurers, balance billing, provider networks

Transcript Highlights:

• defense, ask about their legal education, ask about their philosophy on representing clients, on managing
• really appreciate the way that there have been some parameters put in place because we know there is a risk

Bills: AB58, AB275, SB46, SB457, SB465, AB320, AB344, AB381, AB541

Keywords: Nevada gaming, gaming regulation, sports pool, race book, interactive gaming, slot machines, restricted license, Gaming Control Board, Gaming Commission, game approval, administrative approval, service provider, cash access, wagering instruments, global risk management, information service, sports wagering, pari-mutuel wagering, casino regulation, gaming license

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard from small providers, for example, that when only a limited number of staff are on duty, managing
• or sup- or uh or case um case manager or sup- or uh or case manager<01:17:26.320><c> supervisor.
• </c><01:17:27.120><c> That's</c><01:17:27.400><c> the</c> manager supervisor.
• That's the manager supervisor.
• And we have a individuals at risk.

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Daniel has risked his life.
• I can manage that, I commit.
• That is to say... hands-on experience managing a major organization.
• Again, global politics is messy and complicated affairs.
• I've worked with acquirers, program managers in that process.

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• a global investment firm that he co-founded in 1992 and today manages some 68 billion dollars of capital
• If we don't, our very national security is at risk. With that, Mr.
• , some of that risk is unnecessary in development.
• That needs to get tested until that's clear that it can be done without risk.
• Hexeth will not manage the minutiae. You will. Mr.

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• would have been really nice if someone was here from that agency to explain how they're going to manage
• You cannot hold residency in two states at the same time. ...little different, and we have managed that
• It directs FHFC to establish and oversee the Vacancy Relief and Risk Mitigation Trust Fund, as well as
• a vacant dwelling for a veteran who does not have a home for up to 45 days, and also to provide a risk
• Incentive Pilot Program. ...for the purpose of implementing the Homes for Veterans Property Management

Bills: S0174, S1342, S1334, S1362, S1602, S1604

Keywords: transportation, memorial, honorary designation, Miami-Dade, Charlie Kirk, transit-oriented development, housing affordability, mixed-use zoning, urban development, traffic congestion, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud, vertiports, aviation, airport infrastructure, economic development, veterans

Summary: The committee first heard CS for SB 1342 on transit-oriented development by Senator Rouson, which seeks to expand housing near fixed transit corridors by updating TOD definitions and applying Live Local-style land-use principles to those areas. An amendment narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land-use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and added exclusions for environmentally sensitive areas, historic properties, and military installations. Supporters said the bill would increase housing supply near existing infrastructure and maximize the state’s transit investments, while local government groups and city leagues opposed it as a sweeping preemption of local zoning authority that could force high-density development without public hearings or adequate infrastructure planning. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up CS for SB 1334 on elections by Senator Grall, which would require documentary proof of citizenship in voter registration and related election processes, update how citizenship is verified through REAL ID and the SAVE database, clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method, and add other election-related changes such as candidate eligibility rules and timelines. Two technical amendments were adopted. During extended questioning, senators raised concerns about how documents would be submitted and stored, whether voters without Florida IDs or REAL IDs—especially students, disabled voters, seniors, and homeless Floridians—could be flagged or burdened, and what fiscal and workload impacts the bill would have on supervisors of elections and state agencies. Supporters argued the bill would streamline verification and reduce duplicate paperwork, while many public speakers and some senators said it would create barriers to voting, increase costs, and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. The transcript ends during debate on the bill, before a final vote is shown. Later, the committee considered CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility by Senator Harrell. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House version and added vertiports and charging systems as eligible projects for public-private partnership funding, with FDOT authorized to fund certain vertiport costs within available resources. The bill drew support from industry and local representatives, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 174, which designates a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and directs FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The bill prompted significant debate over whether Kirk’s legacy warranted a state road designation, with opponents citing his controversial statements and arguing the honor was political and divisive, while supporters said the designation recognizes civic engagement near FIU and is symbolic rather than regulatory. The transcript ends during debate on SB 174, before any final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• to by two additional organizations that I think should be at the table: the Building Owners and Managers
• It also benefits dentists by reducing the risks of non-payment with medical debt.
• If you could identify yourself for the record and begin. reducing the risks of reducing the risks of
• Often boards hire management companies.
• I also am the manager of the New London Food Co-op.

Bills: HF2228, HF46, HF856, HF2149, HF2215

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• the bidding, I guess, lack of a bidding process, there was one company that was hired to be project manager
• the bidding, I guess, lack of a bidding process, there was one company that was hired to be project manager
• , fuel reduction, defensible space, and emergency access measures to reduce wildfire risk to Lahaina
• urging state agencies that control land in West Maui to implement and enforce aggressive vegetation management
• , fuel reduction, defensible space, and emergency access measures to reduce wildfire risk to the high-net

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 5317 gives the Risk Management Board the authority to create a self-insured retention fund
• Office of Risk Management.
• The State Office of Risk Management administers the Voluntary Insurance Program.
• Stephen Allbreath, testifying on behalf of the State Office of Risk Management.
• I'm the State Risk Manager for Texas. In that capacity, I serve as the Executive Director.

Bills: HB1958, HB2031, HB2879, HB3285, HB3995, HB4487, HB4558, HB4560, HB4876, HB4899, HB5212, HB5317, HB5543, HB5567, SB1333

Keywords: firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:56.560><c> and</c> the Commissioner of Management and the Commissioner of Management and Budget
• </c> timeline to work across both Management timeline to work across both Management and<00:02:12.160
• has been subject to two or more extreme risk protection orders in the past.
• </c> us, not the underlying extreme risk us, not the underlying extreme risk protection<00:21:32.520>
• </c> and has other serious health risks. and has other serious health risks.

Bills: HF3771, HF3658, HF3453, HF3358, HF1775

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery

Bills: HB59, SB15, SB96, SB104, SB137

Keywords: public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety