Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, I've taken significant steps to reduce my cancer risk.
• These things help protect me and decrease my cancer risk.
• Risk your physical health by not knowing or risk your financial security by finding out.
• It identifies risk.
• We are a national nonprofit that advocates for people with or at risk of hereditary cancers.

Bills: H5112, S2921, H4914

Keywords: genetic discrimination, genetic testing, genetic information, DNA, hereditary risk, insurance underwriting, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, medical privacy, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, insurer regulation, Commissioner of Insurance, chapter 176D, underwriting, hereditary disease, genomics, travel insurance

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing because the State House was closed due to a state of emergency and the prior day’s blizzard. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy explained the decision to proceed virtually so the committee could meet bill-reporting deadlines, and they thanked first responders, DPW crews, plow operators, health care workers, and legislative staff for their efforts during the storm. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112, an act prohibiting genetic discrimination. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support, describing how federal law protects against genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment but not in life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her personal experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier who was advised to secure life insurance before genetic testing, and she said the bill would let people seek testing and preventive care without fear of financial punishment. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that genetic testing helps people make informed medical decisions, participate in research, and pursue early intervention, while current insurance practices can discourage testing and lead to unfair underwriting based on genetic risk rather than actual illness. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers routinely ask about genetic testing and whether such information is already used in underwriting. The witness from the ALS Association said insurers commonly request this information and that the bill would bar its use in underwriting decisions. Representative Kerans asked Biggs about the cost of her screenings, and Biggs said some expensive tests still generate significant out-of-pocket bills. No votes were taken. In addition to H.5112, the chairs noted two other bills on the docket: H.4914, an act relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, and S.2921, an act relative to travel insurance. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs thanked staff for making the hearing possible on short notice and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to respect the rights of union workers; they don't want to run the risk of being perceived.
• They don't want to run the risk of being perceived as being anti-union if they do speak on the matter
• Keeping permanent strict limits after the high-risk period is almost like requiring a 25-year-old to
• It assumes all customers are permanent fraud risks, which isn't necessarily supported by the data.
• Risks.

Bills: S0198, S0422, S1236, S1356, S1456, S1722

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.

Bills: SB19, HB40, HB27, HB40, HB27, HB40, HB27

Keywords: contraceptive rights, healthcare access, civil action, Attorney General, contraception enforcement, prostate cancer, health insurance, screening, high risk, cost-sharing, African American men, savings accounts, catastrophe, emergency funds, financial security, state laws, criminal justice, parole, Board of Pardons and Paroles, risk assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• So does the pecuniary interest definition include future risk or risk assessment?
• We're trying to get away from anything that is not reasonably likely to affect or impact the financial risk
• unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, and it prevents our financial experts from considering real-world risk

Bills: HB1170

Keywords: fiduciary responsibility, proxy voting, public finance, Oklahoma statutes, pension plans, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, financial risk, Attorney General

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Affairs met to consider two executive nominations and House Bill 1170. Mark Wood was introduced as nominee to lead OMES; he described his background in public accounting and tax administration, said his focus would be on stabilizing the agency, improving efficiency, and balancing accountability with service. Senators asked about OMES’s core mission and whether some duties should be returned to agencies; Wood said he would keep an open mind and work with legislators on possible changes. The committee advanced his nomination on a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard Dwayne Helmberger’s nomination to the State Fire Marshal Commission. Helmberger, currently Stillwater fire chief and formerly assistant chief in Midwest City, emphasized code administration, education, and coordination with other agencies. Senators questioned him about backlogs in fire marshal inspections for marijuana grow operations and certificates of occupancy; he said the backlog was driven by the volume of applications and could be addressed through better planning, coordination, and logistics. His nomination also advanced unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1170, which would direct pension fiduciaries to focus on pecuniary interests and avoid non-financial ESG considerations. Senator Daniels explained that the bill was intended to clarify state policy and align definitions with related measures, and she requested a title strike while continuing to work on the language. Members raised concerns about due process, immunity provisions, and whether the bill would conflict with recent court rulings or still allow consideration of ESG factors when financially relevant. After debate, the committee passed the bill 6-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• without increasing the risk of the agency.
• The Risk Management Agency and FSA offer important risk management programs and financial relief to farmers
• The farmer takes the risk, the government takes risk, and as insurance providers, we also take risk.
• Uncertainty always provides added risk.
• So it's already a risk itself.

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:

• 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
• in Greater Minnesota to subsidize policyholders in the metro area despite meaningful differences in risk
• meaningful the metro area despite meaningful differences<01:42:08.639><c> in</c><01:42:08.840><c> risk
• in risk profiles third policies<01:42:11.199><c> issued</c><01:42:11.520><c> under</c><01:42:11.800>

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:

• So does the pecuniary interest definition include future risk or risk assessments?
• We're trying to get away from anything that is not reasonably likely to affect or impact the financial risk
• unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and it prevents our financial experts from considering real-world risk

Bills: HB1170

Keywords: fiduciary responsibility, proxy voting, public finance, Oklahoma statutes, pension plans, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, financial risk, Attorney General, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many invasive procedures have well understood quantifiable risks, and when the probability of those risks
• When you list death, for example, as a known risk and complication of every procedure, regardless of
• physician specialties in their professional societies to ensure that the procedures listed and the risks
• Specifically those at risk of experiencing homelessness in Denton County.
• And for students, I really implore you to think this risk is especially great.

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:

• conduct a comprehensive analysis on the best paths to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk
• testimony with comments. cost reduction and minimize financial 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:

• aptly mentioned a while ago, that role of the Investment Council is always evolving as funds grow, as risks
• At the risk of stating the obvious, I think it's helpful to sometimes just reflect that we're really
• opportunities for improvement to try and strengthen the continuum of services for young people at risk
• would examine whether New Mexico itself should become an investor in these utilities and what the risks
• If structured properly, a state investment could provide New Mexico the same low-risk and high-value

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

Keywords: Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, sex education, abstinence, public schools, parental consent, human reproductive process, teen pregnancy, educational policy, sexual risk avoidance, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• maximize cost reduction and minimize to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial<00:11:04.560><c> risk
• c><00:11:05.000><c> Hawaii</c><00:11:05.200><c> residents</c><00:11:06.080><c> while</c> financial risk
• Hawaii residents while financial risk Hawaii residents while meeting<00:11:06.640><c> state</c><00:11

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:

• Office of Risk Management.
• The State Office of Risk Management administers the Voluntary Insurance Program.
• fund where agencies can pay into something similar to a risk pool to cover losses.
• 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:

• It would allow the Department of Finance Division Risk Management Bond Program to satisfy the requirements
• would allow the department finance It would allow the department finance division<00:05:28.400><c> risk
• management</c><00:05:29.280><c> bond</c><00:05:29.680><c> program</c><00:05:30.240><c> to</c> division risk
• management bond program to division risk management bond program to satisfy<00:05:31.120><c> the</c>

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:

• problem where some providers, not all, are not meeting the standards of care, putting individuals at risk
• of care putting the standards of care putting individuals<01:26:38.520><c> at</c><01:26:38.720><c> risk
• c> And</c><01:26:39.480><c> we</c><01:26:39.640><c> have</c><01:26:40.000><c> a</c> individuals at risk
• 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

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:

• It's been labeled as one of the 14 high-risk programs by DHS. staff. I just need to case staff.
• The growth of ICS is often described as exponential and lumped in with other high-risk services that
• And that mismatch is creating a serious compliance risk across the entire system.
• across the entire compliance risk across the entire system. system. system.
• As you know, this benefit has now been added to the 14 high-risk services.

Bills: HF1767, HF2068, HF4725, HF4637, HF4638

Keywords: human services, community support, integrated care, disability services, stakeholder consultation, homeless youth, grants, funding, Minnesota, mental health, substance use disorder, education, workforce development, licensure, direct care services, healthcare, long-term care, personal care assistants, employment support, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• requires a person who is formally in the Community Protection Program to participate in an assessment of risk
• Program from receiving services from DSHS if the program service or placement is within one mile of a risk
• program from receiving services from DSHS if the program service or placement is within one mile of a risk
• simply establishing that these folks have been in these programs and it makes it that their obvious risk
• simply establishing that these folks have been in these programs and it makes it that their obvious risk

Bills: HB2510, SGA9305

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 24 to executive a large docket of bills in two packets, with staff first briefing measures on the Community Protection Program, jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals, medically tailored meals, community residential service provider reviews, and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and Leadership Council. The committee also later heard bills on foster care licensees and adult family home licensure, DOC supervision for stalking convictions, inmate funds, and residential habilitation center transparency, plus a gubernatorial appointment to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. On Substitute House Bill 1390, which would repeal references to the Community Protection Program and transition participants to other services, Senator Christian offered 22 amendments seeking studies, added restrictions, notification requirements, and delays; all were rejected except a technical name-change amendment, and the bill was advanced. On Engrossed House Bill 1604, dealing with searches of transgender and intersex individuals in local jails, nine Christian amendments on private facilities, housing, attorney presence, religious accommodation, liability, medical personnel, staff disclosure, and gender-identity changes were all defeated, and the bill was sent forward. On House Bill 2211, medically tailored meals, a Christian amendment to add a competitive-bidding credit for nonprofits and small businesses failed, and the bill advanced; House Bill 2230, limiting DSHS annual reviews of community residential service providers, moved without amendment. Second Substitute House Bill 2429, extending and restructuring the children and youth behavioral health work group and leadership council, received a Wilson striking amendment and was sent to Ways and Means. In the second packet, Substitute House Bill 2505, exempting certain foster care licensees from adult family home licensure, passed without amendment, and House Bill 2510, requiring DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking who are sentenced to community custody, also advanced without changes. House Bill 2539, raising the indigent inmate threshold, saw debate over whether the amount should be $50 or $100 and whether the standard should be fixed or adjustable; a Christian amendment to lower the threshold failed, while a Wilson amendment allowing the amount to rise with available funds was adopted, and the bill moved forward. Substitute House Bill 2350, requiring notice when an RHC is out of compliance, received a Christian amendment to email legislative committees, which was adopted, and the bill passed. Finally, the committee recommended confirmation of Corey McNally to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• and procured their own risk assessment.
• , they procured their own risk assessment.
• . ...individualized risk assessment being done of hospitals.
• They have to undergo a risk assessment, an individual risk assessment, and pay an additional charge associated
• with that risk assessment.

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

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