Tick Tock
Following a change in the legislative calendar last week, the General Assembly was in recess until Thursday and Friday of this week when it convened for Days 53 and 54 of this 2024 sixty-day budget session. Our update this week is focused heavily on the budget bills and the conference committee, as the fate of most bills in the General Assembly is tied in some way to its progress.
While the legislature was not in session the first part of the week, legislative committees continued to meet to move bills through the process.. By the time Chambers gaveled in on Thursday, many more bills–47 in the Senate and 17 in the House–had made their way through committee to the floor. When they convened for floor action on Thursday and Friday, both Chambers worked efficiently but did not log the number of hours that many expected, as there continues to be a limited number of bills being heard in the second chamber. In large part, this was due to House and Senate leadership and others needing to meet to negotiate differences in the budget. There remain many bills to pass and less and less floor time to get them passed.
Bills that require concurrence were expedited, and bills were moved to the committee and back for floor readings to keep them viable to pass before this Thursday. These procedural steps anticipate the four-day week to come: The General Assembly will meet Monday through Thursday. The veto recess begins on March 29, and then the legislature will return for veto override days on April 12 and 15.
With four legislative days before the veto recess, it has all come down to this! With the GOP-controlled legislature wanting to maintain its ability to override any vetoes that may be issued by Democrat Governor Andy Beshear we expect a couple of hundred bills to be considered before Thursday at midnight. The insurance industry bills of interest to Big I members are all poised to hit the Governor's Desk this week.
Top Priorities
HB 371 - Mine Subsidence Coverage Limit - Passed 38-0 with friendly Senate amendment and heads to House for floor vote to concur in amendment, which should happen on concurrence days (Wed/Thur). Big I Supports!
SR 235 - Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark's confirmation resolution. The resolution must be approved by the full Senate before sine die adjournment on April 15, and we expect adoption will not occur before the veto recess. Big I Supports!
SB 188 - PBM Reforms - The bill mandates an increase in pharmacists dispensing fees, restricts mail order, and mandates changes to pharmacy networks. Could have a significant impact on self-insured health groups and ERISA plans. Awaits Senate Floor action with amendments…seems likely to pass this week. Big I Opposes…Contact Your Senator!
Key Insurance Bills
HB 554 - Allow public universities to opt out of buying coverage from the state Tornado & Fire fund and allow them to access coverage in the private market. Passed from Senate B&I unanimously…awaits Senate floor action on Consent Calendar
HB 256 - Fortified Roof Incentives - Passed unanimously from Senate B&I last week…poised for Senate Consent floor action as early as Monday. No amendments so it would go straight to the Governor's Desk.
SB 29 - Glass Bill - Passed House 87-1 with friendly amendment…heads back to Senate for concurrence in House amendment, so it is a Senate floor vote away from the Governor's Desk. Likely to occur on concurrence days Wednesday/Thursday.
HB 280 - NCOIL Delivery Network Companies Insurance Model - Passed 38-0 and should be delivered to the Governor on Monday.
HB 498 - DOI Accreditation - The DOI's financial standards legislation needed to maintain their NAIC accreditation. Passed unanimously by Senate B&I last Wednesday and awaits Senate consent floor action that could occur as early as Monday.
SB 158 - Minor Settlements - Two Readings in House Rules. Could see House floor action this week.
HB 401 - Allows out-of-state physicians to review workers' compensation medical records. The bill is on the Senate Consent Calendar with friendly amendment and should receive a floor vote early this week and then will need House concurrence.
Don't forget to review the Big I bill list!!!