Video & Transcript : 'survivors' :
Page 100 of 160
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- this chamber, along with law enforcement, advocates, two attorneys general, the White House, and survivors
- With underrepresented communities, would survivors of human trafficking be able to have recruitment or
- We would like to thank all the survivors that have spoken out this session.
- We would like to thank all the survivors that have spoken out this session, like Rep.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities.
The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0.
Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this chamber, along with law enforcement, advocates, two attorney generals, the White House, and survivors
- With underrepresented communities, would survivors of human trafficking be able to have recruitment or
- We would like to thank all the survivors that have spoken out this session.
- We would like to thank all the survivors that have spoken out this session, like Rep.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests including law enforcement officers and several student visitors. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the special order calendar, with members also approving the journal and establishing a quorum. Later in the day, the House paused for several introductions and farewell remarks, including extended closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.
The House passed several bills, often after brief explanations and amendments. CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for failures to report child abuse was clarified to apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to include House language and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) passed 112-0 after an amendment merging House and Senate provisions, and CS/SB 1246 on the linking industry to nursing education fund passed 112-0 after amendments expanding eligible contributions and program support.
Additional bills approved included CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care standards, CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts for aviation safety, CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, and CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, which would allow school coaches to use limited personal funds to support student-athletes with items such as food, transportation, and rehabilitation services, with parental consent added by amendment. Most of these measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with SB 422 passing 108-2.
The House also heard debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, a bill restricting counties and municipalities from taking official actions related to DEI and limiting the use of public funds for DEI-related activities and contracts. Members questioned how the bill would affect local government practices, observances, and staff functions, and the sponsor explained several exceptions and enforcement provisions.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this chamber, along with law enforcement, advocates, two attorneys general, the White House, and survivors
- With underrepresented communities, would survivors of human trafficking be able to have recruitment or
- We would like to thank all the survivors that have spoken out this session.
- We would like to thank all the survivors that have spoken out this session, like Rep.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a cancer survivor thanks to probably one of those mandates from 2018.
- I am a cancer survivor<00:47:38.480><c> thanks</c><00:47:38.800><c> to</c><00:47:39.119><c> probably<
- /c><00:47:39.599><c> one</c><00:47:39.839><c> of</c><00:47:39.920><c> those</c> survivor thanks to probably
- one of those survivor thanks to probably one of those mandates<00:47:40.720><c> from</c><00:47:41.359
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
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
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- People needing support, children caught in custody fights and domestic violence survivors seeking protection
- and children caught in custody fights and domestic<00:53:54.160><c> violence</c><00:53:54.480><c> survivors
- </c><00:53:55.040><c> seeking</c> domestic violence survivors seeking domestic violence survivors seeking
Committee:
House Judiciary
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services, February 16, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The sex trafficking survivors in the study reported that they often did not freely choose the abortions
- 24:33.279><c> The</c><00:24:33.520><c> sex</c><00:24:33.679><c> trafficking</c><00:24:34.159><c> survivors
- The sex trafficking survivors reporting.
- The sex trafficking survivors in<00:24:34.720><c> the</c><00:24:34.880><c> study</c><00:24:35.200><c>
Committee:
House Labor, Health & Social Services
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:04:38.560><c> work</c><00:04:38.720><c> with</c><00:04:38.960><c> fire</c><00:04:39.360><c> survivors
- I work with fire survivors every lives.
- I work with fire survivors every day,<00:04:40.800><c> many</c><00:04:41.040><c> who</c><00:04:41.199
- I fly out every single week to work, um, 100% with fire survivors.
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured.
For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, of sexual assault, and my own loved one was murdered.
- I myself am a survivor<02:03:48.800><c> of</c><02:03:49.040><c> domestic</c><02:03:49.440><c> violence
- </c><02:03:49.840><c> of</c><02:03:50.000><c> sexual</c> survivor of domestic violence of sexual survivor
Bills:
HB676
Committee:
House Public Safety
Keywords:
HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees
Summary:
The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language.
HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments.
HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS-AEN-EIG, HHS, HHS Public Hearings 02-02-2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- the people we surveyed who were tried as adults for crimes and committed children were trafficking survivors
- crimes and communist children were crimes and communist children were trafficking<00:41:22.480><c> survivors
- </c><00:41:23.359><c> type</c><00:41:23.520><c> of</c><00:41:23.680><c> trauma</c> trafficking survivors
- . type of trauma trafficking survivors. type of trauma impacts<00:41:24.319><c> a</c><00:41:24.480><c
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise.
After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye.
The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- um you know some of these folks are in the address confidentiality program and have uh you know survivors
- confidentiality program and have uh you confidentiality program and have uh you know<00:58:34.480><c> survivors
- of</c><00:58:35.520><c> uh</c><00:58:35.680><c> domestic</c><00:58:36.240><c> violence</c> know survivors
- of uh domestic violence know survivors of uh domestic violence and<00:58:37.839><c> they</c><00:58:38.160
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334.
The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- and others um you know some of these folks are in the address confidentiality program and have uh survivors
- confidentiality program and have uh you confidentiality program and have uh you know<00:58:34.480><c> survivors
- of</c><00:58:35.520><c> uh</c><00:58:35.680><c> domestic</c><00:58:36.240><c> violence</c> know survivors
- of uh domestic violence know survivors of uh domestic violence and<00:58:37.839><c> they</c><00:58:38.160
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (10-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's like lighting a house on fire and then billing the survivors for water.
- 00:30:57.679><c> then</c><00:30:57.840><c> billing</c><00:30:58.159><c> the</c><00:30:58.399><c> survivors
- </c><00:30:58.880><c> for</c> fire and then billing the survivors for fire and then billing the survivors
Summary:
The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards.
Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased.
Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In Atlanta, more than 300 survivors of crime are gathering for Crime Survivors Speak, a national conference
- In Atlanta, more than 300 survivors of crime are gathering for Crime Survivors Speak, a national conference
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (8-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- about what's been obligated in our office because we want to know what's in the bank accounts of our survivors
- bank accounts want to know what's in the bank accounts of<00:34:37.839><c> our</c><00:34:38.000><c> survivors
- 38.800><c> but</c><00:34:39.040><c> to</c><00:34:39.280><c> move</c><00:34:39.599><c> $57</c> of our survivors
- , but to move $57 of our survivors, but to move $57 million<00:34:40.800><c> across</c><00:34:41.200>
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call.
The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service.
Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services May 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This item provides up to a $10,000 grant for survivors of presidentially declared disasters, in this
- So far, due to delays in insurance claims and determinations, we've only paid out 426 survivors, but
- This item provides up to $10,000 grant for survivors of presidentially declared disasters, in this case
- FEMA payouts so far due to delays and insurance claims and determinations, we've only paid out 426 survivors
Summary:
The hearing began with opening remarks on the Governor’s May Revision for child care and human services, with committee members and advocates stressing that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of low-income families, children, and providers. Legislative members and public witnesses strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the child care COLA, reductions to the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and the lack of codified rate reform tied to the alternative methodology. Several speakers also urged more support for providers affected by the Eaton fire and other disasters, and called for child care to be funded at the true cost of care and for additional slots to be restored.
Administration, LAO, and Department of Education staff described the child care proposal as maintaining existing funding levels while adding administrative resources to prepare for federally required prospective payment changes and single-rate reform. The administration said the May Revision would suspend the 2025–26 COLA and reduce Bridge Program funding to align with utilization, while the LAO raised questions about the size and purpose of the proposed rate-reform and prospective-payment funding and recommended rejecting a Department of Technology exemption. CDE supported continued early education investments but said it would need additional resources if prospective pay were extended to state preschool, and it objected to a proposed reallocation of preschool funds for inclusive education grants.
The committee then moved to the IHSS portion of the May Revision. DSS outlined five major proposals: capping provider work hours at 50 per week, eliminating IHSS for undocumented adults age 19 and older, shifting certain Community First Choice reassessment penalties to counties, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test as a conforming IHSS reduction, and automating the termination of IHSS when Medi-Cal eligibility ends. DSS also discussed funding to implement a federal HCBS access rule and a separate reassessment of IHSS administrative methodology that found counties would need additional administrative funding. Finance said the proposals were intended to slow program growth and improve sustainability, while the LAO said it was still analyzing the package and raised concerns about implementation, county workload, and the potential loss of services.
Committee members and public commenters criticized the IHSS cuts, especially the overtime cap and the elimination of services for undocumented adults and people affected by the asset test. Advocates argued that IHSS workers and recipients depend on these services, that county administration is already underfunded, and that the proposals could destabilize vulnerable consumers. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue to fight for child care and would not pause on child care, and the meeting recessed before moving on to the remaining May Revision items.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/19/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- post-9/11 service bonus, which was paid out to 26,077 Minnesota veterans from that era and their survivors
- Minnesota veterans from that era<00:29:35.440><c> and</c><00:29:35.679><c> their</c><00:29:35.919><c> survivors
- </c><00:29:36.480><c> totaling</c><00:29:37.320><c> 27.3</c> era and their survivors totaling 27.3 era
- and their survivors totaling 27.3 million.<00:29:39.919><c> And</c><00:29:40.320><c> we</c><00:29:40.640
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This measure is one of the key initiatives that we take on behalf of survivor safety when they are facing
- /c><01:26:54.560><c> on</c><01:26:54.719><c> behalf</c><01:26:55.040><c> of</c><01:26:55.159><c> Survivor
- </c> that we take on behalf of Survivor that we take on behalf of Survivor safety<01:26:56.040><c> when
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions.
Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals.
The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted.
Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Child Protection - 01/08/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the last one is a unique initiative, and that is around preserving Survivor and SSI... foster care
- </c><01:32:52.280><c> and</c><01:32:52.480><c> SSI</c> Around preserving Survivor and SSI benefits for
- uh, meeting with you about this, uh, to not spring it on you at the meeting, and uh, the topic of survivor
- uh, meeting with you about this, uh, to not spring it on you at the meeting, and uh, the topic of survivor
- The topic of survivor and SSI benefits for foster kids is an important issue, first and foremost.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 15, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- are all committed to working with the critical programs to continue to support these needs of the survivors
- That program has matched survivors, the nearly 7,000 survivors served total since the fires or since
- That program has matched survivors,<01:17:30.640><c> the</c><01:17:30.880><c> nearly</c><01:17:31.199
- ><c> 7,000</c><01:17:31.760><c> survivors</c> survivors, the nearly 7,000 survivors survivors, the nearly
- 7,000 survivors served<01:17:32.800><c> total</c><01:17:33.520><c> since</c><01:17:33.840><c> the</c
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 093 Apr 17th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The reality of strangulation and the survivors who carry its impact long after the moment has passed.
- The reality of strangulation and the survivors who carry its impact long after the moment has passed.
- I'm a survivor of domestic violence, and I'm one of the ones who made it out.
- Survivors may walk away, but invisible.
- Survivors may walk away, but days,<00:47:40.160><c> weeks</c><00:47:40.520><c> later,</c><00:47:41.200
Summary:
The House convened with 58 members present and seven excused, establishing a quorum, and approved the April 15, 2026 journal as corrected. The chamber then moved through announcements recognizing visiting railroad workers, LIUNA Local 720, Colorado West Christian Schools, Religious Freedom Day, and several school and community groups, along with birthday acknowledgments and committee schedule notices. The House also adopted a motion to remove House Bill 1245 from special orders and returned it to the general orders second reading calendar, and set House Bills 1290, 1312, and 1321 as special orders.
The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 18, recognizing Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Supporters described Nowruz as a holiday of renewal and resilience and tied the resolution to solidarity with Iranian communities. Representative Zokaie also spoke at length about the personal impact of war on Iranian families and urged a vote. The resolution passed 59-2 with four excused.
The chamber then considered several bills in committee report. House Bill 1290, concerning assault and clarifying sentencing, was amended in Judiciary to remove the medical professional provision and passed after testimony emphasizing strangulation as a serious warning sign in domestic violence cases; it then passed the House. House Bill 1312, dealing with peace officer participation, POST Board composition, academy training, and related grants, was amended for clarity and passed the Judiciary report and then the bill. House Bill 1321, modifying the School Security Disbursement Program, had the Education Committee report defeated, but amendments were adopted to broaden eligible service providers and adjust funding language; the bill then passed as amended.