Video & Transcript : 'phonemic awareness' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- resolution of the National Safety Council for its recognition of April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness
- whereas spring is a time when people begin to log more miles on the road, and it is important to raise awareness
- hereby commends the National Safety Council for its recognition of April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness
Summary:
The Senate session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of several ceremonial resolutions. These included commendations for six lifetime members of the Beverly Rotary Club, a resolution marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and honoring Revolutionary War veterans from East Longmeadow, and congratulations to Nicholas Anderson on becoming an Eagle Scout. The Senate also adopted a resolution recognizing April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and urging residents and businesses to practice safe driving.
The chamber then acted on committee and House papers, suspending the necessary rules to refer a bill on public education about seat belt use in vehicles carrying many passengers to the Committee on Transportation. Another House petition concerning Massachusetts Water Resources Authority sewer service authority was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The Senate also heard proclamations for Parliamentary Law Month and George Demeter Day, highlighting the importance of parliamentary procedure and honoring Dr. George Demeter’s contributions.
Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and approved an adjournment in memory of Antonio “Tony” Gonzalez of Ludlow, with a brief moment of silence in his honor. The session then adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development - 05/18/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- stakeholders in this, and I'm sure we'd be happy to talk with you about that, and we'll make sure she's aware
- stakeholders in this and I'm sure we'd be happy to talk with you about that and we'll make sure she's aware
- of that I'm to be and I'm sure we'd be happy to talk with you about that and we'll make sure she's aware
Summary:
The New York State Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and several members participating by vote sheet. Chair Brian Kavanagh opened the meeting by noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session and thanked members and staff for their work. Senators also offered brief remarks of appreciation for the chair and the committee’s collaborative process.
The committee advanced four bills. S.2523A (Ramos) would establish a jobs and housing pilot program to create construction jobs and address the housing crisis; it was reported to Finance, with Senator Walsack voting no and Senator Martins voting AWR. S.8612 (Kavanagh) would make clarifying changes to the good cause eviction law; the chair said it had been extensively negotiated with tenant and landlord stakeholders and had broad support, and it was reported with Senators Martins and Walsack voting AWR. S.8918A (Kavanagh) would create the Build Up New York pilot program and a mass timber for affordable housing program, along with related tax credits; it was reported to the floor unanimously.
The committee also considered S.9287 (Hensh), which would create a real property tax exemption for certain full-time residents in certain counties. Members discussed whether the bill would create a new property class or instead shift tax burdens within the one- to four-family home class, and raised concerns about impacts on second homes and local school budgets. Supporters argued it resembled a homestead exemption and could help local residents. The bill was reported to Finance, with Senator Martins voting ADBR. The meeting then adjourned after the final agenda item.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 16th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Under tourism marketing awareness, we had temporarily placed in $10 million.
- So just be aware of that. Check your dashboard.
- So just be aware of that. Check your dashboard.
Bills:
SB2018
Summary:
The E&E Committee met to finalize action on Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce Department budget. Members reviewed several funding lines and made verbal adjustments, including reducing tourism marketing awareness to $5 million, keeping Operation Intern at $2 million, restoring the Destination Development Fund to $20 million, setting Autonomous Agriculture Grants/Grand Farm at $10 million, and reducing the WIP Regional Workforce Impact Program to $5 million. Representative Martinson proposed additional earmarks for the Fargo Theatre, Maddock trolley cars, a theater in Marmarth, and Driscoll’s community hall, and also moved to keep the Destination Development Fund at $25 million; the committee discussed these items, but the transcript does not show separate recorded votes on those proposals.
The committee adopted two amendments. One dealt with the drone replacement program and related data-collection direction, with language agreed to by UAS representatives, IT, and the governor’s office. The second, offered by Representative Swantec, created a trigger for funding children’s science centers in Fargo and Grand Forks if the SIF fund exceeds a specified threshold during the 2025-27 biennium; the amendment was clarified to use the term “Children’s Science Education Center” and passed 7-0.
The committee then approved a do-pass motion on the Commerce budget as amended and with the verbal changes discussed, passing the bill 7-0. During debate, Representative Louser raised concerns that the budget’s spending could affect property tax relief, while the chair responded that there would still be sufficient money for tax relief and that the programs funded were ongoing and successful. The chair closed by thanking members and staff, noting conference committee assignments and a committee dinner, and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Agriculture Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- do things that will reduce the cost and keep things as affordable as possible, because we're very aware
- To bring that ease, to bring that awareness, to bring that education once again in the field, in the
- both been, you know, strong advocates for forecasting and just will continue to, you know, raise awareness
- And just will continue to, you know, raise awareness and advocate for those items. Thank you.
- We also need to be aware long term about how we make sure that we're keeping pests out of California
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Third, as a result of understaffing, RNs are becoming increasingly aware of significant negative patient
- Seven in ten are aware of patients being readmitted to the hospital or other patient complications.
- Six in ten are aware of longer hospital stays, and over a quarter are aware of patient death as a result
- So it's very important that patients are aware and that we codify best practices, and as I said, we are
- My physical therapist may be aware of this hearing today, and that's part of the reason why I'm here.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers.
Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I know you guys are not aware of this already, but we are not discussing expropriation, whether we can
- I know you guys are not aware of this already, but we are not discussing expropriation whether we can
- The point of that video was that a landman should have been aware of that and probably...
- And I don't even know if I was aware that you had parish permits back when we were moving this.
- And I don't even know if I was aware that you had parish permits back when we were moving this.
Summary:
The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded.
The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably.
Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> For another question. >> Yes. >> Sponsor yields. >> I'm aware of it.
- >> I'M AWARE OF IT.
- I'm not sure if you're aware of the timeline of Social Services Law 131, Section 131.
- Are you aware of that section, that this is already in statute?
- >> Not that I'm aware of, no. >> Madam President, will the sponsor continue to yield?
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced.
Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded.
Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Do the passengers, are the passengers aware of this liability issue?
- Yeah, some passengers are getting in a car not, at least they have no awareness of what would happen
- I'm not aware of any. I'd do that. Thank you, Representative Green.
- So maybe I'm not sure how many of these claims that you guys would be aware of.
- So maybe I'm not sure how many of these claims that you guys would be aware of.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 774, which would extend required hearing-aid coverage for certain individuals up to age 26. Representative Boyer said the bill helps young adults maintain access to hearing aids during school and early work years. The Louisiana Academy of Audiology supported the measure, and the committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 702, which would require transportation network companies to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Representative Landry and supporters argued that current law and court rulings have left injured drivers and passengers without meaningful coverage in some cases, especially for riders who do not own cars and therefore lack personal UM coverage. Insurance agents and legal witnesses said they cannot currently find a product to cover the driver in certain ride-share phases, while Uber representatives opposed the bill, warning it would raise fares and noting that drivers already have optional occupational accident coverage and that passengers’ own UM coverage would generally apply. After debate over costs, coverage gaps, and whether the issue should instead be studied further, the committee voted to voluntarily defer the bill.
The committee next considered HB 477, as substituted, which would require coverage for prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and associated services. Representative Ebert and witnesses described the bill as a modernization of existing coverage rules so people with limb loss can obtain more than one medically necessary device, including activity-specific prosthetics. Testimony from amputees and a physical therapist emphasized the impact on mobility, work, sports, and quality of life. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably by substitute.
The committee also reported HB 76, which updates oral anti-cancer medication parity rules, by adopting amendments that clarify applicability and exempt certain limited-benefit and ERISA self-funded plans. HB 903, which increases the commissioner of insurance’s fine authority, was amended to set higher aggregate caps and then reported favorably. Finally, HB 291, which would prohibit health plans from penalizing hospitals when a member of the care team is out of network, drew support from the sponsor and the Louisiana Hospital Association as a preventative measure against insurer pressure tactics; Louisiana Blue opposed it, citing cost concerns and questioning the need for the bill. The transcript ends during that bill’s hearing, before final action is shown.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires awareness, accountability, and consistent enforcement so dangerous behaviors are identified
- It requires awareness, accountability, and consistent enforcement so dangerous behaviors identified and
- So this particular bill encompasses full education so that they are aware of not just Caleb's death,
- The truth of the matter is, not a lot of the students have access to them or are aware of them.
- Let me say this: this is more of an awareness issue.
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Transportation and Energy Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transportation and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- have been impacted by this, it uh really changes your tune a little bit and makes you a little more aware
- makes you a your tune a little bit and makes you a little<00:04:27.199><c> more</c><00:04:27.360><c> aware
- you're</c><00:04:28.160><c> out</c><00:04:28.400><c> there</c><00:04:28.560><c> on</c> little more aware
- as you're out there on little more aware as you're out there on the<00:04:28.960><c> highways</c><00
- Before I came here preparing to speak today, I was not aware of this friendly amendment, and I do commend
Committee:
Senate Transportation and Energy
Keywords:
SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- walk us back through the levels of DMAP, because when we first started this commission, I was not aware
- And unfortunately, we aren't made aware of the award until right before the season, just the way the
- Often we're made aware a month or so prior to the season.
- , or required perhaps by the department or Agriculture and Forestry, whoever, that they're made aware
- Garris is very aware of, it can be—every member here is dealing with the legislature, so we'll follow
Summary:
The committee continued discussing recommendations for chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance and response in Louisiana’s wild and captive deer herds. Members and staff reviewed current surveillance results, noting that LDWF had met goals in 32 of 64 parishes and that voluntary hunter-harvest sampling was falling short in other areas. Several ideas were raised to improve sample collection without making it broadly mandatory, including incentives for hunters, taxidermists, and possibly processors; use of DMAP properties and mobile sampling units; and targeted sampling of older bucks and other higher-risk animals. Members also discussed whether to use parish-level or other geographic control areas, and whether to mirror aspects of Arkansas’s approach, including testing to reduce or remove restrictions when prevalence remains low.
The committee also heard from LDWF and LDAF about captive herd surveillance and reporting. LDAF described its licensed deer facilities, a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish that led to depopulation and quarantines, and follow-up testing that has remained negative at quarantined farms. Witnesses said the agencies currently share information informally and through USDA/NVSL channels, but there is no specific law or regulation requiring 24-hour notification between agencies. The Wildlife Federation and several members recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory reporting of positives, and clearer coordination between LDWF and LDAF. Members also discussed the cost of testing, with LDWF saying USDA grants covered diagnostic testing for the last two deer seasons, while department self-generated funds covered earlier costs.
A major portion of the meeting focused on how to respond when a positive wild deer is found. Some members favored immediate restrictions, while others argued for keeping existing season rules in place through the season and using the positive as a trigger for intensified sampling, with the goal of avoiding unnecessary penalties and encouraging hunters to submit samples. There was also discussion of whether baiting should be prohibited, allowed during hunting season, or phased based on testing results, with Arkansas’s statewide baiting allowance and county-based disease management zones used as a comparison. The chair emphasized that no final recommendation would be adopted at this meeting; instead, staff was directed to compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April meeting, when the committee expects to vote and the commission may need to act quickly through its notice-of-intent or emergency rule process before the next hunting season.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 6th, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I was aware of the DME.
- you for the opportunity to provide both clarity and important information for the committee to be aware
- Madam Chair and Representatives, I apologize, I'm not aware of the previous discussions.
- So no MOUs are in place that I'm aware of because the position hasn't been filled.
- But just keep me aware or let one of your colleagues know if you're out and you want to, no, let your
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And that may have serious implications down the road that today's actions need to be aware of.
- I'm personally aware of a child that my daughter grew up with who ended up going missing and did not
- great comfort in the prime sponsor's remarks that she cannot accommodate the request that she's not aware
- And you are all now aware of that. We look forward to working with you. Thank you. Go ahead, Jeff.
- And you are all now aware of that. We look forward to working with you. Thank you. Go ahead, Jeff.
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
Keywords:
Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jun 27th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- just a quick note, and then I'm gonna turn things over to Director Rodriguez, but, um, we really are aware
- Uh, advertising or recruitment, if you will, for folks to be aware of that.
- We really are working hard to raise awareness for primary care, internal care, and other specialties,
- Um, and you all, if you're not fully aware of this, you really need to be.
- And I just, so that you're all aware of the impact of this, if you, and it's available to the public,
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/19/25 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not aware of any of that information. Thank you for the question.
- Uh are you aware<00:36:26.720><c> whether</c><00:36:27.040><c> the</c><00:36:27.359><c> Republican</c
- ><00:36:27.760><c> conferees</c> aware whether the Republican conferees aware whether the Republican
- I am<00:36:32.000><c> not</c><00:36:32.079><c> aware</c><00:36:32.320><c> of</c><00:36:32.480><c> any
- </c> am not aware of any of that information. am not aware of any of that information.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fighting Fraud / Removing Barriers to Mental Health Services / Capital Investment Considerations May 18th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we've been dealing with it and living with it for so long in my community that I've become acutely aware
- </c><00:21:21.280><c> of</c><00:21:21.520><c> of</c> that um I've become acutely aware of of that um
- I've become acutely aware of of the<00:21:22.080><c> problem</c><00:21:22.400><c> throughout</c><00:21
- </c><00:26:44.400><c> about</c><00:26:44.640><c> the</c> service, and raise awareness about the service
- , and raise awareness about the secret<00:26:45.200><c> war.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, I'm not aware of any of the predicted harms materializing that were projected. predicted harms
- Now, Mr. and I have many questions for you I want to be I'm always aware of my members my colleagues
- flexible policies as it relates to Alaska the FCC came up with the Alaska plan is I'm sure you're aware
- Senator I have not been made aware of any any information that's not being provided.
- I recently had a classified briefing, of which you're aware, where I asked two questions to the senior
Summary:
During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 3rd, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- When we became aware of that, there was a lot of concern.
- I think everybody's been made aware of it, and so the chairman has very wisely asked for CenterPoint
- You may pull up a spreadsheet, but more importantly, I just want the public to be aware that because
- I have had a lengthy, lengthy awareness of...
- A prior witness testified that we're not aware of a restaurant ever winning.
Bills:
SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I have been made aware of this. Thank you. I have been made aware of this happening in St.
- As a survivor of sexual assault, I'm very aware of the consequences that can result from young people
- As a survivor of sexual assault, I'm very aware of the consequences that can result from young people
- I actually do try to kill themselves, don't know how STIs are treated and tested, domestic awareness,
- I'm not aware of extreme measures that deny parents' opportunity to give input and...
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Summary:
The committee on Pre-K through 12 Education took up SB 1288, a parental rights bill by Sen. Grall, which would expand the Parents Bill of Rights to require written parental consent for minors’ medical care and prescriptions, give parents access to medical records, require parental review/consent for surveys and questionnaires, and restrict use of biofeedback devices without parental permission. The sponsor said the bill is intended to restore parents’ role in major medical decisions and to address concerns about schools or providers collecting sensitive information from children without parents’ knowledge. She said she was open to clarifying language, especially around exceptions and definitions, but maintained that parents should generally be the decision-makers.
Committee members pressed the sponsor on how the bill would affect minors who are abused, homeless, estranged from parents, or otherwise without a safe guardian, as well as access to STI treatment, mental health care, contraception, and care after sexual assault. The sponsor repeatedly said children in unsafe situations should come into the child welfare or law enforcement system and that she was open to changes for truly unsafe or unavailable parents, but she rejected the idea that the bill was merely about notification rather than consent. She also defended the survey provisions as a way to stop routine questioning of children about suicide and other sensitive topics without parental awareness, and said the biofeedback language was aimed at school settings where data about children’s anxiety or stress is allegedly being shared with classmates.
Public testimony was heavily divided, with many speakers opposing the bill and describing personal experiences with abuse, rape, mental health crises, lack of supportive parents, and the need for confidential access to birth control, STI testing, and counseling. Opponents argued the bill would delay care, endanger vulnerable minors, and reduce access to medically necessary services and surveys that can identify risk. Supporters said the bill would restore parental authority, improve transparency, and protect children from inappropriate surveys and biometric monitoring. During debate, Sen. Berman and Sen. Davis opposed the bill, saying it conflicts with existing law and could harm vulnerable youth, while Sen. Yarborough supported it, arguing that not all parents are bad actors and that the state should not treat all families as if they were. The transcript ends with debate underway and no final vote or action recorded.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of The American Legion and multi VSOs: Minority Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A, National Association of County Veterans Servic Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We are all aware of the recruiting challenges. Our branches of service have faced in recent years.
- I am not aware of any specific conditions not currently covered by the list of presumptives under the
- Sir, I am not aware of any specific cases.
- Recently, I've become aware of another issue affecting me.
- These veterans face limited provider availability, lack awareness of benefits.
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention
Summary:
This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.