Transcript Highlights:

• We share those goals.
• , a foster parent, a foster parent, it<00:33:33.480> it<00:33:33.880> it's<00:33:34.080
• we tell the kids or we tell the parents we tell the kids or we tell the parents through<00:34:21.159
• <01:31:12.200> who I don't know the number of parents who I don't know the number of parents
• We use our policies to discuss with our parents.

Bills: HF4407, HF4382

Keywords: child welfare, African American children, racial disproportionality, family preservation, reunification, foster care, kinship care, relative placement, noncustodial parent, guardian ad litem, ombudsperson, Department of Human Services, county social services, active efforts, reasonable efforts, child protection, placement, out-of-home placement, Northstar kinship assistance, data disaggregation

Summary: The Children and Families Committee adopted the April 8 minutes and then took up House File 4407, as amended by the A1 amendment. The amendment, explained by nonpartisan staff, incorporated much of the Senate version of related legislation and made a series of changes: it revised the definition of “disproportionately represented child,” shifted that determination to the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families, made technical cross-reference and terminology updates, adjusted training requirements, set the working group to expire December 31, 2027, and added an appropriation for statewide implementation. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then referred the bill to Ways and Means. Representative Gilman said the bill is intended to preserve the goals of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act while addressing operational, legal, and fiscal problems before statewide implementation. He argued for delaying the effective date by one year, shifting case review responsibilities to the state, and providing funding so counties are not left with an unfunded mandate. He also said the bill adds safety measures related to synthetic opioids and other imminent-harm concerns, and that the delay would allow the working group to finish its recommendations and give counties time to prepare. County officials Steve Schmidt of Meeker County/Minnesota Rural Counties and Jenny Mojo of Clay County testified in support of the bill as amended, emphasizing that counties need clearer responsibilities, staffing, training, technology, and dependable funding to implement the law successfully. Rebecca St. George of DCYF said “active efforts” is not absolutely defined and is determined case by case, often with court involvement. Members raised questions about the meaning of active efforts, the bill’s synthetic opioid language, and whether the proposal should apply more broadly rather than within this specific act. A citizen also cautioned that the opioid language should not unintentionally affect families in treatment programs. Representative Hicks warned that the fentanyl provisions could lead to broad removals and create placement problems for teens with substance use disorder, while Representative Gilman responded that the bill includes a rebuttable presumption and is meant to protect children from imminent harm.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a voluntary it's the parent.
• parents said, "Yes, you can access it." parents said, "Yes, you can access it."
• because maybe that's what their parent because maybe that's what their parent wants<00:48:39.599
• I mean, the parent can obviously say no, but a good sit-down with a parent-teacher conference and say
• provides more information for parents. provides more information for parents.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey, Sheriff, I just wanted to point out my parents and my brother, who's a cop, uh, have both had, uh
• He was a safe adult in addition to my two parents at home. Or so I thought.
• So thank you for sharing your testimony and for sharing your story. Thank you. No. Ms. Jones. Ms.
• Colson, I want to thank you for uh sharing your story.
• We appreciate you sharing your story. Um, we have Kelly Needert here.

Bills: HB268, HB305, HB307

Keywords: gun show, firearm sales, criminal background check, firearm regulation, gun show promoter, election procedures, voter registration, residence requirements, change of address, voter eligibility, youth camp, flood safety, life jackets, grant program, flotation devices

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have lawyers who we can share information with.
• We do have lawyers who we can share information with.
• And the policies that they're sharing and the information that they're sharing can and does go straight
• Massachusetts police to be sharing this data without state law enforcement who can then share it with
• So thank you for sharing everything that you guys have shared today. Thank you both so much.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on responding to federal immigration enforcement in Massachusetts, with opening remarks from Sen. Liz Miranda and Rep. Bud Williams emphasizing fear in immigrant communities, recent ICE operations, and the need to learn from advocates and affected residents rather than debate individual bills. The hearing was organized around three topics: detention, arrests, and surveillance, with members repeatedly asking what the legislature can do to improve transparency, legal access, and oversight. On detention, Leah Hastings of Prisoners’ Legal Services said most people end up in ICE custody through contact with the criminal legal system and argued that state carceral systems are deeply intertwined with immigration enforcement. She described conditions at Plymouth County House of Correction and Burlington ICE holding as concerning, citing limited medical care, disability accommodations, solitary confinement, retaliatory transfers, and poor attorney access. Hastings said Massachusetts should reduce funding for sheriffs and the Department of Corrections, ban intergovernmental service agreements and 287(g) agreements, and invest instead in housing, treatment, and other community supports. Members also discussed ICE reimbursement, the immigrant legal defense fund, and the need for more immigration attorneys. On arrests and enforcement tactics, David Albright of JALSA said federal immigration enforcement has been expanded by major new funding and incentives, including higher payments for 287(g) and bed contracts, and he noted that most ICE detainees nationally do not have criminal records. He said Massachusetts has one 287(g) agreement with the Department of Corrections and one IGSA with Plymouth County, and that ICE also uses Burlington, Hanscom, and informal local collaboration in places such as Milford and Auburn. Danny Tampona of Neighbor to Neighbor and the LUCE Rapid Response Network described more than 10,000 hotline calls from 46 cities and towns, with arrests often involving masked agents, surveillance of workers and families, traffic stops, broken windows, and arrests at check-ins or schools; he said the network is concentrated in places including Everett, Chelsea, Lynn, New Bedford, Milford, Marlboro, Framingham, and Springfield. He urged legislation requiring clear identification for law enforcement, limits on surveillance technologies, and stronger legal defense resources. On surveillance, Joshua Dancoff of Citizens for Juvenile Justice argued that current state policies allow broad sharing of fingerprints and surveillance data with ICE, including through BRIC, the Massachusetts Fusion Center, and municipal police policies. He cited cases in Chelsea and Everett where children were taken from police custody into ICE custody and said many departments automatically share arrest fingerprints and other information with federal authorities. He recommended limiting fingerprint sharing, restricting surveillance databases and task-force participation, and curbing police and sheriff collaboration with ICE even where no formal 287(g) exists. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for more immigration lawyers, possible bar advocate-style funding for immigration defense, and legislative action to prevent further collaboration and deportation infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to share a story recollected by Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
• In 1950, when he was 16, he was living with his parents at an institute his grandfather had founded.
• When he was 16, he was living with his parents at an institute that his grandfather had founded.
• And if we are fortunate to have such loving parents, in our hearts, let us thank them and honor them
• Our communities share a long and often parallel history of marginalization, resistance, and hope.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to sit here on this side of the guys for once; it's a nice change to share
• Anything that gets the information back to the parents and ensures they are fully informed is crucial
• Let the parents know. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. Members, any questions? Seeing none.
• This plan must be approved by the local emergency response agency, shared with campers and parents before
• I think that sentiment is shared by most of us. Everyone sees the value in the camping experience.

Bills: HB48, HB 66, HB 68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB 3, SB 18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to share with the committee some of our challenges and opportunities.
• like to share with the committee<00:17:07.079> some<00:17:07.280> of<00:17:07.799>
• I'm glad you shared that with us. Representative S., you had a question?
• <00:57:22.280> through the DCF and reconnecting parents through the DCF and reconnecting parents
• We share Wednesdays with Ways and Means.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way
• Is it because the kid didn't tell the parent, and the parent didn't tell the association, or which way

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• today. additionally pregnancy choices parenting additionally pregnancy choices parenting programs<00
• accomplish everything that I have shared accomplish everything that I have shared today<00:53:45.720
• I share these things to highlight the impact we have had with limited donor funding.
• I share these things to highlight the impact we have had with limited donor funding.
• Thank you. essential Services I share these things essential Services I share these things to<00:59:44.839

Bills: HF25, HF1, HF428

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices

Transcript Highlights:

• Through these protections, parents will have the assurance that their children's personal information
• Tarr, ensuring parental access to data. Senator Tarr.
• Tarr, ensuring parental access to data. Senator Tarr. Thank you, Mr. President.
• President, is the relationship between a parent and a guardian and a child. And so, Mr.
• President, ...between a parent and a guardian and a child. And so, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized several guests in the chamber, and adopted a resolution congratulating Coleman-Nee on election as National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans. It also took up several local and personnel matters, including a sick leave bank for Emily Cullick and later Paul Stavarski, and local bills affecting the town of Weston and a Dorchester housing/library procurement exemption; those measures were advanced to third reading or engrossment as appropriate. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees. The main business was Senate No. 2516, the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, which came before the Senate on a Ways and Means substitute (Senate Document 2608). Senators Creem, Moore, Charles, Feingold, Keenan, and others spoke in support, describing the bill as a comprehensive consumer privacy measure with data minimization rules, limits on sensitive data, protections for minors, and strong Attorney General enforcement. Several amendments were debated, with many rejected or withdrawn, while some were adopted, including provisions on geolocation data protections, opting out of targeted advertising, affiliate and merger/acquisition protections, internal operations exemptions, parental access to child data, and a Ways and Means amendment. A number of other amendments on employee data, union data, loyalty programs, AI training, reporting, and related issues were either not adopted or held/withdrawn. After the amendment process, the Senate adopted the amended Ways and Means substitute and ordered the bill to a third reading. The bill was then passed to be engrossed on a roll call vote of 40-0. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn to the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. The session adjourned in memory of Darrow Logan Alexander of South Boston.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:08:08.240> our for the opportunity to share our for the opportunity to share our thoughts
• /c><01:26:11.040> knows<01:26:11.280> it's parent say that she knows it's parent say that
• “And so, you know, I share that.
• “And so, you know, I share that.
• And so, you know, I share that.

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have heard a number of concerns about the Autism Council in particular parents, um, families in
• <00:31:53.120> um particular parents um particular parents um families<00:31:54.640> in
• being present at school vaccine clinics, but after speaking to a lot of parents, I'm leaving it with
• were um vaccinated against uh parental were um vaccinated against uh parental consent. consent.
• I think this is a parent and rights and a local control issue, and we shouldn't be passing this.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that as we have um those to share that as we have um those particular<00:22:53.760> pieces<00
• But I thank you for your thoughtful testimony today and for sharing that information.
• All of us share a daily mission to prevent, intervene, and treat violence in our communities.
• Senator wesland thank you for sharing Senator wesland thank you for sharing with<01:18:36.960>
• thank you Senator weslin um for sharing thank you Senator weslin um for sharing your<01:18:58.639

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other parents cards, any debate on the amendment, you're recognized to close on the amendment but
• No, no, having no parent is there debate on the bill as amended.
• >> You know, the parents cards on the is there any debate, Senator Rouson you're recognized to close
• And I appreciate the opportunity today to take a moment to share a little bit more about my background
• I was raised in a rural county in North Florida and with the love and support of my parents, I developed

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• E is from the Office of Personnel at Shared Administrative Services.
• The two departments have separate salary sections in their shared operations bill.
• parent counsel reimbursements to extra help.
• J2A is a letter from the Commission for Parent Counsel to transfer $70,000 from parent counsel reimbursements
• E is a letter from Shared Administrative Services. It's for $40,000.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They came forward to share their stories.
• They came forward to share their stories.
• They haven't spoken with those parents. They haven't met with them. They don't care to.
• >> Well, the parents I've spoken with understand what the legislature is.
• I mean, are you enunciation parents?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Only 1% of the CANS was shared with the MCO, and 0% of the CAT was shared with the MCO.
• But there are some very interesting things that I wanted to share with everybody.
• In terms of foster parents, we do have a problem in addressing the concerns those foster parents have
• Those foster parents have some of the same issues.
• the treatment foster parents have.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, that ministry has worked to share the gospel through Southwest Virginia.
• Speaker, it is also my distinct honor to share with you that just last month, the Union Bell Baptist
• Shared commitment to democratic-republican governance that unites us.
• These shared values form the basis for our strong relationship.
• These shared values form the basis for our strong relationship.

Keywords: March 09, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've had many parents tell me that.
• I've had many parents tell me that.
• on I have no questions asked parents on I have no questions asked parents know<00:48:33.000>
• kindergarten are back and the parents kindergarten are back and the parents get<00:53:14.680>
• I won't share some of the comments that were made toward me about that.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations. Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill defunds the student parent it.
• <00:40:46.400> our having that opportunity to share our having that opportunity to share our
• So, I'm living parent supports there.
• Student parent supports look different.
• <01:12:13.360> support the um, student parent support the um, student parent support initiative

Keywords: 1183, house