Video & Transcript Research : 'disability accommodations'
Page 109 of 430
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Apr 8th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Government Operations Division
Transcript Highlights:
- on our end is, we talked about funding to make the space, remodel or renovate a space that would accommodate
- Facilities kind of scratched out a bit of a floor plan that would show that 15 could accommodate very
- efficiently... ...show that 15 could accommodate very efficiently 44 offices.
- But if there were more added in '27, they could be accommodated on that floor.
- Were more added in '27, they could be accommodated on that floor and our floor as well.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Government Operations Division met to consider House amendments to Senate Bill 2001, the budget for the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly. Representative Meyer and Legislative Council staff reviewed the House changes, which included higher lodging funding tied to a prior bill, an increase for North Dakota legislators’ forum dues, a transfer of $290,000 for public printing from the Secretary of State to Legislative Council, a $650,000 reduction tied to the nuclear energy study because that funding was already provided elsewhere, and a new section allowing legislative space on the 15th floor of the Capitol to be used for additional Legislative Council employees. John Bjornson explained the 15th-floor space proposal and said staff would work with Facility Management and CTE to address relocation needs and timing, with CTE’s move potentially delayed until after its busy school-year period if necessary.
The committee then reviewed the Senate version of the bill in more detail. Staff walked through the Legislative Assembly budget items, including per diem and compensation adjustments, lodging and mileage estimates, IT and audio/video funding, and dues increases for national and state legislative organizations. Members asked about mileage assumptions and the emergency clause, and staff said the emergency language is standard and allows flexibility for transfers, carryovers, and other budget actions. The committee also reviewed the Legislative Council budget, including funding for 25 new FTEs, interim travel, IT costs, professional services, public printing, and one-time items such as equipment and term limits consulting, while the advanced nuclear energy consulting item was removed in the House version.
After discussion, the committee adopted the House amendment to Senate Bill 2001 and then voted to do pass the bill as amended. Both motions passed on roll call, and the amended bill was sent to the full Appropriations Committee. Near the end of the meeting, Representative Paula gave notice that she would bring a separate amendment later on the Industrial Commission budget related to homelessness grant funding, noting it would not use SIF or general fund dollars.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Individuals with a congenital or medically verified DSD must be accommodated consistent with state and
- I'm talking about like when they are older; they would make that choice and they would be accommodated
- . ... choice and they would be accommodated.
- Those rare people would be accommodated. They would make the choice based on their internal organs.
- This bill also deals with public accommodations and single-sex spaces.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There are ways to include them, but I firmly believe that we don't lower the bar in order to accommodate
- Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in Texas.
- This impacts both survival rates and long-term disability. Absolutely.
- Reducing long-term disability helps get people back to their lives and into the workforce.
- She was the mother of a severely disabled child.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 649 by Assemblymember Lowenthal and others, an act relating to disability access.
- 960 will allow the caregivers of people living with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability
- to develop recommendations for evacuation and sheltering needs of older adults and people with disabilities
- AB 1098 provides parity to undergraduate students, including rights to pregnancy related accommodations
- To include those that may be physically disabled in our state parks, nothing could be finer.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Committee Meeting - 2026-04-14
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Because our waiver disabilities, right?
- nicely even to folks with disabilities nicely even to folks with disabilities if<00:32:07.519>
- We can't slow the growth of people who have disabilities.
- We can't slow the growth of people who have disabilities.
- We can't slow the growth of people who have disabilities.
Keywords:
county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (5-21-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Marks, commissioner for the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities
- who also experience disabilities who also experience significant<00:11:33.920>
behavioral <00: - Those are residential schools where students with hearing and even multiple disabilities reside.
- <00:17:50.320>
Uh <00:17:50.720>we u multiple disabilities um reside. - Uh we u multiple disabilities um reside.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05
Approval of Minutes 00:01:48
Welcome New Members 00:02:03
Information Items 00:02:35
Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33
A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00
B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03
C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33
D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38
E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30
F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28
G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04
H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies.
The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures.
The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Then a policy for accommodating distance learning or truancy forgiveness for students afraid to go to
- Then a policy for accommodating distance learning or truancy forgiveness for students afraid to go to
- Um then a policy for accommodating<00:43:16.079>
um <00:43:16.319>distance <00:43:16.800 - >
learning <00:43:17.280>or accommodating um distance learning or accommodating um distance - with Disabilities Act.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony.
The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion.
The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Olmstead was the Supreme Court case that said that people with disabilities have the right to live in
- If it sits in this committee, then your targets need to accommodate the debt service on housing infrastructure
- If it sits in this committee, then your targets need to accommodate the debt service on housing infrastructure
- If it sits in this committee, then your targets need to accommodate the debt service on housing infrastructure
- If it sits in this committee, then your targets need to accommodate the debt service on housing infrastructure
Summary:
The committee met for an agency overview from Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. After member and staff introductions, Ho described Minnesota Housing’s mission, structure, and role as a mission-driven financial institution that issues bonds, uses earnings to support operations, and works across the housing continuum from homelessness prevention to homeownership and preservation. She emphasized that the agency is not a builder or regulator, but funds and partners with developers, local governments, nonprofits, and lenders. She also noted the agency’s four divisions, including a new local government housing programs division created after the 2023 legislative session expanded the agency’s responsibilities.
Ho reviewed funding and program activity, saying Minnesota Housing spent $1.96 billion in fiscal year 2024 and helped more than 73,000 households. She highlighted that the agency’s work is heavily competitive and often oversubscribed, with many projects selected through RFPs and grants but more applications than available resources. She discussed 2023 and 2024 investments, including homeownership, rental, and manufactured housing projects, and said roughly half of competitive dollars have gone to Greater Minnesota over the last several years. She also explained the difference between funds committed and funds actually disbursed, noting that construction and rehabilitation projects can take many months to close and draw down funds.
The commissioner also updated members on new programs created in 2023 and 2024, including first-generation down payment assistance, the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program, public housing rehabilitation, state housing tax credits, and other local and regional initiatives. She said some programs are already closed out, while others remain in early implementation or are still accepting applications. Ho mentioned a forthcoming technical amendment to adjust a high-rise sprinkler program after eligibility issues limited participation. She closed with examples of projects preserved or funded, including a St. Louis Park preservation deal, public housing preservation in Greater Minnesota, a St. Cloud challenge project, and the first-generation down payment assistance program, which distributed $50 million to about 1,450 first-time buyers, most of whom were Black, Indigenous, or people of color. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair West has bent over backwards to try to be accommodating on this bill.
- He's been very accommodating, and I do hope we all vote to pass this today.
- Chair West has bent over backwards to try to be accommodating on this bill.
- bill so accommodating. bill so accommodating.
- He's been<01:27:01.840>
very <01:27:02.159>accommodating been very accommodating been very
HI
Bills:
HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122
Keywords:
supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- , landlords, if they're sick, disabled, landlords, if they're sick, disabled, uh,<00:28:08.880>
<00:36:07.680>veteran, past as a renter and a disabled veteran, past as a renter and a disabled - <04:38:55.039>
law animals protected under disability law animals protected under disability - Even where accommodation interactions.
- people with disabilities. people with disabilities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have any idea how many students that would accommodate?
- provides districts with a state law option for removal of a student, including a student with a disability
- one, this amendment clarifies the review process and discipline proceedings for students with disabilities
- think that's a really important change for our special needs community and for our students with disabilities
- Black students, Latino students, and students with disabilities specifically— a lot of what we see in
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget.
A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes.
The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6.
Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-WTL, EDT-AEN, EDT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- tax to be levied per night accommodation tax to be levied per night um<00:15:24.480>
if <00:15 - The transient accommodations tax is a way to bring in much-needed funding, but we also need to point
- The transient accommodations tax is a way to bring in much-needed funding, but we also need to point
- We support the idea that the transient accommodations tax should be applied equitably, and in looking
- Definition of transient accommodations in sections 237DD-1.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation.
Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues.
The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If you need further accommodation, please communicate with the sergeant staff.
- ,<00:04:34.000>
I'm with uh developmental disabilities, I'm with uh developmental disabilities - And the goal of this disability removed.
- to have the disability removed. to have the disability removed.
- give them relief from this disability give them relief from this disability under<01:30:37.440><
Keywords:
theft, vulnerable adults, public safety, penalties, Minnesota statutes, chemical irritants, law enforcement, transparency, building owners, tenant rights, notification, remediation, firearm restrictions, domestic violence, court orders, criminal convictions, firearms prohibition, gun surrender, order for protection, protective order
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They have to make accommodations.
- , but nobody else, even if you're going to need a wheelchair because we're not taking accommodation.
- <00:20:36.880>
So, <00:20:36.960>in They have to make accommodations. - So, in They have to make accommodations.
- , but nobody else, even if accommodation, but nobody else, even if you're<00:20:46.760>
going <
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're able to accommodate ten vessels on any given day at the port.
- And in 2028, we're building out berth 10, which is the extreme eastern berth to accommodate one more
- So it's kind of like an airport style where you can accommodate multiple ships.
- We're able to accommodate ten vessels on any given day at the port.
- So it's kind of like an airport style where you can accommodate multiple ships.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework allowing counties and municipalities to designate certain roads for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) under local conditions, including driver licensing, insurance, and speed-limit restrictions below 55 mph. Senator Wright said the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and mirror the local-option approach used for golf carts. Supporters included a retired Volusia County sheriff and county commissioner, who argued UTVs are safer than golf carts and are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are designed for off-road use, lack federal safety standards, and pose crash and tire-blowout risks on public roads. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash severity, but the committee ultimately voted to report SB 356 favorably.
The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding, beginning with a moment of silence for JaxPort COO and former FDOT employee James Bennett. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port Tampa Bay, and the Port of Palm Beach described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the need for continued state and federal support for dredging, bulkheads, cranes, rail, and terminal expansion. Senators asked about ROI, trade shifts, intermodal connections, fuel and LNG availability, leverage and reserves, and operational risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and channel depth; port officials emphasized resiliency, private partnerships, and long-term master planning.
The committee also confirmed appointees to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority in one vote, with no objection. Finally, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, explaining that coordinated statewide use of LiDAR and aerial imagery could reduce duplication, improve emergency management and planning, and support insurance and storm-damage assessment. FDOT recommended a formal statewide coordination program, shared procurement and cost-sharing agreements, dedicated staffing, and statutory updates to Chapter 334 to support interagency agreements and recurring funding.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/01/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- So, for example, if this were an employee issue, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides remedies
- And in situations like that, there isn't necessarily an ability to anticipate and seek accommodations
- <02:32:19.520>
Act <02:32:19.840>provides Americans with Disabilities Act provides - Americans with Disabilities Act provides remedies<02:32:22.040>
that <02:32:22.280>would - if you have and seek accommodations if you have a<02:32:53.760>
medical <02:32:54.280>issue
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Fort, who had shot two people, not just my son, but he also shot Richard Jamron Jr., who is now disabled
- Um who is now um<01:03:51.599>
disabled <01:03:52.079>for <01:03:52.400>life. - He didn't die, but um disabled for life.
- Kind of like, you know, you'd be going to drop off at school that you would make accommodations before
- accommodations before you got there. accommodations before you got there.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (6-4-25) Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, thank you for the accommodation of the change-up in the order of things. Thank you.
- <00:37:17.440>
as <00:37:17.680>you now. um to be able to accommodate as you now. um - to be able to accommodate as you know<00:37:17.920>
to <00:37:18.160>be <00:37:18.240>< - c> able<00:37:18.400>
to <00:37:18.480>accommodate <00:37:19.040>the know to - be able to accommodate the know to be able to accommodate the separation<00:37:20.160>
between
Keywords:
The original version of this live stream dropped before the meeting was technically finished. This is the complete copy pulled from back up sources., 958, all
Summary:
The committee met to hear updates from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on two related issues: a proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility and medical services contracts, including the impact of Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings. At the start, the chair agreed to hear the Department of Corrections first so members could get context on the medical contract before turning to DJJ’s proposal.
DOC officials said Wellpath, the department’s comprehensive medical and mental health provider since 2013, was awarded its current contract through a 2021 procurement process. They reported that Wellpath’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan had been confirmed and that the company had transitioned ownership to lenders, but had not yet fully completed the bankruptcy process. DOC said there had been no service lapses, no reduction in care, and no known impact on Kentucky vendors or hospitals, and that DOC staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether the committee had been kept informed and whether the bankruptcy could affect future services or subcontractors.
DJJ then presented its concept for a high-acuity facility, explaining that the project is still in the preliminary programming and conceptual stage and has not yet entered the formal design phase with DECA. Officials said the proposal in the capital plan would create a 24-bed facility, with 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, to serve justice-involved youth with serious mental health needs. They said the facility would need to separate males and females and high- and low-risk youth, and that current placements often require sending youth out of state to places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Staff said the goal is to centralize treatment, improve safety, and reduce the need for fragmented or out-of-state placements.
Committee members questioned the cost estimates, staffing needs, and whether the facility was justified given the small number of youth currently placed out of state. DJJ said the operational estimate includes an unknown medical-contract component and that the number of youth needing the facility can fluctuate because of surges in the juvenile population. Officials also said they had consulted with South Carolina, which is developing a similar facility, and noted that renovating existing facilities was considered but could be more expensive or impractical than building a separate site. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It erodes slowly through legal interpretation, through cultural accommodation, and through silence.
- I've been very successful funding some adults with disabilities in my district, and that's uplifting
- due to age or disabilities due to circumstance.
- It includes Tatten-Brown-Roman syndrome and the APD definition of developmental disabilities. Mr.
- It includes Tatten-Brown-Roman syndrome in the APD definition of developmental disabilities.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions.
The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously.
The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.