Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Informational Briefing 01-07-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <c> to</c> they will need additional supports to they will need additional supports to remain<00:03:24.280
  • </c><00:03:41.640><c> we</c> no access to services and supports we no access to services and supports
  • </c><00:04:28.919><c> in</c> alone don't have natural supports in alone don't have natural supports in
  • <00:04:33.120><c> and</c> support and support and infrastructure<00:04:36.639><c> so</c><00:04:36.960
  • </c><00:26:56.320><c> are</c> of how these services and supports are of how these services and supports
Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

GVO Public Hearing 03-25-2025

Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have Noah Gradzen, individual in support, and Adrien Deagarza, another individual in support.
  • </c><00:01:26.880><c> Do</c> support. That's all we've received. Do support.
  • in support.
  • I'm in strong support of this measure because people with intellectual disabilities need access to the
  • </c> strong support of this resolution. strong support of this resolution.
Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • So I'll be supporting this bill.
  • Repacular, the unions are now in support of this bill. Thank you. Okay, sounds good.
  • House Bill 2120, Property Tax Exemption Disability Determination, expands the avenues in which a person
  • can be considered disabled for the purposes of exempting payment of property taxes.
  • can be considered disabled for the purposes of exempting payment of property taxes.
Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate and House bills, many of them on consent or with strike-everything amendments. Topics included advanced air mobility for border security (SB 1457), raising the off-highway vehicle weight limit to 3,500 pounds while striking a proposed law enforcement fund (SB 1519), school property leases and a trampoline court safety citation change (HB 2383), electronic monitoring in health care facilities (SB 1041), dental school complaint handling and board jurisdiction limits (SB 1168), pharmacist-authorized testing and HIV prevention guidance (SB 1713), school district insurance/self-insurance requirements (SB 1497), reporting-requirement cleanup for education statutes (HB 2203), historic neighborhood housing zoning (SB 1118), construction contract payment protections in revitalization districts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), workers’ compensation notice and recordkeeping (SB 1428), property tax disability exemption clarifications (HB 2120), insurance modeling/data organization requirements (HB 2174), HOA rules on chickens and pet breed restrictions (SB 1582), first responder death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), and changes to virtual veterinary prescribing periods (SB 1286). Members generally asked clarifying questions, and several sponsors were said to intend to concur or refuse amendments, with HB 2010 headed to conference because the sponsor would not accept the Senate’s five-year refund window. On the second calendar, the committee heard HB 2176 on health facility complaint investigations, allowing DHS to investigate older complaints involving alleged abuse; HB 2050 on radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants, restoring direct supervision requirements with limited general-supervision exceptions; HB 2010 on digital goods, where the Senate reduced a refund window from 10 years to five and the sponsor planned to refuse; HB 2875 on unmanned aircraft, expanding airport drone-delivery buffer rules from one mile to two and a half miles and requiring airport consultation; HB 2428 on county certification of emission reduction credits, clarifying participation is voluntary and limiting new credits if fleet participation becomes mandatory; and HB 2877, which was struck and replaced with a veterinary technician certification pathway requiring 4,000 supervised work hours and allowing nonprofit curriculum evidence. Several members noted support or opposition based on prior votes or policy concerns, but no roll-call votes were taken in the caucus itself.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
  • Last year, this bill passed the Missouri House with bipartisan support.
  • And I want to do whatever I can to be supportive of this bill.
  • I fully intend to support this bill with the addition of the amendment.
  • Age and disability, yeah. A couple of others, but... age and disability, yeah, yeah.
  • When do I need to support this?
Summary: The House first established a quorum after several members were absent, then moved into bills for perfection. House Bill 261, dealing with anti-Semitism in public schools and higher education, drew extensive debate. The sponsor described rising anti-Jewish incidents and said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and treat failures to address harassment as Title VI issues. An amendment from the gentleman from Pulaski was adopted to clarify that protected First Amendment speech, religious expression, and political viewpoints would not be reported or cataloged. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect Jewish students; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill speech about Israel and Palestine, and created unequal reporting requirements. The House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed as amended. The chamber then took up House Bill 2384 on housing affordability and building codes. The sponsor said the bill would lower housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters argued current codes raise costs, discourage builders, and contribute to Missouri’s housing shortage. Opponents raised concerns about local control, preemption of municipal energy standards, and public safety, especially the single-stair provision; the sponsor responded that the design has been used safely in other states and cities. A Pulaski amendment requiring municipalities with online ordinances to keep only one hard copy available was adopted, and after debate the previous question was moved and approved. The House then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 1766, addressing personal property tax, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would apply Hancock/CPI-style tax limitations to personal property tax growth, arguing that rapidly rising vehicle values had created a windfall for political subdivisions and unfairly increased taxpayer burdens. Supporters said the bill would slow growth without eliminating it, while opponents argued local governments need revenue to keep up with inflation and that the measure would reduce resources for schools and other services. Finally, the House began consideration of House Joint Resolution 154, which would place into the Missouri Constitution a Medicaid work requirement mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work, volunteer, participate in a work program, or attend school for 80 hours a month to remain eligible, and the discussion began with questions about whether the constitutional change was necessary and how documentation requirements would work.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Mar 23rd, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here to ask for your support of House Bill 883 for two reasons.
  • So I'd ask for the committee's support in the joint memorial. Thank you, Senator.
  • our students with disabilities, would not end.
  • our students with disabilities would not end.
  • I am in full support of deregulating our schools as where we can.
Committee: Senate Education
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Pension Policy Apr 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am

Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The disability committees on LEOFF 1 is one of the major study issues. I think that we...
  • But I don't know what the look is in terms of study of the number of disability boards we have.
  • who are being, who get their benefits through the disability board, and what is the cost?
  • Your question was about things like, you know, how many disability boards are there out there?
  • Your question was about things like, you know, how many disability boards are there out there?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 2/19/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • c> working</c><00:01:28.240><c> with</c> Bring to our mind a colleague we need to thank for their support
  • Representative Hicks said the same reason applies: people with disabilities and seniors, and Medicaid
  • </c><00:12:39.480><c> and</c> employeed persons with disabilities and employeed persons with disabilities
  • and seniors Medicaid is disabilities and seniors Medicaid is very<00:13:41.199><c> confusing</c><00:
  • But given that these are for people with disabilities and seniors, I believe that this is the correct
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:17:43.440><c> you</c><00:17:43.520><c> know</c> services and supports you know services and supports
  • </c> those are clinical or direct support those are clinical or direct support professionals<00:18:11.320
  • and form support High Fidelity wraparound<01:25:15.960><c> supports</c><01:25:16.679><c> informational
  • </c><01:25:17.400><c> or</c> wraparound supports informational or wraparound supports informational or
  • </c> on top of those basic positive support on top of those basic positive support functions<01:26:06.719
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Evan Firm, Public Policy Advocate with Disability Rights California, in support of AB 1876.
  • Witnesses in support of AB 1908? Witnesses in support of AB 1908?
  • Yes, I support AB 2465. I support AB 2465. Luand Dian from PACT San Jose, I support AB 2465.
  • And so I strongly support it and urge my colleagues support it.
  • In support.
Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Health Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • In support. Thank you.
  • By supporting SB 1323, you are supporting basic human dignity.
  • By supporting 1323, you are supporting base, And this is the bare minimum.
  • By supporting 1323, you are supporting basic human dignity.
  • In support.
Summary: The committee heard SB 1377, which would change California’s medical exemption process for school immunizations. The author and supporters argued the bill would restore physician discretion, reduce fear of audits and discipline, and help families with medically vulnerable children obtain exemptions. Opponents, including pediatric, medical, and public health groups, said the current system created by SB 276 and SB 277 is working, that valid exemptions are still being issued, and that loosening oversight could undermine immunization rates and public health. Members debated the data behind claims of a chilling effect, the number of exemptions reviewed or revoked, and the bill’s amendments, which narrowed the measure to current exemptions and added a small additional threshold. Because there was no quorum at the time, action on SB 1377 was delayed until a quorum could be present. The committee then heard SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would create a statewide inspection and enforcement framework for large voluntary residential facilities, including private immigration detention centers. The author and supporters described alleged neglect and abuse in detention facilities, including denial of medication, unsafe food and water, and inadequate oversight, and argued the state should ensure humane conditions and accountability. The California Hospital Association expressed concern about duplicative oversight and possible overlap with existing regulation, while the author said the bill was being refined to avoid constitutional problems and duplication. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer SB 995 to Judiciary, with the roll call showing five votes and the bill placed on call. SB 1089 was also heard, proposing expanded access to GLP-1 medications for state and local government employees through CalPERS and encouraging broader affordability efforts through CalRx. The author framed the bill as a response to chronic weight disease, diabetes risk, and high costs, and described his own experience obtaining and paying for GLP-1 treatment. Supporters from the American Diabetes Association and medical groups said GLP-1s are effective tools for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes and could reduce long-term health costs. No opposition was heard, and the committee voted do pass and re-refer the bill to Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement, with the vote placed on call. The committee also began SB 1221 on Murphy conservatorships, with supporters and opponents debating whether district attorneys should have a larger role in these proceedings and whether the bill would improve public safety or disrupt the civil mental health process; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do support this bill.
  • Voters also support this.
  • Voters also support this.
  • , the Public First Law Center in support, the ACLU of Hawaii in support, Jenny Yagodich in support, and
  • and I support the bill I disabilities and I support the bill I support<01:21:32.840><c> the</c><01:21
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would appreciate your support. Well, I thank the author. Do you have any witnesses in support?
  • We support them, no doubt.
  • Any other witnesses in support?
  • , and I offer my support.
  • Any other witnesses in support? Any other witnesses in support?
Summary: The committee heard several tax and local revenue measures. SB 288, by Senator Seyarto, would clarify that for inherited homes going through probate, the Proposition 19 one-year deadline to move in and claim the homeowner exemption begins when the property is legally declared to belong to the heir, rather than during probate. The author accepted committee amendments; Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the bill, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 347, by Senator Choi, would reduce the state annual minimum tax from $800 to $600 for LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. The bill was supported as a small-business tax reduction and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered two veterans property tax measures. SCA 4, by Senator Archuleta, would allow eligible veterans to stack the homeowners exemption with the veterans’ or disabled veterans’ exemption and remove outdated property-value limits in the constitutional veterans’ exemption. Testimony from veteran advocates and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the measure, and it was adopted 5-0 and referred to the Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments. SB 623, the companion statutory bill, would make conforming changes to implement SCA 4; it also drew support from veterans’ groups, the County of San Diego, and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 762, by Senator Archuleta, would authorize the city of Hercules to place before voters a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to help fund public safety, parks, infrastructure, and other services. Supporters described it as a narrowly tailored local control measure, while the committee noted it would let residents decide whether to tax themselves. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government. SB 575 by Senator Laird was taken up on the consent calendar, the committee adopted technical amendments, and the consent calendar passed 5-0. The meeting then adjourned after all business was concluded.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division III (03/10/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • meals, and homemaker services. support and 9255 that's our social support and 9255 that's our social
  • </c><00:55:30.240><c> waiver</c> and there's also a home support waiver and there's also a home support
  • </c><00:55:38.839><c> waiver</c> looks like the home support waiver looks like the home support waiver
  • </c><01:05:41.319><c> or</c> we we're providing virtual support or we we're providing virtual support
  • </c><01:14:54.760><c> to</c> and provide really uh great support to and provide really uh great support
Summary: The Division of Long-Term Supports and Services presented its budget and program overview as part of the Department of Health and Human Services operating budget review. Leadership described the division’s three bureaus—Aging and Adult Services, Developmental Services, and Family-Centered Services—and explained that the division provides guidance, technical assistance, quality monitoring, and contracted provider oversight across the lifespan. Members also discussed staffing, with reported vacancy rates of 4% in Aging and Adult Services, 15% in Developmental Services, and 6% in Family-Centered Services; the division said the higher BDS vacancy rate is partly due to the small number of authorized positions. The governor’s budget had left eight positions unfunded in the division, including three in Aging and Adult Services and five in BDS. A major topic was the division’s roadmap initiatives, especially building a system of care for healthy aging and strengthening developmental disabilities systems through a new reimbursement rate structure. The division said it contracted with an actuary to study DD service costs and found rates had not been reviewed since 2017 and were significantly below actual costs and other states’ rates, contributing to provider shortages even when services are authorized. Members asked about the impact on service delivery and whether rates would need to rise overall; the division said its strategy is to focus on lower-cost services that help people remain in the community. The division also reported waiver enrollment figures, including about 4,161 people on the Choices for Independence waiver, 3,688 average nursing facility residents, 5,061 people on the DD waiver, 228 on the acquired brain disorder waiver, and 488 children on the in-home support waiver, while noting there is no funding waitlist but provider availability remains a constraint. The division highlighted IT modernization as a major accomplishment, especially moving Adult Protective Services and Developmental Services into the New Heights system. Officials said these changes improve case-note access, data retrieval, service authorization tracking, and transparency for providers, and they asked for future oversight discussion focused on IT leverage. Members noted that New Heights maintenance is budgeted in the Office of the Commissioner under class 27 and suggested better transparency on system costs and benefits. The division also reported that it closed out a long-running CMS corrective action plan for BDS on July 1, 2023, and said it is now focused on strengthening the system rather than compliance alone. Other discussion covered the Aging and Adult Services bureau’s name change from Elderly and Adult Services to Adult and Aging Services, intended to avoid negative connotations and better reflect preventative services. The bureau described Adult Protective Services trends involving scams, financial exploitation, self-neglect, and isolation, and explained that it administers the CFI waiver, determines medical eligibility for nursing facility level of care, and braids funding from Medicaid, state funds, Older Americans Act money, Social Service Block Grants, and other grants. Members asked about waiver growth targets and federal consequences if enrollment remains below projections; the division said it would explain the shortfall in a future waiver amendment and did not anticipate a federal penalty. The meeting ended without any votes or formal actions taken.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 15, 2025 - 01:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • funding is determine for eye budget enrollees and allow families of individuals with developmental disabilities
  • House Bill 11. 0, 3, also expanded the intellectual and developmental disabilities pilot program.
  • are recognized. >> My name is Bob a stylus and I am the director of the agency for Persons with Disabilities
  • that the governor has entrusted in me to implement his policies for individuals, developmental disabilities
  • And then this is where they make the selection as to what support coordinator is provide is is they are
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • And this is, um, as it relates to funding for the developmental disabilities waiver, the in-home supports
  • </c><00:54:07.760><c> and</c> director for long-term supports and director for long-term supports and
  • disabilities waiver, the inhome<00:54:35.440><c> supports</c><00:54:35.920><c> waiver,</c><00:54:36.720
  • </c> before I move to the inhome support before I move to the inhome support waiver?
  • disability</c><01:02:22.640><c> determination</c><01:02:23.440><c> unit</c> with our disability determination
Summary: The meeting opened without a quorum, so approval of the prior draft minutes was deferred until later. The committee then heard a DHS update from Commissioner Lori Weaver and COO David Weers, who described the recent flood at the Brown building and the relocation of nearly 400 DHS staff while operations are restored. They also outlined New Hampshire Care Connections, a privacy- and consent-focused closed-loop referral platform intended to improve referrals among providers, reduce duplication, and support continuity of care, with an Upper Valley implementation partnered with Dartmouth Health and an Epic integration already underway. Members asked whether the system would merge medical records or simply track referrals. DHS said it is not intended to store or transmit full medical records, but to integrate with providers’ electronic health record systems so referrals can be sent, received, and tracked, with consent controls limiting what information can be shared. Officials said the project will be tested over the coming months, with metrics, governance, and advisory committee oversight, and that it is tied to broader rural health transformation efforts and statewide implementation after the regional pilot. The committee also received the annual report from the Child Care Advisory Council. Maryanne Barter and Jessica Carver said the council worked with licensing to streamline the child care licensing rules, reducing the handbook by about 30%, and is now helping develop an informal dispute resolution process, revising the Granite Steps for Quality system, and creating a clearer handbook for providers handling state scholarship audits. They reported ongoing concern about child care closures and workforce shortages, said there is currently no wait list for child care assistance, and discussed questions about federal CCDF immunization requirements, which DHS said it would follow up on with federal technical assistance partners. After quorum was established, the committee moved to approve the minutes from the prior meeting.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Those are residential schools where students with hearing and multiple disabilities reside.
  • </c><00:17:54.880><c> Uh</c><00:17:55.360><c> we</c> u multiple disabilities um reside.
  • Uh we u multiple disabilities um reside.
  • </c> appropriation which is the support appropriation which is the support education<00:19:38.960><c>
  • </c> to restabilize and and properly support to restabilize and and properly support the<00:57:56.960
Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project. The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, 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 connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • These are people that many times are disabled, living in our Section 8, and now to say you're either
  • Alternative ways in which the state may respond to that change in federal support and activity.
  • My name is Conrad Crump and I'm here on behalf of Disability Rights California and we appreciate the
  • We recommend expanding workforce development supports and creating clarity around student eligibility
  • I appreciate you all the opportunity to support this bill.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • we're kicking disabled people off of we're kicking disabled people off of Medicaid,<02:16:57.040><c>
  • I rise today in support of the rule and in strong support of H.R. 1, President Trump's one big beautiful
  • </c><02:42:14.640><c> that</c><02:42:14.800><c> are</c> if you support programs that are if you support
  • </c> support this bill and yield back. support this bill and yield back.
  • </c> hurts America and you need to support hurts America and you need to support the<03:57:43.439><c>
Bills: HR1 , HR566
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee Apr 9th, 2025

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Democrats support voter ID.
  • We have I know some supporters that have come from the district to show their support.
  • You have a primary witness in support here? No? Are there any primary witnesses in support?
  • Any other supporters of the bill who'd like to come to the mic to register your support?
  • of Disability Rights of California also in support.
Committee: House Elections
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

The Cost of Special Education – Senator Mary Kunesh Feb 17th, 2025

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • School districts and the state budget are feeling the strain, so what can we do to support educators
  • So what can we do to support educators and some of their most vulnerable students with funding challenges
  • </c><00:05:01.560><c> staff</c><00:05:01.800><c> to</c><00:05:01.960><c> do</c> uh an additional support
  • staff to do uh an additional support staff to do some<00:05:02.240><c> of</c><00:05:02.400><c> that<
  • and so I and students with disability and so I have<00:10:26.880><c> a</c><00:10:27.040><c> feeling<