Video & Transcript Research : 'access needs'

Page 130 of 500
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, June 25, 2026 - AM

Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Transcript Highlights:
  • needs to have a set that they have access to whenever, versus a shared device, the cost isn't different
  • Every Wyoming student in grades 6 through 12, in my opinion, deserves reliable access to the tools needed
  • In 6-12, I do think students need the one-to-one access. Um...
  • What does the district need? How many personnel do we... district need?
  • Needed for FTEEs.
Keywords: 916, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Education Committee Jun 3rd, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's what needs to happen.
  • their well-being needs. ...to university and higher education programs that meet their educational needs
  • We agree that students need more funding and we support additional funding for higher-need students.
  • We are not given what we need in the way we need it.
  • access to mental health services, and access to special education, and access to safe facilities, and
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The committee first heard AB 402, which would increase Cal Grant award amounts for students attending private nonprofit colleges and allow community college transfer entitlement awards to be used at those institutions. The author and supporters said the bill would restore award levels to their 2001 value and improve access for low- and middle-income, working, military, and transfer students. Several witnesses from private nonprofit universities, community college districts, and advocacy groups supported the measure. Senators raised concerns about the prior Cal Grant agreement tied to Associate Degree for Transfer participation and about the need to fund broader Cal Grant reforms, but the bill advanced on a unanimous due-pass vote to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up AB 2067, a sunset extension for lease-lease-back authority for TK-12 school construction through July 1, 2032. The author and supporters from school housing and contractor groups said the method provides flexibility, early collaboration, cost control, and legal certainty for school construction projects. Senators asked how often lease-lease-back and other alternative delivery methods are used, and whether the skilled-and-trained workforce provisions limit competition. Some members objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement, while others said the bill simply preserves an existing tool without changing labor rules. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with Senator Ochoa Bogh voting no, and was placed on call. AB 1204, which would revise the Local Control Funding Formula by increasing supplemental and concentration grants, lowering the concentration threshold, adding regional cost adjustments, and setting a minimum annual COLA floor, drew extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters said the bill better reflects regional costs, inflation, and student need, especially for low-income, multilingual, and unhoused students. Opponents, including several school district leaders, argued it would widen funding disparities and divert money from the LCFF base grant, which they said should be the priority. Committee members also questioned the fiscal impact, the proposed 4% COLA floor, and whether the bill had enough research and stakeholder consensus. Despite those concerns, the bill was advanced to Appropriations on a due-pass vote and placed on call. Finally, the committee heard AB 1235, which would require a skilled-and-trained workforce process for CSU design-build projects to align CSU with UC and community college construction rules. Supporters said it would improve training and project quality, while opponents from contractor groups argued it would reduce competition, increase costs, and impose mandates without evidence of better outcomes. Several senators objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement as limiting opportunities for contractors who comply with state law, while others noted the issue was already common in higher education construction. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on AB 1235 was captured.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, September 15, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • they need.
  • We will continue to work to ensure all veterans get access to the care they need.
  • to the care they veterans get access to the care they need.<04:58:39.760> Whether<04:58:39.920
  • It needs to be protected. It needs to be known. It needs to be advanced.
  • It needs to be protected. It needs to be known.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • One needs a lot of good information and a lot of broad discussion. So, Mr.
  • So this bill, in order to move forward, does need a stop at Judiciary.
  • So this bill, in order to move forward, does need a stop at Judiciary.
  • <00:30:54.399> to but her date of birth it gave access to but her date of birth it gave access
  • Access<00:30:59.880> to<00:31:00.080> that venue had Total Access to that venue had
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 22nd, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eddie, we need you to fill out a card.
  • We feel the employment needs in Texas.
  • We need this summertime.
  • And we believe that all children and youth deserve access to the resources and care they need to successfully
  • Thank you. ...to access this.
Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • they need to do with their lands.
  • it, our farmers need it, but want to do it the right way.
  • it, our farmers need it, but want to do it the right way.
  • Today, land access has never been more...
  • Unless you've gained access to land from your family or have several million dollars available, access
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye. AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Public Safety Committee Meeting - 2025-03-28

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • needed information.
  • We recognize the need for training funds.
  • Smaller jails can often lack the resources or access to community expertise to meet the needs of individuals
  • We need to be recording them in real time.
  • So maybe what we need to do is to look at what is in the statute and what needs to be addressed to see
Bills: HF2432
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations.(6-18-26)

Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm wondering why we even need a then.
  • <00:37:19.600> and And our goal is to increase access and And our goal is to increase access
  • been access uh, in this particular area. been access uh, in this particular area.
  • 00:44:25.200> types<00:44:25.560> of open up access so that all types of open up access
  • details that you need also. details that you need also.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I hear many stories about Denial of or barriers to access to care need to be improved.
  • We need to welcome diversity in this country, we need to respect diversity, and we need to respect each
  • We need community health initiatives. We need access to treatment. We need exercise.
  • We need to end that. We need to end the old boy system.
  • Does she need work requirements, or does she need access to health care so she can finally get healthy
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Pain parity legislation is needed to ensure access to novel non-opioid choices.
  • There's an urgent need.
  • when accessing non-opioards. when accessing non-opioards.
  • All people in Kentucky should be able to access the care they need when they need it without fear that
  • need to be covered with exception. need to be covered with exception.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want them to access our state financial aid programs.
  • <00:39:07.960> it<00:39:08.359> that accessing tutoring if they need it that accessing
  • who's being left behind where do we need who's being left behind where do we need to<00:41:04.000
  • Can they access any of those funds?
  • <01:28:55.520> this DREAM Act is and how you access this DREAM Act is and how you access this
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Education Mar 11th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • needs are of that child.
  • We can do whatever we want to do, but the reality is you need a universal program that gives access that's
  • I agree we need to fix some things. I agree that we need to take care of some of that.
  • And there is a need. Thank you very much. We need options more than ever.
  • Now some kids do need an online option if they have medical needs or they might need that, but I think
Bills: HB 3
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026

ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And how do those employers access all sources of talent?
  • we need more flexibility.
  • But employers and workers continue to go through administrative hoops to access the services they need
  • How many do we need? How do people better work together?
  • “So maybe you need two buildings in the town you mentioned, but maybe you only need one where everybody
Summary: The committee met to hear consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie discuss Arkansas’s “one door/no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. Bishop argued that the current system is fragmented across multiple agencies, offices, and portals, making it hard for job seekers and employers to access services efficiently. He said the goal is to create a more integrated system that promotes upward mobility, longer labor force attachment, better employer access to talent, greater efficiency, and faster adaptation to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions. Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as a model, describing how that state combined workforce and public assistance functions into a single agency, used statewide cost allocation to blend funding streams, and improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said Arkansas should consider integrating governance, service delivery, and financing, including possible waivers, a statewide cost allocation plan, and a benefits-cliff pilot. He also said Arkansas’s current local workforce board structure creates duplication and weak coordination, and that Launch is a useful tool but not a full service-delivery system. Committee members asked how the proposal would work in practice, including whether TANF could be used to cross-train DHS workers, how federal waivers might be obtained, how local boards would be affected, and how disabled clients would be handled. Bishop said TANF should be treated as part of a workforce strategy, that federal pilot authority for workforce reform nearly passed but did not, and that waivers are now the practical path. He also said Arkansas could either merge functions more fully or at minimum co-locate workforce staff in DHS offices statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans to continue the discussion in August, including a focus on case management and whether the state is managing programs or people.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the open space that is accessible for our community is so crucial that we need this bill to be supported
  • And the open space that is accessible for our community is so crucial that we need this bill to be supported
  • Saunders brought up the thing about who needs a state pilot, who needs a federal pilot.
  • We need alternatives.
  • We need alternatives.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Insurance Apr 9th, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • I need to. For OK.
  • This bill would allow Texans with substance use disorders to access the treatment they need when they
  • It's our need.
  • Access besides EMS.
  • And what we need to do is we need, we need to have good, honest discourse.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/4/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • help to get access."
  • help to get access."
  • saying, "Hey, we need help to get<01:11:51.040> access."
  • Accessible.<01:20:41.840> Accessible.
  • Accessible. I'm not talking Accessible. Accessible.
Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, and heard several ceremonial recognitions, including an invocation by seminarian Benjamin Oler and a resolution honoring Taiwan’s ambassador, Alexander Ui Tore, for strengthening Maryland’s partnership with Taiwan. Senators also welcomed the day’s doctor, Dr. Larry Green, AFCEA Central Maryland chapter members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation student leaders, and Salisbury University students visiting for committee work. On legislation, the chamber referred Senate Bill 995 on cannabis licensing, labor peace agreements, and collective bargaining rules to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for New Market Town Hall to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 241, which would automatically restore voter registration for individuals released from state correctional facilities; the committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 323, the Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Youth Charging Reform Act. One amendment to keep first-degree assault in automatic adult charging was offered and debated at length, with supporters arguing the offense is extremely serious and should begin in adult court, and opponents saying the bill allows judges to make individualized decisions and aligns Maryland with other states and federal juvenile practice. The amendment failed by a 27-vote negative roll call. A second amendment from the minority whip sought to exclude firearm-in-drug-crime offenses and firearm use with felony drug convictions from automatic juvenile court treatment; the sponsor argued these offenses involve serious armed drug activity and should remain in adult court, while the bill’s supporters emphasized juvenile services and judicial discretion. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that second amendment.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-03-24 - 10:00AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:31:36.880> accessibility<00:31:37.800> in >> and for creating needed accessibility
  • in >> and for creating needed accessibility in this<00:31:38.080> building.
  • Our needs are not special. They are very plain. But we can't access remedies on our own.
  • Our needs are not special. They are very plain. But we can't access remedies on our own.
  • . accessibility. accessibility.
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House opened with a devotional and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through first readings and referrals of several bills. House Bill 950, the pay act for certain state employees, was read and referred to Appropriations, and House Bill 951, the government appropriations bill, was read and referred to Ways and Means. Senate bills referred included S. 138 on commercial property assessed clean energy projects, S. 181 on eliminating a pre-sentence investigation requirement for deferred sentences, S. 206 on licensure of early childhood educators, S. 219 on an energy navigator program report, S. 239 on the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Working Group, and S. 291 on travel disclosures for legislators and certain executive officers, each sent to the appropriate committee. The chamber also read several House concurrent resolutions adopted on the consent calendar. These included resolutions congratulating Rice Memorial High School’s Division Two girls soccer team and Division One field hockey team, designating March 2026 as Athletic Trainers Month in Vermont, and remembering the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in Japan. The Japan remembrance resolution included a message from the Japanese consul general expressing gratitude for Vermont’s solidarity and friendship after the disaster. Later, members offered announcements recognizing guests in the gallery, including Rice Memorial athletes and coaches, representatives of the Vermont Association of Athletic Trainers, and students and teachers from Pondbrook and Sterling College. The House also heard a detailed floor speech in support of House Bill 861, which would establish a statewide Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. The sponsor described accessibility barriers faced by disabled Vermonters, argued that ADA responsibilities are currently uneven across state government, and said a coordinator would improve coordination, compliance, and access across agencies. The House then announced the order of upcoming bills, starting with H. 861 and H. 931, but no final vote on H. 861 was taken in the portion provided.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 17th, 2026 at 08:07 am

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • This will provide access to essential services as the federal government continues to restrict access
  • I think we just need to understand that, or just I need to understand that a little bit more because
  • So to do all the ads that the Senate needed to do, we needed to find extra general fund money without
  • Those judgeships are needed.
  • need that's there.
Bills: HB2, SB152
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:39:30.119> it's of housing which is much needed it's of housing which is much needed it's
  • Elder and many other populations need Elder and many other populations need thank<00:39:40.280><
  • We need to grow our egg sector.
  • So how do we achieve these goals if they're not given land and access to do what they need to do?
  • <01:17:16.040> hiking<01:17:16.440> access where there are access hiking access where
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope. The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that. Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We would need to work on that and see what's available.
  • With Access, we are neutral on the bill.
  • We need your support to ensure that.
  • to the care that they need, the resources that they need, and anything else as it relates to providers
  • That's all I will need. All right? Yes.
Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee opened with approval of the January 28 and 29 minutes and a welcome to Arizona Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol, including remarks from physical therapy advocates and students. The committee then took up several bills related to SNAP, health care oversight, child welfare, dementia planning, and safe haven newborn surrender. On SNAP, SB 1334 would bar DES from seeking or renewing federal waivers of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents unless authorized by law; it passed 4-1. SB 1333 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, with regular reporting, corrective action plans, and possible funding penalties; an amendment changed the reporting to quarterly and required a special audit, and the bill passed 4-1 as amended. SB 1331 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in mandatory employment and training unless exempt; testimony split between supporters citing work incentives and opponents warning of administrative burden and impacts on families and food banks, and it passed 4-2. The committee also advanced SB 1162, which clarifies DHS as the lead licensing and monitoring agency for health care institutions and, as amended, requires DHS and AHCCCS/Access to coordinate to identify duplicative oversight and report back periodically; it passed unanimously. SB 1017, requiring signatures on emergency informed consent forms for surgical procedures, passed 4-2. SB 1149, dealing with DCS periodic review hearings and notice/reporting requirements, including for tribal parties, passed 5-1. SB 1249, which designates DHS as the lead agency on Alzheimer’s and dementia planning and creates a dementia services program funded through lottery monies under the adopted amendment, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from advocates and family members. Finally, SB 1253, clarifying that a parent may surrender a newborn at the hospital of birth without leaving and returning, passed 5-0. The committee then adjourned.