Video & Transcript Research : 'harm reduction'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session E May 29th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- preemption is to say, until we know definitively what the implications are going to be, we should do no harm
- This is a 1% reduction for these eight, what we're going to...
- What is the economic fix from a legislative perspective if we're making incentivized reductions at a
- These funds are redirected from the debt reduction program established last session in HB 5017, which
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved to the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27. Budget chairs presented the major spending areas, describing a $114.5 billion overall budget that they said was fiscally responsible and below the prior year’s spending. Highlights included pay increases and retirement adjustments for public safety employees, education funding for K-12, higher education, health and human services, criminal justice, transportation, environmental programs, and agriculture/regulatory agencies.
Members then questioned chairs on several items. In education, senators discussed K-12 declining enrollment funding, teacher salary set-asides, private school scholarship spending, mental health funding, preeminence funding for universities, the Hamilton Center at UF, and charter school PICO funding. In health and human services, questions focused on the iBudget waiver waitlist, provider rates, ADAP/HIV funding and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, KidCare, rural health funding, SNAP-related IT and error reduction efforts, and the IDD managed care program. In criminal justice, senators asked about correctional officer pay, prison staffing and infrastructure, air conditioning in prisons, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement recruitment, and court system funding. Environmental and transportation questions covered Florida Forever, water quality, state parks, water projects, housing, elections funding, and emergency management.
Several specific actions and explanations were given during debate: the budget includes $8.8 million for state attorney competitive area differentials but no funding for public defender CAD requests; assistant state attorneys will start at $70,000 and assistant public defenders at $65,000; the battery disposal issue was described as a temporary study/preemption approach; and the Senate said the budget does not fund Medicaid expansion, preeminence funding, or the SunBucks Summer EBT state share. Senators also noted that some proposals discussed in committee did not make it into the final budget. The transcript ends with debate statements from members praising the budget process and Chair Hooper, while also expressing concerns about public schools, health care access, affordability, and the lack of funding for certain priorities.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services and Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- However, as I mentioned, this is one of those programs that we must protect from reductions and elimination
- The state's poverty-level payments have harmed and taken advantage of child care providers for too long
- The Teaching Pyramid Social-Emotional Toolkit is coming to focus on the reduction of expulsion and suspension
- registry, some gaps we anticipate include increased time and effort to implement support programs, reduction
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on California’s child care, preschool, and transitional kindergarten oversight, with chairs emphasizing the state’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care and the need to break down silos between programs. CDSS and CDE reported progress toward the plan’s goals, including universal access to TK for all four-year-olds next school year, expanded access for low-income three-year-olds, and more children with disabilities being served in state preschool. They also noted ongoing work on quality rating/review reform, funding structure changes, and the need to address rates, workforce shortages, and federal uncertainty around Head Start.
Testimony from advocacy groups and providers largely supported expanding access while simplifying the system. Children Now, Every Child California, and the California Budget and Policy Center argued that California still has uneven access, especially for infants, toddlers, and three-year-olds, and urged investments in mixed delivery, inclusion, full-day options, and a cost-of-care rate methodology. Every Child California recommended consolidating part-day and full-day contracts, streamlining eligibility priorities, making the two-year-old option permanent, and funding staffing incentives. Parent testimony highlighted how child care gaps and county-to-county transfer delays can disrupt work, safety, and children’s stability, and providers described low reimbursement rates, the need for health and retirement benefits, and support for delinking subsidy rates from private pay.
The second panel addressed universal transitional kindergarten. The Learning Policy Institute reported rapid TK expansion, with most districts now offering TK, but said access still depends on facilities, staffing, and whether programs are available at all school sites. The Department of Finance said the governor’s budget would fully implement TK by adding funding for all eligible four-year-olds and lowering the adult-to-child ratio from 12:1 to 10:1. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the administration’s enrollment and cost assumptions were optimistic and estimated lower TK enrollment growth and lower costs for the ratio change. CDE supported the expansion and urged continued funding for UPK coordinators, teacher development, and mixed-delivery planning grants. Members questioned facilities shortages, staffing competition, and how to ensure TK expansion does not displace CSPP or Head Start classrooms. No formal votes or actions were taken in the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- committed to reforming homeless programs because the administration believes that housing first and harm
- reduction programs are failing.
- So this would be actually a reduction of...
- So this would be actually a reduction of one hour for that particular program type that currently exists
- The reduction in meeting frequency over time reflects the overall stability and functionality of the
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies.
Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM/FIN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Feb 14, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and quality of and an overall reduction and quality of life<00:49:36.040>
please <00:49:36.359 - Expansion of MAF’s prevention and harm reduction... Thank you very much.
- prevention and harm prevention and harm ruction<04:16:51.159>
thank <04:16:51.319>you< - Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center not present. We have Boy Habitat for Humanity Association.
- Restorative justice is a proven framework to help make things pono in the wake of crime or harm.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 5, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<07:25:06.958>
and <07:25:07.280>addiction <07:25:07.840>recovery reduction, and - addiction recovery reduction, and addiction recovery programs.<07:25:09.120>
And <07:25:09.440 - What is this administration doing to help us rather than to hurt and harm and divide us?
- <07:42:53.600>
this and sound the alarm on the harm this and sound the alarm on the harm this - harm everyone that hasn't bent the knee. harm everyone that hasn't bent the knee.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What is the harm? What is the scope?
- is just like out where the consumer harm is just like any<00:35:42.000>
set <00:35:42.160> - What<00:35:44.480>
is <00:35:44.640>the <00:35:44.800>harm? - <00:35:46.560>
Um What is the harm? What is the scope? Um What is the harm? - reduction in the major crashes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So any law or federal guidance that may negatively affect their right to education would be harmful to
- to children and harmful to, quote, the progress of the nation.
- Otherwise, families may pull their children from school due to fear, which would harm the health and
- And make no mistake, legislation like this will inevitably harm more than just transgender youth.
- Beyond the harm to individuals and stigmatized transgender athletes.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 119 Part 2 May 13th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor, it's not my job to fix the harms you're creating. You give him a hug yourself."
- There are obviously human costs, harm to young women and the unborn.
- And I would say it violates the do no harm. And yet here we are...
- proposed initiative, initiative 175, in response to that proposed initiative, it’s necessary to avoid reductions
- They’re looking at the fuel allowance reduction of one and a half... ...reduction of one and a half percent
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- This budget request is a modest 1% reduction from FY26.
- So I can honestly say to you we can manage this reduction.
- There's been a 27% reduction in unsheltered veteran homelessness, and 66 new veteran housing units have
- Have we seen a reduction or fluctuation? I know there was some fluctuation.
- I think it would actually maybe benefit only about 4,400 people, but harm some of the most vulnerable
Summary:
The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began.
MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal.
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They have reported reductions in hospitalization and incarceration, alongside improved access to care
- the Native Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which will be used to support suicide and self-harm
- So where are those dollars now in 2026 to remedy that harm against ...against our people.
- So... ...the harm has been committed.
- So the harm has been committed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- It succeeded, but today its legacy is a significant cost shift that harms non-solar customers.
- a cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face for the public on something that feels good but ultimately harms
- The delays impose substantial financial harm on affordable housing projects that operate on thin margins
- The delays impose substantial financial harm on affordable housing projects that operate on thin margins
- The delays impose substantial financial harm on affordable housing projects that operate on thin margins
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It's raising taxes by repealing Act 46; it's pausing the future automatic deductions and reductions,
- <00:58:33.840>
If >> significant tax reductions, right? - If >> significant tax reductions, right?
- Other states have acted on heat safety measures only after serious harms occurred.
- measures only after serious harms measures only after serious harms occurred.<05:11:52.120>
In
Bills:
HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616
Keywords:
food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- act such as the tax credit reduction act such as the tax credit giveaway<01:53:51.199>
for <01 - As a sheriff and a firsthand law enforcement officer, I've seen the harmful effects that have happened
- , practices harm American businesses, practices harm American businesses, erode<04:28:22.800>
- President Trump has the opportunity to make nuclear threat reduction a part of his legacy.
- a part of make nuclear threat reduction a part of his<07:09:37.040>
legacy.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- creators in Minnesota and across the country, we oppose this legislation because it would significantly harm
- creators in Minnesota and across the country, we oppose this legislation because it would significantly harm
- So at this point, nobody's been harmed because the law doesn't kick in until 7 million people are covered
- <01:16:00.159>
in <01:16:00.400>bullying <01:16:01.199>and long-term reductions - in bullying and long-term reductions in bullying and increase<01:16:01.920>
student <01:16:02.239
Keywords:
libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/01/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And there is no harm if you're not hiding anything for workers to have all of the information before
- And there is no harm if you're not hiding anything for workers to have all of the information before
- And there is no harm if you're not hiding anything for workers to have all of the information before
- And there is no harm if you're not hiding anything for workers to have all of the information before
- And there is no harm if you're not hiding anything for workers to have all of the information before
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar.
The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family.
Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one, there's over a 70% reduction in greenhouse gases.
- There is an 80% reduction in particulate matter, which goes out into the air.
- Number one, there's over a 70% reduction in greenhouse gases.
- There is an 80% reduction in particulate matter, which goes out into the air.
- Number one, there's over a 70% reduction in greenhouse gases.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Congressional Redistricting, Select Jul 28th, 2025
Congressional Redistricting, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- This is about people being harmed by these policies, and we have no representation.
- District 33 was created through a court order to repair harm done to communities of color.
- This proposal is wrong. ...wrong and harmful to our representative government.
- I testify to you that not one of us is in favor of this reduction.
- I urge you, do not rubber stamp a map that harms communities.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- bill is saying is that if you are a licensed health care professional, that you're not allowed to harm
- to harm an individual. to harm an individual.
- So at the end of the day, you could be harming consumers more than you're helping them.
- >
consumers <02:32:17.680>more <02:32:17.920>than could be harming consumers more - than could be harming consumers more than you're<02:32:18.319>
helping <02:32:18.560>them.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But this is a real gap, and it’s actually harming the learning of both groups: the individual who’s having
- But this is a real gap, and it’s actually harming the learning of both groups: the individual who’s having
- But this is a real gap, and it’s actually harming the learning of both groups: the individual who’s having
- result in a otherwise they could result in a potential<00:30:44.960>
uh <00:30:45.080>reduction - in state aid if potential uh reduction in state aid if those<00:30:46.440>
are <00:30:46.600><
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Reduction Center, testifying in support.
- Heather Lusk, executive director of the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, testified in support
- Havi health and harm reduction Center Havi health and harm reduction Center and<01:39:48.239>
we - Financial penalties harm youth and families.
- Financial penalties harm youth and families.
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused.
The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.