Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :
Page 140 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Postsecondary Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill would establish an education grant program to support students pursuing a career in genetics
- specifies that the application provides documentation demonstrating that the proposed program is supported
- George Levescu, waiving their speaking time in support. Is there any debate on the bill as amended?
- genetic counselors in the state, so I’m glad that you’re bringing this bill forward and happy to support
- Project Leo, was originally created in 2016, operated through the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and first took up SB 1376, a bill by Senator Burgess to create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors. Burgess explained that the program would support students pursuing genetics-related careers at state universities, noting the growing need in clinical areas such as oncology, prenatal care, and rare diseases. An amendment was adopted requiring graduate genetic counseling programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity.
Members speaking in support said genetic counseling is an important and underrecognized field and that the bill would help expand access to services in Florida. After the amendment, CS for SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 1570 by President Gates, which would restore a previously sunsetted statewide program, Project Leo, to help locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering, using voluntary tracking devices through CARD centers and local sheriff’s offices, with $1 million in nonrecurring funding.
Senators Berman and Harrell strongly supported the bill, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, and the potential for the program to save lives. SB 1570 was also reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 23rd, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Rauch, permanent hybrid public meetings and additional municipal supports.
- All of these things help to support participation in government.
- I rise in support of my amendment, Amendment 492.
- They're losing that support.
- I rise in support of Amendment 296 as redrafted.
Summary:
The Senate considered a large number of amendments to an economic development bill and adopted them one by one, with repeated brief recesses as members finalized language. Early amendments made permanent the option for hybrid public meetings and added procedures for alleged open meeting law violations, authorized speed camera enforcement in school and construction safety zones, and created a retirement credit option for part-time teachers who reduced hours to care for children. Other adopted amendments updated gateway municipality designations every three years, capped ticket resale prices and banned speculative “ghost tickets,” and addressed vulnerable road users, crumbling concrete, and a fund for seasonal communities housing.
Members also approved amendments to create a new framework for responding to crimes against women, including better investigation of staged suicides and adding sex and gender to the hate crimes statute; to establish a trigger law protecting private-sector labor organizing rights if federal labor law is weakened; to create a bottom-up “Enough Act” fund to fight poverty; to allow airport restaurants and bars at Logan to operate during flight hours; and to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial scams by allowing temporary delays of suspicious transactions and reporting to protective agencies. Additional housing-related amendments were adopted for rural communities, residential PACE financing, and a five-community tenant opportunity to purchase pilot program. A Senate Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, the substitute draft was applied to the underlying bill, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed.
The chamber also adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. The Senate then adjourned.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a disabled Gulf War Army veteran.
- So we're supporting this not just for myself but for the other 50,000 or 60,000 disabled veterans that
- Many disabled veterans live with permanent injuries or disabilities that affect their mobility, health
- We support the bill with amendments.
- So that's where we support this.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- , including writing disabilities.
- <00:53:38.920><c> including</c><00:53:39.280><c> writing</c> disabilities including writing disabilities
- This has to do primarily with the affidavit for a physical disability.
- This has to do primarily with the affidavit for a physical disability.
- </c> and this covers the supporting and this covers the supporting documentation<02:10:45.840><c> when
Committee:
House Election Law
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And we really appreciate Chief Justice Stevens for the support, and the other justices for their support
- People with disabilities— all communities are touched by disability.
- disabled.
- And so we are working with the agencies and supporting those subcommittees.
- And so we are working with the agencies and supporting those subcommittees.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems.
The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities.
The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-WLA, PSM Public Hearings 02-04-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But so mahalo for your support. up. But so mahalo for your support.
- </c> submitted written testimony and support. submitted written testimony and support.
- So, I support that.
- </c> submit her written testimony in support. submit her written testimony in support.
- </c> >> Inmates that have disabilities. >> Inmates that have disabilities.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt.
The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts.
On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt.
The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We stand in strong support of this legislation.
- Support from all across the political spectrum.
- support.
- efforts. funding to support those efforts.
- So yeah, I'm going to support this bill, Mr.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 11th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Mark Modell, waving in support. Michael Greenan, waving in support.
- Asia Scott, waving in support. Olivia Wrightley, waving in support.
- Michael Woods, waving in support. Roberta Sarah, waving in support.
- Alec Wilkowski, waving in support. Lisa Torres, waving in support.
- Alec Wilkoski, waving in support. Lisa Torres, waving in support. Roberta Sarah, waving in support.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
A&B Health Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our vision is to provide a healthier Oklahoma, supporting healthcare training programs, patient care
- and psychiatric support in the schools telemedically.
- and developmental disabilities.
- Who don't have that service-connected disability rating.
- And we have plenty of logistics support through the folks at OMES to do that.
Committee:
House A&B Health Subcommittee
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- insurance policies referred to the Committee on Insurance HB 346 by Harris Davila for relating to the support
- prosecution of certain sexual or assaultive offenses committed against a child or persons with a disability
- HB 415 by Govin Hawkins relating to a study on mold contamination and housing development supported by
- Who are disabled or elderly of their surviving spouses refers to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- HU 464 by Gonzalez of El Paso relating to the establishment of grant programs to support the elimination
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 15th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- , including an online portal for providers to rate their support. ...and to rate their support experience
- I'm Stephen Aleman with Disability Rights Texas, and I'm in support of the bill.
- Disability Rights Texas represents the interests of people with disabilities, including students with
- disabilities in our public schools.
- So I'm in support of the bill. Thank you, you're in support of the bill. Thank you, Ms. Doyle.
Bills:
SB623 , SB1266 , SB1310 , SB1373 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2032 , SB2269 , SB2544 , SB2653 , SB2796
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I am here in support of Stephanie Weldon.
- And I'm in support of your confirmation. Thank you.
- So I support this confirmation. Thank you.
- And so I really support you in your nomination.
- meaningful. ...in support of you is very meaningful.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules convened, established quorum, and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear: Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair/member assignments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous votes.
The committee then heard and advanced two appointments requiring testimony. Dr. Hernando Garzon, nominated as chief medical officer for the Emergency Medical Services Authority, discussed his background in emergency medicine, disaster response, EMS data modernization, local flexibility within statewide standards, ambulance offload time regulations, stakeholder engagement, and alternatives to emergency transport such as community paramedicine and telehealth. Members pressed him on strategic planning, rural and climate-related disaster response, ambulance rate reporting, and how EMSA can better protect vulnerable people during evacuations; his appointment was approved 4-0 and sent to the Senate floor.
Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, described her tribal background, prior public service, and focus on health equity, behavioral health, tribal consultation, data, and community-led programs. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, serving rural communities, balancing equity work amid federal DEI opposition, youth mental health, and preventing fraud or waste through transparency. Public commenters, including tribal, health, and community advocates, strongly supported her nomination. Her appointment was also approved 4-0 and forwarded to the full Senate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cost-benefit analysis requirement 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:20.159><c> of</c> Virginia and um I'm here in support of Virginia and um I'm here in support
- I don't for people with disabilities.
- If you aren't protecting disabilities, you're in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- And disability services is something I wholly support would maybe be one of those things.
- And disability would say is bad.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
LGBT Aging Commission Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- you and the conditions that do not support you.
- What conditions support the values you all lifted up, and what conditions don't support the values you
- What conditions support these values, and what conditions don't support these values?
- not support them.
- Would anyone else like to share conditions that support the values we've lifted up or not support the
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming its first full-time director, Alison Bauer, who introduced her background in state government, public health, philanthropy, teaching, and LGBTQ family advocacy. Commissioners approved the December meeting minutes and then turned to the main presentation, a DEI workshop led by Adriana Boulin of Fenway Health and Boston Pride for the People.
Boulin guided members through an interactive “power flower” exercise to define diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and power, and to reflect on personal values, identities, and the conditions that support or diminish power. Commissioners and guests shared examples of successful DEI work in their lives and in the commission’s work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, targeted recruitment, the strategic plan, the commission website, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The discussion also included the history of intersectionality and how multiple identities can create both barriers and advantages.
The group then applied an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priority on representation and inclusion. Members discussed the need for greater racial, ethnic, gender, trans, immigrant, and regional diversity, as well as barriers such as limited seats, appointment procedures, and the challenge of recruiting people who would otherwise be the only person of their identity in the room. Participants explored possible approaches including expanding seats legislatively, using advisory structures, and building relationships with organizations and potential appointers to broaden participation. The meeting ended with appreciation for the workshop and a reminder that the next quarterly meeting will be held in June.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 056 Mar 11th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is simply cleaning that up, and I am proud to support this.
- So this is simply cleaning that up, and I am proud to support this.
- </c><01:32:40.400><c> this</c> up and I um yeah proud to support this up and I um yeah proud to support
- </c><01:33:34.560><c> to</c> allowing a person with a disability to allowing a person with a disability
- </c><01:35:48.400><c> by</c> for accessible housing supported by for accessible housing supported by
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This is AB 673, which establishes the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program.
- the unaccompanied youth support grant program.
- AB 673 is a targeted solution to support schools and stabilize students' lives.
- Furthermore, many children with disabilities or developmental disabilities are nonverbal and less likely
- Are there any members of the public who wish to testify in support of this bill?
Committee:
House Human Services
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Services and supports under the Medicaid program which the individual on the waiting list for services
- and support refer to the committee on ways and means. 12 by Cortez relating to the establishment of
- referred to the committee on public health Hb 521 by Guillen relating to accommodating voters with a disability
- for to the committee on elections Hb 522 by Mesa relating to the ability of voters with certain disabilities
- on Elections, HB557, by Jones of Harris, relating to... to the enforcement in order to pay child support
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native American education, focusing on Federal programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Title I supports schools in economically distressed areas, while IDEA ensures students with disabilities
- For example, the 1825 treaty with the Osage Nation established funding support to support schools for
- Supporting the success.
- NAFIS is grateful for Congress's bipartisan support and hopes that Strong support will continue.
- For the support of AIHEC and NIEA in endorsing this legislation, it seems to have broad support from
Committee:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Keywords:
Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students
Summary:
The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So I can't support this. Okay. Okay.
- It should be the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- </c> support it. Thank you. Any questions? support it. Thank you. Any questions?
- I strongly support it. I think survey. I strongly support it.
- </c> that's that's why I support the bill. that's that's why I support the bill.
Committee:
Senate Education
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm talking, in this case, seniors and those with disabilities.
- Strong support of Stephanie Weldon's confirmation today.
- So I support this confirmation. Thank you. ...So I support this confirmation. Thank you.
- And so I really support you in your nomination.
- meaningful. ...in support of you is very meaningful.
Committee:
Senate Rules