Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care (10/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> ABD and developmental disabilities ABD and developmental disabilities should<00:05:33.520><c> be
- </c> model for long-term services and support model for long-term services and support could<00:06:02.880
- </c> implement frameworks to support implement frameworks to support long-term<00:07:14.400><c> managed
- long-term services and support rather uh long-term services and support rather uh making<00:07:21.599
- And so would be supportive.
Summary:
The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve the prior minutes and then focused on its final report. The chair reviewed the committee’s earlier options—maintaining the status quo, adopting DNIP, adopting an HCBS carveout model, or moving fully to managed care for the aging population—and noted that ABD and developmental disabilities had already been excluded from consideration. He proposed a final recommendation that New Hampshire consider adopting DNIP as a voluntary option to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles, reduce duplication, and create a possible pathway toward future managed care, while acknowledging that a majority and minority report could be issued if needed.
Members generally supported the draft recommendation and asked questions about whether federal budget changes would incentivize states to move in that direction, how the proposal would align with current department efforts, and whether the program would remain voluntary. Director Henry Litman said he did not see a specific federal mandate in OB3, but noted incentives in rural health transformation funding and said the proposal aligned with existing managed care contract direction. He and others emphasized that DNIP should be voluntary and that implementation timing would need to account for federal deadlines and broader changes facing the department. Members also discussed PACE, with one member saying it appeared feasible mainly in more populous areas and expressing neutrality, while another raised concerns about county risk and the need to preserve patient choice and maintain three MCOs.
After discussion, members indicated agreement with the majority report approach and no further changes were proposed. The committee then moved to accept the draft language as presented and issue it as its report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so as much as I support the policy in this difficult budget year, I cannot support this proviso that
- And so as much as I support the policy in this difficult budget year, I cannot support this.
- As much as I support the policy in this difficult budget year, I cannot support this provisor that funds
- So asking for your support. Thank you.
- So I would urge the committee to support this amendment.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee met in executive session on a proposed substitute operating budget bill and worked through a long series of amendments before voting on the bill. Members discussed a wide range of budget items, including court funding for Thurston County civil filings, Attorney General funding for a domestic extremism task force, grants for Yakima aquatics access, North Mason mobile integrated health, mentoring programs, poverty reduction work, a proposed Department of Housing task force, federal grant inventory staffing, HEAL Act funding, assisted living rebasing, DCYF family resource centers and pediatric interim care, law enforcement training and equipment, shellfish and birthing center licensing fees, school bus depreciation, charter school accountability, transition to kindergarten priorities, and several Fish and Wildlife and OSPI grants. The committee also considered amendments related to the Columbia River Gorge Commission, shrub-steppe habitat mitigation, and a study on Lower Snake River reservoir drawdown impacts.
Debate on many amendments centered on whether items were statewide priorities or local projects, and on the fiscal constraints of the budget. Supporters often argued that proposals would protect vulnerable populations, improve public safety, or leverage future savings and outside funding; opponents frequently cited budget pressure, the availability of existing funding, or the need to avoid singling out local projects. Some amendments were adopted, including Clark 343 on intent to fund up to 10,000 additional eCAP slots, Jones 419 on paint stewardship funding, and Stevens 070 limiting birthing center license fees. Many others failed, including amendments on Thurston County court funding, the domestic extremism task force, Yakima aquatics, North Mason mobile integrated health, mentoring, poverty reduction workgroup funding, the Department of Housing task force, federal grant staffing, HEAL Act funding, assisted living rebasing, the PIC Center contract, the Lacey regional training academy, and several Fish and Wildlife and OSPI-related proposals.
The committee then moved to the underlying bill, Proposed Substitute House Bill 2289, and adopted a do pass motion after disposing of the amendments. The transcript indicates the committee ultimately reported the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 9th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank you for his introduction to this great bill and his support, so thank you.
- And I hope that you will join me in supporting it.
- I rise today in strong support of Amendment 31, as redrafted.
- I rise today in strong support of Amendment 31, as redrafted.
- I respectfully ask for this body's support of Amendment 31.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House public safety committee approves HF128 2/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- , identity, lack of familial supports, lack of housing stability, substance use, and a history of abuse
- </c><00:04:21.680><c> identity</c> race economic status disability identity race economic status disability
- identity lack<00:04:22.919><c> of</c><00:04:23.080><c> familial</c><00:04:23.759><c> supports</c><00
- :04:24.360><c> lack</c><00:04:24.560><c> of</c> lack of familial supports lack of lack of familial supports
- or who feels misunderstood and support or who feels misunderstood and isolated<00:04:38.680><c> in</
Summary:
House File 128 was heard and then laid over for possible inclusion in the committee omnibus. The bill, authored by Representative Ric, would raise penalties for prostituting a minor so they align with existing criminal sexual conduct penalties: from 20 to 30 years for victims under 14, from 10 to 15 years for ages 14 to 16, and from 5 to 10 years for ages 16 to 18. The author said the bill addresses a statutory mismatch that makes prostitution of a minor carry a lower penalty than some sexual conduct offenses, and noted it was part of a broader, ongoing effort to reform criminal sexual conduct laws.
Caroline Palmer of the Minnesota Department of Health provided technical assistance and described the harms of child sexual exploitation, including trafficking, survival sex, coercion, and long-term physical and mental health consequences. She said children are exploited in many settings, including online, and that vulnerability factors such as housing instability, abuse, disability, and lack of support increase risk. She also cited research showing buyers of trafficked minor girls often came from varied backgrounds, and emphasized that victims can face lasting trauma and collateral consequences in education, employment, housing, and the justice system.
Members asked about the administration’s position, and Palmer clarified she was there only to provide technical assistance, not to represent a formal endorsement. Representative Mher noted that current law may already allow criminal sexual conduct charges in some cases involving very young victims, suggesting other tools remain available. Representative Pinto said he understood the policy concern but wanted to examine the bill’s structure and penalty levels further. No amendments or votes were taken, and the bill was simply laid over.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Waves in support. Dorothy Beesie waves in support. Sheriff Arnold is waving in support.
- Jace Ford waves in support. Derek Arnold waves in support.
- Michael Newman waves in support. Michael Newman waves in support. Thank you.
- Derek McGee waves in support. Okay, Tim Parson waves in support. Marty Coley waves in support.
- Today, I come before you to ask for your support of SB 218, property tax exemption for disabled ex-service
Committee:
Senate Community Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced four bills. SB 110, by Senator Simon, proposed a broad rural communities package creating a state Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program for declining-population counties, higher SHIP housing allocations, new rural road funding, additional support for rural schools, and expanded rural health care resources. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, chambers of commerce, and rural advocates, with senators praising its local control and economic-development focus. It was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 218, by Senator Arrington, which would increase the ad valorem tax exemption for disabled ex-service members or their surviving spouses from $5,000 to $10,000. An amendment was adopted clarifying that the change applies beginning with the 2026 tax roll. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably. Next, SB 384, by Senator Burton, would require written notice to each member of the local legislative delegation when a municipality annexes state-owned land, and it also clarified related annexation language. After a brief question about the amendment, the bill as amended was reported favorably.
After a recess, the committee took up SB 68, presented by Senator Trumbull for Senator Martin. The bill would allow not-for-profit organizations such as hospitals to bond for debt service and related purposes, including construction and refinancing projects. With no amendments, no opposition, and no debate, SB 68 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think I... ...disabilities, maternal health, menopausal support, and so much more.
- There is a significant investment for increased funding to support our students with disabilities and
- There is a significant investment for increased funding to support our students with disabilities and
- Regarding the paid pregnancy disability leave requirement, ACSA supports the intent; however, as currently
- Regarding the paid pregnancy disability leave requirement, ACSA supports the intent; however, as currently
Committee:
House Budget
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise in support of AB 1460. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of AB 1460.
- I rise in support of AB 1460.
- We certainly support...
- I rise in support of AB 609.
- I rise in support of AD609.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber.
Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12.
The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I support. Mr. Chairman, I support the Biasucci amendment. Thank you.
- Chairman, I support the Biasucci amendment. Thank you.
- Chairman, it's another disability bill dealing with long-term disability.
- Dealing with long-term disability. I mean, a pension bill dealing with long-term disability.
- This is a great bill with bipartisan support.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, students visiting the chamber, and other special guests. Members also announced committee substitutions and bill withdrawals/re-referrals, and the chamber observed a moment of respectful silence for the late Hon. George Cunningham, after unanimously adopting HCR 2060, a death resolution honoring his public service.
The House then spent much of the day in Committee of the Whole on several calendars. The most contested item was HB 2758, a groundwater transportation bill, which drew extensive debate over fairness to the McMullen Valley and the need to protect water supplies for the CAP system and metro Phoenix. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes affecting transfer limits and basin-specific water allocations. The bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation in COW by a 31-23 vote, and later passed third reading in the House 32-24 after several members explained their votes. A motion to amend the COW report to show the bill failed was defeated 23-32.
The House also advanced a series of other measures with little or no opposition. In COW, HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179 as amended, HB 2228 as amended, HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256 as amended, HCM 2007 as amended, HR 2003, HB 2098, HB 2265 as amended, HB 2663, HB 2666 as amended, HB 2756 as amended, HB 2192 as amended, HB 2476, HB 2693 as amended, and HB 2877 as amended all received do pass recommendations, while HB 2875 was retained on the calendar. The House later passed several bills on third reading, including HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825, and referred the approved measures to engrossing or to the Senate as appropriate.
The session concluded with numerous personal privilege remarks, including recognition of a retiring Air Force veteran, Black History Month remarks, birthday wishes, and an announcement that Representative Chaplik plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jun 18th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- She oversees the staff that supports both policymaking, program oversight, as well as enforcement in
- The commission has also implemented additional requirements to support prevention of sexual assault.
- Which has been successful in expanding access to TNC services to disabled Californians.
- And so we support continued innovation and continued growth.
- You're talking driver earnings, driver benefits, but again, those are also costs that we support.
Committee:
House Communications and Conveyance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It is $6.1 billion in fees, which support supplemental payments and grants. ...which support supplemental
- We urge your support.
- We urge your support.
- I'm here to support CalPACE's budget request for additional nursing support.
- And we support...
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Feb 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- She said they have a fiduciary duty that needs to be upheld, so she supports this bill and supports an
- this bill and I upheld so I support this bill and I support<00:20:31.320><c> an</c> support an support
- </c> wanted to mention that um I do support wanted to mention that um I do support hb17<00:21:20.600>
- Next up, Hawaii Energy, in support. support um good afternoon chair maroshi support um good afternoon
- First of all, we have the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities in support.
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent.
The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway.
The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We urge your support.
- I'm here to support CalPACE's budget request for additional nursing support.
- I'm here to support CalPace's budget request for additional nursing support.
- And we support...
- And we support...
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an overview of the Department of Health Care Services’ proposed budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds budget and projected Medi-Cal enrollment decline as redeterminations continue. Members focused heavily on the fiscal and programmatic effects of prior budget solutions and federal changes, especially the elimination of General Fund-supported Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, the hospice utilization-management change, and the impact of reduced caseloads alongside rising health care costs. DHCS said it is still completing required access and rate-reduction analyses for the dental cuts and has been engaging stakeholders, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect on utilization or provider participation. The committee also reviewed the November 2025 Medi-Cal local assistance estimate, which shows higher General Fund spending despite lower enrollment, driven by managed care rate growth, Medicare cost growth, state-only claiming, and federal policy changes.
The hearing then turned to provider taxes and federal H.R. 1 constraints, with extensive discussion of the MCO tax, the hospital quality assurance fee, and other health care-related taxes. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 phases down allowable tax levels and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, making the current MCO tax structure and the proposed higher hospital fee levels difficult or impossible to renew as originally designed. Staff and the LAO described the tradeoff between preserving Medi-Cal funding and avoiding higher costs on private providers and consumers. Members asked about options for preserving revenue, including possible amendments to Prop. 35 or returning to voters, and were told the department is still evaluating approaches while federal guidance remains in flux. The committee also reviewed hospital payment increases already implemented through state-directed payments, with DHCS noting that H.R. 1 will force those payments down to Medicare levels over time.
Several budget change proposals were discussed and left open, including requests tied to the managed care final rule, managed care operations, hospital value strategy, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability requirements. The committee also heard about a one-year trailer bill extension for skilled nursing facility financing, including continuation of the SNF workforce standards program, the SNF quality assurance fee, and annual rate growth, while the department develops a longer-term financing redesign for 2027-28. Members expressed skepticism about repeated rate reform efforts and questioned whether a one-year extension of the eliminated workforce quality incentive program should be restored during the transition. Finally, Covered California presented its budget and enrollment update, reporting that the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit is expected to reduce affordability significantly, with average premiums roughly doubling for many enrollees and as many as 400,000 Californians potentially losing marketplace coverage over time. The exchange said California’s $190 million subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees, but not enough to offset the federal loss, and it is also implementing a new gender-affirming care benefit and awaiting federal action on benchmark plan changes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Response to resident emergencies 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I was shocked because in the disability community, we do pick people up.
- Because, again, in the disability community, we assume that we will lift people if they fall down. >>
- community, we we do pick disability community, we we do pick people<00:12:06.320><c> up.
- </c> again in the in the disability again in the in the disability community,<00:12:25.120><c> we</c>
- And I appreciate your support. support. support.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's a pretty interesting way to support our environment.
- More for people who have autism and intellectual disabilities.
- There are about 20% of our nation has one form of disability or another.
- Intellectual disabilities and autism for the retail industry.
- We support our contracted companies in the deep-sea international trade.
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs.
The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled.
Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not supporting...
- I'll support comprehensive sex education, and I'll support pre- and postnatal care, but I won't support
- I cannot support this legislation.
- We are in strong support of HB 2093.
- And just so you're clear what a disability rating is, the VA disability rating is a workers' comp rating
Committee:
House House Education Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a program and fund within ADE, in consultation with AZPOST, to reimburse eligible schools and employees for approved training, certification, and school safety equipment, and would allow schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they meet training, notification, and confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure focused on bleeding control and emergency preparedness, not a mandate to arm schools. Supporters said the bill adds guardrails, expands access to training, and could help staff respond in emergencies. Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued it would normalize firearms in classrooms, create confidentiality and law-enforcement concerns, expose students and staff to new risks, and divert attention from prevention, mental health, and other school safety investments. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the content is not sex education. Supporters, including the sponsor, a school board president, and a biology teacher, said the bill is about age-appropriate, medically accurate science, parental rights, and clear statewide guidance. Opponents, including the AEA and Reproductive Freedom for All, said it fragments science instruction, politicizes the curriculum, and omits the broader reproductive and public health context students need. Members debated whether fetal development can be taught without discussing reproduction, and whether the bill is an education measure or an anti-abortion effort. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote. The transcript also included discussion of House Bill 2093, which would repeal required mental health instruction and social-emotional learning in schools; supporters argued it restores parental control and refocuses schools on academics, while opponents said school-based mental health education saves lives and helps students who may not have support at home.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH-HLT Joint Public Hearing - Tue Apr 7, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have four written testimonies in support: State Health Planning and Development Agency, Disability
- And we have four written testimonies in support: State Health Planning and Development Agency, Disability
- </c> in support, the Department of Education. in support, the Department of Education.
- </c> support of HCR 102 HD1. support of HCR 102 HD1.
- </c> I strongly support HCR 102 HD1. I strongly support HCR 102 HD1.
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The joint Committee on Human Services and Homelessness and Committee on Health heard two measures on April 7, 2026. HCR 67/HR 61 would request the Disability and Communication Access Board to study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and develop guidelines. Written testimony supported the measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, DCAB, Local Independent Living Hawaii, and one individual. A DCAB representative noted the proposal could serve as a backup if related measures do not move forward. No one testified in opposition, and both committees voted to pass the measure unamended.
The second measure, HCR 102/HR 94, urged the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to establish a statewide peer counselor program to address youth loneliness and social disconnection in schools. Support came from the Department of Education, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, and individual testifiers Katie Smith and Ray Ward. Smith said peer support can reduce stigma, increase belonging, and improve school climate. Ward, speaking from lived experience, described the harms of loneliness and trauma and said a peer counselor program could provide culturally grounded support and safer pathways to help. No opposition was offered, and both committees voted to pass the measure unamended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- account for housing support in Minnesota as provided in law.
- So I guess I don't, and again, whether there's support or not, that's up to you.
- With the support of the office, that increased to nine.
- It'd be nine. people: one lawyer, seven investigators, and one support staff.
- There were also employees in the Supported Employment Worker class.
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/20/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of your member packets which support of your member packets which support multiple<00:21:41.559>
- I know I've been here before, but Habitat Minnesota is a state support organization that supports the
- I know I've been here before, but Habitat Minnesota is a state support organization that supports the
- ><c> the</c> support organization that supports the support organization that supports the 24<00:31:36.720
- Page 1, line 3, delete “disabled” and after “persons” insert “with disabilities.”
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Thirty-four percent have a disability or live with somebody who does.
- Of those disabilities, 15% have mobility challenges, 7% have a cognitive disability, 5% have a vision
- disability, and approximately 11% have a hearing disability.
- So we appreciate the support and working with the legislature on these.
- Support additional recovery.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 113 May 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'd ask for your support. support. support.
- I want to thank the people that have supported my policy, supported what we were trying to do.
- </c> support the firefighters. support the firefighters.
- </c> support workers and to support support workers and to support firefighters<03:28:25.120><c> in</
- </c> pretty thorough and I'm very supportive pretty thorough and I'm very supportive of<03:31:01.120>