Video & Transcript Research : 'State Soldiers Assistance Program'
Page 151 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Basically, the state shall not participate in the implementation of an enhanced driver's license program
- The rest of the state is a rural district.
- I can tell you right now for this program, the watercraft program, we have literally zero.
- It's about a 1.2 million hit on the water program.
- We could look at samples of other states and... ...states are doing, so it's not like we have to invent
Keywords:
special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure heard several bills, beginning with HB 2957, which would require physical driver licenses to be accepted for identification purposes and prohibit cities, towns, counties, and districts from requiring digital mobile IDs for government services. The sponsor framed the bill as a privacy and choice measure tied to concerns about Real ID, biometric data, and federal overreach. Supporters said it preserves a non-Real ID option and protects privacy, while opponents raised concerns about travel requirements and whether the bill could affect proof of legal status. The committee approved HB 2957 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered HB 2941, which would make certain motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior subject to reckless driving penalties. The sponsor and a motorcycle rights representative explained the difference between lawful lane filtering and unlawful lane splitting, saying the bill would add enforcement teeth for unsafe conduct and improve safety. Members discussed the distinction between filtering and splitting, and several related personal safety concerns. The committee passed HB 2941 unanimously, 7-0.
HB 2305, dealing with private towing carriers, would establish statewide rules for private-property towing, including rate standards tied to DPS agreements, documentation and photo requirements, notice to law enforcement, and penalties for unlawful towing. Supporters said the bill would create uniformity and curb predatory towing, while the Arizona Trucking Association raised concerns about the DPS rate structure and the need for further stakeholder work. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the bill applies only to motor vehicles towed from private property and then passed the bill 7-0. HB 2257, a strike-everything amendment changing the distribution of watercraft fee revenues and requiring an annual expenditure report, also passed after Game and Fish warned of a significant fiscal impact and committee members discussed Mohave County’s water patrol needs; the vote was 4-3.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2573, which as amended was narrowed to address a 45-day gap before repeat DUI offenders can install ignition interlock devices. Supporters said the change would improve public safety by allowing earlier use of the technology, while members discussed whether it would weaken DUI laws and how the interlock system works. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 2573, so no committee action is shown for that bill in the provided text.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Ethics and Campaign Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, but all this does is it allows Secretary of State to notify someone of a penalty by email unless
- is it allows Uh but all this does is it allows Secretary<00:02:42.959>
of <00:02:43.040>State - <00:02:44.160>
notify <00:02:44.800>someone <00:02:45.200>of Secretary of State - Uh, but this bill very simply marries up the FCPA that we have here in the state of Alabama with the
- Thank you all. amendment elections in the state of amendment elections in the state of Alabama.
Keywords:
law enforcement, false information, criminal penalty, public safety, identification, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure, professional services, education, HB252, Class IV municipality, Class IV municipalities, municipal audit, audit rotation, certified public accountant, CPA, municipal accounting, Section 11-43B-9, county and municipal government
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That one has, I think, just over 20 states.
- And if you're one of the states, because it takes 34 states to...
- Answer to you. was the 11th state, but there are 19 states that have used this exact language.
- , you called for A, B, and C; this next state calls for A and C; another state calls for A and D."
- So when each state joins the union after the original 13, each state that joins the union becomes an
Keywords:
public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on State Affairs will come to order. Will the clerk call the roll? Bettencourt.
- I move that the State I move that the State Affairs Committee of the Senate of the State of Texas, under
- in accordance with Senate Rule 11.20, issue one or more subpoenas to compel BlackRock Incorporated, State
- It's not lightly used, but when the state But when the state of Texas needs testimony from entities,
- and the state of Texas in this case is the client, those entities cannot lightly refuse testifying before
Keywords:
public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs was called to order and a roll call showed most members present, with one absent. The chair explained that the committee had arranged witnesses for a later meeting but had received responses from some parties declining to testify, prompting Senator Bettencourt to offer a written motion for subpoenas.
The motion authorized the committee chair, under Senate Rule 11.20, to issue subpoenas to BlackRock, State Street, or other financial services companies affecting Texas public pension investments, along with their subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, employees, agents, or representatives. The subpoenas would require testimony and production of records concerning investment practices, the impact on Texas public pension funds, and any investments intended to further political or social causes.
Members discussed the importance of obtaining testimony and the limited but necessary use of subpoena power. The committee then voted, with 10 ayes, no nays, and one absent, to adopt the motion. With no further business, the committee recessed until the call of the chair, planning to return after the local calendar.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Please state your name and position.
- The company has stated it will, The company has stated it will review these clients' progress and may
- And to State Street.
- Fink and to State Street.
- And we'll share those with the committee briefly on State Street. Jumping back to State Street.
Keywords:
public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 945, 946, 2044, 2819, 2403, 2337, and 312, with all bills left pending after testimony. SB 945 would restrict insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage based on oil and gas activity or ESG-related goals, and supporters argued it would protect Texas energy producers from politically motivated shareholder activism and insurance discrimination. SB 946 would bar creditors from using social credit, ESG, DEI, or religious/political affiliation as a basis for denying or limiting credit; witnesses said it would prevent viewpoint-based financial discrimination and protect access to capital for Texas businesses. SB 2337 would require proxy advisory firms to disclose when recommendations are based on non-financial factors or when they give conflicting advice to different clients; supporters said the measure would increase transparency and curb ESG-driven influence over shareholder voting. SB 312 would direct public retirement systems to focus on financial returns rather than social or political objectives, with the author saying the bill responds to activist pressure on pensions and would reinforce fiduciary duty.
The committee also took up election and ethics measures. SB 2044 would strengthen electioneering restrictions for publicly funded education institutions and personnel, prohibiting use of official resources to promote political agendas; testimony focused on alleged school district electioneering in bond and tax elections. SB 2819 would prohibit county elections administrators from holding certain officer positions appointed by elected officials, addressing potential conflicts of interest. SB 2403, the Texas Ethics Commission sunset bill, would restructure complaint handling with a three-tier violation system, risk-based complaint prioritization, longer response times, bipartisan preliminary review panels, and expanded hearing options; members discussed amendments aimed at dismissing minor complaints, clarifying categories, and adjusting lobbying and penalty provisions, but the amendments were withdrawn during committee consideration.
Across the ESG and finance bills, invited witnesses from the American Energy Institute, Heartland Impact, Consumers Research, ADF Action, Texas Civil Justice League, and related groups generally supported the measures, arguing that banks, insurers, proxy advisors, and asset managers have used ESG or reputational-risk standards to discriminate against energy, agriculture, firearms, and religious organizations. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt, and the committee closed public testimony on each bill and left them pending.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:09.120>
state <00:22:09.320>of it's a tremendous program state of it's a tremendous - The state-level program started before there was a federal program and helped to provide assistance to
- consumers money uh creation of the state consumers money uh creation of the state program<01:20:
- underscores the importance of state underscores the importance of state level<01:20:45.840>
programs - level programs uh the state level level programs uh the state level program<01:20:47.960>
started
Keywords:
HF770, Rural Finance Authority, RFA, capital investment, state bonds, general obligation bonds, bonding bill, agricultural loans, farm loans, beginning farmer, new farmer, seller-sponsored loans, loan restructuring, agricultural improvement loans, livestock expansion, modernization loans, rural development, Minnesota agriculture, farm credit, chapter 41B
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 27th, 2026
Senate & Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- State your name for the record, please.
- And state boards and commissions that are authorized to adopt rules and state boards and commissions
- would probably never urge local governing authorities or even state boards and commissions, and state
- to her becoming the Deputy Secretary, as the Assistant Secretary, I've seen parts of this state within
- Program.
Keywords:
sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, public meetings, broadcast, transparency, government accountability
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee REVISED: SB1262 added pursuant to Speaker's waiver of 48 hr rule Apr 8th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Next EDD program, but most importantly, we are clarifying that the program can accept private donations
- As a thing that has helped them in their programs to become educators in their education programs.
- Times when we got these new programs or new names for programs, it kind of lowered the buy-in from folks
- It talks about that the program.
- No, what I do know is that we have nonprofit partners all across the state who have, in similar programs
Keywords:
school funding, general fund carryover, State Aid, educational finance, budget penalties, emergency clause, tuition waiver, human trafficking, education, higher learning access, victims' rights, Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant, higher education, financial aid, income eligibility, student grants, scholarships, capital improvements, teacher incentives, Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- , infrastructure assistance by assistance, infrastructure assistance by perhaps<00:43:43.440>
over - This state is a we? This state is a Thank<01:00:34.400>
you. - state if we formed those partnerships. state if we formed those partnerships.
- actually do commerce within our state? actually do commerce within our state?
- really kind of goes across the state. really kind of goes across the state.
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Other states offer this service, and we need to be able to do it.
- Uh, I'm Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray.
- Uh, so it's huge what we're bringing in to the state of Wyoming.
- our western states? our western states?
- <00:19:44.720>
regulations, stock with their state regulations, stock with their state regulations
Keywords:
energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 26, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And um your uh comments on if there's a child here somewhere in a state that's enrolled out of state,
- Some states have a small convenience fee. Other states do not.
- It's it's it can be states do not.
- "Um, most programs in other states require significant bonding for entities to be involved in this.
- Um, most programs in<00:18:35.840>
other <00:18:36.000>states <00:18:36.320>require<
Keywords:
Indian child welfare, tribal relations, sunset repeal, Wyoming law, child custody, sales tax, motor vehicle, family transfer, tax exemption, Wyoming legislation, driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 26, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Keywords:
Indian child welfare, tribal relations, sunset repeal, Wyoming law, child custody, sales tax, motor vehicle, family transfer, tax exemption, Wyoming legislation, driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
General Government REVISED: Links added Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The way I look at it, private businesses contract with state agencies.
- But have any other states adopted this policy, and if so, who are they?
- I think the states that I've looked at have been mainly California.
- public in the state?
- And obviously not between state agencies, but between the public and state agencies.
Keywords:
purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, unclaimed property, service charges, property fund, accountability, government transparency, local development, economic impact, voter approval, tax increment financing, review committee, public finance, blight, salary increase, bonus limits, job performance
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the tenure in state government.
- first response uh, from the state first response uh, from the state police.<00:08:45.040>
And - :58.399>
but <00:08:58.560>we're state police's capabilities, but we're state police's - Some way that we can assist?
- that we have towers all over the state. that we have towers all over the state.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03
Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41
Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38
Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13
Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34
Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders.
Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (7-19-23)
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, & Judiciary (2-9-21)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4zPofSYzbQ, 2026-06-21T07:16:57+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Roll Call 00:37
Testimony from Acting Commissioner of Kentucky State Police 01:34
Testimony from KY Association of Court Clerks 28:08, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So basically, we're just going to revise the statute to add those assisted living facilities in the state
- We have done that in probably about five states, six states, from that perspective.
- Relative to psychedelic-assisted therapy, to establish a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within
- The program would create a state-supported pathway for clinical research into certain assisted therapies
- Unfortunately, a lot of folks are getting their peptides from out of state. from out of state.
Keywords:
informed consent, healthcare, medical procedures, patient rights, surgeon general, regulatory review, adult residential care, generators, emergency power, health safety, Louisiana Department of Health, compliance, regulations, child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several health-related bills. SB 113, concerning the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish, was amended with a technical set and reported favorably with amendments after the author explained it would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city. SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities from the definition of food service establishment, was reported favorably. SB 150, allowing LDH to scan and return supporting documents for vital records changes, was also reported favorably. SB 221, which would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for treating patients on scene without transport, drew questions about billing, coding, and implementation but was reported favorably, with members noting it could reduce unnecessary ER use and costs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The program from reaching its full potential.
- of State, so yes.
- Some of them are coming from out of state.
- She stated that they oppose the bill.
- over to assist with executing the search warrant.
Summary:
The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar.
SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims.
The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So basically, we're just going to revise the statute to add those assisted living facilities in the state
- Now, we have had opportunities with other state associations where we were notified of... ...other state
- We have done that in probably about five states, six states, from that perspective.
- Relative to psychedelic-assisted therapy, to establish psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within
- The program would create a state-supported pathway for clinical research into certain assisted therapies
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss.
Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- whether it's a city state federal program services funding is pretty good it's pretty decent the gap
- Our economic assistance program, which supports families, has seen a nearly 50% caseload increase.
- Most cash assistance programs fall under HHS.
- Most cash assistance programs fall under HHS. And at the federal. Programs fall under HHS.
- called by the State Department through resettlement agencies, is direct assistance.
Summary:
The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony.
Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection.
The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.