Transcript Highlights:

• All right, that is it for my questions on this item.
• needed, they could always add the... ...program right now.
• Is that right? At the UCLA campus only, yes, since 2011.
• Funding here, funding there, and we're right on. It looks good.
• So we'll dive right in.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And do you reserve your right to close.
• So those are the parameters for disabled veterans.
• And then they manage those, right?
• All right. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir.
• We recognize the right to close, ma'am.

Bills: HCR7 , HB1557 , HB1608 , HB2061 , HB2201 , HB2210 , HB2426 , HB2754 , HJR165 , HB2513 , HCR7

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County

Transcript Highlights:

• Right, right.
• All right. All right. Let the fun begin. Sounds good.
• All right. All right, everyone is all set. Representative, yeah, you good? All right, thank you.
• We have a goal of four, right? We still have that goal. All right. All right.
• All right. All right. It goes from a deadline to a goal, huh? All right.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held an FY27 Health and Human Services budget hearing in Mattapan, hosted at the Boston Public Library branch. Chairs Lydia Edwards and Russell Holmes, along with Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing ever in Mattapan and highlighted the importance of bringing state budget deliberations into a majority-Black neighborhood. Several legislators introduced themselves as they joined, and the committee noted that public testimony was not part of the format, though agencies were invited to discuss priorities and challenges. MassAbility opened the agency testimony. Leadership described the agency’s mission to support people with disabilities through employment, training, home and community life services, and disability determination. They said Governor Healey’s FY27 budget funds MassAbility at $93.3 million, a 1% reduction from FY26, and explained that the agency is responding to federal funding uncertainty and shifting program needs by redesigning services internally. Members questioned a proposed $1.3 million reduction to the Home Care Program, staffing changes, and whether services could be maintained with fewer resources. MassAbility said it was reviewing data on who uses the program, that it does not provide nursing or personal care, and that it is working with a transition plan and a working group. The agency also discussed federal uncertainty around vocational rehabilitation funding and said it had received delayed federal awards but remained in contact with national associations and federal partners. The testimony included a personal story from a participant, Joshua Corcoran, to illustrate the impact of services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing testified next, requesting $11.27 million, about a 6% increase over FY26. The commission said it serves about 1.4 million residents and focuses on communication access in health care, courts, public safety, and other public systems. It highlighted interpreter and captioner workforce shortages, a mentorship program to expand the provider pool, and a modernized referral platform funded through capital contingency money. Members asked about interpreter availability, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL access for students and families, and training for police and emergency responders. The commission said staffing remains limited, especially for after-hours services, but that it is expanding training, school outreach, and partnerships with DCF and other agencies. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind then presented its FY27 budget request of $30.8 million. The commissioner said the agency serves nearly 9,000 legally blind residents, provides training and peer support, and placed 190 consumers in competitive integrated employment this year. It also described services for older adults, vocational rehabilitation, and the Turning 22 program for young adults with additional disabilities. Members raised concerns about a 7% cut from the prior year and asked how the agency could maintain services; the commissioner said the agency had no waiting list, had trimmed overhead, and could manage the budget through internal efficiencies and strong partnerships. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the session, describing expanded legal and support services for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative, citizenship and financial literacy programs, and the Family Welcome Center in Mattapan. Members asked about federal funding losses and the structure of the new legal services program; ORI said FY26 funding is stable but FY27 federal cuts remain uncertain, and that the legal program uses a centralized intake system with priority for emergencies and first-come, first-served access.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, let's do that right now. Go right ahead. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• We have a duty to uphold proper standards for our disabled kids so all children may enjoy their right
• We have a duty to uphold proper standards for our disabled kids so all children may enjoy their right
• disabled Ki as a rough example a $2,000 disabled Ki as a rough example a $2,000 swing<01:08:14.640><c
• Kiki so all children may enjoy disabled Kiki so all children may enjoy their<01:08:35.920><c> right<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Working with the stakeholders, both educators, our teachers, our paraprofessionals, and Disability Rights
• Right. Yeah.
• All right.
• I'm Andrea Cadleck with Disability Rights Washington, asking for support.
• Right now, we know in the budget situation, we've got challenges, right?

Summary: The committee opened by explaining that several bills had been removed from the agenda because the Senate must physically possess a bill before holding a public hearing. The chair said the missing bills would be rescheduled for Tuesday. The committee then waived the five-day notice rule for considering substitute House Bills 1705 and 32010, and proceeded to hear substitute House Bill 2219 and substitute House Bill 1795. House Bill 2219, on child care operational efficiency, would allow longer mixed-age ratio periods in child care centers, waive repeat DCYF orientation requirements in certain cases when staff have recently completed the same training, and require licensing standards to include a zero-tolerance policy for imminent physical harm involving high-potency synthetic opioids and related drug residue or paraphernalia. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would help child care providers manage staffing shortages, take breaks, and reduce duplicative licensing burdens. Testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates and providers describing the bill as a low-cost way to improve retention and flexibility. Questions focused on how the fentanyl language would apply to prescribed medications. House Bill 1795 would narrow and update state law on restraint and isolation in public schools and other public educational programs. The bill prohibits mechanical and chemical restraints and restraints that restrict breathing or blood flow, bars planned isolation in IEPs and 504 plans, limits planned restraint to cases with parent request and medical necessity, and prohibits new construction or remodeling of spaces intended primarily for student isolation. Supporters, including disability advocates, educators, school psychologists, principals, and state education groups, said the bill is a needed step toward reducing trauma and disproportionality and cited demonstration sites showing reductions in restraint and isolation. Some educators and paraeducators raised concerns about staffing, training, and what tools remain available in crisis situations, while others asked for future work on professional development and resources. No vote was taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• disabled.
• All right. Thank you.
• All right. Thank you. All right, thank you. Okay. What are you moving to next?
• All right. There we are. All right.
• All right. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the pages. So we have Rita? Is that right now? Oh, Amelia. Sorry. Yes, Amelia.
• All right, thanks, Chair. Members, are there any questions? All right, thank you, Chair.
• All right, members, you've heard the motion. All right, members, you've heard the motion.
• All right. Are there any questions for President Haney? Seeing none. All right.
• All right. Are there any questions for President Haney? Seeing none. All right.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the Disability Rights Center and NAMI New Hampshire have worked with him on the amendment at
• </c> the Disability Rights Center and NAMI the Disability Rights Center and NAMI New<00:31:22.480><c>
• disabilities disabilities and<00:39:34.520><c> which</c><00:39:34.720><c> affect</c><00:39:35.040><c
• All right, with that I'm going to ask the clerk to call the roll.
• All right, with that I'm going Agreed.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 409 in executive session, with the chair noting a caucus break to explain amendments to several substitute members. Members discussed a proposed amendment to narrow the bill’s felony provisions by limiting them to specific, knowingly dangerous conduct rather than making the offense too broad. The committee also noted a planned floor amendment to add missing “or” language to clarify that the listed acts were alternatives, not cumulative requirements. The amendment was adopted 13-0, and the bill as amended was then reported OTPA by a 13-0 vote. It was initially said to be headed to consent, but members later agreed it would not go on consent because a floor amendment was anticipated. The committee then opened House Bill 667, which would extend protections for medical personnel into emergency room settings. Supporters said the bill was needed because emergency room staff face increasing assaults and existing protections did not fully cover ER circumstances. Several members described firsthand or secondhand incidents involving nurses, EMTs, and other staff being threatened or injured, and argued that stronger penalties would help deter violence and improve prosecution. Others supported the bill but raised concerns about how it might affect people experiencing mental health crises, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. A proposed amendment from Representative Sher would exempt people experiencing a mental health crisis who have a mental health diagnosis, and also address dementia and certain developmental disabilities. Supporters said the amendment was narrowly tailored and had backing from the Disability Rights Center, NAMI New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Nurses Association. Opponents argued that the criminal justice system already has safeguards such as prosecutorial discretion, insanity defenses, and competency rules, and warned against creating special exceptions that could weaken equal application of the law. After debate, the committee voted 10-3 to report HB 667 ought to pass, with members noting that minority and majority reports would be prepared.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a technical fix to make sure we have the right effective date for the bill.
• Just a technical fix to make sure we have the right effective date for the bill.
• And if those of you who know her story, she has a child with a disability.
• And if you would please raise your right hand to be sworn in as a witness.
• I mean, people are dynamic, thank goodness, right?

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to look to try to help right the system for those folks as well.
• Experience in your insight and position on duty disability, which made the difference.
• The duty disability.
• Because when we do have someone go on duty disability, that cost is borne, the healthcare cost.
• Politics and for doing right by the constituents of Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right.
• All right.
• All right.
• Is that right? That's right. All right.
• Right. All right.

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted. A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right. Thoroughly.<00:39:58.800><c> Right.
• Right. But I do know that I Thoroughly. Right.
• </c> Voting Rights Act. Voting Rights Act.
• You cannot cherrypick disabilities. disabilities. disabilities.
• Um, House Bill 1040, Sterilization Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and then House Bill 1042, dry

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Disabilities, APD, has had extreme struggles addressing the developmental disability population's extensive
• It's all dependent on what it's funded at, right?
• Laura Minutello with Disability Rights Florida, here for information only. Hello.
• I think we're in the right posture. Sure. All right. Show the amendment adopted.
• Right?

Summary: The Budget Committee took up six bills. HB 313 passed unanimously and was reported favorably; it exempts vehicles or motorcycles displaying the Purple Heart specialty license plate from paying tolls on Florida facilities. HB 749 also passed and was reported favorably; it extends benefits to firefighters injured during training exercises. CS/HB 1103 passed and was reported favorably; it addresses APD’s developmental disability waitlist by increasing transparency, creating statewide family care councils, expanding the existing pilot program statewide on a phased timeline, and improving coordination for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Testimony on HB 1103 focused on the long waitlist, the need for more provider capacity and support coordinators, and concerns from Disability Rights Florida about moving too quickly without enough data, while supporters argued the current system is not working and families need access to services now. HB 1097 passed after a unanimous amendment removing an appropriation; it creates a premier academic insurance research center at Florida State University to conduct applied insurance and catastrophic risk research, with members discussing the transition from FIU and noting continued collaboration. HB 1309 passed and was reported favorably; it requires evidence-based reading interventions for K-2 students with reading deficiencies and creates a reading coaches program for grades 4-12. Supporters from education and business groups appeared in favor. CS/HB 433 also passed and was reported favorably, though it drew the most debate. The bill requires agencies to review existing rules and guidance documents for consistency with legislative intent, repromulgate rules over time, and report licensing metrics. Members raised concerns about possible duplication of work, staffing needs, and cost, while the sponsor and supporters argued agencies should already be doing this and that the bill would reduce unnecessary regulation and improve accountability. The committee then adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• You've gotten a lot of them right, and I think I've gotten a lot of them right too.
• You haven't gotten them all right, and neither have I. But this is an opportunity to make it right.
• Yes, it came from the Trueblood plaintiff counsel, myself and my co-counsel, including Disability Rights
• All right. Good evening for the record.
• That's right. Okay, Will, one last call here. All right.

Bills: SB5998

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> living facility lensure and disability living facility lensure and disability um<00:12:03.839><c
• All right.
• All right.
• All right.
• All<00:37:36.880><c> right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a plus, right?
• That was the basis of the civil rights movement, right?
• Right. So what does that look like that cannot be done right now?
• All right, you ready? All right, good afternoon. Well, it is afternoon now.
• , transportation, immigrant rights, housing, disability justice, academic achievement, and so many more

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you're absolutely right.
• Conrad Crump with Disability Rights California, in opposition. Thank you. Anna...
• I have one in the pool of 260 right now. I have one in the pool of 260 right now.
• Conrad Crump with Disability Rights California, on behalf of all of the students in the state with disabilities
• Conrad Crump with Disability Rights, California, on behalf of all of the students in the state with disabilities

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Disability Rights Center in support. H Therapy and support. G. Yuda, are you present?
• Liserer Kawaii Disability Rights Center in support. Thank you, Senator.
• Next we have Liserer Kawaii Disability Rights Center in support. Thank you, Senator.
• Hawaii Disability Rights Center, in support. Kirby Shaw, DCAB, in support.
• </c><00:58:45.000><c> rights</c> support um Hawaii disability rights support um Hawaii disability rights

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Quite well was kind of work like the CEO and the XO, right?
• If you look on page 10 to the right-hand side, what is it that we do?
• All right. So that's that one.
• We represent veterans to file disability claims with. The U.S.
• right overlooking Town Lake.

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > to</c> ownership rights or control rights to ownership rights or control rights to work<00:32:53.200
• Disabilities Act.
• Disabilities Act.
• All right, did it right down. So, thank you so much.
• </c><01:09:05.199><c> so</c> anyone all right did it right down so anyone all right did it right down

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on February 4, 2025, for decision making on previously heard measures, then later held hearings on additional bills. Early action focused on several measures that were amended and advanced, including SB 161 on state project exemptions from county permitting, which was heavily revised to allow programmatic or project-specific agreements with counties, require public reporting of exempted projects, and create a working group to study broader permitting and construction coordination issues. The committee also advanced SB 635 on energy efficiency with changes shifting survey leadership to the Hawaii State Energy Office, SB 700 on resilience hubs after narrowing it to focus on emergency-service-capable hubs and removing distributed energy language, SB 869 on community outreach boards with a technical amendment, SB 1081 on a legislative budget office by converting it to a feasibility study, SB 711 on gubernatorial appointments with a salary threshold change, SB 405 on neighborhood board agendas with a committee-report note about OIP concerns, SB 381 with privacy issues deferred to Judiciary, SB 2 as a two-year pilot for fruit tree planting in selected districts, SB 239 on disaster preparedness with sheltering revisions, and SB 998 as introduced with a cost estimate for site selection work. Several measures were deferred or not advanced, including SB 615, which was deferred indefinitely, SB 1132, which the chair said would be set aside in favor of another childcare bill, and SB 111, which was not taken up further because of confusion during an earlier hearing. During the later hearing portion, SB 1175 on procurement drew testimony from the State Procurement Office, which supported the bill but corrected its estimated database revision cost from $7,500 to $30,000; the Department of Transportation also appeared, while the General Contractors Association submitted opposition. Committee members questioned whether the past-performance database should include more detailed quality information and whether a one-year post-completion review would be useful, but no amendment was adopted at that time. SB 1587 on retainage received written support from the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and no opposition in the room. SB 1543 on government accountability, which would require justification for outside consultants and cap consultant spending, drew opposition from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii, which argued it could slow procurement, reduce flexibility, and worsen delays given existing vacancies and limited in-house expertise. The Public First Law Center supported the related transparency bill discussed in the hearing, arguing it would close a loophole by making contractor-created records used in government functions subject to disclosure under UIPA, while the Attorney General’s office opposed it. The transcript ends with that testimony still underway, and no final vote is shown for the later hearing bills.