Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :
Page 159 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- for support.
- You're not only supporting the bill, you are actually supporting those children around their state that
- But I am supportive of working together to do something.
- So with that, I'd encourage folks to support this as it moves through the process and to support the
- So with that, I'd encourage folks to support this as it moves through the process and to support the
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed Judges Day guests and other visitors, and read a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month. Members also made brief introductions of guests and the doctor of the day, Dr. Philip Williams. The chamber then moved through a long Committee of the Whole agenda, taking up numerous bills with committee and floor amendments, most of them receiving do-pass or due-pass recommendations after brief explanations and some debate. Notable discussion included HB 2444, where several members raised concerns about pharmacist-led care, patient safety, and rural health impacts, while the sponsor argued it would expand affordable access to care; HB 2726, which drew comments about a new sleep apnea device and whether it was a vendor-driven proposal; HB 2991, a bipartisan effort to address social media harms to children; and HB 4070, a bill framed as a “corporate death penalty” approach to combat sex trafficking. Other measures addressed kinship placement in child welfare, midwifery oversight, vulnerable adult protections, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans, license plate omnibus language, and county and education-related issues.
After the Committee of the Whole reported, the House adopted the report and assigned measures for engrossing. The chamber then proceeded to third reading votes on several bills. HB 2123, dealing with financial institutions and gold/silver legal tender, failed on a 24-28 vote after an excusal request was granted to one member with a financial conflict. HB 2270, concerning county authority and sheriff’s posse dissolution procedures, passed 50-3. HB 2324, creating a state fire marshal-related provision, passed 53-0, as did HB 2404 on mental health services. HB 2495 on sentencing failed 26-27. HB 2557 on patient records passed 37-16, HB 2574 on traffic violation appeals passed 52-0, HB 2594 on domestic relations and address confidentiality passed 44-9, HB 2611 on child welfare passed 51-0, HB 2681 on the county employee merit system passed 53-0, and HB 2697 also passed 51-0. The session continued into additional votes beyond the excerpt.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As was pointed out earlier, we believe that clarity would ultimately support the department's efforts
- Ongoing strategies and initiatives will continue to support that progress.
- Ongoing strategies and initiatives that will support continued success are the implementation of our
- Oh, excuse me—disabled veteran adaptive housing. I'm sorry, I'm jumping ahead.
- Disabled veteran adaptive housing. I'm sorry, I'm jumping ahead.
Summary:
The committee met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. Members first voted to suspend the 2026 JLARC lodging tax expenditure report for one year, based on staff’s explanation that the report is self-reported, not verified, and less useful than State Auditor accountability audits; the motion passed. The committee also approved renaming the JLARC I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script noting that the performance audit process exists under Initiative 900.
The committee then heard follow-up updates on two prior performance audits. The Department of Health presented a draft strategic management plan in response to findings on hospital inspections, complaints, adverse event review, and hospital data access. JLARC staff reiterated that 72% of hospital inspections were late, that DOH did not verify third-party inspection standards or review adverse event reports, and that complaint data suggested possible language-access barriers. DOH said it concurred with the recommendations, had improved on-time inspection compliance to about 49%, planned annual updates starting in July 2026, and would work on accreditation oversight, complaint-language access, and data accessibility, though members pressed for firmer deadlines and questioned the three-year timeline for language access improvements.
The Liquor and Cannabis Board also reported on its cannabis market study recommendation. JLARC staff said the agency’s data were incomplete and unreliable, limiting oversight of production, recalls, tax collection, and diversion. LCB said it had improved its current CCRS system but still relied on self-reported data, and it presented a decision package for a new traceability system estimated at about $9 million over three fiscal years. LCB described a plant-tagging and serialization approach tied to production, processing, testing, and retail, but acknowledged it did not currently have sufficient staff to fully implement the system without additional funding.
The committee also received briefings on JLARC’s recommendation-tracking tools and the 2024 public records reporting summary, including a high-level review of agency response rates, request volumes, costs, and litigation. Finally, JLARC presented the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, concluding that OPDP meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but that its mandate should be updated to better match its current capacity and focus; the committee adopted the report for distribution. The meeting then moved into the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, where JLARC staff summarized nine reviews and noted that the Citizens Commission on Tax Preference and Performance Measurement endorsed all 17 legislative auditor recommendations, with comments on seven. Early reviews discussed included natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior centers, disabled veteran adaptive housing, and trade convention attendance, with staff and commissioners generally recommending continuation of some preferences, modification of others, and improved objectives or performance measures where needed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-01 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's why I'll be supporting this bill today. Additional debate.
- I don't remember any statewide elected official who supported us.
- , people with disabilities, adults, just anybody.
- I will support this today. I will support this in this state today. But I'm simply saying.
- For your favorable support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of member introductions recognizing interns, pages, volunteers, and the retirement of Pastor Gary Austin from the sergeant’s office. Leadership also announced that budget talks with the House were continuing and that senators would not need to plan on being in next week, suggesting progress toward a budget framework. After routine floor business, the chamber took up a major third-reading measure on citizen initiatives and several education bills, followed later by returning messages from the House on health and school-safety measures.
The most extensive debate centered on the citizen initiative bill, which sponsors said was intended to protect the constitutional amendment process from fraud and abuse based on election-crime investigations and a large state report on petition fraud. Supporters argued the bill would add reasonable guardrails, prevent misuse of public funds, and preserve integrity while still allowing grassroots participation. Opponents from both parties argued it would make citizen-led amendments much harder by adding costs, deadlines, criminal penalties, and administrative burdens that would chill participation and favor wealthy or corporate interests. After lengthy debate, the Senate voted 28-10 to pass the bill.
The chamber then passed several education measures with little or no opposition, including bills tied to Bright Futures, dual enrollment, Florida ABLE, teacher preparation, and other education policy updates, all by 38-0. Later, the Senate concurred in House amendments on a stem cell therapy bill, an EKG requirement for student athletes, and a cardiac emergency bill, each passing 37-0. The House also sent back a school safety bill with amendments affecting child care facility partnerships with law enforcement, temporary door locks during active assailant incidents, supervision windows, and funding for panic alarm systems; the transcript ends as that bill is being explained.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 4, 2025, 9:00 AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:39:21.400><c> the</c> supporting this bill or supporting the supporting this bill or supporting
- I rise in support.
- I support this and reaffirm my support for this bill to help our charter schools.
- I rise in support.
- I rise in support. Please... Madam Speaker, I rise in support. Please proceed.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The appointment of Olivia May Assuncion as a member of the Commission on Disability Access.
- All right, seeing nobody else here in support. Is there anybody in opposition?
- I have my husband, Anton, who supports me in everything.
- We support her 100%. Thank you.
- Natasha Minsker, Smart Justice California, very happy to support Sarah Larson.
Committee:
Senate Rules
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill has received bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- who benefit from the support of local ARC chapters.
- In that spirit and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully urge your support for H.R. 23.
- In that spirit and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully urge your support for HR 23.
- I rise in support of H.R. 23 on behalf of the Republican Caucus, which supports a secure southern border
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode.
On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in strong support of HB 1682. in strong support of HB 1682.
- But it would be very beneficial for our workforce development to support not only people with disabilities
- But it would be very beneficial for our workforce development to support not only people with disabilities
- But it would be very beneficial for our workforce development to support not only people with disabilities
- But it would be very beneficial for our workforce development to support not only people with disabilities
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments.
HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states.
HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- This sort of advocacy and support.
- And the public clearly supports it.
- The BTU supports RCV.
- This was enthusiastically supported and continues to be supported by Senator Comerford and Representative
- And the select board supported it then, and I expect even stronger support today.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy.
A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay.
Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development May 31st, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Revenue and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And we need to support this bill. Thank you. Thank you for that.
- Is there anyone in support in Carson City? Seeing no support?
- Is there anyone in support in Carson City? Seeing no support. Is there anyone in Vegas? See no one?
- Go to the phone line for anyone in support. Thank you, Chair.
- So I have four in support and I have Senator Stone with one nay.
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Economic Development
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> solidify the black electorate support solidify the black electorate support for<00:10:28.000><c>
- They don't meet the Disabilities Act, you know, just the act of disability.
- Americans with<01:31:29.360><c> Disability</c><01:31:30.000><c> Act</c> with Disability Act with Disability
- </c> with the American Disability Act. with the American Disability Act.
- I’m going to support your bill and I’m going to vote for your bill. All right.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group.
During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child.
The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures.
On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yet as Texans, we cannot support legislation that treats people any less than human beings.
- I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Right on Crime and we are in support of SJR 5.
- We know that over 2,000 people with disabilities are currently awaiting trial in jail for over 600 days
- with, well, more appropriate care for people with disabilities.
- Navy veteran and my husband was a disabled Navy veteran who was honorably discharged after 20 years of
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Jun 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It supports the contribution rate-setting process for the 2027–29 biennium.
- budget stability in case there is a market downturn that will recur. ...supports budget stability in
- It's a special category of disability benefits.
- It's a special category of disability benefits that's not available for most of the plans.
- Disability and survivor benefits and options are the same for both plans.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the students to whom you would like to support.
- The soft away and fully supported him.
- </c><02:10:46.320><c> its</c> Association and I would support its Association and I would support its
- activities. agencies, and other stateup supported agencies, and other stateup supported activities.<
- House Bill 708, to child support.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications. The Senate reported passage of Senate Bills 52 and 124, and several House committees reported favorable action on bills including HB 1, HB 2, HB 94, HB 246, HB 282, HB 299, HB 307, HB 519, HB 613, and HB 648. Most of those measures were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar; HB 1 and HB 307 were sent to the Rules Committee after having had two previous readings. The House then recessed briefly before returning to the orders of the day.
The chamber took up HB 568, relating to public adjusters. The sponsor explained that the bill would prohibit new public adjuster licenses, allow current licensees to renew, impose conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, set a 5% fee cap, and bar public adjusters from negotiating claims, citing consumer protection concerns and legal opinions about the practice of law. After debate and a brief explanation of vote from a member citing local storm-related abuses, the House voted on roll call and passed HB 568 with one nay vote.
The House then considered HB 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program. Supporters said it would allow private donations to scholarship-granting organizations to benefit Kentucky students without using state general funds, and argued it could help public, private, and homeschool families with education-related expenses. Opponents criticized the speed of the process, warned it could open the door to vouchers and charters, and argued it would mainly benefit wealthier donors while public schools remain underfunded. Members also questioned the bill’s waiver of 11th Amendment immunity and received explanations that the waiver was limited to federal-court jurisdiction over the federal program and would not create individual liability for state actors. A motion to table the bill failed with 19 votes in favor, and debate continued.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (01/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So we currently support a little over 130 applications in the department across all of the different
- About six years ago, actually, our applications were closer to 200 applications that we supported, so
- About six years ago, actually, our applications were closer to 200 applications that we supported, so
- What is the interface for how we support vulnerable adults, as well as our aging and disability resource
- </c><00:53:59.799><c> um</c> interface for how we support um interface for how we support um vulnerable
Summary:
The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses.
Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze.
Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors.
The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> services</c><00:59:46.400><c> and</c><00:59:46.599><c> support</c><00:59:47.240><c> support</c>
- choose the services and support support choose the services and support support that<00:59:48.359><c>
- My daughter Lexi is a 15-year-old spunky teen with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities,
- </c> I am it's very hard for me to support I am it's very hard for me to support any<02:31:33.600><c>
- Appreciate your support.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/31/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I respectfully ask you to support HB 2615.
- We can do this; we just need support.
- First of all, this I-11 project has bipartisan support, and the segmentation has bipartisan support.
- Has bipartisan support.
- I support this bill. I support this bill strongly for several reasons.
Bills:
HB2014 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2165 , HB2202 , HB2305 , HB2321 , HB2399 , HB2403 , HB2416 , HB2418 , HB2446 , HB2601 , HB2615 , HB2620 , HB2812 , HB2939 , HB2940 , HB2955 , HB2957 , HB2960 , HB2992 , HB4026 , HB4049
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety, traffic laws, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, veterans, state parks, admission fees, military exemption, recreation access
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:25.279><c> families</c> looking at ways to support families looking at ways to support families
- Waterford was a vendor that provided the support. Waterford was a vendor that provided the support.
- </c> supported it and I think that we support supported it and I think that we support their<00:34:04.919
- </c> New Hampshire can continue to support New Hampshire can continue to support and<05:26:32.840><c>
- </c><05:26:42.798><c> in</c> million of State operating support in million of State operating support
Summary:
The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call.
The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work.
Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- categories that tend to be disability categories that tend to be more more more expensive expensive
- And I think we do need to look at what are early interventions looking like, what is support at home
- being taxed all the time to support our schools.
- being taxed all the time to support our schools.
- all the time to support our schools.
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate your support.
- Rochelle Dugge, President, in support, do not wish to speak.
- It is all self-run, peer-supported.
- I respectfully urge your support. Thank you.
- housing, non-permanent supportive housing, self-housing, family reunification, or Veterans Affairs supportive
Bills:
HB414 , HB457 , HB475 , HB611 , HB616 , HB740 , HB897 , HB925 , HB926 , HB931 , HB949 , HB962 , HB1076
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Keywords:
healthcare, criminal convictions, employment, background checks, prohibited offenses, consent, recording, artificial intelligence, patient rights, pregnancy help centers, healthcare services, licensure, Department of Health, medical services, counseling, regulatory compliance, public health, healthcare data, privacy, pregnancy services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Aug 28th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a support support bill. Secretary, please read.
- Both are support support. Secretary, please re-fire item.
- This bill addresses this problem, it's a support to support bill, and I respect for that vote. support
- support.
- Senator Valadares moves a call continuing with support support items.