Video & Transcript : 'disability benefits' :

Page 17 of 500
ND
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • language that was previously put in about applying for federal funds and providing that additional benefit
Bills: HB1329
Committee: Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Keywords: government spending database, public expenditure transparency, open data, government transparency, school district spending, state spending, local government finance, education finance, budget database, expenditure reporting, salary transparency, benefits data, public records, Legislative Management study, North Dakota, school board training, superintendent, principal, business manager, higher education spending
Summary: The Education Division met with all members present and first took up House Bill 1329, which would create a transparency database and website for school spending information. Senator Schaible offered Amendment 0204 to turn the bill into a study, citing concerns that the proposal would impose major data-collection burdens on 168 school districts, require new data standards and privacy protections, and likely cost far more than the $500,000 in the bill. Several members supported transparency but agreed the implementation costs and technical feasibility were unclear. The committee adopted the amendment 4-1, then passed HB 1329 as amended on a 5-0 vote, with Senator Shively to carry the bill. The committee then discussed House Bill 1540, the education savings account/voucher bill. Representatives from the Bank of North Dakota and the Department of Public Instruction explained that they had not been consulted on the original drafting and outlined needed administrative changes, including clarifying the Bank as administrator, using a third-party program manager, involving DPI in rulemaking, adding audit and appeal procedures, and adjusting language on eligible purchases and school disqualification. They also said the current timeline was likely too aggressive to launch by the 2026-27 school year and estimated the program would require about 15 months to implement, with a fiscal note now around $5.1 million. Members also discussed policy-related amendments on means testing and application timing. Senator Shively proposed a 300% of poverty-level means test and a sign-up period to reduce costs and limit open-ended enrollment, while Senator Axman proposed a tiered approach that would keep all students technically eligible but phase in funding levels by income, preserving access for students who qualify for other federal supports. DPI said it could not currently disaggregate some data by family income and that the appeal process and procurement timeline still needed work. The committee did not move HB 1540 out that morning and instead recessed to continue discussion later after members had time to review the administrative and fiscal issues separately from the means-testing proposals.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am currently the co-chair of the pensions and benefits committee. and then we can move on.
  • of the pen currently the co-chair of the pen pensions<00:02:46.879><c> and</c><00:02:47.120><c> benefits
  • </c> continue coverage, but my disability continue coverage, but my disability would<00:27:02.000><c>
  • of the committee more for the benefit of the committee and<00:32:19.279><c> then</c><00:32:19.440><c
  • Services that we provide and that growth, in addition to the cost pressures like insurance benefits,
Bills: HF1151 , HF1239 , HF1240 , HF2020 , HF2514 , HF2515 , HF2451
Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy
Keywords: Compensation Council, salaries, state officials, judicial compensation, legislative process, public funds, misuse, law enforcement, accountability, state government, legislative auditor, compliance, transparency, retirement benefits, health insurance, dependents, state employees, Medicare, legislative studies, government oversight
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Children and Families Finance and Policy

OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Apr 6th, 2026 at 10:30 am

A&B Education Subcommittee

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Veteran Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This option has numerous benefits, including streamlining access to military-related exemptions or benefits
  • This option has numerous benefits, including streamlining access to military-related exemptions or benefits
  • And I would put that in the disability column.
  • Even if they're not disabled or deemed disabled, they still have that discrimination for fear that they
  • are having a disability.
Bills: SB2007 , SB2104 , SB2543 , SB2545 , SB2926 , SB2938
Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs
Keywords: military status, vehicle registration, veterans, Texas transportation, state records, discrimination, employment rights, spouses of service members, labor code, SB 2543, Texas veterans cemeteries, state veterans cemetery, Texas Veterans Commission, Veterans Land Board, Natural Resources Code, veterans land fund, veterans housing assistance fund, veterans burial, burial eligibility, cemetery location
Summary: The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills focused on veterans’ mental health, criminal justice coordination, cemetery expansion, housing, vehicle registration, and anti-discrimination protections. SB 2926 would transfer administration of veterans’ mental health initiatives from HHSC to the Texas Veterans Commission, create a community-based mental health grant program, require a statewide veteran suicide prevention action plan, and add annual reporting requirements. SB 2938 would require county jails to verify and report veteran status at intake, help veteran inmates apply for federal benefits, and provide access to county veteran services and free visitation with service coordinators. Both bills were described as joint or practical efforts to improve coordination and service delivery for veterans, and both were left pending after no public testimony was offered. The committee also heard SB 2543, which would give more flexibility to expand the Texas veterans cemetery system, and SB 2545, which would explore using manufactured homes as another affordable housing option for veterans through the Veterans Land Board. SB 2545 drew questions about how manufactured-home loans would work; a Texas Veterans Land Board witness said implementation would likely require closing at a title company rather than through a retail bill of sale, and the Texas Manufactured Housing Association testified in support. Both cemetery and housing bills were left pending. Members then heard SB 2007, which would let vehicle registration applicants voluntarily designate military status so the DMV could record it and help with benefits and towing/impound issues involving deployed service members. Witnesses from the towing industry and DMV supported the bill, saying the current system lacks enough identifying information to run military-status checks and that the indicator could help prevent vehicles from being sold while owners are deployed. SB 2104 would add military status as a protected class under state anti-discrimination laws for employment, housing, and utilities; the author said it would address ongoing discrimination against service members, veterans, and military families. The Texas VFW supported the bill, citing the Leroy Torres case as an example of why additional state protections are needed. After discussion about overlap with federal law and existing state protections, SB 2104 was also left pending.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 25th, 2025

Human Services

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Omnibus energy bill, HF2442, amended in House Ways and Means Committee 4/24/25

Ways and Means

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 4/24/25

Ways and Means

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • He has a form of cancer, and the clinic, the doctor, did not want to write him a note for a disability
  • </c> write him a a note for a disability write him a a note for a disability certificate<00:13:58.399
  • Uh, one of those have a disability.
  • And cracking down on these drivers benefits almost everyone.
  • There's innumerable benefits that come along with having insurance.
Bills: HF3131 , HF3436 , HF3106 , HF3241 , HF3531
Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords: cancer, disability, parking certificates, transportation, state law, school bus, schoolchildren, student safety, traffic safety, stop arm, flashing red lights, amber lights, passing a school bus, 20 feet, vehicle stopping distance, driver duties, school transportation, Minnesota traffic law, school bus law, bus stop signal
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/26/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Transcript Highlights:
  • it came around in the 1970s, and we started noticing that there was toxicity and negative health benefits
  • They show up every day, deal with subpar benefits sometimes, and I don't think it's acceptable at all
  • They show up every day, deal with subpar benefits sometimes, and I don't think it's acceptable at all
  • You are talking about the law enforcement that benefits northern Arizona, the state of Arizona.
  • And as much as I am very supportive of helping out the disability community as much as I absolutely can
Bills: HB2207 , HB2225 , HB2602 , HB2641
Committee: House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Keywords: braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, HB 2225, Yavapai County, northern Arizona regional training academy, training academy, public safety training, law enforcement training, police academy, first responder training, capital appropriation, state general fund, state treasurer, lapsing appropriation, section 35-190, capital costs, regional training facility
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • What this bill does, currently in Alabama, if you're a veteran and you're 1% disabled, you're exempt
  • Absolutely. you're a veteran and you're 1% disabled, you're a veteran and you're 1% disabled, [clears
Bills: HB131 , HB77 , HB131 , HB77
Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs
Keywords: Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, diversity, government oversight, Sunset Law, congressional districts, HB77, absentee voting, absentee ballot, disabled voter, disability accommodation, voter assistance, ballot delivery, ballot application, designee, caregiver, election manager, vote by mail, mail ballot, ballot harvesting, voter access
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Mike Limbaugh, and I am a 60% disabled veteran and also an ATV enthusiast.
  • Many disabled veterans rely on ATVs as a means of mobility and access to the outdoors.
  • Many disabled veterans find healing and camaraderie through ATV riding and recreation.
  • disabled veterans.
  • I urge you to support 12. 25 in pass this important legislation for the benefit of Minnesota disabled
Bills: HF1355 , HF78 , HF1846 , HF1225
Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 23rd, 2026 at 08:00 am

Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • The assignment of benefits transfers insurance claim rights and benefits to that third party.
  • This process of assigning benefits, when a policyholder signs away their benefits under the policy to
  • benefits.
  • benefits.
  • So, for the benefit of the consumer...
Bills: HB2428 , HB2399 , HB2087
Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency
KY
KY

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (12-17-25)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> restrictions for mental health benefits restrictions for mental health benefits that<00:08:08.600
  • in the benefits inside to modernize<00:17:56.560><c> those.
  • 21:40.240><c> will</c><00:21:40.360><c> still</c> whether those benefits will still whether those benefits
  • ><c> get</c><00:21:44.480><c> more</c> benefit will be you'll get more benefit will be you'll get more
  • </c> that were part of the PIP benefits that were part of the PIP benefits because<00:25:19.840><c> it
Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:38 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:01:34 Proposed Legislation for the 2026 Session 00:10:14 Basic and Added Reparation (PIP) Benefits 00:10:41 Prior Authorization 00:46:15 Measures to Strengthen Kentucky’s Economic Infrastructure 00:59:46, 958, all
Summary: The committee met in a special-called session of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance and first took up three Department of Insurance regulations tied to House Bill 256, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program: 806 KAR 22:00, 22:10, and 22:20. Commissioner Sharon Clark said the program would provide $5 million in grants to help homeowners strengthen roofs, with regulations covering eligibility and operations, contractors and evaluators, and reinspections in cases of suspected fraud. A committee substitute to 806 KAR 22:10 was explained as a technical correction to conform to the statutory preference for in-state contractors and evaluators. Representative Hampton moved and Representative Rudy seconded approval of the substitute, and it was adopted by voice vote; the amended regulations were then reviewed. Clark also said the grant money would be distributed statewide rather than targeted to storm-prone areas. The committee then heard an update from Commissioner Clark on mental health parity in response to questions from Representative Pollock. Clark said the department reviews insurer filings and conducts market conduct examinations, but does not have authority over provider reimbursement rates or to require providers to join insurer networks. She said complaints are investigated and, when needed, teams review claims and data on site to check compliance with parity requirements. No action was taken on that discussion. After approving the November 4 meeting minutes, the committee heard testimony on a proposed PIP reform package from Representative Josh Bray, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, and State Farm. Supporters said the bill would apply the workers’ compensation fee schedule to most PIP medical claims, keep the $10,000 PIP limit in place while stretching benefits further, reduce balance billing, modernize benefit amounts, and address fraud and delayed billing. They noted hospitals would be exempt from the fee schedule, while hospital-based physical therapy would be included, and said the compromise reflected negotiations among stakeholders. Some members questioned whether exempting hospitals undercut the bill’s purpose and asked about possible rate effects; proponents said they had not done a rate analysis and that the bill could lead to more treatments within the existing PIP limit. No vote was taken on the PIP proposal during this meeting.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Retirement and Government Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • that no benefits can be given out without being paid for.
  • I don't want benefits for current firefighters, which is fine.
  • So, I'm all for benefits.
  • The bill increases the retirement benefits to 2.5% vice the 2%.
  • And become employees and get all the benefits over time.
Bills: SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716
Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords: retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Feb 17th, 2026

Retirement and Government Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so somebody's got to pay for those benefits that are out there.
  • The fact is these benefits do need to be paid for.
  • So I'm all for benefits.
  • So I'm all for benefits.
  • The bill increases retirement benefits to 2.5% versus 2%.
Bills: SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716
Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords: retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles
Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources considered a series of retirement, pension, and state employee bills. Senate Bill 1870 would let small municipalities in OPERS with populations of 2,000 or less opt out for new employees; members questioned the fiscal impact and the bill passed 8-0 after the chair struck the title to get a clearer actuarial analysis. Senate Bill 1722 passed 9-0 and would require OMES construction contract fees to be based only on construction costs, not interior design and furnishings, with members discussing how to define those terms and whether historical or specialized projects could still be accommodated. Senate Bill 1639 passed 9-0 after an amendment removed provisions affecting the Indian Education Act commission, leaving a bill to repeal several dormant boards and commissions. The committee also passed Senate Bills 715 and 716, which would increase municipal contributions to firefighter and police pensions, respectively; members raised concerns about city budgets, and the sponsor said he was open to phasing in the increases. Senate Bill 182 passed 5-2 to add certain DHS Inspector General officers and OJA residential care specialists to hazardous duty retirement, and Senate Bill 609 passed 7-0 to allow police recruits to buy up to five years of prior out-of-state service credit as a recruitment tool. The committee then passed Senate Bill 169 5-2 to increase state employee longevity pay by 50%, with supporters citing high turnover and opponents warning about budget pressure and the need for broader raises. Senate Bill 134 passed 7-0 to shorten the waiting period for county employees to return to work from one year to six months. Senate Bill 432 passed 6-0 to raise volunteer firefighter pension benefits, and because it was double-assigned it would next go to Appropriations. Senate Bill 1407 passed 7-0 after an amendment requiring OMES to provide the Commission on the Status of Women an itemized accounting of funds; the bill generally clarifies staffing and financial reporting authority for the commission. Finally, Senate Bill 2039 passed 8-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill to military personnel who are also teachers and defining salary for buyback purposes; the sponsor said the measure would help service members return to teaching and buy back up to five years of credit. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1356 7-0, a broader OMES cleanup bill moving certain functions elsewhere, though members flagged concerns about relocating the state use program and the pay-for-success fund and suggested further study on those sections.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am

A&B Education Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill doesn't ask you to create a new benefit.
  • I mean, isn't the problem Here, we're going to give benefits to students without the accountability that's
  • The Oklahoma Promise is a tremendous program benefiting so many students in our great state who want
  • I've talked to, 90% of the expenditures for state appropriated money will be teacher salaries and benefits
  • There's some great teachers out there, but when we get to 26-27 kids per class, I don't think it benefits
Bills: HB3674 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB3029 , HB2963 , HB3551 , HB2973 , HB3019 , HB3461 , HB2961 , HB3261 , HB3759 , HB3429 , HB3069 , HB3372 , HB3705
Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee
Keywords: school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 12th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB2026 , SB1376 , SB1355 , SB2115 , SB1533 , SB1732 , SB1217 , SB1443 , SB1455 , SB1457 , SB1459 , SB1465 , SB1944 , SB1946 , SB1218 , SB1942 , SB1352 , SB2132 , SB1920 , SB1285 , SB1304 , SB1305 , SB1326 , SB1590 , SB1767
Keywords: military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, Oklahoma National Guard, education assistance, military benefits, dependents, CareerTech Assistance Act, burial grant, memorial headstone, eligibility requirements, funding, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, fiscal management, state law, veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans
Summary: The Senate convened, a quorum was established, and Senator Yek delivered the opening prayer. The body then granted unanimous consent for an entourage to appear on the floor for a citation presentation honoring Oklahoma State Troopers Michael Patnode and Joy McLaughlin for their quick response and lifesaving assistance during a medical emergency at the Capitol on January 13, 2026. The citation praised their professionalism and noted that emergency responders arrived in less than eight minutes because of their actions. The floor leader also recognized the Senate staff and others involved in the incident, noting that the person who had the medical emergency was recovering and had returned part-time. Senator Nice introduced an intern, Cottrell Strain, a sophomore English major at Langston University with an interest in politics. Several announcements followed, including a Farm City Festival lunch on the second floor, a Veterans and Military Affairs Committee meeting, and a Business and Insurance Committee meeting. The Senate also adopted a motion to celebrate Senator Julie Daniels’ birthday. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript beyond the citation and the procedural motions, and the chamber adjourned until Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 4th, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Her opportunities for everyone is truly a benefit to Clark College students and the Board of Trustees
  • The Secretary will read: On page 3, line 6, after “benefit of the board,” insert “per fiscal year.”
  • The Secretary will read: On page 3, line 6, after “benefit of the board,” insert “per fiscal year.”
  • So I know the benefit of these... ...road as I come back to Olympia.
  • So I know the benefit of these, but I believe this bill is too prescriptive.
Bills: SB5223 , SB5286 , SB6002 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5874 , SB5863 , SB5972 , SB5941 , SB5203 , SB6014 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB5825
Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, policing costs, state hospitals, local funding, budget allocation, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate recognition, LPR, surveillance, driver privacy, vehicle tracking, location data, law enforcement technology, data retention, audit trail
Summary: The Senate convened with ceremonial opening activities, approved the previous day’s journal, and referred committee reports and new introductions, including SB 6346, to the appropriate committees. It also confirmed several gubernatorial appointments to college and board positions: Glenn F. Ellis to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees, Suzanne Donaldson to the Clark College Board of Trustees, and Jesse E. Johnson to the Highline College Board of Trustees, each by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered and passed a series of bills, often after suspending the rules to move them directly to final passage. These included SB 6014 on pregnancy-related accommodations; SB 5863 on preservation and inspection of Lakeland Village historical records; SB 5874 on correcting unemployment insurance employer reporting procedures for small businesses; SB 5972 expanding interest arbitration for certain correctional employees; SB 5286 formalizing reimbursement for local public safety services provided to state hospitals; SB 5877 making a technical correction related to certified anesthesiologist assistants; SB 5904 restricting nursing titles to licensed human persons; SB 5915 updating the health technology assessment program; SB 5919 creating voluntary wildfire-prevention incentives for agriculture; SB 5938 adjusting foreclosure prevention fees and exemptions; SB 5957 expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee; SB 6102 aligning the ambulance transport quality assurance fee with federal rules; and SB 6103 advancing a rural hospital conversion intended to help East Adams Hospital remain open. The most debated measures were SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, and SB 6002, which regulates automated license plate reader systems and driver privacy. On SB 5825, two Jeff Wilson amendments seeking to limit administrative use of donated funds and cap contributions were both rejected, but the bill ultimately passed 33-16. On SB 6002, an amendment to broaden authorized uses of ALPRs was rejected, a striking amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 48-9 after extensive floor debate focused on privacy, surveillance, law enforcement utility, and the need for clear rules. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though SB 5972 and SB 5203 drew some dissent over impacts on smaller counties and land-use concerns tied to wildlife connectivity planning.