Video & Transcript : 'disability support' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- transit. ...support transit, support it as a public good, and recognize that this is the first step.
- I support this initiative.
- So as much as I support this loan, in support of the current riders and employees, I do believe management
- I rise in support of SCR 89.
- I rise in support of SCR 89.
Summary:
The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation bills. AB 107, a junior budget bill, was described as a technical measure that updates federal appropriations by about $15 million, exempts certain Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending, and makes other technical corrections without adding new projects or General Fund spending. Some senators objected to the APA waiver as reducing transparency, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117, an early-action trailer bill for Bay Area transit, authorizes a $590 million loan from the state’s transit and intercity rail capital program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which can then lend the money to Bay Area transit agencies for operating support, with repayment and interest secured by transit revenues. Supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; opponents raised concerns about ridership recovery, accountability, and consolidation. The bill passed 28-9.
The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees: Sonoma County Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson. Both were supported by colleagues who praised their experience and backgrounds, and both confirmations passed. The body also adopted SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opposing federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Supporters argued DEI is essential to civil rights, education, public service, and equal opportunity, while criticizing the Trump administration for dismantling related federal offices and funding. The resolution passed on a largely party-line vote after extensive floor debate.
Finally, the Senate adopted SCR 78, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Senators from both parties spoke about the injustice of the internment, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of remembering the history to guard against future abuses. The resolution passed unanimously, and the author then introduced survivors and guests in the chamber.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for allowing me to speak in support of AB 1888.
- Do we have additional witnesses in support?
- We have additional witnesses in support. Mr.
- David Bolog as an individual in strong support. Joel Loucher with United Policyholders in support.
- Ann Blackwood on behalf of Ancestry in support. Chris Conn representing the ALS Network in support.
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy insurance-focused agenda, including special-order bills on wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan accountability, aerial imagery, genetic testing, and wildfire moratoriums. AB 1888 would require California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be performed by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; it drew support from the author, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and labor representatives, with no opposition heard. AB 1680, the “Make-It-Fair Act,” would impose accountability and consumer-protection reforms on the California FAIR Plan in response to Department of Insurance examination findings; it passed out on a do-pass motion to Appropriations, though the FAIR Plan Association remained opposed unless amended. AB 1559 would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial images of homes and allow in-person inspection requests; it passed on a do-pass motion to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with broad support and one “concern” witness.
The committee also took up AB 1798, which would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing, for underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. Supporters, including the author, the Insurance Commissioner, the ALS Association, and several consumer and biotech groups, argued the bill would reduce fear of genetic discrimination and encourage testing and research. Opponents from life insurance and financial advisor groups argued the bill could impair risk-based underwriting and raise premiums, especially in the middle market. After extensive back-and-forth on the distinction between predictive genetic data and doctor-assessed medical risk, the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a do-pass vote, with several members voting no.
AB 2038 would extend wildfire-related nonrenewal moratoriums from two to three years for total-loss homes and from one to two years for homes in and around fire zones. Supporters said the change better matches the real rebuilding timeline after major fires and protects displaced homeowners from losing coverage while rebuilding. Insurers and trade groups opposed the measure, warning that longer moratoriums could force carriers to reduce exposure elsewhere and worsen the broader availability crisis. The bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote. The committee also approved AB 1800, which adds eyewear to portable electronics insurance coverage, and moved a consent calendar of additional bills, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471. Later, AB 2198 was introduced to clarify title-rate filing responsibilities between title insurers and underwritten title companies and to require rate schedules to be posted publicly.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we have additional witnesses in support?
- Do we have additional witness in support?
- Support. Eduardo Rubalcava with AARP, representing 3.2 million AARP members, in support of AB 1559.
- And I support this bill.
- This is critical to support and to support those facing insurance instability and create a pathway to
Committee:
House Insurance
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I encourage you to support the lines that we currently have as drawn.
- I'm totally disabled, my husband's disabled, and we were supposed to be able to not just do the hearing
- Also disabled voices like mine.
- Yeah, well, yeah, I'm disabled, but there's nothing wrong with my mind.
- The gerrymandering is about supporting a...
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 4/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- They support literacy and numeracy in classrooms.
- 10:00.480><c> in</c> support literacy and numeracy in support literacy and numeracy in classrooms.<00
- if they have disabilities, and have economic security when they get older.
- </c><00:19:37.679><c> We</c><00:19:37.840><c> have</c> the supports that they need.
- We have the supports that they need.
Summary:
Sen. Erin Maye Quade, Rep. Esther Abad, and other Minnesota DFL legislators held a press event focused on responding to Trump administration and federal Republican actions that they said threaten health care, education, housing, public health, and other state services. Speakers argued Minnesota must not make “false trade-offs” between core services and should instead protect programs like Medicaid, school funding, disability services, nutrition, and public health by raising additional revenue and closing tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations.
Rep. Abad and others outlined possible revenue options, including a fifth-tier income tax, a corporate rate match, closing tax exemptions for luxury items and second homes, a social media tax, and ending data center tax exemptions. They said these measures would not fully replace possible federal cuts, but could help mitigate harm and preserve services. Several speakers also criticized Republican opposition to tax increases and said the state should ask wealthy taxpayers and corporations to contribute more.
Testimony from Olivia Dylan, a laid-off Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, described the impact of federal public health funding cuts and MDH layoffs on outbreak response, nursing home support, lab work, and tribal public health. Sean Leaden of SEIU Local 284 described low pay and staffing shortages among hourly school workers and said underfunding has hurt students and employees. Sen. Doran Clark and Rep. Emma Greenman framed the issue as both a budget and democracy question, arguing that federal cuts and attacks on public programs undermine self-governance and community well-being. In response to questions, speakers said Minnesota cannot fully backfill expected federal Medicaid losses, but can use state tools to reduce harm and should press Republicans to identify what services they would cut instead.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/19/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:14.760><c> chip</c> opportunity to support chip opportunity to support chip manufacturing<
- </c> will be open to supporting will be open to supporting it<00:16:12.319><c> thank</c><00:16:12.480
- </c><00:41:19.440><c> to</c> of volunteers and 50% of our support to of volunteers and 50% of our support
- </c><00:42:29.839><c> the</c> sustaining careers while supporting the sustaining careers while supporting
- </c> because um if you face a disability because um if you face a disability there<01:30:20.679><c> is
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We strongly support 6195.
- We strongly support 6195 for sake of time.
- WOSEP supports a strong, regulated cannabis system, and we support SB 6195 as a practical, common-sense
- I urge you to support this.
- I'm here to testify in support of Senate Bill 6195.
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
kratom, taxation, regulated substances, health safety, state revenue, cannabis, marijuana, home grow, home cultivation, personal cultivation, adult use cannabis, recreational marijuana, 21 and older, controlled substances, RCW 69.50, Liquor and Cannabis Board, LCB, plant limits, cannabis possession, cannabis concentrates
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers supports this.
- And for kids with disabilities, ELL learners, thank you.
- And those supports are still being finalized. We need to do better.
- And importantly, this bill supports our Commonwealth educators. Thank you.
- And importantly, this bill supports our Commonwealth educators.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's 18 to 0, consent. uh very very supportive of stem and uh uh very very supportive of stem and uh
- <00:40:49.520><c> are</c> disabilities are disabilities are serviced serviced serviced um<00:40:54.400
- </c> appreciate the opportunity to support appreciate the opportunity to support the<06:23:25.120><c>
- We would like to be able to support this bill, but as a previous speaker said, we cannot support this
- We cannot support open enrollment.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0.
The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0.
HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0.
The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And with that, I ask for your favorable support.
- And I will certainly be in support of this amendment.
- And I will certainly be in support of this amendment.
- Energy efficient and support economic stability.
- I would like to be able to support the warriors and I would like to be able to support Bobby Bowden,
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections.
The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4.
The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued.
The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - Senate Public Safety
Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- It trains people in peer support.
- We're extremely grateful for that, and we really appreciate your support and hope to get your support
- Chairman, I totally support giving increased wages to not only our sworn officers, but their support
- Chairman, I totally support giving increased wages to not only our sworn officers, but their support
- And Senator Payne, as you talked about not getting support when it comes to the support staff, I think
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1452, which would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s office to coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement on theft and fraud involving cargo and freight. The Arizona Trucking Association supported the bill, describing cargo theft as organized and rapidly increasing. The committee reported SB 1452 out with a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote.
Members then considered SB 1048, a $36 million appropriation for Coconino County to build a new juvenile court services facility and convert the existing juvenile detention center into a detox, sobriety, and crisis recovery center. The sponsor and supporters framed it as a juvenile services and recovery investment, while one member objected to funding one county in a tight budget year. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1092, which would prohibit early termination of lifetime probation for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children and apply the restriction retroactively. The sponsor argued it would keep child sex offenders under supervision, while opponents raised concerns about judicial discretion, retroactivity, and cases involving internet-related conduct or defendants with disabilities. After extensive testimony, the committee approved SB 1092 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee next took up SB 1391, which would direct AZ POST to create a pilot law enforcement stress management and mental wellness training program, with a $950,000 appropriation and a sunset date in 2029. Supporters, including law enforcement advocates, said it would help officers manage trauma, improve retention, and support families. The bill passed unanimously. SB 1401, creating a golf tournament charity special plate and fund to support youth athletic programs in Tucson, also passed unanimously after brief supportive testimony from the Tucson Conquistadors.
On SB 1314, a broad pay raise bill for probation staff, corrections, juvenile corrections, and DPS employees, supporters argued that recruitment and retention problems and vacancies justified the increases. Some members supported the concept but noted uncertainty about the cost and the broader budget picture. The bill passed 5-1. The committee then heard SB 1071, which would repeal statutory provisions relating to the Arizona Rangers. Testimony split sharply: the sponsor and some former members argued the organization lacked transparency and accountability, while current and former Rangers said the bill would undermine an important volunteer public safety auxiliary. Rather than vote, the chair held SB 1071 for further discussion and possible amendment. Finally, the committee began SB 1400, which would allow law enforcement agencies to establish confidential wellness and peer support programs for employees exposed to trauma; supporters said confidentiality is needed to encourage officers to seek help, and the roll call had begun when the transcript ended.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're not familiar, in 2009, the legislature established Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities to
- encourage people with disabilities to be able to work.
- encourage people with disabilities to be able to work.
- As you could imagine, folks with disabilities sometimes have higher costs associated with, you know,
- So I think across the country, these discussions are happening whether you're disabled or not.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We are here today in support of Senate Bill 6282.
- Appreciate your support.
- I'm here in support of SB 6128.
- I support this bill, and I'm asking you to support it as well.
- We're here in strong support of Senate Bill 6303.
Bills:
SB6053 , SB6134 , SB6147 , SB6106 , SB6045 , SB6135 , SB6128 , SB6282 , SB6068 , SB6303 , SB6290
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
SB 6053, domestic workers, domestic worker rights, labor protections, minimum wage, overtime, private household employment, nanny, home care worker, personal care provider, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, gardener, household manager, wage theft, retaliation, anti-discrimination, immigration status, privacy rights
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the Aged, Blind, and Disabled cash grant program is up 2.3%.
- This forecast actually has three sub-forecasts: the aged program, disabled program, and the presumptive
- Disabled is also up. That reflects historical growth since July 2023.
- Disabled is also up. That reflects historical growth since July 2023.
- And then finally, developmental disabilities personal care is up 3.3%.
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met for a work session and first heard an economic and revenue forecast update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The forecast described moderate U.S. growth, elevated near-term inflation, weak Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and slower housing permit activity. Revenues were revised up about $105 million for the current biennium and down about $185 million for the next biennium, with uncertainty tied largely to tariffs, federal policy, and the recent federal shutdown. Members asked about the outlook for February, income inequality, and housing affordability; the presenter said the forecast does not measure income distribution and that housing permit data does not directly address affordability.
The committee then received a caseload forecast update. Most forecasts were unchanged or nearly unchanged, but several programs moved: Washington College Grant caseloads rose, TANF and Working Connections changed due to immigration-related assumptions and updated policy timing, and long-term care caseloads increased. The largest change was in Medicaid low-income adults, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce caseloads significantly through narrower non-citizen eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. Members raised concerns about downstream effects such as uncompensated care and higher premiums, and the presenter noted some effects could be delayed depending on federal implementation guidance.
A wildfire funding and 2025 fire season update followed. Staff explained the state’s base wildfire suppression funding and estimated a supplemental need of about $139 million in state funds. DNR reported a busy fire year with lower snowpack, drought, more than 1,100 DNR jurisdictional fires, about 76,000 acres burned, 31 aircraft used, 690 DNR firefighters, and 350 out-of-state resources brought in; the agency said its suppression effectiveness improved to 94.1% of fires kept under 10 acres. Questions focused on National Guard use, aircraft counts, and the higher number of residences lost in complex fires. The committee then heard a budget preview showing the near general fund outlook worsening to about a $4.3 billion ending balance by fiscal year 2029 after maintenance-level costs, while noting that policy items such as wildfire costs and liability account decisions were not yet built in.
The final major topic was the state’s tort liability and self-insurance account, where the Risk Manager reported a sharp rise in indemnity costs, from $223 million in fiscal year 2023 to nearly $500 million in fiscal year 2025, driven largely by DCYF claims, especially sex abuse cases. Defense costs also rose as the Attorney General’s Office relied more on special assistant attorneys general to handle volume. Members asked about older claims, comparisons with other states, insurance coverage, and whether costs might decline if the AG’s office hires more attorneys. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust about statewide water shortages, declining snowpack, drought, overappropriated basins, and the need for more storage, recharge, conservation, and enforcement. Tribal witnesses emphasized water sovereignty, salmon habitat, and the need for tribes to be involved early in legislation, while Ecology described major projects in the Odessa and Yakima basins and the challenges of climate change and legal constraints. No votes were taken during the work session.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the aged, blind, and disabled cash grant program is up 2.3%.
- This forecast actually has three subforecasts: the aged program, disabled program, and the presumptive
- Disabled is also up. That reflects historical growth since July 2023.
- Disabled is also up. That reflects historical growth since July 2023.
- And then finally, developmental disabilities personal care is up 3.3%.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods.
The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions.
Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- signing of the HERO Act last session, the Commonwealth increased the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled
- hearing agenda. ...Act last session, the Commonwealth increased the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled
- Speaker Ron Mariano, and getting these measures over the finish line to give Gold Star spouses the support
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fifth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session, chaired by Senator John Velis and Representative Joe McGonagle. The chairs said the hearing focused on legislation involving tax credits, annuities, and other financial benefits for veterans, service members, and military families. Senator Velis highlighted recent action on the HERO Act, which increased the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and Gold Star spouses from $2,000 to $2,500, and noted that legislation to ensure eligibility for Gold Star spouses had been enacted and signed into law, removing a remarriage restriction on receiving the annuity.
No members of the public had pre-registered or appeared to testify in person or virtually on the bills on the agenda. After confirming that no one was present to offer testimony, the committee briefly acknowledged attendance and then moved to adjourn. The motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 19 Feb 26th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in support will rise. Division 1.
- So I'd ask you all to support this. So I can't have that. So I'd ask you all to support this.
- Those in support will rise. Division 1. Division 2.
- Those in support will rise. Division 1: 0. Division 2: 20.
- Those in support will rise. Division 1: 0. Division 2: 20.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> temporary alcohol and drug support temporary alcohol and drug support specialist<00:03:04.720><c
- </c> support specialist. support specialist.
- </c><00:14:10.959><c> A</c> only employ a RA peer support. A only employ a RA peer support.
- <00:15:33.279><c> A</c><00:15:33.600><c> BHSO1</c> support? A BHSO1 support?
- </c> support a regular peer report. support a regular peer report.
Committee:
House Health Services
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 26th, 2026 at 09:05 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- If you are on Zoom in support, please raise your hand in the room in support.
- We stand in support of this bill because we believe that senior citizens and people living with disabilities
- On Zoom, in support, please raise your hand. In the room, in support.
- On Zoom, in support, please raise your hand. In the room, in support.
- urges your support.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce panel hears bill to expand funding for first responder equine therapy program 2/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- those who support us.
- those who support us.
- those who support us.
- those who support us.
- </c> may open up whether that is a Disability may open up whether that is a Disability Pension<00:20: