Video & Transcript : 'disability rights' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/06/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm available for questions afterwards. disabilities we have 10 residents Who disabilities we have 10
- All right, that is the end of our testimony.
- There are so many systems that are broken right now.
- There are so many systems that are broken right now.
- </c> the state level right the state level right offering<01:11:17.880><c> Band-Aids</c><01:11:18.880
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- right? right?
- >> Right. >> Right. >> Right.
- All<01:52:14.320><c> right.</c> All right. All right.
- All<02:12:28.360><c> right.</c> All right. All right.
- You're<02:44:43.680><c> right.</c> You're right. You're right.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-PSM, HOU-HWN, HOU Public Hearings 03-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pram, yes, you're absolutely right.
- </c> a preference for you know disabled a preference for you know disabled veterans<00:03:57.200><c>
- I think the $45 sounds about right.
- You should be good, right?
- You should be good, right?
Summary:
The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096.
The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 17th, 2026 at 09:11 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Right, right, sorry. Yes, this was newly created last...
- All right, thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Joy.
- All right, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- All right.
- We're not building new roads as in here's a brand new right of way, nothing but pasture right now. ..
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Senators, if you wish to participate in this group photo, now is the time.
- All right, Senators, if you wish to participate in this group photo, now is the time.
- Special Olympics is the largest sports organization in the world for people with intellectual disabilities
- And in fact, right now, to recognize the contributions of the Peace Corps program and all the volunteers
- Right. Michael Frierson, Margaret Hitchcock, PhD, Michael Nekongping. Michelle, sorry.
Summary:
The Senate convened with quorum, observed a moment of silence for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, and heard a prayer and pledge. Senator Perez introduced representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, highlighting the organization’s community role and estimated economic impact from the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: C.N.R. Lomeli to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the University of California College of Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. All three confirmations passed by unanimous roll call votes.
The Senate adopted several resolutions. SCR 120 by Senator Grayson designated the first week of March as National Consumer Protection Week and March 5 as Slam the Scam Day, with support from Senators Choi and Becker emphasizing scam awareness, senior fraud, data broker concerns, and consumer education; it passed 36-0. Grayson also introduced law enforcement and Secret Service representatives involved in recovering a Pleasant Hill resident’s $350,000 lost to a cryptocurrency scam. SCR 126 by Senator Grove proclaimed March 9, 2026, as Special Olympics Day in California and passed 35-0, with remarks from Grayson about the organization’s impact and personal connection. SR 79 by Senator Nilo designated the week of March 8 as Sleep Health Awareness Week, focusing on the health risks of sleep deprivation and daylight saving time; it passed by unanimous roll call. SCR 135 by Senator Laird declared the first week of March as Peace Corps Week, with support from Senator Choi reflecting on Peace Corps service and its global impact; it also passed unanimously. SR 83 by Senator McNerney recognized March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, stressing early screening and disparities in outcomes; it passed unanimously.
After the resolutions, McNerney introduced colorectal cancer advocates and survivors who were present in the chamber. The Senate then moved to adjournment in memory, with Majority Leader Ashby honoring Paul McAley, father of lobbyist Chris McAley, and Senator Rubio honoring Robert Uyoha of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The session concluded with notice that the Senate would reconvene on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for the adjournment motion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Senators, if you wish to participate in this group photo, now is the time.
- All right, Senators, if you wish to participate in this group photo, now is the time.
- Special Olympics is the largest sports organization in the world for people with intellectual disabilities
- And in fact, right now, to recognize the contributions of the Peace Corps program and all the volunteers
- Right.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be much lower than the 6.875% we have right now.
- Is that right?
- I don't have those numbers right now.
- I don't have those numbers right now.
- </c><00:57:14.359><c> Early</c> developmental disabilities Early developmental disabilities Early Childhood
Committee:
Senate Taxes
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is where she poured her energy into a 15-year fight to secure collective bargaining rights for over
- Through policy and budget, I'm sure she is thanking us right now.
- that would sit in that row and hold up bad signs that they assigned a whole group of people to sit right
- Up bad signs, that they assigned a whole group of people to sit right in front of the Clintons, and Bob
- , and ...energy, disability services, ag land preservation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25 - Part 2
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> right. So, um, I look forward to it. right. So, um, I look forward to it.
- All right. We'll move that.
- Right.
- All right. My apologies. We're on the Leeling A1. All right. No comments hearing.
- All right. My apologies. We're on the Leeling A1. All right. No comments hearing.
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- You just heard Jess highlight that data point, right?
- But it's important, right?
- All right.
- All right.
- And I said it cannot be right.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities.
Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts.
Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon.
Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Sue, a great grandmother and a disabled Sue, a great grandmother and a disabled Air<00:04:37.440
- </c> smaller I'd be looking at it, but right smaller I'd be looking at it, but right now<00:12:44.000
- </c> debt service right now on HIVs? debt service right now on HIVs?
- All right. >> Thank you, Chair Howard. All right.
- All right.
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- to the right services.
- to the right services.
- </c> got him service connected 100% disabled got him service connected 100% disabled and<00:20:22.000
- Or a mental health court, right?
- So or a mental health court, right?
Summary:
The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average.
Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required.
Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/15/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- All right. Good.
- These are permits, right?
- All right. if it's the if it's a study. All right.
- Um right, rules are a great plans? Um right, rules are a great place,<01:14:33.679><c> right?
- right now.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, one more, sorry, that's right.
- It includes disabled pedestrians within the presumption.
- It includes disabled pedestrians within the presumption.
- Good amendment does move a step in the right direction.
- Right now showing about $310,000 and an additional...
Summary:
The committee took executive action on a series of bills, beginning with Engrossed House Bill 2445 on heir finder services and probate. Members adopted Striking Amendment Alpha, which added definitions and guardrails for heir finder agreements, including written filing and court oversight requirements, and then advanced the bill as amended to the Rules Committee. A second proposed striker, Bravo, was rendered out of order after Alpha was adopted.
On Engrossed House Bill 1574 concerning access to life-saving care and substance use services, the committee considered several competing amendments. Amendment Charlie was rejected, while Amendment Delta was adopted to narrow protections and add public health and syringe service program provisions. Amendment Echo, which would have limited distribution of drug testing equipment to health care facilities and excluded syringe and smoking equipment, was rejected. Amendment Foxtrot, dealing with fentanyl endangerment and parenting sentencing alternatives, was withdrawn after discussion and then incorporated into a new striking amendment; the bill as amended was sent to the Rules Committee. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on Second Substitute House Bill 2333, expanding protections for elected officials and prosecutors, including security provisions, address confidentiality, residential address redaction, and limited criminal history information sharing, and sent it to Ways and Means.
The committee next acted on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards, adopting Amendment Hotel to exempt state-owned or state-operated entities and public hospital districts from filing fees, rejecting Amendment India on fee calculations and refunds, and then sending the bill as amended to Ways and Means. On Engrossed House Bill 2156 regarding Attorney General investigators, the committee rejected several amendments that would have limited criminal investigations, required additional certification, redirected recovered funds, or narrowed the definition of economic and financial crimes, then advanced the bill as amended to the Rules Committee. It also adopted striking amendments on Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a court unification task force and Substitute House Bill 2203 creating reckless interference with emergency operations, sending both bills onward. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508 on the Office of Independent Investigations and Substitute House Bill 2248 on corporate filings were advanced without amendments, and the committee removed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways from the day’s exec list. The meeting ended with final votes, committee recommendations, and adjournment, marking the last Law and Justice Committee meeting of the 2026 session.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It updates the definition of forensic clients so that individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism
- Right now, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities must maintain parallel staffing and space for these
- because they see them violating that no-contact order right in front of them.
- That word, right? That's a mouthful, right? Florida, I can I read it. You read it?
- Right, right.
Summary:
The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first adopted a late-filed amendment to SB 774, which expands enhanced workers’ compensation coverage to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher and others, and was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 770 on forensic services for certain defendants, which would allow the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to consolidate secure forensic services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed after incompetency findings.
Members then considered several public safety, family, and workforce bills. CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized aliens operating commercial vehicles an imminent safety hazard and imposes vehicle impoundment and a $50,000 penalty on motor carriers, was reported favorably after questions about impound procedures and cargo handling; one speaker opposed it. SB 1594, protecting veterans’ benefits for foster youth so the funds are reserved for postsecondary education, training, and after-care services, was reported favorably with supportive testimony from a former DCF attorney. CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in violent crime cases, was reported favorably despite criminal defense attorneys’ concerns about a provision allowing warrantless arrests without officer observation.
The committee also approved a complete rewrite of the nonprofit corporations chapter in SB 554, a sickle cell continuing education bill (SB 844) after extensive emotional testimony from patients, advocates, and family members, and SB 1022 adding two children’s initiative programs in Bay County and Broward County. CS/SB 1246 broadened the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science education programs and related workforce needs and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230 restricting use and sale of certain firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, and CS/CS/SB 128 directing DEP to mark Red Harris Spoil Island; both passed with favorable votes. Several senators later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific tabs, and the meeting adjourned without further business.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It updates the definition of forensic clients so that individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism
- Right now, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities must maintain parallel staffing and space for these
- and allows that officer to make that arrest because they see them violating that no-contact order right
- That word, right? That's a mouthful, right? Florida, I can I read it. You read it?
- Right, right.
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
Summary:
The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first reported favorably SB 774, which extends enhanced workers’ compensation benefits to 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries, after adopting a late-filed amendment declaring an important state interest. The committee also heard supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County dispatcher. SB 770, which updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents in secure forensic settings, was reported favorably as well.
Members then approved CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized operation of a commercial vehicle by an unauthorized alien an imminent safety hazard and imposes driver, carrier, and enforcement consequences, despite questions about vehicle impoundment and cargo handling and one appearance in opposition. SB 1594, which protects veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth from being used as reimbursement and instead sets them aside for education and transition services, was reported favorably after supportive testimony. The committee also approved CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in certain violent crime cases, though the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about expanded warrantless arrest authority in one section.
The committee next reported favorably CS/SB 554, a complete rewrite of Chapter 617 governing nonprofit corporations, after a technical delete-all amendment. It also approved CS/SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care for certain health care professionals; the bill drew extensive supportive testimony from advocates and patients describing pain management gaps and health disparities. SB 1022, expanding Florida Children’s Initiatives by adding programs in Bay County and Broward County, and CS/SB 1246, broadening the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science workforce programs and related uses, were both reported favorably.
Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230, which restricts the use, sale, and distribution of aqueous film-forming foam containing intentionally added PFAS and requires inventory and disposal reporting, after adopting amendments that removed airports from one provision. It also approved CS/CS/SB 128, directing DEP to erect markers for the Andrew Red Harris Spoil Island water body designation. Several senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It updates the definition of forensic clients so that individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism
- Right now, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities must maintain parallel staffing and space for these
- and allows that officer to make that arrest because they see them violating that no-contact order right
- That word, right? That's a mouthful, right? Florida, I can I read it. You read it?
- Right, right.
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation - 02/24/2026
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law in relation to authorizing persons who transport severely disabled
- persons to apply for a disabled person's plates.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. Members discussed measures on motor vehicle repair shop disclosure requirements (S.516-A), the Rider Representation Act for public authorities (S.1148), community input in reviewing repair shop applicants (S.2329), driver education (S.3249), Blue Star Mother and Family distinctive license plates and a related support fund (S.7720), disabled person’s plates for those transporting severely disabled persons (S.7763), license suspension for failure to pay fines for impaired driving violations (S.8692), and dedicating part of the state and county highway system to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway (S.9057). Several members spoke in support of the repair-shop disclosure bill as a consumer-affordability measure, and Senator Cooney noted the driver education and impaired-driving bills as part of the agenda.
Most bills were advanced by committee vote. S.516-A, S.1148, S.2329, S.3249, S.7763, and S.9057 were reported. S.7720 was approved by the committee but referred to Finance because it created a support fund. S.8692 was approved and referred to the Codes Committee. Senator Oberacker recorded opposition on S.1148 and S.2329, while the other measures were approved without recorded opposition.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, thank you, Senator.
- All right. Any other comments? All right, thank you very much. And any testifiers? No testifiers.
- All right, well, thank you, Senator.
- </c><00:52:57.599><c> any</c><00:52:57.760><c> other</c> all right any other all right any other comments
- </c> uh helps schools that need it all right uh helps schools that need it all right well<00:53:13.319
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're working right. We're consumers. We're working right.
- </c><02:13:45.520><c> After</c> right alongside his family. After right alongside his family.
- I mean, do the right thing.
- All right,<03:20:59.120><c> Mr.
- </c> All right, Mr. Speaker, make no mistake. All right, Mr. Speaker, make no mistake.