Video & Transcript : 'veteran surviving spouse' :
Page 22 of 500
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces will not come to order.
- This is all at no cost to the veteran. None whatsoever.
- That was my next question is the cost to the veteran. No cost whatsoever.
- And so a good percentage of our donors are Vietnam veterans or families of Vietnam veterans.
- If one of our veterans, wounded veterans, who's a guest, needs a caregiver so that they can participate
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bills 2940 and 3083, both aimed at expanding military leave protections for public employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserves. The sponsors said current Missouri law’s 120-hour paid military leave cap works for typical 8-to-5 employees but falls short for firefighters, police, EMS, and other shift workers, especially those on 24-hour schedules. The bills would raise the cap to 38 working days and clarify that employees returning from service keep their job, seniority, and benefits; a companion Senate bill was noted as already heard in committee. Members asked about whether the bills applied to private employers, emergency activations, and how the 38-day figure was calculated, and the sponsors explained the measure is intended mainly for routine drill and annual training, not emergency call-ups. Some members raised concerns about fiscal impact and whether the bill could create extra compensation or make military personnel less attractive to hire, while others said the change was a fair way to protect public servants from having to use personal leave for required military duty.
Support testimony came from the Missouri State Council of Firefighters, whose secretary-treasurer said the bill would help recruitment and retention and better align military service with public safety careers. He described firefighters’ varied schedules and said many departments already value military experience because it translates well to stress management, discipline, and commitment. Committee members also discussed how the bill would affect firefighters, police, EMS, county employees, and other shift workers, and the sponsors emphasized that the measure is meant to help employees keep their personal leave for personal use while still meeting military obligations.
After the bill hearing, the committee heard an informational presentation on Camp Hope, a Farmington-area nonprofit founded in 2007 to serve wounded veterans at no cost. The presenters described the camp’s hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor programs, its volunteer and donor-based funding, and its role in helping veterans with PTSD, TBI, and other injuries through camaraderie and peer support. Members asked about the camp’s budget, veteran capacity, caregiver participation, and location, and the presenters invited the committee and public to visit the camp’s open house and help spread the word. The committee then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- spouse,</c><00:04:14.319><c> and</c><00:04:14.480><c> future</c> As a combat veteran, spouse, and future
- As a combat veteran, spouse, and future LCSW,<00:04:15.599><c> I've</c><00:04:15.840><c> witnessed</
- I am a veteran spouse, and my husband served 22 years and completed 10 combat deployments.
- This is a story of a veteran and a spouse who refused to give up. And we are not alone.
- This is a story of a veteran and a spouse who refused to give up. And we are not alone.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions.
The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt.
The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> have had literally hundreds of veterans have had literally hundreds of veterans come<01:20:24.280
- I'm a veteran with PTSD, the wife of a veteran with PTSD, and, most importantly, a mom.
- and their spouses. suicide my husband survived the war suicide my husband survived the war abroad<01
- </c> rolling through the ocean as a spouse rolling through the ocean as a spouse I've<01:28:44.880><c
- </c> are I am Terry armster Air Force veteran are I am Terry armster Air Force veteran and<01:52:36.800
Summary:
The Committee on Health heard testimony on several bills. On SB 1441, which would repeal the transfer of the Oahu Regional Health Care System from HHSC to the Department of Health, the Department of Health said it strongly supports the measure and requested clarifying amendments. HHSC/Oahu Region also supported the bill and said it had no objection to the department’s amendments. In response to questions, witnesses said the agencies have been working on an MOU to support transfers of long-term care patients to Leahi, with the current goal being about 10 to 15 patients, but transfers would occur only as space and staffing allow; one patient was reportedly being admitted at the time, and the process was described as slow and case-by-case.
The committee then heard SB 1443 on payment rates for state hospital patients and related Department of Health services. The hospital administrator said the bill would allow rates above Medicaid for community or foster-home placements if patients cannot be placed at Leahi or elsewhere, and would set Medicaid-level reimbursement for outside medical services used by state hospital patients. He said at least one provider was interested in offering services at that rate and that the population involved is largely non-ambulatory long-term care patients. Members asked about availability and training, and the witness said special training could be provided.
SB 1322, a broad mental health bill, drew mixed testimony. The Department of Law Enforcement supported giving crisis-intervention-trained officers more discretion to transport people to medical care instead of arresting them. The Attorney General supported the bill but recommended revisions to emergency-transport language and restoring liability protections. HHSC and Queens Hospital supported the overall goal but sought amendments to preserve the mental health emergency worker role in decision-making and to avoid negative impacts on emergency departments. The Disability Rights Center and ACLU opposed parts of the bill, arguing that it weakens due process, reduces protections in involuntary treatment and transport, and should retain a three-person treatment panel rather than reduce it to one. A Queens representative said the current program works well and reported that more than 90% of MH1 cases once went to hospitals, but that figure has dropped to about 60-70%, with about 20% now diverted to community settings or the behavioral health crisis center. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Out of those 200 kittens, 50 survive that can be females. That's 10,000 more cats.
- Changing the rules after 40 years threatens our survival.
- I'm actually a veteran, U.S. Army veteran. I served seven years. You know, actually.
- I'm actually a veteran, U.S. Army veteran. I served seven years.
- I'm a 24-year veteran. Stop, please. And I'm also...
Keywords:
SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 38, which would make permanent the New Mexico affordable spay-neuter program funded by fees on registered pet food. The sponsor and supporters said the program helps reduce companion animal overpopulation, shelter intake, and euthanasia, while opponents argued the charge is an unlawful tax, is tied to ongoing litigation, and that required annual reporting has not been done. After public testimony, the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 38 by a 10-1 vote.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 17, a gun-safety measure that would impose new requirements on firearms dealers and prohibit future sale of certain assault-style and high-capacity weapons. Supporters, including sponsors, gun-violence survivors, public safety advocates, and some local officials, argued the bill would address straw purchasing, trafficking, dealer accountability, and mass-casualty weapons. Opponents, including firearms retailers, ranchers, law enforcement, and gun owners, said the bill would burden lawful businesses, raise constitutional concerns, and do little to stop crime. After extensive testimony and questions about the bill’s legal basis, definitions, and dealer regulations, the committee did not vote and instead rolled the bill for further work on amendments.
Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 41, as amended, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Support came from the Chamber of Commerce and sexual assault advocacy groups, who said delayed disclosure is common and justice should not expire before survivors are ready to come forward. Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope, including why certain offenses remained covered and how the criminal statutes are categorized. The committee adopted an amendment to correct drafting issues and then passed SB 41 as amended on a 10-0 vote.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 264, an elections safety bill that would strengthen penalties for election interference, create emergency polling-place protocols, and clarify when law enforcement may be present at polling places at the request of election officials. Supporters said it was needed to protect voters from intimidation, while an opponent argued it could put law enforcement at risk and restrict their ability to vote. The sponsor and Secretary of State explained that the bill was aimed at preventing ordered deployment of armed personnel to polling places, not barring officers or service members from voting. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The expansion allowed a decedent's adult children to recover non-economic damages if there is no surviving
- spouse.
- spouse or surviving minor or adult children.
- Not only her, her friend who was a veteran shot himself because he didn't get assistance in the hospital
- My dad, a 62-year-old Navy veteran, died of a blood clot.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably.
Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the Florida Senate and the Florida Senate Veterans Caucus, I want to say to all veterans
- spouse.
- spouse or surviving minor or adult children.
- spouse.
- That they are married, that there is a surviving spouse, because I have seen firsthand the difference
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk.
The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0.
The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the Florida Senate and the Florida Senate Veterans Caucus, I want to say to all veterans
- spouse.
- spouse or surviving minor or adult children.
- spouse.
- That they are married, that there is a surviving spouse, because I have seen firsthand the difference
Summary:
The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. After routine business, the Senate took up several special-order bills.
The first major bill, transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses. An amendment added penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing and required law enforcement to notify suspects of those penalties. The bill passed 37-0. The Senate then passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours and holiday access to care and setting network standards for Medicaid managed care plans, also by a 37-0 vote.
The chamber next considered a major condominium and cooperative associations bill responding to post-Surfside safety and financial concerns. Senators described the measure as balancing building safety with financial relief, extending reserve-study deadlines, allowing temporary reserve relief after inspections, tightening oversight of managers and inspectors, and adjusting voting, resale, and reserve rules. After extensive debate and praise from members for the bill’s sponsors and staff, the bill passed 37-0.
The longest discussion centered on a constitutional amendments/petition process bill aimed at curbing fraud in citizen initiative petitions. Sponsors argued that the 2024 petition process was plagued by fraud and identity theft and proposed tighter rules for circulators, faster submission deadlines, voter notification, penalties, and limits on petition handling. Senators offered and adopted multiple amendments, including changes to petition-circulator definitions, invalid-signature thresholds, and voter notification procedures. After a substitute amendment was withdrawn, the Senate continued debating the underlying amended bill, with members split between concerns about election integrity and worries that the bill would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizen initiatives to qualify.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- A disabled veteran who scores a 70 on the civil service exam gets a preference over a veteran who scores
- With the disabled veteran exemption, the fire cadet program aims to solve that by allowing one third
- of every Fire Academy class to be fire cadets as opposed to disabled veterans.
- You said 95% of a class was disabled veterans. Is that what you said?
- And I guess if you're born in Boston, go off, come back... ...about native Boston veterans.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public employees, retirees, and public safety personnel. Early testimony focused on House Bill 2859, which would make Massachusetts Department of Correction industrial instructors permanent civil service employees after years of provisional status, and House Bill 2995, which would reduce the Boston Fire Cadet Program service requirement from two years to one year. Supporters of the Boston fire cadet bill argued it would improve equity, expand opportunities for Boston residents, and help diversify the Boston Fire Department; committee members asked about the current makeup of academy classes and the effect of a hybrid model, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association was described as neutral on a separate age-related police bill.
The committee also heard several proposals related to post-retirement earnings and civil service rules for police and fire retirees. Testimony supported bills including H. 2903 and H. 2966, which would loosen earnings limits for retired public safety workers returning to work, and related measures affecting civil service exemptions and professional services for retirement boards. Speakers argued the current limits are confusing, discourage experienced workers from filling needed municipal jobs, and can create safety issues on public works and construction sites. One witness from Worcester Police supported raising the police academy age limit from 32 to 39 to improve recruitment, especially in BIPOC communities, while Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata supported a separate bill to raise the Boston Police Academy age cap from 39 to 45.
A substantial portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 2812 and S. 1817, which would increase the pension COLA base from $13,000 to $18,000 and freeze certain retiree health insurance contribution rates, with additional testimony about capping out-of-pocket health costs for some retirees. Educators and union representatives said the current COLA structure has eroded pension value and leaves retirees struggling with rising costs, while one witness described long delays and confusion in navigating retiree health coverage. The committee took no substantive votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after hearing all testimony.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- former spouses and regular spouses, so it’s shared between the two parties.
- :23.279><c> spouses</c><03:25:24.279><c> so</c> former spouses and regular spouses so former spouses
- our spouses.
- our spouses.
- our spouses.
Summary:
The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1.
The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families.
Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 12th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And there are so many Korean veterans here in the United States. So many Korean veterans.
- So many Korean veterans, and we are enriched by their passion, by their patriotism to our country.
- And Junson-Anne, spouse of the Consul General. Raise your hand.
- A Navy veteran and project engineer by trade, Mr.
- He is survived by his devoted father, Philippe Carrillo, He is survived by his devoted father, Felipe
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 12th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And there are so many Korean veterans here in the United States. So many Korean veterans.
- So many Korean veterans, and we are enriched by their passion, by their patriotism to our country.
- And Junson-Anne, spouse of the consul general. Raise your hand.
- A Navy veteran and project engineer by trade, Mr.
- He is survived by his devoted father, Philippe Carrillo, He is survived by his devoted father, Felipe
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, and took up motions to remove several measures from the inactive file, including S.J.R. 9, SB 626, and SCR 89. The main item on the floor was SCR 106 by Senator Choi, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day and highlighted the history and contributions of Korean Americans in California and nationwide. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, citing Korean American business, civic, cultural, military, and community contributions, as well as local Korean American communities and landmarks across their districts. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote.
After passage, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests in the chamber and invited members to a reception. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including upcoming meetings of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Senate Human Services Committee. Members also requested that SB 626 be returned to the Assembly for amendments.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials. Senators Umberg, Allen, Pérez, and Menjivar honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, respectively. The memorials recounted the lives and community service of the deceased and emphasized ongoing grief, recovery, and support for affected families and communities. The Senate announced it would recess until the next scheduled floor session on Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
February 24, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It saves veterans $60 a year, every year that they renew their card, which keeps some of those veterans
- And I just want to say again, thank you to her on behalf of a grateful veteran and veterans around the
- Veteran survivor benefits provided by the U.S.
- Department of Veterans Affairs help support the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who has died during
- However, these benefits are rightfully to the surviving child.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- That spouse files a petition for divorce. That spouse controls everything from that point.
- That spouse then kicks the other spouse off of insurance with no notice to the divorcing spouse.
- This spouse now gets into a wreck, has catastrophic injuries, and under this bill, the spouse, who was
- There's no way to make those auto payments on behalf of the surviving spouse.
- That surviving spouse then gets into a wreck with catastrophic injuries, and under this bill, that spouse
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 51 by Rep. Villio, a constitutional amendment to prohibit post-conviction bail for people convicted of aggravated offenses against minors. Members adopted a technical amendment to simplify the ballot language, heard a 6.8A report explaining the committee’s authority over constitutional amendments, and then adopted the report and passed HB 51 with amendments. Support was noted from law enforcement and district attorney groups.
The main item was HB 526 by Rep. Dickerson, which would cap general damages in civil cases at $500,000 in most cases and $1 million for severe permanent injury, while leaving economic damages uncapped. The bill drew extensive testimony from trucking, logging, business, and insurance-reform advocates who argued that unpredictable verdicts and “nuclear verdicts” drive up commercial insurance costs and push businesses out of Louisiana. Opponents, including attorneys and victims’ advocates, argued the bill would unfairly limit recovery for seriously injured people and could harm sexual assault survivors and families in wrongful death cases. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying the cap applies per individual plaintiff rather than to the action as a whole, but then rejected a motion to report the bill; the roll call was 4 yeas and 5 nays, so HB 526 remained in committee.
The committee then heard HB 173 by Rep. Bamberg, which would bar recovery for bodily injury or property damage by a driver who had failed to maintain required auto insurance for at least 30 days before the crash. Supporters said uninsured motorists contribute to higher premiums and should not recover large awards, while opponents warned the bill would punish innocent spouses, children, and other people who may be unaware coverage lapsed. An amendment was adopted to add the 30-day uninsured requirement, and the bill moved to opposition testimony, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on HB 173.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 24, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- those veterans out of the program, which is beneficial to them.
- And I just want to say again, thank you on behalf of a grateful veteran and veterans around the state
- Department of Veterans Affairs, which help support the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who has
- However, these benefits are rightfully the surviving child's.
- Survival management Plan and the waiver change that.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- for veterans court.
- with a nonviolent charge can qualify for veterans court.
- Veterans' courts have helped veterans rebuild their lives and return to their families and communities
- veterans' treatment court can't survive without it, but it's so important.
- Florida is home to more than 1.4 million veterans.
Keywords:
veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several criminal justice bills. SB 50 on Veterans Treatment Courts was amended to clarify that entry into the program requires approval of the state attorney and to make the bill prospective only. Supporters, including veterans advocates and crime survivors, argued the bill would expand access to treatment-focused diversion for veterans with nonviolent charges and service-related trauma. The committee adopted both amendments and reported the bill favorably. SB 52, which creates an exemption from security licensing requirements for unpaid armed volunteers providing security at places of worship, also drew support from law enforcement and faith leaders who said it would clarify a legal gray area for churches; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered SB 436 on felony battery and prison release reoffender enhancements. An amendment was adopted to align felony battery involving injury to law enforcement with the bill’s intent to address the disparity between battery on an officer and resisting with violence. Members discussed concerns about mandatory minimums and the scope of the enhancement, including how it might apply in cases involving older prior offenses or mental health crises, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties for related conduct, was supported by animal welfare advocates and reported favorably and unanimously.
Later, the committee approved SB 536 on criminal gang members after adopting an amendment clarifying the definition of gang-related conduct and requiring multiple criteria for gang membership. Members raised concerns about social media, neighborhood association, juvenile application, and overbroad labeling, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, not innocent association. The committee also reported favorably SB 432 on controlled substances, which adds concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I and creates penalties for xylazine products that resemble candy or food and for trafficking in xylazine; SB 524, an FDLE bill updating duties related to medical examiners, training, and complaint service procedures; and SB 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the crime is known to law enforcement. All of these bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after a final vote correction was entered for SB 524.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to honor World War II veteran and Korean War veteran, my neighbor Howard Cook. the state's
- I rise today to honor World War II veteran and Korean War veteran, my neighbor Howard Cook.
- War veteran and my neighbor Howard Cook. War veteran and my neighbor Howard Cook.
- </c> mountains to ski and to learn survival mountains to ski and to learn survival skills,<00:20:44.559
- shown</c><00:48:22.160><c> an</c> family of veterans, Penny has shown an family of veterans, Penny has
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE DECEDENT OF ADULT CHILDREN CAN RECOVER ECONOMIC DAMAGES IF THERE IS NO SURVIVING DECEDENTS.
- SPOUSE OR SURVIVING MINOR OR ADULT CHILDREN.
- IT WOULD BE THE PARENT OF AN ADULT CHILD WHO HAD NO SURVIVING SPOUSE OR CHILDREN AT THE TIME OF THEIR
- DEATH AND IT WOULD ALSO BE FOR THE ADULT CHILD WHO HAD A PARENTS WHO HAD NO SURVIVING SPOUSE OR OTHER
- MY DAD IS A NAVY VETERAN WHO DIED OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE AND I AM THAT PERSON WHO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jul 13th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy.
- McKeon Post, Amvets 146, honoring his service and his lasting connection to fellow veterans.
- Their spouses, Matt Collins, Ron Lazinskis, Chris Campbell, and Griffin Creech, along with his favorite
- He is also survived by his brother James Gilmartin and his wife, Pat, of Millis, Massachusetts, and his
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe your spouse is in the military and has to move from state to state to state.
- To further expand employment opportunities for military spouses, the department has been directed to
- As a veteran myself, I can certainly appreciate the need to have to get a new license in every state
- , separating service members, and other veterans.
- And so the intent has always been to use these dollars to buy the things that you need to survive.
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona, the need for earlier diagnosis, better provider education, caregiver support, and continued research funding. They described current gaps in training and access to specialists, but also highlighted new therapies, lifestyle interventions, and Arizona-based research efforts. Members expressed support and optimism, but no action was taken on the presentation.
The committee then heard HB 2202, which appropriates $300,000 from the general fund over fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for a dementia care tele-mentoring grant program through the Department of Health Services. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia specialist, and a patient advocate, said the program would help primary care providers diagnose dementia earlier and improve care. The bill was passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote.
Next, the committee took up HB 2251, the midwifery bill, which would authorize certain licensed midwives to dispense and administer specified medications and devices, require liability insurance disclosure and annual reporting, and create a Midwifery Advisory Committee. A committee amendment removed some medications and renamed the bill the Jordan and MacTerry Act. ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association opposed the bill as drafted, citing concerns about oversight, peer review, and the medication list, while licensed midwives and other supporters argued the bill would improve safety, transparency, and alignment with national standards. The bill was held for further stakeholder work, with members indicating more amendments were likely.
The committee then heard HB 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during an out-of-hospital birth if approved by medical direction. Supporters described cases where continued midwife involvement during transport helped newborns and mothers, while firefighters and EMS representatives opposed the bill as written, saying it created ambiguity about command and scene control and could raise safety concerns. The chair said the bill would be held for further stakeholder meetings and possible language changes. After a recess, the committee reconvened for presentations on federal Medicaid and rural health funding impacts, beginning with JLBC’s overview of H.R. 1’s Medicaid provisions and the rural health transformation grant program.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty One - Tuesday, April 14
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For over 368,000 veterans, I want to say one word, and that is thank you.
- , but should the veteran pass away, it provides that same benefit for the spouses of those veterans.
- The other thing I want to say, I appreciate the fact that you also address the surviving spouses, that
- It's been said before, but these are veterans.
- So the last thing I want to leave with you is that when you see a veteran, when you see a Vietnam veteran