Video & Transcript : 'Family Support Services' :

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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:
  • , missing important family events.
  • I urge you all to support us, to be recognized as the professionals that we are, and support this bill
  • They have to go home to their families after this.
  • I'm here today to voice strong support for House Bill 2796, filed by Representative Mark Cusack and supported
  • I meet with grieving families.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems. The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • to support the bill.
  • We need families, young families, represented.
  • If passed, this measure may result in about $1 billion to support health care services across L.A.
  • Care, also in support.
  • These overlays help support walkable, infill development near transit, jobs, and services while promoting
Keywords: 988, house, all
DE
Transcript Highlights:
  • ... ...support of the Housing for Every Delawarean Act.
  • And because most of the base zonings are single-family homes, it just leads more single-family homes.
  • And I appreciate the support of our allies that we have.
  • I don't want any more of my family members, your family members, to have to go through that.
  • I would encourage anyone who supported my needle exchange to also support this.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • They'd be covered under the Personnel Services Reform Act, the 4180, like general government civil service
  • representatives, and program support staff.
  • We urge your support. Thank you. Thank you. Please begin.
  • As an educator supporting families in crisis, I've held students and parents left to live with these
  • As an educator supporting families in crisis, I've held students and parents left to live with these
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held public hearings on several bills related to artificial intelligence, student employee bargaining, and online safety. For HB 1170, staff explained that the bill would require certain large generative AI providers to offer provenance detection tools and include latent or optional manifest disclosures in AI-generated audio, image, and video content, with enforcement by the Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill would apply to AI-generated text code, and staff clarified that it would not. Testimony from the Washington Technology Industry Association opposed the bill as written, citing enforcement ambiguity, definition changes, and interoperability concerns, while noting support for continued work on the issue. For HB 1570, staff described the underlying bill as extending collective bargaining rights under the Public Employees Collective Bargaining Act to student employees at several state higher education institutions, with a striking amendment narrowing the bill to non-academic student employees at Western Washington University and listing covered job classifications. Staff estimated the original bill’s fiscal impact at about $1.5 million per biennium, reduced to roughly $200,000 per biennium under the striking amendment. Testimony from labor and student representatives supported the narrowed bill, emphasizing student worker safety, organizing support, and the need to move forward after prior union votes. The committee also heard substitute HB 1833, which would create the Spark Act grant program in the Department of Commerce to support innovative uses of AI, with grants requiring a state benefit and shared technology, and with Commerce consulting the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Staff estimated administrative costs of about $160,000 per year plus grant funding that could bring total annual program costs to roughly $660,000 to $1.6 million. Representative Keaton said an amendment would update dates and incorporate changes. Testimony was generally supportive from industry and retail representatives, who framed the bill as a pro-innovation public-private partnership. Finally, the committee heard a proposed third substitute for HB 1834, which would prohibit addictive feeds for minor users and restrict push notifications during evening and school hours unless parents consent, while allowing all users to limit feeds and privacy settings. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s Office, Children’s Alliance, and a parent who lost a child to social media harms, argued the bill would protect children and reduce behavioral health costs. Opponents from technology, civil liberties, and industry groups raised constitutional, privacy, and vagueness concerns, warning that age determination could function like age verification and that the bill could restrict access to beneficial content. No votes or executive action were taken; the committee concluded public hearings and announced amendment deadlines for upcoming executive sessions.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy Committee 3/25/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • support services from the wraparound support services from the county.<01:09:24.000><c> Um,</c><01:09
  • support to the family so, frankly, kids are safe.
  • support to the family so, frankly, kids are safe.
  • support to the family so, frankly, kids are safe.
  • By shifting to supportive interventions, we can better serve the whole child and their family.
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Psychologists in family law cases.
  • The Services Program for critically ill children that are eligible under Children's Medical Services
  • and will provide them with tiered service options to improve the support of children and their families
  • Bob Astallis, FDVA, waving in support.
  • They will stop offering that service.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to consider a full agenda of bills, moving quickly through 20 measures and several amendments. Early bills reported favorably included SB 976 on procedures for challenging court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care provider access outside regular business hours, and SB 584 on housing supports for foster youth and college students, which drew supportive testimony from former foster youth and was backed by members as a way to improve stability and educational opportunity. The committee also approved SB 1412 to modernize home health regulations and SB 1800 to create a Parkinson’s research consortium at USF, with members citing the need for more research and future funding opportunities. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including technical and conforming changes to the Parkinson’s bill and other measures. The committee then advanced a series of health care and child welfare bills. SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening; SB 1156 revised the Home Health Aide Program for medically fragile children, including training, reimbursement, and work-hour flexibility; and SB 1490 reorganized services for medically fragile children by shifting program administration to AHCA and requiring a redesign plan for the Medicaid waiver. SB 1174 allowed foster home and child-caring agency licenses to be amended when a foster parent relocates, and SB 1620 implemented selected recommendations from the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, including a new research center at USF and school-based behavioral health review requirements. SB 1568 revised e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 78 authorized certain veterans’ nursing home beds and related certificate-of-need transfers. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate or supportive testimony. Several bills prompted more extensive discussion and some opposition. CS for CS SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, included provisions on vaccination-related patient rights, medical marijuana reporting, background screening, temporary licensure, compact participation, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dentists; it passed despite concerns from Senators Berman, Brodeur, and Harrell about vaccination language and board/voting-power provisions. CS for SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from physicians and health information professionals over privacy, security, fines, and portal access; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill. CS for SB 1736, allowing insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives for individuals with developmental disabilities, and SB 1808, requiring timely refunds to patients, both passed. CS for SB 1842, requiring referring providers to help patients determine whether referred providers are in-network, also passed over concerns about burden on small practices. The committee also advanced SB 1354, a behavioral health oversight bill requiring audits, performance reporting, and system transparency measures for managing entities, and SB 1768, which authorizes physicians to perform certain stem cell therapies using specified products and requires informed consent; both drew supportive comments but also concerns about patient understanding and oversight. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to create presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals during redetermination, and after reconsideration it reported SB 1606 favorably as a committee bill. The meeting ended with members noting their recorded votes on select tabs and adjourning after completing the agenda.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Mar 24th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do have some green cards and support.
  • We do have some green cards and support.
  • Services.
  • So we have a lot of experience with this issue of engaging families and supporting families of kids who
  • So we have a lot of experience with this issue of engaging families and supporting families of kids who
Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and announced that HB 690 would not be heard. The committee first advanced HB 350, which would extend the grades served by Ecole Ponashan in Terrebonne Parish from pre-K through 4th grade to 8th grade; members spoke in support of the school’s role in French immersion, Cajun heritage, and local educational access, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 434, which shifts certain probationary employment authority over school bus operators from school boards to superintendents, also received favorable passage without objection, with support from the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. The committee then considered HB 445 on the Louisiana STEM Advisory Council. The bill would move the STEM Commission from the Board of Regents to Louisiana Works, reduce and reorganize membership, and cut the number of meetings from four to two while keeping funding in place. Supporters said the change would better align the council with workforce needs and economic development, while members asked about the loss of some education representatives and the continued role of employers and K-12 stakeholders. After discussion, the bill was reported favorably. HB 386, which would allow local school districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own local education agency under district rules, was also reported favorably after extensive discussion of charter types, LEA status, federal funding, special education liability, and the difference between local and state authorization. HB 363, which would let students enrolled in virtual schools participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their zoned public school, drew strong support from members and testimony from students and families. Witnesses described the bill as a fairness measure that would give online students the same opportunity to try out for sports and activities as home study students, subject to the same eligibility rules, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 256, clarifying that school employees are mandatory reporters and subject to existing DCFS training requirements, was also reported favorably, with members emphasizing child protection and the need to simplify reporting obligations. Finally, HB 272, which expands eligibility for the READ literacy program to students in D- and F-rated schools, was supported by the sponsor, Scholastic, and literacy advocates who cited Florida data showing improved reading outcomes and stronger family engagement; members raised questions about the fiscal note, parent literacy, and program overlap, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 23rd, 2025

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Forest Service, AgriLife, the Public Utility Commission, and our teams were ready to support weather
  • And again, thanks for your support and partnership in your service as well.
  • And our victim services are dealing with the families.
  • Do you have any sort of military, mutual military service support agreements?
  • Service to see what additional data is needed to support their efforts.
Keywords: 997, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will come to order.
  • In support of this bill, thank you very much.
  • This allows the Family Protective Services to reimburse certain employees for legal expenses associated
  • I'm testifying in support of House Bill 25.
  • Providers then must offer information about treatment and support services, which I can tell you is so
Bills: HB50
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I come here today in support of H. 573.
  • written testimony in support.
  • but supported in their full potential.
  • The burden is then on families to prove absences should be excused, whether for an illness, a family
  • to engaging in more proactive activities that support those families.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Audit Commission 1/29/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and professionals involved in the system to help ensure culturally appropriate supports and services
  • </c> services were available. services were available.
  • She also said they highlighted work related to federal legislation, including the Family First Services
  • the family first uh services<00:37:54.720><c> act.
  • The ombuds person for Asian-Pacific families, Baang Chu, had retired from state service, and that was
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians recently used grant funding to support families experiencing domestic
  • In collaboration with three other tribes, the Pinoleville Pomo Nation is providing support services to
  • We are here to speak on their behalf and support them, their families, people that have unsolved cases
  • Also, our child family services department was able to hire a social worker really dedicated to, and
  • And so we were there on the ground to see how we could provide that support to the family, supporting
Keywords: 988, house, all
AR
Transcript Highlights:
  • And some of the behavioral health agencies or the CSSPs, community support service providers, already
  • in and around their service provision.
  • We know that when you look at the data on homelessness, who's receiving services, homeless services,
  • And so families with young children, families with any age children... ...to maintain.
  • And so families with young children, families with any age children are particularly vulnerable.
Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It provides $63.9 million in child and family welfare services, including foster care support, adoption
  • assistance, foster parent, ...and child and family welfare services, including foster care support,
  • foster families.
  • Families are seeking access to health care and mental health services.
  • The bill also expands ...and expands and revises foster care and family support programs, authorizes
Keywords: 998, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:01:57.799><c> even</c><00:01:58.119><c> from</c> has broad support even from has broad support
  • </c> would allow us to provide better support would allow us to provide better support to<00:08:36.440
  • </c><00:09:38.279><c> and</c> last year ensuring that families and last year ensuring that families and
  • in service.
  • We too lend our support to this bill.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Mar 13th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • WE HAVE GEORGIA WAIVING IN SUPPORT REPRESENTING FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES FOUR AND SIX.
  • WE HAVE JOHN -- WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WE HAVE JIMMY NORIS WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
  • JASON FUREY'S WANTON COUNTY WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WE HAVE CHRIS CENSOR WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
  • WE HAVE GILMOUR WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WE HAVE CHRIS CENSOR WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
  • WE HAVE GILMOUR WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WE HAVE MIKE CHRIS WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill supports working families with school-age children.
  • This bill supports working families with school-age children.
  • Yeah, I'm going to go ahead and support you.
  • you also support this bill.
  • I support this bill.
Bills: SB219, SB9
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met to hear several bills, with members repeatedly reminded to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy merits. The committee first considered SB 9 on freshwater wetlands, which would combine tidal and non-tidal wetlands programs into one permitting framework; supporters said the bill resulted from a two-year consensus process and that the governor’s office and DENREC would absorb a significant share of the cost. Public testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing flood control and ecosystem services, though one speaker opposed the spending. The committee voted to release SB 9. The committee then heard SB 278 on child care assistance, which would preauthorize summer camp for eligible school-age children and create a separate lower co-payment for half-day care. The sponsor and the YMCA of Delaware said the change would better align family co-pays with provider reimbursement and make before- and after-school care more affordable for working families. The committee also released SB 278, SB 168 on alcohol delivery for package stores, SB 120 on health insurance coverage for certain testing and treatment, and HB 4, a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools; HB 4 was described as having a near-$3 million fiscal note and a one-year implementation delay because it was not funded in the budget. Later, the committee approved SB 219, which gradually increases the military pension income tax exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years and includes related joint-filing and residency changes. Supporters argued it would help attract and retain military retirees and bring federal dollars into the state. The committee also released SB 1, a major primary care reform bill that would increase primary care spending and implement hospital payment reforms, with projected long-term savings to the state employee health plan, and SB 325, which expands background checks and wrap-back monitoring for fire service personnel and adds an investigator position for the Fire Prevention Commission. In each case, public commenters and committee members generally supported the bills, and all were released from committee by recorded vote.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 25th, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • to build an ADU in support of their family in the way that they saw fit.
  • We are supportive of this bill, Mr.
  • I'm not a supporter of subsidies.
  • I'm not a supporter of subsidies.
  • I'm going to support the motion.
Keywords: 989, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HHS-AEN-EIG, HHS, HHS Public Hearings 02-02-2026

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Robert Carla, Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians Legislative Committee, in support.
  • . support. support.
  • . support. support.
  • Um Aloha United Way in support. support. support.
  • We strongly support<01:08:45.600><c> this.</c> support this. support this.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the VA's Community Care Program. Jan 28th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Senate Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • services has risen significantly.
  • Thank you all for your testimony today and for your service to our country, whether by direct service
  • or as a family member of a service member.
  • For us veterans that use services, get PTSD services, or other services, we know the best way to deal
  • How do you communicate with other service members or family that come to you and ask you about your husband's