Video & Transcript : 'Family Support Services' :
Page 286 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- These providers are then supported by clinical services of APPs, nurses, nurse navigators, and MAs.
- We have research nurses and coordinators, data regulatory and compliance, and support services in these
- services for them.
- The Department of Integrated Services houses the county's suite of integrated behavioral health services
- And we need really more intensive levels of community-based services, so programs that serve families
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Pietro with Florida Family Voice, and we are in strong support of HB 1517. I stand before you.
- Helping a friend or family member access reproductive health care during a difficult time should be supported
- Floridians should not have to fear if they are supporting a friend or family member who is seeking reproductive
- Helping friends and family is kindness and something that's supported by religions throughout Helping
- friends and family is kindness and something that is supported by religions throughout the world.
Summary:
The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0.
The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0.
HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Hillier acts as the director of service learning, supporting medical students in caring for the most
- This coalition is made up of Families for Vaccines, Arizona Academy of Family Physicians, Arizona Medical
- Association, Families for Vaccines, Arizona Academy of Family Physicians, Arizona Medical Association
- Services; SB 1204, Appropriations; SB 1557, Health and Human Services; SB 1798, Education.
- These are families who are feeding their families, and they need their jobs.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-PSM, CPN-EDT, CPN Public Hearing 02-05-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout that time, I was very lucky to have the support of my family and money on the phone so I could
- lucky to have the support of my family<00:14:20.839><c> and</c><00:14:20.959><c> money</c><00:14:21.199
- Okay, thank you, Georgette Yandel, in support. Corey Ime, in support. Tony Flori, in support.
- Okay, thank you, Georgette Yandel, in support. Corey Ime, in support. Tony Flori, in support.
- We support that.
Summary:
The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes.
Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782.
The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you and support. Asha Sharma, on behalf of Sierra Club California, in support. Thank you.
- No, Mel, we're on behalf of CR&R and our environmental services in support, thank you. Thanks.
- No, Mel, we're on behalf of CR&R and our environmental services in support, thank you.
- Chad Mays on behalf of Republic Services in support.
- We strongly support AB 2046.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 839, which would allow up to three sustainable aviation fuel projects to qualify for expedited CEQA judicial review. The author and airline and airport supporters argued SAF is a key emissions-reduction strategy for aviation and that California needs to signal investment certainty after prior project litigation. Environmental Justice and Earthjustice opposed, saying the bill weakens the public’s ability to challenge polluting projects and that SAF facilities can harm already overburdened communities. The committee later took a roll call on the bill and it was held on call after a 3-0 vote, with the motion being due pass to Judiciary.
Members then took up AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes in California. The author and a broad coalition of waste, public health, local government, and environmental groups said the devices create fire hazards, add lithium batteries to the waste stream, and burden local recycling and hazardous waste systems. Opponents, including retailers and business groups, argued the bill would mainly affect a small legal market while the illicit market would continue to supply most disposable vapes, and warned of unintended consequences. After discussion about illicit sales, EPR ideas, and reuse alternatives, the committee voted 2-2 on the motion to pass as amended to Revenue and Taxation, so the bill was kept on call.
The committee also heard AB 907, which would compensate the six local air district representatives who serve on the California Air Resources Board the same as other board members. The author and supporters said the change would improve equity and help ensure local representation on CARB, and no opposition was presented. The chair expressed support, noting similar legislation had passed the committee previously, and the bill was held for a later vote once quorum issues were resolved.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Guide us to support strong services that protect the most vulnerable citizens.
- Guide us to support strong services that protect the most vulnerable citizens.
- Guide us to support strong services that protect the most vulnerable citizens.
- Guide us to support strong services that protect the most vulnerable citizens.
- So thank you for your support on this.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I just think we're unnecessarily locking families out of very valuable services.
- and then support language that restricts families from accessing said service when there's no clear
- And they're also supporting and really making a large push to referrals to these recovery support services
- they have made a lot of referrals to recovery support services.
- families, supporting children within our foster care system.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- family apart.
- Thank you for your service. Senator Leake. Thank you for your service.
- these families.
- services.
- And the folks that we’re trying to help the most will not receive the services without the support coordinators
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.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolution 2026-006 in support of SB 38.
- I serve thousands of New Mexico families every year.
- Please support SB 17. Thank you. Thank you, Regina. Speaking in support, is that right?
- We support Senate Bill 41.
- So I fully support this bill.
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.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm chief of the Family Health Services at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health.
- They struggled, and there were no services or support for those parents.
- getting the services and supports they need.
- </c><00:36:51.160><c> Health</c><00:36:51.319><c> Services</c> division uh Family Health Services division
- </c><01:11:39.159><c> Grassroots</c> Services and support from the Grassroots Services and support from
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study May 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And other support professionals.
- , those related service providers that we know are so integral into in the support for our students with
- on engaging families.
- and are needing some extra supports.
- How can we engage with our communities and others, right, to support teachers, to support families, but
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We are here today supporting this bill.
- Chair, I'm in support of the motion.
- I will also support the motion.
- So I will be supporting that.
- So again, I support ISP.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 959, which would adjust levy limits and related property tax provisions for fire and EMS districts affected by prior tax changes. Senator O’Conniewicz and fire district officials said the bill is needed because fire and EMS districts rely heavily on property tax and are struggling to keep up with growth and operating costs. The Idaho Home Builders Association and the Association of Idaho Cities both supported the bill, with cities noting it would provide needed relief for emergency services even if broader tax fixes are still being sought. The committee moved and passed a motion to send HB 959 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 706, which would allow cities to permit single-stair apartment buildings in limited circumstances if additional life-safety and design standards are met. Supporters, including Senator Robbie, an architect, and a private citizen, argued the bill could lower construction costs, help infill development, and create more affordable “missing middle” housing while maintaining safety through sprinklers and other requirements. Fire officials and the Association of Idaho Cities opposed the bill, warning that a single stair reduces redundancy for evacuation and firefighter access and could create risks in fires or active shooter situations. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to send HB 706 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Anthon and Adams recorded as no votes.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 967, a compromise measure to increase funding for Idaho State Police compensation by shifting $4 million total, including $2 million from liquor funds that would otherwise go to cities and counties. Senator Lakey and Colonel Gardner said ISP has severe staffing shortages, especially among mid-level troopers, and needs a funding fix to remain competitive and retain officers; the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police also supported the bill. Cities, including the mayor of Moscow and the Association of Idaho Cities, opposed the measure because it would reduce local revenue used for police, fire, and EMS, and argued the state should use other funding sources instead. Several senators expressed concern about the impact on cities but said they felt compelled to support a compromise for ISP, and the committee ultimately passed the motion to send HB 967 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with recorded no votes from Senators Robbie and Riggs.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I had a husband and a family to go home to. I had a support system.
- All the support services continue to support me after my release.
- All conclusive support services continue to support me after my release.
- I am now serving as the mentorship program coordinator and All-Exclusive Support Services.
- I went home with nothing but the support of my family. With nothing but the support of my family.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met to approve prior minutes and then heard extensive testimony focused on reentry, programming, and the differences between Department of Correction facilities and county sheriff programs. Much of the testimony came from incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people describing how county facilities offered education, treatment, work release, identification documents, housing help, and reentry planning that they said were often unavailable or harder to access in state DOC settings. Several witnesses emphasized that these programs helped them obtain sobriety, employment, family reunification, and parole readiness, while others said they needed more time, mentoring, or transitional support before release to make the most of those services.
Witnesses from Hampshire, Barnstable, Hampden, and Franklin counties described specific programs such as high school/GED completion, college courses, culinary arts, vocational training, recovery groups, therapeutic treatment, and community-based reentry centers. Many said staff treated them with dignity and that the facilities’ culture encouraged accountability and personal change. A few witnesses also noted that some programs were not a fit for their needs, especially for people without substance-use issues or for those whose mental health needs were not adequately addressed. One Barnstable witness said she returned to custody within 48 hours of release because she was not mentally prepared for reentry, and another from Framingham said mental health support was insufficient and visitation restrictions worsened her experience.
Commissioners asked follow-up questions about DOC access to programming, classification barriers, reentry preparation, and visitation policies. Several witnesses said DOC programming was limited by sentence length, classification status, or program waitlists, and that some people were steered into programs that did not match their needs. A number of commissioners and the sheriff present responded by stressing the importance of wraparound services, individualized planning, and hiring formerly incarcerated staff. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving testimony.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Marley is deeply involved in leadership and service within 4-H, and she serves as a family and consumer
- President, and I want to rise in support of 4-H.
- And I know her family, and I know her father. 36.
- She's the youngest in her family, with two older sisters and very supportive parents who encourage her
- He has a little sister and a big extended family who mean a lot to him.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a place where neighbors can walk to family-run grocery stores, restaurants, and essential services
- , if any, support from the state of California.
- in need of shelter, but also working families in need of shelter who are individuals and families of
- in need of shelter, but also working families in need of shelter who are individuals and families of
- You know, I'm looking through this list of supports, and that's a significant number. support.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met and heard a full agenda of bills, beginning with AB 1674, which would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program and require grocery-store capacity to be preserved or mitigated in certain housing developments. The author and local residents from Sunnyvale testified in support, describing the loss of neighborhood grocery stores and the impact on seniors and low-income families. Business and building groups opposed or opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could add costs and create housing barriers, especially in Section 3. The committee discussed rural and urban food-access differences, and the bill passed the committee 5-0 and was re-referred to Housing and Community Development, with members noting continued work on amendments.
The committee then approved several consent items and heard AB 2264, which would allow district agricultural associations to use fairgrounds property for affordable housing by extending lease terms from 55 to 99 years. Supporters said it would unlock underused public land without displacing neighborhoods, and the bill passed to Housing and Community Development. AB 269, the “Fair Act,” would provide a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects on fairgrounds; it drew broad support from members and fair association testimony and passed to Revenue and Taxation. AB 2143, which would prohibit online marketplaces from accepting payment for noxious weeds shipped into California, received strong support from academic and agricultural witnesses and passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
The committee also heard AB 1731, creating the California Healthy Food Procurement Fund and an approved-vendor program to connect schools with California farmers. School nutrition, farm, and food-policy advocates supported the bill as a way to reduce procurement barriers and expand local food in school meals; it passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1848 would raise seed-law fees to fund inspection and enforcement of California’s seed regulations; the California Seed Association supported the increase, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The meeting concluded with roll calls on absent members and adjournment at 2:53 p.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/19/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask you to support New Hampshire providers and support House Bill 70.
- and Eliza and Shane also reive support and Eliza and Shane also reive services<01:11:00.960><c> from
- </c> uh as much as I support this I support a uh as much as I support this I support a larger<01:42:59.040
- support this bill.
- support this bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Personal care assistance and community first services and supports 3/10/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also provide home care services in the consumer direct community support program.
- services in the consumer direct community<00:05:14.800><c> support</c><00:05:15.199><c> program.
- </c> community support program. community support program.
- </c><00:10:14.320><c> and</c> for community first services and for community first services and supports
- </c> supports CFSS. supports CFSS.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Mar 24th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- and families in need of services.
- and families in need of services.
- But that is a place where we're investing dollars to help support with that counseling service on the
- helps to support things like cognitive behavioral therapy, FFT, which is functional family therapy.
- the youth with the family, but also the team members that are going to be involved in supporting that
Summary:
The Justice Budget Committee heard detailed presentations from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on staffing, services, and budget needs. DJJ Secretary Hall emphasized that the agency’s main public safety strategy is education, along with prevention and recidivism reduction. He described major staffing improvements after pay increases for probation, detention, residential care, and prevention workers, and outlined DJJ’s mental health, aftercare, and education continuum, including the Florida Scholars Academy and Florida Youth College. He said the new statewide education model is showing early gains in progress monitoring, high school graduation, and postsecondary enrollment, while also noting ongoing operational issues such as IT connectivity, rural staffing gaps, and the need for geographic pay adjustments for teachers. He also discussed detention center replacement plans in Hillsborough, Broward, and Palm Beach, and said DJJ would transition the Broward JAC to a security contractor after the sheriff’s office pulls sworn officers from the site.
Members asked about campus performance differences, teacher pay, detention education quality, and concerns about the rollout and leadership of the Scholars Academy. Hall said some campuses face rural access and infrastructure problems, but the blended learning model provides continuity when internet or staffing issues arise. He defended the superintendent’s qualifications and said early problems with inappropriate online content were addressed. Representative Porras raised concerns about educational quality and the superintendent’s past disciplinary history, while Representative Barrera urged more mentorship and fatherhood-focused programming in juvenile facilities.
DOC Secretary Dixon said the prison system is under pressure from rising inmate populations, staffing shortages, and overtime costs. He argued that the system needs funded posts for every functioning housing unit, noting that the department has added housing units without enough staff and now relies heavily on overtime, mobile officer deployments, and shift conversions to keep facilities operating safely. He highlighted that many officers are new, that outside-hospital transports have risen sharply, and that mental health units require additional staffing. DOC’s mental health chief described a large and growing treatment system with outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and court-ordered services, saying about a quarter of the prison population has a diagnosed mental illness. Community corrections staff described treatment programs, employment specialists, mobile probation and reentry units, and a new mental health first aid training initiative. Reentry staff reported expanded substance abuse, education, CTE, chaplaincy, and digital learning programs, including Edovo and a forthcoming Work Bay platform. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Housing Caught, waving in support; Destiny Watson, waving in support; and Taylor, I believe, in support
- in support.
- I represent the Christian Family Coalition, and we rise in strong support of this bill.
- Next, we'll have Aaron DiPietro, Florida Family Voice, waiving in support.
- Anthony Verdugo with Christian Family Coalition, waiving in support.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced four member bills. CS/HB 303 would require nurses to complete the existing two-hour human trafficking prevention course before initial licensure, rather than waiting until renewal; the sponsor said this closes a gap for new nurses, and supporters from the Florida Nurses Association and other groups said it would improve early identification and reporting of trafficking victims. Members asked whether the bill changed reporting duties, and the sponsor said it did not. The bill passed unanimously, 24-0.
PCS/HB 1069 would treat independent sanctioning authorities as qualified entities for background screening purposes and allow an unscreened athletic coach to work only if directly supervised by a screened coach. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families and youth sports organizations while keeping children safe, and members discussed how it would apply to Little League and whether disqualifying offenses would still bar work with children. The bill received support from several organizations and passed 25-0.
HB 491 would allow batterers intervention programs to offer voluntary faith-based content alongside required cognitive behavioral therapy, without mandating participation. Supporters argued the bill restores options for clients seeking faith-based counseling and said it does not use taxpayer funds or impose religion; members emphasized the voluntary nature of the program. The bill passed 24-0. HB 569 would change how the Agency for Persons with Disabilities organizes forensic client services by grouping clients based on clinical needs rather than legal charges, which the sponsor said would improve efficiency and reduce duplication. The agency and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported the bill, and it also passed unanimously, 24-0. The committee then adjourned.