Video & Transcript : 'licensed foster parent' :

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FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 12th, 2026

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • In our direct experience as foster parents, we observed several behavioral changes in the child we were
  • You, as a parent, do your research. You're an involved parent.
  • Senate Bill 42 restores parental voice.
  • standard to be applied to the foster parent to promote normalcy within our foster families.
  • , and foster care.
Bills: S0042 , S0578 , S0624 , S7018
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:12 pm

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, if I'm a foster parent today, let's say I get a call and I accept a one-year-old infant and
  • I'm a foster parent here in Santa Fe, and there are no slots. I've... Made aware of.
  • I'm a foster parent here in Santa Fe, and there are no slots. I've looked everywhere.
  • So if you're a foster parent, you would get prioritized.
  • President, that if I prioritize... ...these at-risk children and a parent, whether it's a foster parent
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are former foster parents who retired our license because we felt that the county had misled us by
  • We are former foster parents who retired our license because we felt that the county had misled us by
  • By supporting this bill, you have the power to offer current and future foster parents transparency.
  • By supporting this bill, you have the power to offer current and future foster parents transparency.
  • By supporting this bill, you have the power to offer current and future foster parents transparency.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • keep those bonds, and the thankfulness that she had for the foster parents and others that supported
  • So if they're leaving their home in the morning to go to the foster parent to then pick up the child
  • So we have a complex process for assessing people in terms of their interest in being foster parents,
  • I guess the basic question: are we paying people more money, the foster parents?” “Yes.
  • The foster parents. Yes. We will give them an increase. And this new 343, including. Yes.
Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services Oversight Feb 25th, 2026

Health and Human Services Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ever since I've been here in 2020, every year I've had an interim study on foster children and foster
  • I think that is chilling, and I think that would chill people who want to apply to be foster parents.
  • But can you speak to why... ...to apply to be foster parents.
  • I mean, are the current standards for finding foster parents something that is just within the practices
  • So I guess the real point in my question is, DHS has standards in which they look at foster parent applicants
Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with House Bill 4248, which was reported due pass on a 9-0 vote after an unclear procedural vote call. The next major item was House Bill 3194, a bill to prevent pregnancy resource centers from being singled out for discrimination. The author said the measure was intended to protect private nonprofit pregnancy centers from lawsuits and government interference, including in staffing and mission-related decisions. Members questioned the bill’s impact on counseling, contraception referrals, ectopic pregnancy treatment, employment practices, and whether it was necessary given existing law. The bill was reported due pass on a 10-2 vote. The committee then advanced House Bill 3849, a request bill from the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to update language and broaden mentoring program credentialing, and House Bill 4095, which reaffirms the state role in the 211 collaborative and clarifies that it applies to hotline services for needs such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, and medical assistance. House Bill 4302 would allow the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to disclose a complainant’s identity to law enforcement if the complainant threatens harm. All three were reported due pass unanimously. Members also approved House Bill 3342, described as a Medicaid audit reform bill intended to curb punitive audits of providers; the author said the bill arose from cases where providers were penalized over reporting issues rather than fraud. House Bill 3344, aimed at improving foster care standards and home placements, passed 10-2 after questions about income thresholds, letters of recommendation, and whether the bill would apply to guardianship placements; the author said the goal was to raise standards and improve outcomes for children. House Bill 3287, requiring hospitals to post information and develop protocols for domestic violence and human trafficking victims, passed 12-0. House Bill 3645 created an alternate pathway for hospice referrals when a patient lacks next of kin or power of attorney, and House Bill 3647 established an all-payer claims database while emphasizing that the data could not be sold; both passed 12-0 after members raised concerns about federal consistency and privacy. Later, House Bill 3930, which defines “service animal” and requires sellers of emotional support animals to disclose that they are not service animals, passed 10-2. House Bill 3931 corrected a prior death-certificate change deadline and was reported due pass unanimously. House Bill 1818, a social work licensing cleanup bill, was amended to extend a sunset date to 2028 and then reported due pass 12-0. House Bill 4336 clarified pain-management definitions, including acute pain, and was reported due pass 12-0 after questions about labor and epidural care. House Bill 4454, an untimely PCS on medical marijuana edibles, would require clearer THC labeling and prohibit child-attractive shapes; the author cited pediatric ingestion incidents, and the bill passed 11-1. The committee then revisited House Bill 1818 to change the effective date to November 1, 2026, by unanimous consent.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Commission on Data Practices 1/22/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • What happens to a three-year-old who is removed from her parents but put in nine different foster homes
  • What happens to a three-year-old who is removed from her parents but put in nine different foster homes
  • What happens to a three-year-old who is removed from her parents but put in nine different foster homes
  • What happens to a three-year-old who is removed from her parents but put in nine different foster homes
  • What happens to a three-year-old who is removed from her parents but put in nine different foster homes
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Feb 25th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Licensed physicians and nurses must complete a one-time, two-hour board-approved continuing education
  • course on sickle cell disease care management as part of their first license or certification renewal
  • Currently, foster care agencies can apply for these benefits on behalf of foster youths.
  • Senate Bill 1594 would ensure that veterans benefits accessed by a foster care agency are not used to
  • Cross, who is a tireless champion for foster care children and who's been the inspiration for this bill
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a doctor of the day announcement. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Charlie Dean, with tributes offered to his service and family. Several introductions were made, including guests in the gallery and visiting students. On the special order calendar, the Senate temporarily postponed bills on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers, then took up and passed several measures. SB 198/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks was substituted to the House bill, amended to adopt the Senate language, and passed 37-0 to address fraud, registration, transaction limits, warnings, receipts, and refunds for scam victims. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices and collect crash data. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring one-time board-approved training for certain licensed health professionals. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, prohibiting cities from denying water or wastewater service solely because an owner refuses annexation, subject to service and funding conditions. The Senate also passed SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program by 36-0 after amendments expanding eligibility to ages 1 through 7 and adding postpartum drowning-prevention education and safe bathing guidance. SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation passed 36-0, creating cybersecurity program and oversight requirements for certain financial licensees and clarifying anti-money-laundering enforcement. SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments, extending cybersecurity-related public records exemptions and reporting provisions. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing benefits received on behalf of foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules so all bills passed that day would be immediately certified to the House and the postponed bills would remain on the special order calendar; both motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning for committee meetings and other business.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session May 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is Peyton Hogan and his parents. He's a 15-year-old freshman at Stroud High School.
  • or legal guardian, as is in this amendment, and the parent fails to attend the meeting.
  • I mean, if It's possible that the parent would make the request.
  • The parent fails to appear.
  • And say a parent Makes a request, but actually, it's never really received.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 8th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 393 by Senator Owen, regulation of explosives; definitions, licensing, civil penalties.
  • Foster Promise Program, revises initial eligibility requirements, and provides for reporting. Rep.
  • Foster was an adult financial aid program. It first started off at age 21.
  • Foster was an adult financial aid program. It's first started off at age 21.
  • It is the outside licensed professional. That's 100 percent correct.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill has to do with foster care licensing, crisis residential center staffing ratios, and child
  • They, like everyone else, have to get a child, be a licensed foster home.
  • And then in terms of licenses for foster care or group care, they specify the category of care, age,
  • They, like everyone else, have to get a child, be a licensed foster home.
  • And then in terms of licenses for foster care or group care, they specify the category of care, age,
Bills: HB2464
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> be approved as a relative foster parent. be approved as a relative foster parent.
  • So, once they become a foster parent, they are receiving a foster parent subsidy along with all the other
  • a foster parent, they are receiving a foster<01:26:36.719><c> parent,</c><01:26:37.199><c> you</c><01
  • And we've foster parent would receive.
  • Um so again that relative foster parent.
Summary: The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated. The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test. Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 57 Mar 9th, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • licensing reform, and that basically said, reading from there, a licensing authority shall establish
  • already Please. them to be able to be licensed under what our laws already say they can be licensed
  • have the same scope of practice as independent licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical
  • counselors or our other licensed clinical professional counselors to a standard. ...our other licensed
  • I think that this should be a separate license. I would even help craft that license if necessary.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 7, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I did not know that so many parents were going through that.
  • And I did not know if so many parents were going through that.
  • You're balancing the safety of a child that a parent is leaving with that parental choice of the place
  • Parents will always find a way.
  • That's 100 parents that have to go figure out. Any more?
Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Health Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Licensed sober living homes.
  • Parents.
  • California birth parents do not ...hundreds of birth parents and adoptees for over 20 years.
  • I'm a foster-adoptive, transracial adoptive parent.
  • I'm a foster adoptive, transracial adoptive parent.
Summary: The committee first took up SB 490 by Senator Umberg, which would require the Department of Health Care Services to investigate allegations of unlicensed sober living or residential recovery facilities within set timelines, issue notices promptly, and conduct follow-up site visits. Supporters, including a Garden Grove councilmember and the League of California Cities, said the bill would improve public safety, clarify enforcement, and address complaints about illegal operations in neighborhoods. County behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, arguing counties lack jurisdiction over these private facilities, could face liability and unfunded workload increases, and should not be pulled into enforcement responsibilities that belong to the state. After extensive discussion about whether the bill creates a county role or merely a pathway for local assistance, the committee passed SB 490 on an 8-0 vote and placed it on call for missing members. The committee then heard SB 381 by Senator Wahab, which would allow adult adoptees, and in some cases descendants of adoptees, to obtain their original birth certificates, create a contact preference form for birth parents, and remove current limits that omit certain birth information from amended certificates. The bill drew strong support from adoptees, birth parents, and advocates who said access to original records is a matter of identity, dignity, and health because it can reveal family medical history and cultural background. Several committee members expressed support for the goal but raised concerns about privacy, the potential emotional impact on birth parents, and whether the contact preference form adequately protects confidentiality. The author and supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored, that the form is nonbinding, and that many birth parents are open to contact; they also noted the bill had been amended to delay implementation and allow public notice. The transcript ends amid continued debate, with members indicating the bill would continue moving forward with further work, but no final vote is shown in the excerpt.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • from their home during a dependency and placed in an out-of-home placement, the state pays monthly foster
  • care maintenance payments to their licensed caregiver.
  • These payments are either through a foster care maintenance payment or an independent living subsidy
  • We have had clients who are young parents in extended foster care trying to raise their children while
  • a parent pass away are.
Summary: The committee held public hearings on five Senate bills focused on child welfare, homelessness, and developmental disability services. SB 5911 would stop DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for care, require help obtaining and managing SSI/Social Security benefits, and raise the threshold for depositing conserved funds into protected accounts. Supporters said the bill would help young adults build financial stability and transition to adulthood; questions focused on payees, financial literacy, and housing uses of the funds. SB 5977 would require DCYF to publish reports on near-fatality reviews within 180 days, with confidential information redacted, and make them available to the legislature and public. Supporters emphasized transparency and accountability, while some testimony urged broader reporting windows, retroactivity, and clearer inclusion of overdose-related cases. The committee also heard SB 6024, which would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review in specified areas, combining review activities where possible, and reducing duplicate document requests. The sponsor and providers said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let caregivers focus more on direct care. SB 6184 would update Office of Homeless Youth statutes by aligning parental-notification rules for crisis residential centers, making the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program permanent and statewide, expanding community support team eligibility, and revising Independent Youth Housing Program rules to allow transitional housing and direct flexible assistance. Testimony described the bill as a no-cost technical update that would improve access and clarify language. Finally, SB 5957 would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee by adding members over age 25 with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations, and would allow youth members who turn 25 during a term to finish serving. Supporters said the changes would strengthen lived-experience input and continuity. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced Friday committee was canceled, the bills heard that day would be eligible for executive session the following week, and amendment requests for Tuesday’s bills were due by 10 a.m. Monday, with posting by 4 p.m. Monday.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee Jan 13th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Kathleen Molly McLeod, adoptive parent through foster adoption.
  • Kathleen Molly McLeod, adoptive parent through foster adoption, me too. Thank you.
  • And I personally lived with individuals that were my foster parents who were of completely different
  • exist in licensing law.
  • The license, even with the forgiveness provisions that exist in licensing law.
Committee: Senate Judiciary
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Families and Children. (3-5-26)

Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> license for a car, whatever it may be. license for a car, whatever it may be.
  • </c><00:04:32.560><c> that</c> most likely this would be a parent that most likely this would be a parent
  • </c><00:04:41.919><c> as</c> still remain overseen by the parent as still remain overseen by the parent
  • ,</c> &gt;&gt; Yes, it could it's could be the parent, &gt;&gt; Yes, it could it's could be the parent
  • </c> friend of the court parenting friend of the court parenting coordination<00:13:07.600><c> there.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Home for children in foster care.
  • , psychologists, and therapists, through their respective licensing boards and during their license renewal
  • And while we sometimes focus on organizations that deliver foster care services, foster parents and kinship
  • The burden to caregivers and foster families, that's great.
  • Eliminating the licensing...
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-20-2026 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, I got away with that for about a week, and my parents didn't find out.
  • Well, I got away with that for about a week, and my parents didn't find out.
  • </c> and is pursuing a private pilot license and is pursuing a private pilot license through<00:20:18.000
  • </c> real-world applications, and fostering real-world applications, and fostering aspirations. aspirations
  • </c> with global perspectives to foster with global perspectives to foster academic<00:24:04.120><c>
Bills: HB1576 , HB2490 , HB1546 , HB1588