Video & Transcript Research : 'HHR terminals'
Page 33 of 163
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH/HLT Joint Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- with consistently low utilization of contracted seats may be subject to contract modification or termination
- subject to contract<00:53:41.760>
modification <00:53:42.280>or <00:53:42.680>termination - <00:53:43.680>
so contract modification or termination so contract modification or termination - with consistently low utilization of contracted seats may be subject to contract modification or termination
- uh members are there any termination uh members are there any questions<01:24:05.360>
or <01:24
Summary:
The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees.
The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package.
The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up.
Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS-SENATE AND HOUSE May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We terminated 13 staff members as a result of this, and we changed the administration at the Southeast
- And that's why you saw that 13 people were immediately terminated. Okay.
- And that's why you saw so many people terminated because there were so many people involved in the different
- And at this facility, after this incident, that person was terminated.
Summary:
The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended hearing on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. DHS officials Lori McDonald, Jennifer Brise, and Melissa Weatherton described the HDC system, staffing and resident needs, and said Moore died after being held in a prone restraint for about 13 minutes, followed by a delayed chemical restraint and delayed CPR. They said the family settled a wrongful death claim for $725,000, 13 staff were terminated, the facility leadership was changed, and at least five staff had been criminally charged, with the death certificate later described as homicide and the cause of death as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint.
Members pressed DHS on why the family was not kept informed, whether there was a written restraint protocol, how staff are trained, and why the agency did not have more complete information ready for the hearing. DHS said staff receive CPI restraint training, annual restraint training is mandatory, and a consultant is reviewing policies, retraining staff, and conducting a root cause analysis under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care. Legislators also raised broader concerns about low pay, staffing shortages, use of float and contract staff, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based care. DHS said it is working on a retention and recruitment plan and a rate report for certain PASS services, but that the PASS rate study does not cover CNA pay.
Several members said the incident reflected both a failure of restraint practice and a broader staffing and oversight problem. DHS acknowledged that prone restraint should not have been used, that the chemical restraint was given at the wrong time, and that multiple breakdowns occurred in supervision, communication, and equipment use. The committee also discussed whether there should be more regular independent audits of HDC policies, and DHS said it does not currently have a separate annual policy audit beyond existing oversight. At the end of the meeting, the committee asked DHS to keep it updated on recruitment, consultant reports, and to contact Moore’s mother about the communication she had been promised. The meeting adjourned without any additional formal action beyond approving the minutes.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS-SENATE AND HOUSE May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We terminated 13 staff members as a result of this, and we changed the administration at the Southeast
- And that's why you saw that 13 people were immediately terminated. Okay.
- And that's why you saw so many people terminated because there were so many people involved in the different
- And at this facility, after this incident, that person was terminated.
Summary:
The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended oversight discussion with the Department of Human Services about the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center (later clarified in testimony as the Warren facility). DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after being restrained in a prone position for about 13 minutes, and reported that a nurse later administered a chemical restraint before CPR was attempted. They said the agency settled with the family for $725,000, terminated 13 staff members, changed facility leadership, and brought in consultants under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care to review policies, retrain staff, and conduct a root-cause analysis. Later testimony clarified that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide and the cause as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint; committee members also noted that six people had been charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person.
Members focused on restraint policy, staff training, chain of command during emergencies, family communication, and whether warning signs had been missed. DHS said it has written restraint protocols, annual restraint training, and a mortality review process, but acknowledged that the Warren facility had multiple failures, including use of a prone restraint, improper chemical restraint, poor supervision, inadequate communication, and problems with equipment and behavior plans. Officials said they were revising policies, creating clearer crisis-team roles, and retraining staff, and that the consultant work would be shared across the other human development centers. Several members pressed DHS on why the family had not been kept informed, why the agency was not prepared with basic facts, and whether a more formal independent audit of facilities should exist.
The committee also discussed broader staffing and funding issues across the human development centers. DHS said CNAs start at about $39,000 a year, that the centers rely heavily on float and contract staff, and that there are about 2,000 people on a waiting list for services. Members argued that low pay, turnover, and rural staffing shortages contribute to risk and asked for recruitment and retention plans, possible regional pay differentials, and more legislative support. DHS said it is drafting a systemwide retention and recruitment plan and expects to bring it to ALC, while also implementing a separate rate study for certain PASS program services in January 2027. The meeting ended after comments from Zachary Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money cannot replace her son and urged the state to ensure no other family experiences the same loss; the committee asked DHS to keep members and Ms. Stevens updated on consultant reports and recruitment efforts before adjourning.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- If they want to terminate the contract for whatever... ...and give at least two years' notice to do that
- If they want to terminate the contract for whatever reason, they're not walking away without paying for
- really that long-term contract and all of those financial guarantees, the collateral payments, the termination
- Well, you know, that's first, in the first case, from a financial perspective, that's why those termination
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers in Missouri, with the chair explaining that the goal was to hear from three speakers with different perspectives and allow committee questions, but no public testimony. The first witness, Matt Edelow of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Columbia-Jefferson City Area Building Trades Council, spoke in support of data center development for its construction jobs, long-term employment, tax revenue, and local economic benefits. He said the Montgomery County projects had already put about 200 Missourians to work, described the facilities as using closed-loop water systems and generator noise levels that he said would be limited by setbacks and acoustics, and urged local hire and apprenticeship requirements. Committee members asked about water use, noise, cybersecurity, labor, and tax revenue, and he said one project could generate about $13.1 million annually at full buildout.
The second witness, Rob Dixon of Ameren Missouri, testified that Senate Bill 4 and the Public Service Commission’s large-load tariff provide strong protections for existing customers. He said large data center customers must sign long-term contracts, pay 100% of interconnection costs, post collateral, pay at least 80% of contracted demand, and face exit and reduction fees, with load-shedding rules applying to them like other customers. Dixon said Ameren’s planning process includes engineering reviews and MISO review before projects proceed, and that the utility’s integrated resource plan calls for 5.3 gigawatts of new generation by 2030, with 2.2 gigawatts of signed large-load agreements already in place. He also said large customers can help spread fixed grid costs and put downward pressure on rates, and noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities.
The final witness, John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri, argued that the current protections are not strong enough and that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects change or technology shifts. He urged greater consumer protections, including more upfront financial security from data centers, reconsideration of construction work in progress policies, and possibly requiring data centers to bring their own power in some cases. Committee members debated his claims about SB 4, QIP, and rate impacts, with some members saying the law already contains clawbacks and consumer-benefit requirements, while others echoed concerns about transparency and public understanding. The hearing ended without any votes or formal action, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion in future meetings.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- next $500,000 would go to the port because all of this coal goes out the port, the McDuffie Coal Terminal
- 12.639>
Coal coal goes out the port, the McDuffy Coal coal goes out the port, the McDuffy Coal Terminal - Terminal. So, it would go back to that. Terminal. So, it would go back to that.
Keywords:
impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, law enforcement, HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, Senate Bill 204, Funding for Terminated Research Projects, which I'm carrying.
- , but I think that she disagreed with some of the things that the governor had said and she got terminated
- and terminated within, I believe, it was six months, and I think that's what this type of, I think,
- And so, The funding for the Terminator Research Projects will get rolled over to Friday.
Keywords:
appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine biomedical research, focusing on keeping America's edge in innovation. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- that life-saving cancer clinical trials are on the chopping block. the Trump administration has terminated
- center. and one of the four regional centers that was told last week that its funding was being terminated
- But the terminal age really doesn't capture what these costs are for.
- Our question for you is, given the terminations of scientists at the FDA food safety labs, and the more
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The FCIC was originally established to combat card skimming at gas pumps, skimming on electric terminals
- such as ATMs, point of sale terminals, and crypto crypto.
- with ATM and point of sale skimmers except TDLR is not involved since they do not regulate payment terminals
- These are the ATMs going into the throat of your card reader at the ATM as well as the point of sale terminal
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Cheer owns and operates one of two operational LNG export terminals in Texas just outside of Corpus Christi
- provide more certainty of timing in the regulatory process for building, modifying, and expanding LNG terminals
- So as you've heard, there are currently 2 operational LNG terminals in Texas with 4 under construction
- So we are, um, not quite at the scale of an LNG terminal yet as an industry, but this program is vital
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Human services panel hears HF2143 3/26/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal Indian law and policy during the removal, reservation system, allotment, assimilation, and termination
- removal, reservation system, aotment and assimilation<00:13:20.320>
and <00:13:20.639>termination - <00:13:21.279>
eras <00:13:21.600>are assimilation and termination eras are assimilation - and termination eras are documented<00:13:22.480>
painful <00:13:22.959>chapters <00:13
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Jayanta Bhattacharya, of California, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Musk and his minions at DOJ have moved to terminate some 1,200 employees he's at the NIH already, 6%
- Do you think the administration's executive orders and terminations of aging research projects is harmful
- support for caregivers and to study how to improve mental health care in primary care settings. terminated
- Will you commit here today to reinstating funding for scientists whose funding has been terminated because
Keywords:
NIH funding, healthcare research, chronic diseases, scientific integrity, public trust, pandemic response
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on various healthcare and scientific issues, with significant discussions surrounding the impact of recent administrative actions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its research agenda. Senators expressed concerns over funding cuts and personnel reductions, particularly the reported termination of over 1,200 NIH staff members, which could jeopardize ongoing and future research projects. The session included testimonies on the importance of supporting early-stage researchers and restoring public trust in scientific institutions following pandemic-related controversies. Additionally, the potential for future healthcare management based on diverse scientific ideas was emphasized as crucial to tackle chronic diseases effectively.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is more likely to be the terminal position for someone who is a superintendent, rather than for
- For the superintendents we had in the past, this was all their terminal position.
- So it's not the terminal endpoint maybe that it used to be.
- Institutions allow the scholarship to be awarded until completion of a terminal degree or has been received
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- we're talking about funding these projects, it's easy to think about the air side of things: the terminal
- , terminal expansion, and the passenger capacity.
- we're talking about funding these projects, it's easy to think about the air side of things: the terminal
- , terminal expansion, and the passenger capacity.
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation.
Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding.
Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- pregnant people can make every health care decision about their pregnancy except the decision to terminate
- A 15-year-old in that situation must go to a judge to get permission to terminate a pregnancy, even if
- involved parents who they can have open and supportive discussions with about their decision to terminate
- In that case, why do we impose more of a burden on the choice to terminate a pregnancy versus the choice
- And I want to assure this committee that terminating lifetime parole for juveniles and youthful offenders
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself.
Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism.
There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As a refresher, in December of 2025, there was a decision made at Dickinson State University to terminate
- You have to understand we terminated someone for cause.
- His appeal related to that termination is still pending. And so... ...for cause.
- His appeal related to that termination is still pending.
- And so I don't know that it is an inability to get bonding, but certainly this termination, any termination
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Legislature passed the End-of-Life Option Act in 2015 to give mentally capable, terminally ill adults
- I'm Jessica and Pena, a social worker from San Diego County, and I have served terminally ill families
- I'm Jessica and Pena, a social worker from San Diego County, have served terminally ill families for
- Unless lawfully terminated by either party, the tenancy would remain in effect.
- Unless lawfully terminated by either party, the tenancy would remain in effect.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote.
The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces.
SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action.
Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- without a family's consent or knowledge for a full 3 years, even if that family has asked to cancel or terminate
- Here's where I think we could talk about the terminating the contract within a reasonable period of time
Bills:
SB 227, SB 269, SB 407, SB 463, SB 527, SB 547, SB 1283, SB 1380, SB 1383, SB 1511, SB 1640, SB 1784, SB 2069
Keywords:
school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- a statutory program without terminating a statutory program without the<00:57:57.920>
ascent < - a program, because the people who create programs is the legislature and the people who can terminate
- <01:44:04.159>
because <01:44:04.400>the terminating a program. because the terminating - ><01:44:07.280>
can legislature and the people who can legislature and the people who can terminate - And I said, "But you had the authority to terminate it."
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The leases are month-to-month, so anytime an ICS provider wishes to get rid of a client, they can terminate
- have a few suggestions for temporary fixes until the crisis settles down. rid of a client, they can terminate
- rid of a client, they can terminate their<00:09:46.800>
lease, <00:09:47.040>which <00: - Again, there was no prior or even formal termination of services or eviction notice.
- , fines, as uh enrollment terminations, fines, as well<01:32:51.680>
as <01:32:51.800>the
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (05/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is to the level of evidence required to terminate a parent's rights.
- needed to terminate a parent's rights. needed to terminate a parent's rights.
- required to terminate a parents rights. required to terminate a parents rights.
- <00:14:48.720>
It's to terminate the parents rights. - It's to terminate the parents rights.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session on Senate Bill 72, a parental rights in education measure, and considered an amendment offered by Representative Raymond. Raymond explained that his changes were intended to narrow the bill so it would not force schools to act as “surveillance operatives” for parents, especially regarding older students, and to avoid requiring teachers to disclose private family matters such as a student’s sexual orientation or pronouns. He also struck the bill’s “clear and convincing” standard and replaced it with a lower “evidence” standard, arguing teachers should have some basis for concern but not a burden equivalent to terminating parental rights. He said the amendment was meant to preserve due process, avoid weaponizing the bill in civil disputes, and reduce the risk of lawsuits.
Members then debated the scope of the bill and amendment. Supporters said schools should not withhold information about a child’s health, school environment, behavior, bullying, self-harm, or criminal conduct, and argued that parents have a right to know about serious issues such as mental health concerns, sexual assault, drug use, or other misconduct. Several members emphasized that teachers do not diagnose mental illness, but should report observable concerns and involve school administrators or counselors when necessary. Opponents argued the bill would chill communication between students and trusted adults at school, especially for children from dysfunctional or unsafe homes, and said it could force outing of gay or trans students and increase the risk of harm or self-harm. One member cited the Department of Education’s trusted-adult approach and said teachers are not covered by formal confidentiality rules in the same way as lawyers or doctors.
The discussion included examples and hypotheticals about bullying, sexual assault, drug use, self-harm, gender dysphoria, and whether a teacher would have to tell parents if a student used different pronouns or a nickname. Raymond and supporters said the bill would require disclosure of serious safety concerns but not compel teachers to diagnose or pry into private matters. Opponents argued the bill’s language still sweeps too broadly and could force disclosure in situations where a student fears abuse or being kicked out at home. The transcript does not show a final vote on the amendment or bill in the excerpt provided.