Transcript Highlights:

• 38.399> harm<00:10:38.720> to<00:10:38.920> his<00:10:39.440> organs permanent
• irreparable harm to his organs permanent irreparable harm to his organs and<00:10:41.360> bipartisan
• Also, there's a law in the state that says that you are not allowed to pay someone with a disability
• Also, there's a law in the state that says that you are not allowed to pay someone with a disability
• People working in sheltered workshops who have disabilities are required to be paid $7.25 an hour.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . disabilities. disabilities.
• Permanently workforce housing. Permanently workforce. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
• Permanently workforce housing. Permanently workforce. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
• Permanently workforce housing. Permanently workforce. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
• Permanently workforce housing. Permanently workforce. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

Bills: SB2060, SB2063, SB2062, SB2069, SB2070

Keywords: rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance, housing development, preservation, rehabilitation, pre-development, construction financing, equity investment, credit enhancement, collateral, gap financing, area median income, AMI, perpetual affordability

Summary: The committee heard five housing measures, with the chair announcing that SB 2060, SB 2063, SB 2062, and SB 2069 were works in progress and that decision-making would be deferred to February 3. SB 2060 would allow HHFDC, with Finance approval, to transfer money within the rental housing revolving fund and its subaccounts without further legislative authorization, including a transfer to the mixed-income subaccount for FY 2026-2027. HHFDC and other supporters said the change would give the agency more flexibility to move projects forward, while Catholic Charities Hawaii and a testifier from Roars and Cares supported the bill but warned that shifting money away from lower-income housing could weaken efforts to serve households under 80% of area median income and people at risk of homelessness. HHFDC said the fund’s uncommitted balance was about $100 million and that demand exceeded available resources. SB 2063 would revise the mixed-income subaccount by changing project priorities, adding new criteria, allowing transfers within the subaccount without legislative approval, and directing conveyance tax revenues into the subaccount. HHFDC, OPSD, LURF, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Stanford Carr Development, and Roars and Cares supported the measure, while Catholic Charities urged the committee to keep rental and for-sale housing policy separate and to use other mechanisms for homeownership. Catholic Charities said the rental housing revolving fund should remain focused on rentals, and that for-sale initiatives should be addressed separately. The chair indicated an intent to defer the bill for further edits. SB 2062 would make the dwelling unit revolving fund equity pilot a permanent HHFDC program, allowing the agency to buy equity in for-sale developments to lower initial purchase prices and require repayment through shared appreciation. HHFDC said the pilot had been successful, with 83 units committed and $7.6 million of the $10 million program cap already committed, and said permanence would let the agency pair the program with DERF loans earlier in project financing. The chair said SB 2069 would be used as the vehicle for amendments to the DERF equity program and related changes. SB 2069 would authorize HHFDC to use existing dwelling unit revolving fund balances for the equity pilot; it drew support from HHFDC and several housing organizations. SB 2070 would create a permanently affordable for-sale housing program by replacing the current 10-year buyback restriction with a resale price cap tied to an appreciation index, which HHFDC said would preserve affordability while allowing owners to build equity. In questioning, senators pressed HHFDC on whether the bill was necessary, whether it would remove first-time homebuyer and other ownership restrictions, and whether the new program was truly “permanently affordable” if not tied to AMI. HHFDC said the current statutory restrictions limit flexibility, that the proposal would expand access to local residents, and that the price cap would be based on about 4.5% annual appreciation. Supporters said the approach would help buyers move up the housing ladder, while some senators expressed concern that it could open the program to owners of multiple properties and that the committee should see sales-velocity data on existing restricted units before proceeding.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is H. 2846, an act relative to disability or death caused by contagious disease presumption
• Domenico, an act relative to disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Domenico, an act relative to disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.
• This bill does not automatically grant accidental disability.
• He ended up going out of work permanently, and we're thankful.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public safety and public sector employees, with most of the discussion focused on expanding occupational presumptions and retirement protections for police, firefighters, correction officers, court officers, and other public employees. Testifiers from the Legislature, police and fire unions, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, PERAC, and the AFL-CIO generally supported bills covering cancer presumptions, contagious disease presumptions, Parkinson’s disease for firefighters, PTSD-related disability and death, and equity for post-certified police officers under the Heart Law. Several speakers emphasized that these conditions are linked to long-term occupational exposure, that current law leaves out agencies such as UMass police, Environmental Police, DMH police, and other state or campus police, and that the bills would correct gaps in existing benefits and presumptions. Representative Colleen Garry and Senator Joan Lovely spoke in support of expanding the Heart Law and cancer presumption protections, while Representative and Senator sponsors for the firefighter and PTSD bills described the health risks faced by first responders and urged favorable reports. PFFM and MassCOP representatives argued that firefighters and police officers face toxic exposures, infectious disease risks, and chronic stress, and cited studies and other states’ laws in support of the measures. PERAC testified that the PTSD accidental disability bill would clarify confusing case law and update filing requirements so traumatic incidents can be used in applications even when PTSD develops later, while still requiring medical review and retirement board approval. Additional testimony came from correction officers and trial court officers seeking comparable disability and pension protections, including a bill to extend a 100% disability pension to correction officers injured in violent attacks and a bill to treat court officers more like police and firefighters when injured in the line of duty. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, including about whether the PTSD bill would address post-retirement claims and about the impact of excluding “forgotten” police agencies. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee ultimately adjourned after hearing all scheduled testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cune's English unit on disability justice and Ms.
• That's 9% of our total permanent school staff.
• Some have learning disabilities.
• We have single moms with disabled kids or who themselves are disabled.
• So they denied me disability benefits.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The SMI designation is reserved for severe disabling brain disorders such as schizophrenia and severe
• But they are still disabled and simply too sick for our current community system.
• Again, we don't see this with developmental disabilities or elderly populations.
• The bill allows DCS to stop search efforts for a child's permanent placement after a permanency hearing
• determines the child is placed with a prospective permanent placement, unless ordered by the court,

Bills: SB1086, SB1193, SB1318, SB1345, SB1346, SB1451, SB1496, SB1611, SB1630, SB1631, SB1632, SB1672

Keywords: reimbursement, healthcare, laboratory services, noncontracting providers, Arizona health care cost containment, personal identifying information, PII, privacy, confidential records, public records exemption, commercial disclosure, data privacy, licensure, certification, health professions, health care licensing, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, emergency medical care technician, EMCT

Summary: The committee first approved the February 4 minutes and then heard Senate Bill 1086, which would require AHCCCS contractors to reimburse non-contracting providers for certain laboratory services when a member was referred by a contracting provider, and would bar prior authorization for diagnostic services and retaliation tied to such referrals. AHCCCS testified neutral but warned the prior-authorization ban could increase utilization and create fiscal and federal compliance concerns. The committee adopted the Warner amendment limiting non-contracting reimbursement to no more than contracting-provider rates, then passed SB 1086 as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee next took up Senate Bill 1611, an emergency measure to require AHCCCS to contract with an administrative services organization for program integrity and case management functions for the American Indian Health Plan, while keeping AHCCCS ultimately responsible. The chair’s amendment expanded the ASO’s duties to include provider support, quality improvement, and data analytics, removed AHCCCS claims payment authority, added more tribal observers, and exempted IHS and tribal facilities. Testimony strongly supported reforming the system after fraud and overcorrection harmed Native members and providers, but AHCCCS raised concerns about the fast timeline, possible duplication of fraud-fighting functions, and the need for 45 days of tribal consultation. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1611 as amended on a 5-2 vote. Senate Bill 1630 would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based services program for adults with serious mental illness, capped initially at 250 members under the Angius amendment, with semiannual reporting and a process for future expansion only if costs are reduced or neutral. Supporters said the bill would help the sickest SMI patients avoid repeated hospitalizations, jail, and homelessness, and could save the state general fund by shifting costs to federal Medicaid funding; AHCCCS was neutral and said it was finalizing the fiscal estimate. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1630 unanimously. The committee also passed SB 1193, protecting emergency medical care technician personal information from disclosure; SB 1318, repealing an outdated state dense-breast notification requirement to align with FDA language; and SB 1345, restricting anonymous complaints against health care institutions, though AHCCCS warned that federal law may still require investigation of complaints from any source and that the bill could reduce reporting and invite litigation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of vaccines, diseases that once caused widespread disability and death have become rare.
• And that child will have disabilities for the rest of its life. Madam Chair. Senator Koran.
• for children with transfer of permanent for children with transfer of permanent legal<01:57:31.360
• <01:58:42.640> support time as part of disability support time as part of disability support
• This bill is an care and disabilities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jim Jackson here on behalf of the Disability Coalition, and I'm also the registered lobbyist for Disability
• My husband is disabled.
• , our communities with disabilities.
• , our communities with disabilities.
• , our communities with disabilities.

Bills: HB30, HB120, HJR1, SB210, SB306

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• Alcohol and marijuana use permanently change the immature brain.
• So who is liable if the baby box malfunctions and the child is injured or permanently disabled?
• So who is liable if the baby box malfunctions and the child is injured or permanently disabled?
• It would be the or permanently disabled?
• And then there's potential for permanent injury, disablement, being disabled.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Commission on Disability.
• with the Americans with Disabilities with the Americans with Disabilities Act.<00:33:31.840>
• <00:42:24.240> in include people with disabilities in include people with disabilities in
• <00:43:00.560> community disability community disability community um<00:43:02.240> into
• federal grants related to disability federal grants related to disability inclusion<00:46:53.599

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire is a disability Justice New Hampshire is a disability Justice organization<00:51:12.319
• > disabled our total disabled our total disabled residents<04:13:08.800> our<04:13:09.199
• individuals who do need these disability individuals who do need these disability placards<04:20
• you have a walking disability you have a walking disability application<04:27:48.920> filled<
• <04:28:40.880> placards<04:28:41.880> and permanent placards and permanent placards and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ellen Pines, representing the Disability Coalition, said, 'This is an issue of particular importance
• for us because children with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to these measures.'
• Chair, members of the committee, Jim Jackson for Disability Rights New Mexico.
• Nationally, about 80% of reported restraint and seclusion incidents involve students With disabilities
• Chair, Senate Memorial 68 was passed in 2023, and it requested the Developmental Disabilities Council

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So needs and people with disabilities.
• disabilities disabilities have have have you<00:26:24.440> know,<00:26:24.600> what<00
• We have to be assured people with disabilities are safe.
• <01:03:57.800> terminating services or permanently terminating services or permanently terminating
• Health and Developmental Disabilities. Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am old enough to disabilities.
• :40.638> are Today, children with disabilities are Today, children with disabilities are able<
• . disabilities. disabilities.
• IDA, Individuals with Disabilities IDA, Individuals with Disabilities Education<08:54:13.520>
• Countless disabilities advocates have Countless disabilities advocates have sounded<08:58:00.718>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent
• Developmental Services consider neuropsychology evaluations of certain persons with intellectual disabilities
• , to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
• Developmental Services consider neuropsychology evaluations of certain persons with intellectual disabilities
• , to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules, including ceremonial resolutions recognizing the Concord-Nenezi sister city relationship, the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, and congratulating Rachel Cohen on earning Eagle Scout. The House suspended the rules and adopted those resolutions. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a number of petitions, including proposals involving neuropsychology evaluations for persons with intellectual disabilities, pharmacists’ participation as preferred providers, a sick leave bank for a Department of Transportation employee, and land/easement authority for the City of Lowell. The main substantive issue was House Bill 4001, the fiscal year 2026 state budget, which came from the Senate with a full substitute amendment. The House suspended the rules but voted not to concur with the Senate amendment. The chamber then agreed to reappoint a conference committee, naming Representatives Michlewitz, Ferrante, and Smola to negotiate with the Senate. The House also considered and advanced several Public Service Committee bills establishing sick leave banks for state and local employees, including Kendra Winner, Dana Johnson, Stephen Forget, Daniel Yender, and Martin Kratman; each was ordered to a third reading after suspension of the rules. Later, the House took up Senate No. 2521, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. After suspension of the rules, the bill was read a second time, ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed, and then enacted. The emergency preamble was separately adopted by a recorded vote, and the bill was finally passed. The House also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution No. 159 by Senator Cloud is a resolution to create and provide for the Child Permanency
• and bring all the stakeholders together to look at some of the ambiguity and issues relating to permanency
• create and provide for a task force to study the Minimum Foundation Program formula and recommend permanent
• Children's Code relative to child in need of care proceedings, survivability to disposition and permanency
• Children's Code relative to child in need of care proceedings, survivability to disposition and permanency

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, it's not a permanent solution by any means.
• As was just said, this isn't a permanent solution. We know that.
• great use of some one-time funds to get us through the next two years, but we do hope for a more permanent
• concur with what the other supporters have already said, and we do look forward to some kind of permanent
• Representative Borrego, for bringing a solution temporarily so that we can regroup and get some permanent

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of them are for people with physical disabilities, not people with developmental disabilities such
• I also ask developmental disabilities.
• children with developmental disabilities children with developmental disabilities such<00:18:40.320
• charges being brought, a permanent charges being brought, a permanent sanction<00:58:23.680>
• of Human Services ability to permanently of Human Services ability to permanently remove<01:09:12.000

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• But, as I emphasized in the original speech, this is for people who are permanently and totally disabled
• <00:55:22.040> and is for people who are permanently and is for people who are permanently
• and totally<00:55:23.280> disabled.
• totally disabled. totally disabled. Okay?
• So, we also have to remember that these veterans who are not permanently and totally disabled, like myself

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , by Senator Burton regarding health insurance coverage for individuals with Del Developmental disabilities
• Well, Happy Disability Awareness Day. I traveled all the way at 5 o'clock in the morning to come.
• I went 6 months without any services from the agency for Persons with disabilities because DCF has failed
• We advocate for a grassroots advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and
• We have any indication of which cities are incredibly delinquent or delaying the process for a permanent

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals in developmental disabilities that have been enrolled.
• Falls under this elder and disability-related coverage.
• So they're adults with physical, cognitive disabilities or disabilities due to age.
• It's a permanent affordability crisis. Right now, many families in...
• It's a permanent affordability crisis.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the effects of H.R. 1 on Washington’s Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care, and food assistance systems, followed by a separate discussion of juvenile rehabilitation caseloads and placement capacity. DSHS officials said HR1 could affect home equity rules, immigration-related eligibility, work requirements for some expansion-population enrollees, and provider taxes, while also creating a future opportunity for a new 1915(c) waiver. Advocates and providers warned that any state response that cuts home and community-based services would worsen already thin provider networks, increase waiting lists, push more people into hospitals or out-of-state placements, and strain families and workers. A pediatric behavioral health expert and a supported living provider said Medicaid reimbursement is already too low and further reductions would threaten outpatient, residential, and inpatient services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral needs. The committee then turned to SNAP and the state food assistance program. DSHS said HR1 would tighten work requirements and exemptions, end some immigrant eligibility for the federal program, eliminate the SNAP education program, raise state administrative costs, and eventually require Washington to share in benefit costs based on its error rate. Officials estimated large numbers of residents could lose or see reduced benefits, with significant added state costs. Anti-hunger advocates, a food bank director, and a SNAP recipient described the program as essential for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and said the changes would increase paperwork, reduce benefits, and worsen food insecurity while also harming local food economies. Testimony emphasized that food banks cannot replace SNAP and that work requirements may be difficult to meet for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those facing child care or transportation barriers. In the juvenile justice portion, the Caseload Forecast Council presented the JR forecast, which is currently mostly flat through the end of the biennium but expected to grow modestly over the longer term. Members discussed how policy choices, including the 2019 JR-25 law, have increased lengths of stay for adult-sentenced youth in JR, while diversion and other reforms have affected regular JR trends. A court researcher explained the data available to help forecast admissions and noted ongoing efforts to improve data sharing with JR, AOC, and county systems, though staffing and system-lag issues limit how quickly data can be produced. Juvenile court administrators and DCYF officials described the community-based juvenile justice continuum, rising complexity in the JR population, overcrowding at Green Hill and placement constraints at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, and the need for more flexible community transition and mental health capacity. No votes were taken.