Video & Transcript Research : 'special needs'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Aug 27th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do we ordinarily use special sessions to ensure there's not a whiff of confusion?
  • A says it needs to be prescribed by a physician.
  • Once again, this is an abuse of a special session.
  • So unless we go to another special session, this...
  • I'm not wishing for another special session, so I do hope this...
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 27th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, you know how this works in special sessions. We will proceed with the agenda as planned.
  • systems clearly highlight the devastation in Kerr County and throughout Central Texas, emphasizing the need
  • With limited cell phone connectivity, In these parts of Texas, there's a need to go back to old-school
  • through best practices, really enabled this bill to get started early in the process, actually in special
  • heaven because of the lack of a warning system, the lack of a camp evacuation system, and the obvious need
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • To provide information as needed, and Captain Lance Kennedy as well.
  • Okay, so currently, without your bill, why do we need your bill then?"
  • I would think, I would hope and pray that it would never be needed.
  • Well, why do you need this bill? Let the Attorney General do what she needs to do.
  • With this bill, I don't really think we need it.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Civil Law and Procedure Apr 22nd, 2026

Civil Law and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:
  • And everyone gets there and goes, 'Oh, we need this.'
  • We need the Fourth Amendment back.
  • Somebody could just say, we're not going to need you today.
  • We need a civil wall trackers. We need civil wall trackers.
  • We need a civil wall trackers. We need civil wall trackers.
Summary: The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee met on the 22nd and considered a series of resolutions and bills, many of them requesting Louisiana State Law Institute studies. HCR 31, asking the Institute to study the use of the term “foreign” in state law as it applies to juridical persons, was reported favorably. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA Court to restore privacy protections, was also reported favorably. HCR 61, directing a study of expropriation issues related to carbon capture and sequestration, and HCR 96, directing a study of civil bench warrant recall and debtor notification practices, were both reported favorably. Chairman Muscarello’s HCR 160, requesting a study of property transfer provisions and the public records doctrine in light of the SimSport State Bank v. Roy matter, was likewise reported favorably. The committee also advanced several substantive bills. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported with amendments. SB 76, which codifies and revises standards for modifying child custody judgments, including a five-year rule and definitions distinguishing consent judgments from considered decrees, was reported as amended. SCR 19, requesting a study of extended-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Louisiana Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud False Claims Act investigations, and SB 139, capping interest on certain claims against the state or political subdivisions at 6%, were both reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and bars enforcement of foreign custody laws that conflict with Louisiana public policy or constitutional protections. Members questioned whether such arbitration was currently occurring, and the author said the bill was intended to close a potential gap. The committee also reported favorably SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts and other professionals in child abuse, neglect, and custody-related cases so they are not kept waiting unnecessarily. Testimony in support emphasized the burden on providers and nonprofits when hearings are repeatedly continued. Throughout the meeting, motions to report the measures favorably or with amendments were adopted without objection, and one bill, HB 668, was voluntarily deferred by its author.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • We don't need to sidestep the law to solve this problem. We need to follow it.
  • We don't need to sidestep the law to solve this problem. We need to follow it.
  • We don't need to sidestep the law to solve this problem. We need to follow it.
  • We don't need to sidestep the law to solve this problem. We need to follow it.
  • I think we need need need a<01:59:17.360> better<01:59:17.800> plan<01:59:18.680> and
Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:52:40.280> for<00:52:40.920> the alleviate the need for the alleviate the need
  • more money, you need these rate increases, you need to force a rate increase now, but yet it's been
  • need need do<01:19:16.160> we<01:19:16.240> need<01:19:16.360> another<01:19:16.680
  • that we are implementing a special that we are implementing a special overseer.<01:19:44.920> I
  • the special overseer by July 1st, 2026. the special overseer by July 1st, 2026. Um Okay. Okay.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services REVISED Mar 2nd, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • not be an additional burden timewise but would be more information that the provider could use if needed
  • Is there a reason that this language is needed currently? Thank you for the question.
  • Based on their specific needs and treatment requirements, and they will put them through levels of triage
  • Seeing not, whether it be debate, Senator Reinhart would need waves.
  • Many of it's because they needed to clarify for providers what they couldn't say. And so, yes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • imposed impact fees, it clearly we need imposed impact fees, it clearly we need to<00:11:17.680>
  • <00:45:39.119> some<00:45:39.359> place need some place need some place >> and<00
  • Um, but I need to do a the next one.
  • But if certain entities... need to stick with building need to stick with building [clears throat] [clears
  • think that the state needs to figure out think that the state needs to figure out mechanisms<01:55:33.440
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • > be studied, um needs to be there need to be studied, um needs to be there need to be science-based
  • I need regulator I need to be neutral.
  • We need this water. We need assurances, and we need certainty.
  • <01:51:04.719> We<01:51:04.880> need state. We need this water. We need state.
  • would need to follow. would need to follow.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • want to list some of them so that you can be thinking about them, because you're probably going to need
  • If you look at making sure we have polling places, because schools would not be open anymore, we need
  • Right now, many of us families are in crisis, and we do need support, not more trauma.
  • And I will tie that in also to 1040, where you now need judges. Please stick to the bill.
  • You now need judges to be part of it.
Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee met with a hard stop at 4:30 and approved the February 4, 2026 minutes. The chair announced several bills would be held for a later supplemental meeting, then took up SB 1426, the “squatter” bill. The bill was described as changing forcible detainer rules for unauthorized occupants and requiring immediate writs of restitution after judgment. Testimony from the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office supported the measure as a practical, collaborative response to unlawful occupancy. SB 1426 received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The committee next considered SB 1687, a strike-everything amendment moving the primary election date from late July to the Tuesday before Memorial Day starting in 2027. The sponsor said the goal was to give more time between the primary and general elections and align Arizona more closely with other states. County election officials testified in neutral, saying they generally supported more time but flagged several issues, including filing deadlines, consolidated election dates, polling place availability, redistricting timelines, signature calculations, and possible conflicts with presidential preference elections. The amended bill passed 4-3, with concerns raised about clean elections qualification periods and state versus local control over elections. The committee then approved SB 1110, which creates a home confinement program for certain nonviolent inmates, with GPS monitoring, eligibility limits, and a 50-to-1 inmate-to-officer ratio. Supporters said it would help families, reduce recidivism, and save money; an opponent criticized the retroactive effective date and questioned funding and monitoring capacity. SB 1110 received a do-pass recommendation on a 5-1 vote. SB 1275, which allows courts to consider PTSD and related service-connected conditions when sentencing certain veterans and first responders, drew support from the sponsor and advocates but opposition from county officials who argued it would undermine mandatory sentencing and victims’ rights; it passed 7-0. Finally, the committee heard SB 1140, as amended, which allows expungement of eligible misdemeanor records after a waiting period, with exclusions for serious offenses and special rules for shoplifting and peace officer employment. Supporters, including a formerly incarcerated advocate and a retired police chief working on anti-trafficking issues, said expungement would improve employment and stability and give people a real second chance. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1140 as amended on a 7-0 vote before adjourning.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We would need to work on that and see what's available.
  • We would need to work on that and see what's available.
  • We need your support to ensure that.
  • , the resources that they need, and anything else as it relates to providers.
  • That's all I will need. All right? Yes.
Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee opened with approval of the January 28 and 29 minutes and a welcome to Arizona Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol, including remarks from physical therapy advocates and students. The committee then took up several bills related to SNAP, health care oversight, child welfare, dementia planning, and safe haven newborn surrender. On SNAP, SB 1334 would bar DES from seeking or renewing federal waivers of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents unless authorized by law; it passed 4-1. SB 1333 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, with regular reporting, corrective action plans, and possible funding penalties; an amendment changed the reporting to quarterly and required a special audit, and the bill passed 4-1 as amended. SB 1331 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in mandatory employment and training unless exempt; testimony split between supporters citing work incentives and opponents warning of administrative burden and impacts on families and food banks, and it passed 4-2. The committee also advanced SB 1162, which clarifies DHS as the lead licensing and monitoring agency for health care institutions and, as amended, requires DHS and AHCCCS/Access to coordinate to identify duplicative oversight and report back periodically; it passed unanimously. SB 1017, requiring signatures on emergency informed consent forms for surgical procedures, passed 4-2. SB 1149, dealing with DCS periodic review hearings and notice/reporting requirements, including for tribal parties, passed 5-1. SB 1249, which designates DHS as the lead agency on Alzheimer’s and dementia planning and creates a dementia services program funded through lottery monies under the adopted amendment, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from advocates and family members. Finally, SB 1253, clarifying that a parent may surrender a newborn at the hospital of birth without leaving and returning, passed 5-0. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4
Summary: The Senate briefly convened and received a message from the House stating that the House was taking a vote. No bills, motions, or substantive policy matters were discussed in the exchange. Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate then adjourned until 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Press Conference: Senator Mayes Middleton Aug 4th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 7 is extremely vital to the continuance of protecting females; women and girls definitely need
  • Recent actions in federal legislation safeguard women on some level, but we need to codify this in state
  • The Texas Legislature needs to pass SB 7 to ensure these rights are fully safeguarded.
Bills: SB15, SB9, SB4, SB8, SB60, SB4, SB8, SB60, SB4, SB8, SB60, SB15, SB9
NV
Transcript Highlights:
  • And we need a little time.
  • We really need to do more diligence to be in compliance with Marcy's Law, and we need a little tiny pot
  • Maybe we do need some more time to explain it and answer all of the questions.
  • "Maybe we do need some more time to explain it and answer all of the questions, but to your point, the
  • It's about a bunch of other reasons that the state needs to address, correct?