Video & Transcript : 'parent education' :
Page 360 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I have two sets of parents. I have my pop and my mom prior to August.
- The 15th, 1996, and I have my parents after that.
- and also parents who have suffered with a child loss.
- A child who has lost a parent can only prove loss...
- I think that's educating our physicians is going to be a big piece.
Bills:
HB4806
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- or legal guardian the death of a parent or legal guardian of<00:15:53.160><c> a</c><00:15:53.240><c>
- um additionally we absolutely or parent um additionally we absolutely believe<00:17:12.640><c> that<
- A member said this is such an educational committee and that they always learn so much.
- </c><00:50:36.880><c> on</c> ...to regulate tobacco sales as a health education educator on the harmful
- When I display this bag at the Waiʻanae Farmers Market, parents were shocked.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit.
HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals.
HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue.
HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, the... ...the parents of a 12-year-old came to our office after waiting nine months for
- As a clinician and as a parent, I strongly urge you to give H. 384 / S. 195 a favorable report out of
- It's virtually impossible for parents to do this for their children, since so many of these chemicals
- It is essential to recognize that parents and caregivers may not be aware of these chemicals and the
- I helped draft MMS policy calling for increased public education around the health risks posed by gas
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform.
The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods.
Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 9, February 19, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Papis: Their parent, that, uh, you know, is responsible for them.
- One brought up was if you were a foster care parent.
- </c><01:25:09.360><c> Senate</c><01:25:09.760><c> File</c> Education Research Funding.
- Senate File Education Research Funding.
- </c> parenting day in W002. parenting day in W002. >> Great.<01:45:30.719><c> Thanks.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m thinking of elderly parents. I’m thinking of young children.
- We'll continue to provide that education.
- We'll continue to provide that education.
- We'll continue to provide that education.
- They will continue to provide that education.
Summary:
The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 437, which would change New Hampshire law on undischarged mortgages by creating a shorter period after which certain old mortgages would be treated as unenforceable. Prime sponsor Representative Bill Boyd said the bill was developed with input from bankers, lawyers, realtors, the Attorney General’s office, and the Banking Department, and he noted a drafting correction needed on line 18. He explained that the proposal would replace current law with a new framework modeled partly on Massachusetts, including a five-year expiration after a stated maturity date and a 35-year period for mortgages without an expiration date. Supporters said the bill would help clear obsolete title defects, reduce costly quiet-title litigation, and make real estate transactions easier for consumers, attorneys, and conveyancers.
Representative Mary Hakken-Phillips, Susan Cole of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, and Michelle Coffin all testified in support, describing the bill as a consumer protection measure. They said undischarged or improperly discharged mortgages often surface during title searches, causing delays, legal expenses, and failed or delayed closings. Coffin and Hakken-Phillips emphasized that many of these cases involve old, effectively obsolete mortgages and that the current process often requires expensive court action even when no one contests the title. Cole described a recent transaction in which a title defect caused a buyer to walk away and later restart the financing process, creating costs for both buyer and seller. A committee member asked about notice to mortgage holders; the response was that the lender bears responsibility for recording and extending the mortgage, and that due process rights would remain if a lender later contested the discharge.
Ryan Hill of the New Hampshire Bankers Association said the banking industry had reviewed the bill and was generally comfortable with it, while requesting a delayed effective date so members would have time to adjust their recording practices. He said the bill’s January 1, 2028 effective date reflected that request. After closing the hearing on HB 437, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 721, the Gold and Silver Legal Tender Act. Representative Juliet Harvey-Bolia introduced it as a bipartisan economic justice bill intended to recognize gold and silver as legal tender, protect against inflation, and address concerns about trust, taxes, and government taking. She argued that gold is a stable store of value and discussed tax treatment in neighboring states, federal history, and digital gold platforms. The hearing on HB 721 was still in progress when the transcript ended, with the chair limiting questions because of time.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- allows 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in target practice without direct supervision if they have parental
- They must also have completed hunter education and hold a valid Delaware hunting license.
- The bill maintains important safeguards, including parental involvement, hunter education requirements
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
HOPE Court, homeless court, housing instability, homelessness, poverty elimination, problem-solving court, community court, diversion program, criminal justice reform, reentry, warrants, fines and fees, low-level offenses, housing access, public safety, recidivism, Delaware Judiciary, DSHA, DHSS, DELJIS
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans.
The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.
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:
- I know the parents. I know the victims. And I know we can get it right as well.
- No education, no job support, no opportunity. No resources to help me grow.
- No education, no job support, no opportunities to work on myself.
- The relationship between education and recidivism is well documented.
- Before going to law school, I worked with adolescent parents for nearly 20 years.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing.
Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Water, Parks and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to educate people.
- , educating yourself.
- Does it punish parents if it's, you know, this is a 14-year-old, and then the parents have to do that
- , but the parents weren't there because literally it's their backyard, right?
- The discouraging tourism, the potential punishment of parents, and whether there is punishment of parents
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And for a parent to take their child there is really a very, very, very...
- And for a parent to take their child there is really a very, very stressful time.
- I wouldn't want—you’re going to want for special parents who have children in school.
- I understand the current law just generally broadly refers to educational institutions.
- We put the parental consent inside this bill for those who remember this bill.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections.
The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4.
The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued.
The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Dental things. suffering and being in the way of their education.
- And then how much... ...education does it require? Because education takes time, too.
- However, their education standards meet the dental education standards for the similar procedures that
- It was restructuring of the higher education system.
- When we talk about the education that's required, it's an average...
Summary:
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. HB 21 would create a new licensed profession of dental therapy under the Department of Health and Board of Dentistry, allowing trained dental therapists to provide a limited scope of care under a supervising Florida-licensed dentist through a collaborative management agreement. Sponsor Rep. Cheney argued the bill would help address severe dental shortages and improve access in underserved areas; opponents from the Florida Dental Association and oral surgery groups warned that the bill would allow irreversible procedures by less-educated providers and could compromise patient safety. Supporters, including dentists, hygienists, and community health center leaders, said dental therapists would expand access and free dentists to handle more complex care. An amendment was adopted to require proof of local anesthesia training, adverse-incident reporting, and updated background screening language. The bill was reported favorably as amended by a 14-1 vote.
The committee then considered HB 27, which creates the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact to allow licensed social workers to practice across member states, including through telehealth, and to help military families and address workforce shortages. Supporters from the National Association of Social Workers and other advocates said the compact would improve mobility, reduce administrative burdens, and expand access to mental health services, especially in underserved and rural areas. A technical amendment restoring model language and setting an effective date of July 1, 2025 was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended on a 15-0 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 29, the public-records companion to the social work compact, which creates exemptions needed for compact compliance and allows the compact commission or its committees to meet in closed session when discussing information exempt under law. After a technical amendment authorizing closed meetings for exempt matters was adopted, the bill was reported favorably as amended on a 15-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/23/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> proponent of parental rights as well. proponent of parental rights as well.
- may parents them that you know parents may parents may<02:19:26.399><c> say</c><02:19:26.639><c> yeah
- I’m a parental rights advocate in New Hampshire focused on public education.
- I’m a parental rights advocate in New Hampshire focused on public education.
- Is that a parent? Is What is assist etc. Is that a parent?
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 6th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2018, my husband and I... we're parents to a three-year-old boy and a newborn baby boy.
- It was a parents' night out program.
- Lastly, this bill will ensure that parents are informed about the safety of the facilities that they
- All these measures should already be in place, and parents assume they are. We did.
- They want to recognize that the drowning of Mitchell Chang during a Parents' Night Out event in 2018
Committee:
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Keywords:
permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is in contrast to the training that's available to psychologists and their underlying education
- Indeed, one of the primary educational institutions for prescribing psychologists is 45 minutes away
- The difference in education.
- My heart breaks when I sit with bereft parents who tried hard to access care for their child and are
- I'm also here as the parent of a child with serious mental illness. I worry so much about my kid.
Committee:
House Public Health
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> communities to pursue their educational communities to pursue their educational opportunities opportunities
- </c> inspires all of us to pursue education inspires all of us to pursue education to<00:07:58.800><c
- </c><00:09:06.640><c> and</c> master's degrees in education and master's degrees in education and psychology
- ><c> children</c> grandparents, parents, and children grandparents, parents, and children gone.<00:28
- </c><00:51:32.400><c> and</c> is also including educating and is also including educating and inspiring
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- example of a driving ticket to a teenager, you would then have the occasion sometimes to go with a parent
- … Occasionally, you would go with a parent to talk with the child and then ask that the citation be dismissed
- You prevent crime by educating them, and this is where we are in this hour.
- There are no lawyers in here right now; we got police officers and educators in here.
- We work with children; we educate children, and this is about law and order. I think...
Committee:
House Public Safety and Homeland Security
Keywords:
law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, resisting arrest, custody, public safety, Alabama law, traffic infractions, traffic ticket, disposition, criminal contempt, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, compliance, false information
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also an educator. I have a master's degree in elementary education and early childhood.
- </c> on the basis of sex in its educational on the basis of sex in its educational programs<00:47:16.800
- I think education is the key.
- I'm your exception parent with children.
- </c> First of all, the law serves to educate First of all, the law serves to educate in<01:59:20.560>
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- full-time at the institution of higher education.
- of special education funding formulas.
- Washington Education Association testifying on this bill today.
- Washington Education Association testifying con on this bill today.
- As parents, we want the best for our kids.
Bills:
HB2747
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
budget sustainability, state finance, fiscal policy, economic growth, government spending, 904, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/19/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:10.480><c> Housing</c> education, and community. Housing education, and community.
- It can be and tenant education.
- I'm the executive director of the African Career Education and Resources Inc.
- Students are driving parents to work, going to the laundromat, and shopping for essentials.
- And like many parent we've heard today.
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Education Postsecondary will now come to order. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Policy, such as interfacing with groups like yourselves, research and education, self-evident, and then
- One of the things employers have been telling us is that if they had to choose between the educators
- There was just a unique transition period because of his public service overseas with his parents.
- It's why we're the number one state for education in the country.
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs.
The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled.
Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:00:00.200><c> organization</c> um there's a foster parent organization um there's a foster parent
- So in addition to the rate that we pay foster parents, I often hear from foster parents that there are
- of the parents.
- </c><01:49:14.480><c> of</c><01:49:14.679><c> the</c><01:49:14.840><c> parents</c> think we're the parents
- of the parents think we're the parents of the parents there<01:49:15.880><c> there</c><01:49:16.119>
Summary:
House Finance Division III held an informational hearing with the Department of Health and Human Services focused on child and family services, children’s behavioral health, DCF, juvenile justice, and adult mental health. Before the presentation, members discussed scheduling a future site visit to Waypoint, including possible dates, mileage reimbursement logistics, and whether to reschedule the department’s developmental disabilities and healthy aging presentation because the associate commissioner was out sick. The department then outlined that it would concentrate on children’s behavioral health, DCF residential care and the Sununu Youth Services Center/YDC new build, and adult mental health, while noting the broader DHHS structure and the value of keeping related services under one leadership.
The department emphasized an integrated “system of care” approach and said it was trying to shift resources toward earlier, lower-intensity interventions rather than relying mainly on high-cost residential and acute services. It cited youth risk data showing roughly four in ten New Hampshire high school students feeling sad or hopeless and about one in five considering suicide in the past year, and said these trends worsened during the pandemic, peaking in 2021 and easing somewhat by 2023. Members asked how New Hampshire compared with neighboring states and about pre-COVID trends; the department said it would follow up with more exact data. The presentation also described a long-term policy effort beginning with federal funding in 2012, the state’s 10-year mental health plan, and later legislation aimed at strengthening children’s behavioral health and transforming juvenile justice so that youth with behavioral health needs are not routed into punitive systems first.
Members raised questions about out-of-state residential placement oversight and the statutory basis for inspections and follow-up. The department said the General Court had funded more “boots on the ground” oversight, in coordination with the Office of the Child Advocate, and agreed to provide a longer follow-up presentation on that topic after the governor’s budget is released. The department also described evidence-based prevention efforts, including home visiting programs such as Healthy Families America and a DCF-connected home visiting cohort for families already touching the child welfare system, as examples of trying to keep children out of deeper system involvement.