Video & Transcript Research : 'deafness'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas it is vital that hearing families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children embrace a common
- New Mexico has always made a commitment to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
- I think it was the first state institution to treat and to help deaf and hard-of-hearing... Mr.
- New Mexico has always made a commitment to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
- Of course, it was called the institution for the deaf and dumb back in the day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We do also have to remind everyone that we are a deaf school.
- As a deaf superintendent, I was born and raised in a deaf family, and I'm a product of a deaf school
- I went to the deaf school since I was three years old.
- Of those 11,000 students, 932 are deaf-blind.
- We are the only deaf school in the state of Texas that serves deaf and hard of hearing students.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The deaf.
- As a deaf individual and a member of the deaf community, I myself am a product of a deaf school since
- It is difficult to recruit and retain... deaf and hard-of-hearing teachers in deaf education with that
- Not being a deaf person, but seeing...
- Universities that do offer those deaf education programs.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Loss Association of America, the Arizona Association of the Deaf, and the Arizona Deaf Blind Coalition
- We also welcome the Arizonans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf blind, and their community members
- to shout out a few of the folks here: Nikki Sokop, Executive Director, Arizona Commission for the Deaf
- Sokup, Executive Director, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Renee Banjuri, Community
- ; and Karen Tenon, Arizona Deaf Blind Coalition.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. Members also introduced numerous guests and Capitol Day visitors, including the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, and organizations serving deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind Arizonans. A proclamation was read designating September 4 as Taekwondo Day in Arizona.
The chamber then processed a large number of bills through first reading, second reading, and Committee of the Whole. Measures receiving due-pass recommendations included HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, HR 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, HB 2395, HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. Several bills drew substantive debate, including HB 2051 and HB 2072 on lactation services and consultant certification for Medicaid reimbursement, HB 2203 on eliminating duplicative reporting requirements, HB 2395 on a voluntary mental health-related measure, and HB 2043, which sparked a sharp partisan exchange over whether it was a cleanup to felony-murder statutes or an anti-abortion/personhood measure.
On third reading, HB 2008, dealing with school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25 after debate over whether it would help keep ideology out of schools or further weaken library support. House Resolution 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Chris Mays’ public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive floor debate over her comments, her record on law enforcement and consumer protection, and whether the resolution was appropriate. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred the passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- September as Deaf Awareness Month for the next 10 years.
- Garner Dennis Voris has been a remarkable advocate for the deaf community.
- that there is a need for broader recognition and awareness of the challenges and contributions of the deaf
- By establishing Deaf Awareness Month, we affirm our commitment to the promotion of resources, education
- , and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Bills:
SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93, HCR12, HCR6
Keywords:
firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for armed security services for Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.
- So when we added the security contract for the blind and deaf school, we took over what was the previous
- If it's totally adding the school for the blind and deaf, then maybe I can understand it if we have a
- total projected cost of $3.2 million on this contract because we added the school for the blind and deaf
- But though we've added the school for the deaf and blind, which was one of the amendments that was done
Summary:
The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot.
The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees.
Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for armed security services for Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.
- So when we added the security contract for the blind and deaf school, this is, we took over what was
- If it's totally adding the school of the blind and deaf, then maybe I can understand it if we have a
- total projected cost of $3.2 million on this contract because we added the school for the blind and deaf
- Before it was just for the Capitol Mall area, but we've added the school for the deaf and blind, which
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We recognize the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, Arizona chapters of the Hearing
- Loss Association of America, the Arizona Association of the Deaf, and the Arizona DeafBlind Coalition
- We also welcome the Arizonans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind, and their community members
- of Hearing, and Rina Banerjee, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf
- Arizona Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America; Katie Sienko, Arizona Association of the Deaf
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, deaf and hard-of-hearing advocacy organizations, the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, the Doctor of the Day, and Native vote advocates. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for two DPS officers killed earlier that morning.
A long list of bills was introduced and read for first reading, with many measures covering education, elections, health, public safety, tribal affairs, housing, taxation, and government administration. The Senate also received committee referrals and standing committee reports. In Committee of the Whole, SB 1425, relating to elections and July primary cure provisions, was considered, amended, and recommended do pass. The Senate adopted the committee report and then substituted HB 2022 for SB 1425 because the bills were identical.
HB 2022 was then read on third reading and passed with the emergency clause by a vote of 27 ayes, 1 no, and 2 not voting. Supporters said the bill was a bipartisan effort to move the primary earlier, improve ballot return timing, and require observers in every county; one senator cited tribal voting challenges and provisional ballot rejection rates as reasons for supporting the measure, while another voted no over concerns about the emergency clause. The Senate also adopted proclamations recognizing Taekwondo Day in Arizona and American Heart Month 2026, then recessed and later reconvened to introduce additional bills, announce upcoming committee meetings, and adjourn until February 9, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Rob Borgett is the community services manager for the Arizona Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Calvi, a community leader, Linda Beauvais, certified deaf interpreter, Ashley Martin, ASL interpreter
- , and Nikki Sukup, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, who is the executive director
- thank you so much for greeting my friends and supporters of those of us who are hard of hearing or deaf
- And whereas, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, more
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the 4-H pledge led by Yuma County 4-H Ambassadors, followed by guest introductions and several recognitions. The chamber observed World Hearing Day with a proclamation honoring hearing health awareness and access to care, and also recognized the 100th anniversary of Sandy Corps VFW Post 1433 in Glendale. The Doctor of the Day was introduced, and additional guests included mobile food vendors who were present in connection with a discussion about food truck licensing remaining a city matter.
The Senate then took up a series of third-reading bills, most of them transportation appropriations. SB 1062, 1063, 1064, 1154, 1204, 1207, 1245, 1250, 1455, and 1457 all passed, with members debating whether transportation funding should come from the general fund or the HURF fund, and several senators speaking in support of specific road projects in their districts or for tribal communities. SB 1461 also passed with broad support; it would fund an AHCCCS allied health care workforce pipeline, and supporters described it as a practical response to health care worker shortages. SB 1798 passed with bipartisan support to increase FAFSA awareness and support for students and families.
The Senate also passed SB 1065, creating funding for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for military veterans, despite concerns from opponents about unproven claims for other conditions. SB 1088, 1156, and 1157 passed after extended debate over immigration enforcement, border security, and whether the appropriations were requested or necessary; supporters framed them as reimbursements or security measures, while opponents argued they targeted immigrant communities and duplicated federal responsibilities. SB 1019, which would have amended bottled water system law related to fluoridation, failed on a 14-11 vote after a lengthy debate over public health, informed consent, and fluoride safety. The Senate also announced committee meetings for the following Monday, withdrew HB 2110 from one committee and referred it to another, and then adjourned until Monday, March 23, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HCR-12 is a resolution that recognizes the importance of raising awareness for the deaf community by
- designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for the next 10 years.
- to light as a result of Reverend Garner Dennis Vorris, who has been a remarkable advocate for the deaf
- By establishing Deaf Awareness Month, we affirm our commitment to the promotion of resources, education
- , and support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Bills:
SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93
Keywords:
firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of pending resolutions, bills, and the local uncontested calendar. The committee first reported HCR 80 favorably and placed it on the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. It then heard and approved several commemorative resolutions, including HCR 12 designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for 10 years, HCR 55 reaffirming Poteet as the Strawberry Capital of Texas, HCR 56 designating May as NEC and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and HB 3096 creating Profound Autism Awareness Day on March 17. Each of these measures was reported favorably to the full Senate, with no opposition in testimony except HB 3096, which included supportive testimony from Tara Duval describing the needs of individuals with profound autism and their families.
The committee also approved HCR 58 redesignating Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas, SB 2959 designating August as Firearm Safety Month, HCR 74 naming Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas, HCR 78 establishing Lone Star Santa’s Charities Day, HCR 116 redesignating Brownsville as the Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley, and HCR 117 designating Port Aransas as the Fishing Capital of Texas. SB 2959 drew supportive testimony from Stephen Price, who emphasized gun safety, suicide prevention, and public awareness, while other measures received no public testimony. All were reported favorably and recommended for the May 9 local and uncontested calendar.
Later, the committee approved HCR 6 naming Galveston the Juneteenth Capital of Texas, HCR 50 naming Galveston the Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, HCR 107 making the Texas Almanac the official State Book of Texas, HCR 70 designating Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas, HCR 71 recognizing LaSalle County for wild hog hunting and related traditions, and HCR 29 designating April as Counseling Awareness Month. HCR 6 received testimony from a Galveston city representative in support of the Juneteenth designation, and HCR 29 received testimony from the Texas Counseling Association supporting recognition of counselors. Finally, the committee certified the May 9, 2025 local and uncontested calendar after removing 32 bills for reasons including penalties, fiscal notes, or opposition, specifically noting SB 317 was removed due to criminal and civil penalties, and then recessed.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Education Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Education Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I cannot agree with having the superintendent be the superintendent for the state school for the deaf
- I've seen great things coming out of the state school for the deaf and the blind, but I've also seen
- some financial issues coming out of the school for the deaf and the blind. ...coming out of the school
- for the deaf and blind, but I've also seen some financial issues coming out of the school for the deaf
- bill by taking the state superintendent and making them the superintendent for the school for the deaf
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- , deaf-blind, and hard of hearing State Services Division within the Department of Human Services, the
- regional service centers, and the Commission on the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing.
- <00:35:23.320>
deaf <00:35:23.599>blind <00:35:24.000>and <00:35:24.200>heart - <00:35:24.400>
of <00:35:24.760>hearing deaf deaf blind and heart of hearing deaf deaf - commission on the deaf de blind and<00:35:34.359>
heart <00:35:34.560>of and heart of
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- An amendment dignifying individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Senator Creem: Thank you, Mr.
- today would remove the term 'hearing impaired' from the General Laws and replace it with the term 'deaf
- I introduced this because the advocacy of high school students from the CAPS program for the deaf at
- The language in our statutes should reflect the rich culture and diversity of the deaf and hard-of-hearing
- of the phrase 'hearing impaired' and due to the overwhelming preference of those who are deaf or hard
Summary:
The Senate took up several committee reports, resolutions, and House messages, then moved through a series of bills on the calendar. Early action included adopting a Ways and Means order on Senate Bill 2549, which promotes student learning and mental health, by substituting a new draft and setting amendment deadlines and a second reading date. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75th anniversary and the Hawthorn Hotel’s 100th anniversary, and suspended rules on a sick leave bank petition for a trial court employee and on a House bill validating a special election in Hardwick, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Peter Hayden Lapin of Springfield, a veteran and former public servant.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 137, renaming and updating references in the General Laws to replace outdated and offensive terms regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senators spoke at length in support of the bill, emphasizing respect, disability rights, and the work of advocates such as Melissa Riley and the Arc of Massachusetts. An amendment by Senator Creem replaced “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and a corrective amendment by Senator Lovely was also adopted. The bill was then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous 40-0 roll call.
Next, the Senate considered Senate Bill 1034, which repeals archaic laws including sodomy-related provisions, the common nightwalker law, and the blasphemy statute, and creates a commission to review archaic laws going forward. Senators described the measure as a civil liberties and dignity issue, with particular attention to the misuse of the common nightwalker law against women and trans people and the historical injustice of blasphemy laws. Amendments were adopted to add the Supreme Court as a recipient of commission reports and to remove the crime of petite treason. The bill was then passed to be engrossed unanimously, 40-0.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2558, the “blue envelope” bill to improve interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder. Supporters said the voluntary program would help drivers and passengers with ASD during traffic stops and would be made permanent through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the State Police and advocacy groups involved. An amendment requiring in-service training by the Massachusetts Police Training Council was adopted, while a proposed yellow-dot amendment for older drivers with chronic illness was rejected 5-34. A Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, and the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Another example was our celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, which featured discussions on inclusion
- I work as an outreach support service coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program at Boston
- 25 years that I've been in human services and focusing specifically on working with families with deaf
- often I will present, train, mentor, advocate for equal equality and inclusion and for belonging for deaf
- I was born deaf myself, and I was born prematurely, and that caused hearing loss, and I was identified
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities subcommittee on Disability Employment approved the prior meeting minutes, welcomed new commission member Victoria Gill, and heard an opening quote on leadership before moving to presentations and planning. The main presentation was from Kristen Grip and Katie McCarthy of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Disability Alliance employee-led group, which described its mission to build an inclusive workplace through education, community-building, and advocacy. They discussed monthly disability-awareness programming, intersectional events, accommodation and accessibility efforts, internal ableism, universal design, and BCH’s recognition in the 2025 Disability Equality Index. They also described their own lived experience and emphasized that employees with disabilities should lead disability-related workplace efforts.
Committee members asked how to start a disability employee resource group and what external partnerships might help. The presenters said BCH’s HR diversity team helped launch the group over about a year, and members noted related resources, including a Work Without Limits guide and possible connections with Spalding Rehabilitation and other hospitals. The committee also discussed BCH’s continued support for disability inclusion work despite broader political pressure, and members praised the hospital’s efforts and offered to share additional contacts and resources.
The subcommittee then turned to possible collaboration with SEED, the State Exchange on Employment and Disability, on Massachusetts as a model employer and benefit cliff analysis work. Members agreed SEED could help with policy framing, comparative data, stakeholder education, and youth disability employment efforts, and they approved inviting SEED to brief the subcommittee in January or February. The group also discussed possible links to CAPE-Youth, Commonwealth HR and DEI offices, and a future partnership with the Office of the Veterans Advocate. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- I myself am a product of a deaf school.
- I went to a deaf school since the age of three, so I know the value of our deaf and hard of hearing children
- to continue in deaf ed.
- In my 35 years in the deaf ed field, Texas has been my first job as superintendent. since July of 23,
- I'm the Chief Financial Officer at the Texas School for the Deaf. Mr. Chair, Mr.
MN
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They provide educational services to students who are deaf, blind, and hard of hearing.
- Educational Services to students who are Educational Services to students who are deaf<00:47:17.359><
- >
of <00:47:18.599>hearing <00:47:19.599>uh deaf deaf blind and heart of hearing - uh deaf deaf blind and heart of hearing uh many<00:47:20.119>
many <00:47:20.280>of <00 - they are in Faro I think for the deaf they are in Faro I think it's<00:47:33.200>
about <00:47
Summary:
The Education Policy Committee met for its first hearing of 2025 and began with member and staff introductions, along with opening remarks from Chair Peggy Bennett about her first time chairing the committee. Members briefly described their districts and backgrounds, and the chair also reviewed committee rules and procedures, including deadlines for bill requests, amendments, testifiers, and handouts.
Nonpartisan House Research then provided an extensive overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the education code. The presentation covered the Department of Education’s duties, including supervision of public schools, rulemaking under legislative authority, state and federal education funding and compliance, standards and assessments, accountability systems, student discipline, and model policies. It also discussed related entities such as PELSB, the Board of School Administrators, the Perpich Center, regional centers of excellence, Compass, MTSS, and the READ Act. The committee asked questions about zoning for school sites and about teacher licensure changes, including the tiered licensure system and recent adjustments affecting special education teachers and standards of effective practice.
No bills were heard and no votes were taken. The meeting was primarily organizational and informational, focused on orienting members to the committee’s work and the structure of Minnesota’s education policy system.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a deaf person.
- of hearing, deaf-blind members in our community.
- and I am a deaf person. and I am a deaf person.
- I'm very concerned for the children who are deaf and hard of hearing, deaf-blind children because there
- and heart for the children who for deaf and heart of<00:42:55.119>
hearing <00:42:55.359>deaf
Bills:
HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268
Keywords:
retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- California, a physician provider will tell you by law that your child was born hard of hearing or deaf
- Vote to let California kids hear and include deaf and hard of hearing in California for all.
- I'm a deaf single mother with two deaf and hard of hearing children. Hi, my name is Kimmy.
- I'm a deaf single mother with two deaf and hard of hearing children.
- I'm 14 and I'm deaf. I support SB 331. Thank you. Hi, my name's Avery.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I had questions about the Deaf and Disabled program and some of the other agenda items, so it's not on
- Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. Thank you very much. All right.
- On the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the trailer bill that we proposed.
- So when we look at the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program trailer bill language, I actually
- So the percentage of the surcharge that is collected and allocated towards the DDSP, Deaf and Disabled