Video & Transcript : 'Family Support Services' :

Page 440 of 500
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-05-07 - 2:50PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,</c> This is affecting working families, This is affecting working families, seniors,<00:17:23.000><
  • </c> services beyond only court proceedings. services beyond only court proceedings.
  • This bill came from a groundswell of support from around the state, from immigrants, allies, and service
  • This bill came from a groundswell of support from around the state, from immigrants, allies, and service
  • This bill came from a groundswell of support from around the state, from immigrants, allies, and service
Keywords: 926, house, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • not provide support for the provision of services, thus allowing for a Medicaid recoupment.
  • For example, we've got psychoeducation H2027 and peer support services 80038.
  • not provide support for the provision of services, thus allowing for a Medicaid recoupment.
  • For example, we've got psychoeducation H2027 and peer support services 80038.
  • </c> and peer support services 80038. and peer support services 80038.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation. The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes. Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rep. Bernie Perryman departing member remarks 5/18/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public service is never about one person alone.
  • I want to thank my family and close friends.
  • I know you all will relate to that because our close friends and our family, as you know, public service
  • Thank you for for my family and them.
  • importance of public service, thank you.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • California is at the forefront of AV technology and robotaxi services.
  • These include service technicians, remote support and delivery personnel, and data collection specialists
  • And if this gap remains open, other families will go through what we went through.
  • In San Francisco, San Francisco is the center of this issue. services.
  • But I'm in ...service if you're missing those numbers consistently.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Utilities Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Utilities

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've got Jesse James and my family tree, and my dad says we have Kentucky horse thieves in the family
  • It would be nice to support that.
  • You would support the $2,500 per megawatt? Yes, we would support that.
  • You would support the $2,500 per megawatt? Yes, we would support that.
  • That farm is a legacy to my family.
Committee: House Utilities
Keywords: 959, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 27th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • gain control over that family member's assets?
  • gain control over that family member's assets?
  • If you have a surviving child, a family member in some way who is not themselves able to, Child, a family
  • So I urge you to support passing this bill.
  • I am in support of House Bill 2453.
Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes, in support.
  • </c><00:26:06.880><c> yes</c><00:26:07.720><c> and</c> support or in opposition support yes and support
  • I'm chief of the Family Health Services, Hawaii State Department of Health.
  • Okay, we have written comments from the Department of Human Services, written support from Hawaii Alliance
  • <01:11:24.800><c> um</c> Services um Services um written<01:11:26.280><c> support</c><01:11:26.640><c
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/15/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> families more? families more?
  • . family. family.
  • </c> to another family. to another family.
  • program is, is to get those early interventions with families and provide that ongoing support through
  • interventions with families and provide that ongoing support through the process of working with DCYF
Keywords: 1189, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor & Commerce Dec 5th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • What services you're providing already?
  • To support that mission, we have several goals.
  • Paid for services.
  • And that often meant that they were going to see their family doctor, and their family doctor was the
  • It's something that L&I had continued to support and run.
Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Zoe Schreiber from Highlands Dispensary, in support. Thank you. Karen Woodson with KSS, in support.
  • We urge your support. Thank you. Thank you very much. Anyone else in support?
  • We ask for your strong support. Thank you. Pam Lopez, on behalf of Jade Nectar, in support.
  • Zoe Schreiber, in strong support. Zoe Schreiber, in strong support. Thank you.
  • Annually to secure supported child care slots for over 16,000 children and their families.
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support. The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations. Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Feb 23rd, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • , an agency that unquestionably embodies service to others.
  • that did the commercials that you all supported?
  • Wave and support. Wave and support. Steve, is it B-A-H-N-E-R, Boehner? Mr.
  • Southeast, waves and support. Thank you. Victoria Zep. Wave and support.
  • I want to thank you for your continued service.
Summary: The committee met to consider a large slate of appointments, with the main discussion centered on the confirmation of Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Harris testified about her background in state service and outlined agency priorities including Medicaid financial accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, behavioral health redesign, rural health access, workforce recruitment, and use of technology and AI. Senators questioned her extensively about the Hope Florida/Medicaid settlement controversy, opioid settlement-funded advertising campaigns tied to marijuana prevention and the 2024 Amendment 3 election, public records compliance, abortion reporting and enforcement under the Heartbeat Protection Act, managed care denials, value-based purchasing, and Medicaid funding pressures. After debate, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation, with Senator Polsky voting no. The committee then considered Anna Ortega and Robert Payne for the Florida Public Service Commission. Ortega, a current PSC commissioner and former staff advisor, discussed utility regulation, data center load issues, ratepayer protections, transparency in PSC decisions, and lessons from other states. Payne, a former legislator and longtime utility co-op employee, emphasized his technical background and the need to balance utility returns with consumer affordability. Both nominees were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and recommended favorably to the full Senate. Next, the committee heard from Jeffrey Aaron for reappointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission. Aaron described PERC’s role in public-sector labor disputes and said his work had been upheld in appellate courts without reversal. Senators questioned him about his law firm’s state contracts, his role as chairman of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s PAC, and his connection to the Hope Florida Foundation matter; he declined to discuss the pending investigation. Public testimony included opposition from Florida Voice for the Unborn. The committee nevertheless recommended his confirmation, with several no votes. Finally, the committee approved the remaining appointees on tabs 5 through 46 in a single vote, postponing Dr. John Littell and DCF Secretary Hatch, and then adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 100 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those in support will rise. Division 1: 16.
  • I hope you vote in support. Mr. Kearney of Situate.
  • The entire Southern Worcester County community sends their love and support to the entire Carron family
  • I also want to give my support for the overall bill.
  • I ask that you support this amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Support this amendment.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House took up several procedural orders early in the session, including extending the reporting deadline for the Housing Committee on H.4655 and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a petition seeking to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications. It then advanced three Ways and Means bills on education-related topics: personal financial literacy education (H.4670), expanded access to the state seal of biliteracy (H.4671), and teacher preparation and student literacy (H.4672), each moving through amendment adoption and third reading or engrossment procedures. A major portion of the meeting focused on H.4670, which would require personal financial literacy instruction in middle and high school and establish a financial literacy trust fund for curriculum and teacher training. Members spoke in support, emphasizing budgeting, credit, student loans, and long-term financial planning, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a 154-0 roll call. H.4671, which broadens access to the seal of biliteracy for students in public and private schools, also drew support and passed to be engrossed 155-0. The most extensive debate centered on H.4672, a literacy bill requiring evidence-based reading instruction, DESE-approved curricula or approved local alternatives, screening and progress monitoring, professional development, and related implementation measures. Members described concerns about declining reading scores and argued for a shift away from three-cueing toward phonics-based, science-of-reading approaches. Several amendments were considered: a proposal to change intervention language from “significantly” to “at risk of falling behind” failed, while amendments adding funding language, stakeholder collaboration, and other implementation details were adopted. One amendment clarifying that pictures may be used as a supplement in literacy curricula was also adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed 155-0. The House also observed moments of silence for former Judge Leslie Harris, former Representative Mark Carron, and former Representative Dennis Rosa, and adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 10, 2025 - 10:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have Melinda Pillar with the Florida Family Therapy Alliance, waves in support.
  • Melinda Pillar with the Florida Legal Case Management Services, waves in support.
  • And Melinda Pillar, also with... ...with the Florida Legal Case Management Services, waves in support
  • Waves in support. And Dania Tofeek waves in support. Thank you. And Dania Tofeek waves in support.
  • Dania Toffick, wave in support. Dania Toffick, wave in support.
Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 361, by Rep. Nix, would reclassify registered interns as registered associates for clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling, and would streamline supervision rules by removing the requirement that licensed supervisors be physically present in private practice settings. Supporters said the bill would modernize terminology, reduce barriers to practice, and expand access to mental health care while maintaining supervision and public safety. Several members raised concerns about possible unintended effects on community health centers and Medicaid workforce issues, but the bill drew broad support and passed 17-0, reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 1341, by Rep. Gonzales Pittman, which is aimed at preventing misuse of physician specialty titles and limiting those titles to practitioners who are actually board-certified in the specialty they claim. The sponsor emphasized that the bill does not address the general use of “doctor” or “physician,” only specialty designations such as dermatologist, gynecologist, neurologist, or plastic surgeon. Testimony in support came from medical and professional groups, including anesthesiologists and plastic surgeons, who said clearer titles help patients know who is treating them and improve safety. The Florida Optometric Association opposed the bill, arguing it could create confusion or omit optometric titles and other designations. Two amendments were adopted without objection. One removed a hospital name-tag requirement from the bill. The other changed a claims-denial provision so that denial letters need only disclose that a Florida-licensed physician in good standing made the decision, while the insurer must retain the physician’s identifying information for potential litigation or discovery. Some members supported the privacy protections, while others questioned whether the amendment was germane to the bill. As amended, HB 1341 passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2024-11-19 (11:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Lord, for their families. Themselves to serve you.
  • Thank you, Lord, for their families and their friends, for the support and sacrifice that they've given
  • I will support, protect, and defend...
  • That I will support, protect, and defend, that I will support, protect, and defend, the Constitution
  • I will support, protect, and defend that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and government
Summary: The House convened for its organization session, opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Secretary of State’s certification of the 2024 election was accepted as prima facie evidence, the members-elect were seated, a quorum was established, and the newly elected and returning members were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court justices. The chamber also recognized the Governor, Cabinet members, former speakers, former members, and other guests in attendance. The main business of the session was the election of House leadership and adoption of the chamber’s rules. Representative Fentrice Driskell was nominated by the Democratic caucus and delivered remarks emphasizing constituent service, opposition oversight, and priorities such as hurricane recovery, insurance affordability, reproductive rights, gun violence, education, and poverty. Representative Daniel Perez was nominated by the Republican caucus, seconded, and then elected Speaker by unanimous vote after a motion to close nominations and dispense with a roll call. Perez was sworn in and said his priority would be serving Floridians through practical action, fiscal discipline, and reforms that reduce bureaucracy and special-interest influence. The House then adopted House Resolution 10, establishing House rules for the 2024-2026 term, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, establishing joint legislative rules. Representative Gottlieb spoke in opposition to the rules, arguing that recent changes restricted debate and reduced deliberation. The House also appointed a committee to notify the Senate that the House was organized, elected Representative Wyman Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore by unanimous vote, and announced caucus leadership selections, including Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore and Driskell as Democratic minority leader. The session concluded with administrative motions authorizing technical corrections to the rules, spreading the organization-session remarks upon the journal, and adjourning sine die.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Management Aug 17th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it would help those families. services did a very intense management structure to address the issue
  • And it would help those families.
  • Families that don't get access to child care often end up on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Families that don't get access to child care often end up on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • We can support peace.
Summary: The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings and then filled a vacancy on Legislative Management by appointing Senator Braunberger after a caucus recommendation. Members then took up an unusual appeal from the North Dakota Gaming Commission after the Administrative Rules Committee voided a rule that would have raised the poker tournament entry fee from $300 to $1,500. Legislative Council explained the administrative rules process and the grounds for voiding a rule, while Gaming Commission representatives argued the commission had statutory authority and that the issue should be left to the full Legislature. Several members raised concerns about legislative intent, precedent, and whether the matter should wait for the regular session. On a motion to disapprove the Administrative Rules Committee’s finding and restore the rule, the committee voted no, so the voiding of the rule remained in place. The committee then reviewed the fiscal impact statement for Constitutional Measure No. 1 on congressional age limits. Staff reported no current fiscal impact because no litigation had been filed, though members noted the possibility of future legal challenges if the measure were enforced. After that, the committee began hearing proposed bills for the upcoming special session, starting with several kratom-related measures. Representative Wolff withdrew her bill, saying it was redundant, while Representative Heinert presented a bill to legalize and regulate natural kratom for adults 21 and over under the Attorney General, with licensing, labeling, penalties, and a public health campaign. Senator Axtman presented a companion bill targeting synthetic kratom derivatives, placing them on the controlled substances list with penalties similar to marijuana. Legislative Council later outlined Representative Johnston’s separate kratom bill, which would regulate kratom under the Department of Agriculture with product registration, licensing, and enforcement provisions. The committee also heard Senator Hogue’s bill to address funding for the State Historical Society’s military museum project. He argued the state was in breach of contract and that delaying action would increase costs, so his bill would authorize a $35 million line of credit to keep construction moving while fundraising continued. Members questioned the relationship between the proposed line of credit, existing SIF funding, and the private fundraising requirement, but no vote was taken before the meeting moved on. Finally, Representative Sue Ann Olson began presenting a bill requiring the Class D driver’s license test to be administered in English, arguing it was a safety measure because road signs are in English and law enforcement encounters can be complicated by language barriers. The transcript cuts off before her testimony concluded or any action was taken on that bill.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 12th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She's finally retiring after a long career in public service.
  • And with that, I'd ask for your support.
  • Florida families.
  • The bill provides stronger support for families with infants in the NICU by requiring evidence-based
  • they place on Florida families and businesses.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-03-19 - 11:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I had some more conversations last night actually with a family provider, former family provider.
  • > and</c><00:19:55.040><c> stakeholders</c> Um and again, families and stakeholders Um and again, families
  • Uh pathway for these family providers.
  • </c><00:20:42.840><c> providers</c> state that these family providers state that these family providers
  • </c> family provider, former family provider. family provider, former family provider.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Feb 25th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We pray you would bless them, their families, and loved ones.
  • Doctor Montero specializes in family medicine.
  • I ask for your favorable support.
  • Upon application for service, a utility must expand its service territory to a property outside the territory
  • subject to the utility service requirement if the property is not within the service territory of another
Keywords: 999, senate, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 75 Mar 27th, 2026

Idaho Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Student Support for fiscal year 2007.
  • of Student Support for fiscal year 2007.
  • to fix the family, try to help out.
  • So I can't support a bill like this.
  • If they're a family member.
Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal. It then moved through routine committee reports and bill referrals, including printing and committee assignments for several Senate bills and House messages. Early action also included referral of Senate Concurrent Resolution 128 and multiple House and Senate bills to the appropriate committees or later orders of business. The chamber then took up several appropriations and policy bills on third reading. Senate Bill 1401, an appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare for Public Health Services, was debated as a mix of federal pass-through funding, vaccine purchasing, laboratory testing, ARPA grants, HIV/hepatitis prevention, suicide prevention, and a transfer of the Idaho Home Visiting Program; it passed 21-14. Senate Bill 1423, dealing with the FAST Act and a framework for stablecoin payments, drew debate over efficiency, banking costs, state control, and privacy/risk concerns; it passed 22-13. Senate Bill 1429, a behavioral health appropriation and supplemental, was presented as a series of restorations and fund shifts tied to prior budget cuts and settlement obligations, and it passed 21-14. Senate Bill 1431, an appropriation and transfer for the Department of Water Resources, including aquifer monitoring and stream gauging/adjudication staffing, passed 26-7. The Senate also passed House Bill 855, revising lifetime fish and game license residency requirements from six months to five years, by a vote of 23-11. Later, House Bill 752, which would prohibit knowingly entering opposite-sex restrooms or changing rooms in government buildings and public accommodations except under specified exceptions, prompted extensive debate. Supporters argued it protected privacy, children, and women’s safety; opponents argued it criminalized transgender people, was discriminatory, and could harm Idaho’s reputation and economy. The debate continued at the end of the transcript, with the bill still under consideration.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have the Department of Accounting and General Services in support.
  • We have the Department of Human Services in support.
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of investments in family planning services.
  • and family planning services, and ask the committee to keep this in the budget going forward.
  • Page 383, HTH 560, sequence 1001: add funds for Family Health Services.
Committee: House Finance
Keywords: 910, house, all