Video & Transcript Research : 'developmental disabilities'
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NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Beverly Gibbs to be a member of the Board of Visitors of the Central New York Developmental Disabilities
Summary:
The New York State Senate Finance Committee met to consider a slate of roughly 30 gubernatorial nominations to state boards, authorities, commissions, and advisory councils. The nominations included appointments to the Advisory Council on Agriculture, the Dormitory Authority, the Power Authority, NYSERDA, the Public Health and Health Planning Council, the Gaming Commission, the Thruway Authority, the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, SUNY and Cornell boards, and several other entities. Senator O’Mara introduced the list, and Senator Liu presided in place of Chair Liz Krueger.
During the meeting, Senator O’Mara asked whether Mark Schroeder listed for the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority was the same person nominated to the Convention Center Operating Corporation; Senator Liu confirmed that it was the same individual. No testimony on the merits of the nominations was presented, and no discussion of the nominees’ qualifications was recorded beyond that clarification.
Members were instructed to mark their vote sheets with aye, nay, or aye without recommendation for each nomination. After a brief period for voting, the committee adjourned. No roll-call results or final disposition of the nominations were announced in the transcript.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- county ops to aging and adult behavioral health services, one DHS division administrator from developmental
- disabilities to aging adult behavioral health services, and one social services supervisor expert from
Summary:
The committee met and considered several administrative personnel and compensation items. Item B approved a temporary extra-help hire at the University of Arkansas Community College Hope-Texarkana, allowing current Representative Dolly Henley to serve as director of Hempstead Hall, with the required council and governor approvals already provided. Item C approved a special compensation award bonus plan for employees at the Department of Shared Administrative Services and DF&A for work on specified projects and performance goals, and Item D approved a Department of Human Services reallocation of positions and related funding, including about $180,000 moved between divisions.
The committee also received informational reports under Items E through H, including a provisional position report for higher education, reports on special compensation and recruitment/incentive awards across state agencies, personnel actions taken under previously approved legislative language, and a community correction quarterly caseload report. No questions were raised on the reports.
All items were approved without opposition, and the meeting adjourned after no further business was brought before the committee.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of them also had diagnoses of ADHD, developmental delay, or emotional disabilities.
- <00:09:44.160>
delay diagnosis of ADHD, developmental delay diagnosis of ADHD, developmental - Um of the or emotional disabilities.
- <00:10:38.240>
Law advocates at Minnesota Disability Law advocates at Minnesota Disability - <00:18:42.160>
of used against boys with disabilities of used against boys with disabilities
Summary:
The Seclusion Working Group approved the minutes from its November 5, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from Jessica Heiser and Aaron Sansmark of Solutions Not Suspensions and the Minnesota Disability Law Center on the misuse and illegal use of seclusion in schools. They described illegal seclusion as including use outside emergencies, for discipline or noncompliance, beyond the emergency period, in unregistered rooms, without parent notice, without required observation or documentation, for students outside the grade-limit rules, when meals/restroom/water are withheld, or when staff are not properly trained. They emphasized that Minnesota lacks a single reliable data source for identifying illegal seclusion and that families often learn about incidents late, if at all, making complaints and legal action difficult because of barriers such as time, cost, language, and access to advocates.
The presenters summarized Minnesota Disability Law Center records, saying they receive about one seclusion-related case per month during the school year, statewide, and that in the cases reviewed over the last year the children were all boys with disabilities, including autism, ADHD, developmental delay, or emotional disabilities; three were white and two were children of color, and four of the five were age 10 or younger. They said all of those families pulled their children from school afterward, and that five of five cases potentially had valid illegal-seclusion claims, though only three pursued legal action. They also noted PACER reports many discipline and behavior calls involving seclusion but does not keep hard records. The presenters proposed better statewide data collection, including identifying school buildings, staff, or students involved, reporting incident duration, and adding a checkbox on MDE complaints to flag restraint/seclusion allegations.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on disproportionality. The presenters cited national research showing students with disabilities and students of color, especially Black boys, are disproportionately restrained or secluded, while acknowledging Minnesota does not have a single statewide racial aggregate for seclusion. Members discussed whether banning seclusion would reduce misuse and disproportionality, whether it could increase physical holds or injuries, and whether the issue should be viewed in the broader context of emergency interventions. Heiser argued Minnesota is moving in the same direction as federal actions and other states that have restricted or banned seclusion, and noted that the current birth-through-third-grade ban has reportedly reduced seclusion by 40%. Other members agreed disproportionality is a serious systemwide problem, but emphasized the need to keep the conversation focused on seclusion and emergency use. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/15/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And if they're not covered by that, they're not covered by the Quality Council, the developmental disability
- And if they're not covered by that, they're not covered by the Quality Council, the developmental disability
- And if they're not covered by that, they're not covered by the Quality Council, the developmental disability
- And if they're not covered by that, they're not covered by the Quality Council, the developmental disability
- And if they're not covered by that, they're not covered by the Quality Council, the developmental disability
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- And my own developmental delays.
- So, for all of those disabilities.
- <02:45:35.279>
disabilities <02:45:35.920>offering developmental disabilities offering - developmental disabilities offering testimony<02:45:36.800>
and <02:45:37.040>support <02 - <02:46:08.479>
as families of kids with disabilities as families of kids with disabilities
Summary:
The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities.
The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact.
The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities in California.
- When my niece was just two years old, she was diagnosed as severely developmentally delayed, nonverbal
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through appointments, resolutions, and consent items. Three gubernatorial appointments were confirmed: Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner in the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission. All four confirmations passed by wide margins after brief presentations from Senator Grove.
The chamber then took up several commemorative resolutions. SCR 152, by Senator Reyes, designated April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day; multiple senators spoke in support, highlighting Huerta’s farmworker organizing, civil rights work, and continued activism, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. SR 91 recognized Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, and SCR 149 marked World Autism Awareness Day; both were adopted unanimously. SCR 150, honoring National Librarian Day, also passed unanimously after remarks emphasizing librarians’ role in access to information and public service. SR 98, recognizing Heat Pump Week in California, passed on a 29-5 vote.
The Senate also considered SB 1078 by Senator Laird, an urgency measure allowing Santa Cruz County voters to consider a local tax increase above the 2% threshold to help fund services, including medical services. The bill passed 29-9, with the urgency clause and the bill itself both approved. The consent calendar and special consent calendar were then adopted without objection, covering numerous additional bills and resolutions. The session concluded with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a nurse and community leader, before the Senate recessed until its next meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/20/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- , developmental status, or educational needs.
- , regardless of ability, disability, regardless of ability, disability, developmental<01:35:16.239
- <02:06:18.960>
disabled <02:06:19.520>children <02:06:19.920>as to developmentally - disabled children as to developmentally disabled children as defined<02:06:20.480>
in <02:06:20.639 - So that is, I don't think it's because of the disability.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- rights and disability needs across the state. across the state.
- It is an office within the Governor's Commission on Disability.
- . the Governor's Commission on Disability on whether, and what, if anything, is needed.
- Disabilities office, or the General Services Department.
- So this is also related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), correct?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Foster Youth Bill of Rights established 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Children's Justice Task Force, Foster Advocates, the ombuds office for families, for mental health, for developmental
- disabilities, youth prize, and so many more.
- for Families, for mental health, Offices for Families, for mental health, for<00:03:42.080>
developmental - <00:03:42.640>
disabilities, <00:03:43.760>youth for developmental disabilities, youth - for developmental disabilities, youth prize,<00:03:44.799>
and <00:03:45.040>so <00:03:
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- public educator, I've been responsible for ensuring district compliance within the Individuals with Disabilities
- public educator have been responsible for ensuring district compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities
- I've worked with children with a variety of developmental, behavioral, and learning...
- I've worked with children with a variety of developmental, behavioral, and learning diagnoses, including
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing on two late-file bills: H. 4867, concerning school choice, and H. 4927, concerning access to applied behavior analysis (ABA). For H. 4867, testimony focused on a DESE interpretation of M.G.L. c. 76, §12B(k) that would require small elementary-only districts with school choice students to pay secondary tuition when those students continue into high school. Superintendents, school committee members, parents, teachers, and a representative argued this creates large fiscal shortfalls for rural districts such as Hancock, Warwick, Richmond, and Worthington, which do not operate high schools and already rely on tuition agreements for their own resident students. Witnesses said the current interpretation has led some districts to stop accepting school choice students, reducing class sizes and limiting educational opportunities; they urged an exemption or amendment so these districts could continue school choice without assuming high school tuition obligations for nonresident students. Committee members asked about the number of affected districts, how the arrangement worked before 2023, and whether alternative statutory language might solve the issue more broadly. Representative Barrett described the bill as a simple fix to an unenforced provision that had only recently been raised by DESE, and the hearing later included testimony from both district officials and families supporting the bill. The committee closed testimony on H. 4867 and H. 4927 and then adjourned.
H. 4927 drew testimony from educators, an ABA provider, and a parent of a child with autism in support of protecting in-school ABA access. Witnesses said the bill would clarify that qualified ABA providers, including BCBAs and RBTs under supervision, may deliver services in schools while allowing districts to maintain neutral safety and operational rules. They argued that inconsistent access to ABA can undermine districts’ obligations under IDEA, including free appropriate public education and placement in the least restrictive environment, and that school-based ABA can reduce removals from class, improve student progress, and support families. A parent testified that her young son needs ABA to function in school and that promised supports had been delayed or not delivered, while another witness said the bill would help ensure accountability and consistent services for students with autism.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 100 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of low-income students, and only 14% 24% of low-income students, and only 14% of students with disabilities
- Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting one in five children.
- middle son, just this week, as of Monday, started in the Sutton Public Schools on a full IEP for developmental
- Now, I'm fortunate in that journey that we caught ...developmental delays.
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
October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- to truly understand the depth of injustice it inflicts on people with severe intellectual and developmental
- disabilities.
- Our children and adults with cognitive delays may look grown, but many are developmentally like small
- Guardianship laws strip people with disabilities of all adult rights for their protection.
Summary:
The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults.
Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability.
After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Number 11, Governor's Letter Number 11, DHS Developmental Disabilities, contains positions.
Summary:
The committee met briefly to organize a long agenda and stated that its main purpose was to refer letters and requests to the appropriate committees, while passing over items not needing referral until the following Tuesday. No substantive debate on policy issues occurred; the discussion was procedural and focused on routing agency and governor’s letters.
Under agency communications, letters from the Auditor of State, Supreme Court, Secretary of State, and Lieutenant Governor were referred to the Personnel Committee because they contained positions. Under the governor’s letters, numerous items were referred either to Personnel or Special Language, including requests involving the Department of Education, Finance and Administration, Health, DHS divisions, Correction, Agriculture, Public Safety, Shared Administrative Services, Commerce/Workforce Services, Energy and Environment, and the Finance Disbursing Officer. Several items contained positions, several contained special language, and some contained both.
The meeting concluded with notice of a busy schedule for the following week: Personnel at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, JBC at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Claims after JBC on Tuesday, Peer Review after JBC on Wednesday, and Special Language at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday. No votes or substantive actions beyond referrals were recorded, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- protects, and advocates for the rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental
- disabilities.
- Department of Justice's report that addresses the urgent need to protect children with disabilities in
- Children with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities in TJJD facilities, are
- We thank Representative Noble for her continued support. ...of children with disabilities and for her
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Aug 1st, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- In New Mexico, Medicaid covers low-income individuals, including the elderly, disabled, families and
- Fee-for-service is about 11%, and then your DD waivers, the waivers for people with developmental disabilities
- disabilities.
- That is a grant through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- And again, it's around professional development to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- These are disabled children with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
- These are disabled children with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
- I would hate to see disabled children. physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
- disabilities.
- I'm the policy director with Disability Rights, Education, and Defense Fund. Thank you.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and senior citizens like me.
- as well as persons with developmental as well as persons with developmental disabilities, disabilities
- , disabilities, intellectual<00:31:16.880>
disabilities intellectual disabilities intellectual - <00:32:29.440>
Rights the director of the Disability Rights the director of the Disability - importance for those with disabilities importance for those with disabilities like<00:37:33.680>
Bills:
HB2392, HB2462, HB2423, HB1771, HB2081, HB2334, HB2336, HB1666, HB2375, HB2415, HB2451, HB2373, HB1641, HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034
Keywords:
transportation, tax credit, employer incentives, commuting, environmental impact, flexible work arrangements, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation, consumer protection, subscription services, motor vehicles, ownership expectations, transparency, biodiesel, renewable diesel, diesel blend, B5, blending mandate, clean energy
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th.
The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, other health disabilities, what we call it in Minnesota.
- <00:04:24.560>
And all suspected areas of disability. - And all suspected areas of disability.
- We have to look at all potential areas of disability and concern.
- <00:08:51.600>
and the early intensive developmental and the early intensive developmental
Bills:
HF4893
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 25th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- very sacred population of Floridians, serving as the director for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Investments like the development of a plan to support individuals with developmental disabilities as
- well as a newly created tax credit program geared toward companies that hire individuals with disabilities
- and her husband actually came down to my district to go to events that supported persons with disabilities
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met to consider several bills and the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. SB 1310, relating to reporting of student mental health outcomes, was temporarily postponed. The committee then took up SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entities, adopted a delete-all amendment, and heard support for the bill’s focus on transparency, accountability, audits, referral patterns, and a DCF report due by December 1. Members discussed the capacity of the current reporting system and the need for coordination with school districts. The committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee next considered SB 1620 on mental health and substance abuse disorders, which implements selected recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. The bill, as amended, includes reforms on dignity and patient-centered care, crisis response, individualized treatment plans, use of the DLA-20 assessment tool, data analysis by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, and creation of a research center. Amendments removed a direct medication-provision requirement in favor of a review and report on discharge procedures, medication adherence, and long-acting injectables, and clarified licensure priorities for short-term residential treatment programs. Testimony and debate emphasized the need for action, better data, and efficient use of public funds. The committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard from Taylor Hatch, the Governor’s appointee to lead DCF. Hatch described her background in state government and her priorities for DCF, including coordination, transparency, prevention, permanency, and responsiveness to vulnerable Floridians. Several members spoke in support, citing her experience at APD and familiarity with the agency’s work. The committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation, and then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Line 256, the A3 would cancel $500,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the specific learning disability criteria
- fiscal year 2025 from the specific fiscal year 2025 from the specific learning<00:24:06.640>
disability - disability criteria change allocation<00:24:09.120>
for <00:24:09.400>rulemaking <00:24 - , and early developmental screening, and early childhood<01:00:00.640>
family <01:00:00.960> - Section 6 clarifies the developmental screening aid program.