Video & Transcript : 'child death' :
Page 53 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the poisoning of America, focusing on fentanyl, its analogues, and the need for permanent class scheduling. Feb 4th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Addressing child cancer all make a difference.
- Trying to hold them responsible for your son's death and other deaths as well.
- Fentanyl-related deaths have significantly outpaced the decline that we've seen in deaths from prescription
- our leading cause of death in Missouri.
- The Pinto had 89 deaths; the Toyota had 180 deaths; the Ford Bronco had 823 deaths.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so what this bill says is, think of child maintenance or child support through a divorce section.
- It says until they're 18, or 21 if they're in college, they should have to pay some child support for
- Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements... ...would
- Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements, you know
- It does make, for the first time, a Class A felony for the death of two or more.
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 1135, “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” which would require a person convicted of driving drunk or otherwise impaired and causing the death of a parent or parents to pay child support-like maintenance to the victim’s children until age 18, or 21 if in college. The sponsor explained that the amount would be determined through a clerk and court process similar to child support, based on the offender’s finances and the children’s prior standard of living. The bill also includes a provision intended to avoid “double dipping” by barring the maintenance claim if the family has already pursued a civil case against the insurance company, and it allows a one-year grace period after release from prison before payments begin. Committee members asked about the amount, whether health care or FAFSA would be affected, and whether penalties would apply for nonpayment; the sponsor said those issues were not fully specified and could be strengthened later. Members also raised concerns about enforceability and bankruptcy, while others supported the bill but suggested possible amendments.
Public testimony was strongly in favor. Brooke Stewart described how her husband was killed by a drunk driver in Tennessee and said Bentley’s Law has provided her children with restitution that will help support them through adulthood, including college. She said the offender had prior DUI-related arrests and that the law gave her family relief and accountability. Heather Elder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving testified for the bill and said Missouri should pass it without amendment, noting that similar laws exist in other states and territories. She said the bill was created in response to Cecilia Williams’ family tragedy and that Bentley and Mason, the children named in the bill, have been attending hearings and understand what the legislation means. Witnesses also referenced related impaired-driving and social-host bills as broader prevention efforts. No one testified in opposition, and the committee took no vote, ending the hearing after the public testimony.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Money follows the child and our children are the ones that public schools.
- My name is Grace, Hannah and I'm a board member Floridians for alternatives to the death penalty.
- That person should be eligible for the death penalty.
- We have more death row exonerees than any other state in the country with 30.
- So we're seeing that already does not have a strong record on the death penalty.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - Senate Public Safety
Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- I teach a course on the death penalty at ASU Law.
- I begin by saying I am opposed to the death penalty.
- The death penalty is costly, inconsistently applied, The death penalty is costly, inconsistently applied
- Also in Arizona, there is Missing in Arizona and the Missing Child Task Force.
- My relative's child was 8 years old, and...
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee first considered SB 1071, which would repeal statutory protections for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the change was needed for accountability and transparency, while Rangers and several supporters said the organization provides substantial volunteer service and that the bill would undermine their work. Sheriffs from Yavapai and Navajo counties supported the bill, citing lack of access to background and training records and saying they could not fully trust or use the Rangers without clearer standards. The committee adopted a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote, with members noting they expected further amendment work.
The committee then heard SB 1315 on interoperable communications for schools and law enforcement, followed by SB 1317 on reentry planning grants for counties. SB 1315 was supported by school safety officials and law enforcement representatives who described the need for common communication platforms during emergencies; concerns were raised about cost and information security, but the bill passed unanimously. SB 1317 would appropriate opioid settlement funds for county reentry programs; sheriffs and the Arizona Sheriffs Association supported it, citing reduced recidivism and improved jail outcomes, and it also passed unanimously.
Members next took up SB 1416 and SB 1740, both related to missing and endangered children and the Turquoise Alert system. SB 1416, as amended, would strengthen reporting, photo-sharing, training, and public notification requirements for missing children cases; advocates, family members, and law enforcement all supported the compromise language, and it passed 7-0. SB 1740 would require training on the Turquoise Alert system and was discussed alongside concerns about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts; the sponsor said an amendment was being worked on, and the bill also received a do pass recommendation.
Later, the committee considered SB 1493, which would require employers to pay fees and costs when a law enforcement officer wins a termination appeal and the employer refuses reinstatement. Police and sheriffs’ representatives supported the measure as a fairness issue, while chiefs’ representatives opposed it; the bill passed as amended on a 5-2 vote. The committee also passed SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund as the Public Safety De-escalation and Life Safety Fund, and SB 1542, which would conditionally authorize MDMA-based PTSD treatment for first responders and create related research and reimbursement provisions, after testimony about its potential therapeutic value.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (01/20/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- child, not a child who is engaging in activity that causes serious bodily injury or death. >> Okay.
- child, not a child who is engaging in activity that causes serious bodily injury or death. >> Okay.
- child, not a child who is engaging in activity that causes serious bodily injury or death. >> Okay.
- child, not a child who is engaging in activity that causes serious bodily injury or death. >> Okay.
- an unclothed child, not a child who is engaging in activity that causes serious bodily injury or death
Committee:
House Children and Family Law
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) May 21st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And more deaths.
- Because the child is not choosing not to be vaccinated; the child...
- The question is: why is this child more of a threat than that child?
- For that child.
- It's one of my favorite things that the judges say: let a child be a child.
Bills:
HB 1106 , HB3284 , HB541 , HB713 , HB1403 , HB1586 , HB1942 , HB2070 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB3151 , HB3749 , HB3940 , HB3963 , HB4454 , HB4466 , HB4795 , HB5154 , HB5394 , SB1357 , HB 1052 , HB4099 , HB4638 , HB5147
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Deaths, reactions, yes.
- Tilden Childs.
- The responsible decision-making for a child should always be given by the parent or guardian of the child
- Childs, we're going to save you for last.
- Childs, here we go. Thank you.
Bills:
SB95 , SB268 , SB493 , SB619 , SB660 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1098 , SB1188 , SB1307 , SB1332 , SB1822
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:07:01.919><c> is</c> cannot intervene until a child is cannot intervene until a child is approached
- </c> the deceased person's manner of death the deceased person's manner of death was<00:20:08.880><c>
- We know that driving death.
- He was shot to death. Bridge. He was shot to death.
- It's the second leading cause of death for individuals 15 to 34 and the third leading cause of death
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- are the leading cause of child deaths in New Mexico, with motor vehicle crashes among the most significant
- We are number one in the nation in pedestrian deaths per capita, number five in bicyclist deaths per
- We are number one in the nation and pedestrian deaths per capita, number five in bicyclist deaths per
- But because a child, like for instance Mr.
- But because a child, like for instance Mr.
Committee:
Senate House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies prohibiting student use of wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for medical needs, assistive technology, emergencies, and educator-approved instructional use. The sponsors and PED/Broadband officials said the bill builds on last year’s law, responds to classroom distraction and cyberbullying concerns, and pairs the mandate with access to the Education Technology Infrastructure Fund for implementation support. Supporters included NEA-NM, AFT-NM, Teach Plus, New Mexico Kids Can, higher education, ECED, and others, who said the bill would improve focus, classroom culture, and student readiness. Some members questioned the three-year phase-in, local control over consequences, effects on recess/lunch and after-school programs, charter and virtual school enforcement, and whether statewide mandates were necessary; the committee ultimately advanced the bill on a 6-3 vote, with Senators Pope and Soules voting no.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 73, which would add a requirement that driver education include instruction on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and others outside vehicles. The sponsor and supporters from APS, NEA-NM, AFT-NM, PED, Albuquerque city officials, cycling and pedestrian advocates, and individuals affected by traffic violence said New Mexico’s high pedestrian and bicyclist fatality rates make the training necessary and that better education could improve safety and awareness. Some testimony connected the bill to broader public health, climate, and Vision Zero efforts, while several speakers shared personal stories of crashes and losses. Committee members asked about the three-hour requirement, whether it would apply to existing drivers, how it would be implemented by DOT and MVD, and whether the bill should also address training for vulnerable road users themselves; concerns were also raised about rural road conditions and the limited behind-the-wheel training currently required. The committee passed SB 73 on a 6-3 vote, with Senator Thornton voting no.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 234, an appropriation of $1.2 million to Albuquerque Public Schools for transportation of students in foster care. The sponsor and an expert witness, a former CYFD caseworker, described serious transportation failures after contracts were terminated, saying caseworkers were forced to drive children themselves and that missed or late rides disrupted schooling and overburdened staff. APS, New Mexico Child First Network, and CYFD all supported the bill, saying it would clarify responsibility, relieve caseworkers, and ensure continuity of transportation for foster youth. Committee questions focused on why the appropriation was limited to APS rather than other districts with transportation shortfalls, whether $1.2 million would be enough, who would provide the rides, and what safety/background-check standards would apply if contractors were used. The bill was still under discussion when the transcript ended.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- A scarlet letter, a label where there is no off-ramp, even in death.
- Child safety is our highest priority.
- Child safety is our highest priority.
- This is not death penalty. No, but when you say.
- It shouldn't happen to any child.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously.
The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support.
Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's death was entirely preventable.
- determined that her death was preventable.
- I was able to get her death certificate chains.
- My child is a free kill. I have had no justice.
- He labeled his death a homicide. He labeled his death a homicide.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> likely to cause bodily injury or death. likely to cause bodily injury or death.
- ,</c> showed it to his 8-year-old child, showed it to his 8-year-old child, and<01:26:28.400><c> said
- And none of this interrupts the process by which a child is interviewed by the child advocacy center
- And none of this interrupts the process by which a child is interviewed by the child advocacy center
- And none of this interrupts the process by which a child is interviewed by the child advocacy center
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's take up Tab 7, SB 734, on actions for recovery of damages for wrongful death.
- They call it the death hospital. I'm sure you've heard me say it at this point.
- They also falsified his death certificate, and they put on it natural death.
- All the child series are isolated from each other. Currently, ...branch off from it.
- All the child series are isolated from each other.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard extensive debate on SB 734, which would repeal Florida’s wrongful-death medical malpractice exception that bars certain adult children and parents from recovering noneconomic damages. Senator Yarborough presented the bill as a fairness and accountability measure, while many family members testified in support, describing deaths they believed were caused by medical negligence and arguing the current law denies equal justice. Opponents, including physician and insurer representatives, warned the bill could increase malpractice exposure, premiums, defensive medicine, and physician shortages. The committee also considered two late-filed amendments: Senator Burton’s amendment would make Department of Health investigative findings admissible in court, and Senator Martin’s amendment to that amendment would broaden admissibility/discoverability to additional disciplinary and prior-adverse-incident records and insurance coverage facts. After debate, the Martin amendment was adopted, but the Burton amendment as amended failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported SB 734 favorably without the amendment.
The committee next unanimously reported CS for SB 86 favorably. That bill, by Senator Burgess, expands peer support protections for first responders to include support personnel; there was little debate and several law-enforcement-related organizations indicated support. The committee also took up SB 316 on series limited liability companies. Senator Berman explained that the bill creates rules for series LLCs in Florida, and a late-filed amendment, requested by the Secretary of State, delayed implementation by one year. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered CS for CS for SB 384, which requires municipalities seeking to annex state-owned land to notify the relevant county legislative delegation when the first public hearing is advertised. Senator Burton presented the bill briefly, there was no opposition or debate, and the committee proceeded to vote on the measure.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Child advocacy centers play a critical role in our state's multidisciplinary response to child abuse
- Child advocacy centers provide prosecutors with critical, legally defensible evidence in child abuse
- </c> across our State Child ADV centers play across our State Child ADV centers play a<00:50:14.640><
- </c> instances of child abuse when a child instances of child abuse when a child discloses<00:50:34.400
- <01:44:34.920><c> of</c> death of death of someone<01:44:37.080><c> and</c><01:44:37.199><c> I</c><01
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I was given a living death sentence.
- He went on to kill someone else's child six years later.
- I believe that life without parole is a death sentence, death by incarceration.
- Life without parole is serving a living death sentence.
- He even filed to ask to take the child for a haircut.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors.
The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- is performed prior to the child being partially born, even though the... formed prior to the child being
- partially born, even though the death of the child occurs as a result of the abortion after the child
- is performed prior to the child being partially born, even though the death of the child occurs as a
- that child.
- That's the name of the procedure that the child survived.
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard Senate Bill 999, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson, which was presented as a revised “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” combined with language from other bills on domestic violence/no-contact orders, pregnancy-associated mortality review, and cyber harassment. Hudson argued the bill would ensure that any child born alive during or after an abortion attempt receives the same legal protections and medical care as any other child, and he said Missouri’s current infanticide law contains a carve-out that leaves such children insufficiently protected. Committee members questioned him about the Canadian study he cited, Missouri mortality concerns, the scope of the infanticide statute, and whether medical providers already understand themselves to have a duty of care.
Public testimony was split. Missouri Right to Life supported the bill, saying it was needed to prevent confusion and ensure care for babies born alive after an abortion attempt. Abortion Action Missouri opposed it, calling it a “trap law” designed to restrict abortion access and warning it could delay life-saving care; the group also said major medical organizations oppose such legislation and that no abortion-after-delivery procedure exists. Campaign Life Missouri testified only for informational purposes, supporting the born-alive language but warning that the added provisions and a nonseverability clause could make the entire bill vulnerable to a court challenge and potentially invalidate unrelated sections.
In executive session, several members explained their votes. Opponents said they supported children and medical providers but believed the bill was unnecessary, duplicative, or harmful to medical practice; supporters said the bill was needed to protect babies born alive and to clarify duties in law. The committee then voted 12-4 to report Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 999 do pass.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- of a child.
- Are we going to see a child in a car? It's a DUI. Are we going to see a child in a car?
- How old is your child? 12. Okay. How old's your child? 12? Okay. Do we let them go?
- Have you ever seen a situation where it's a young child or any child where you've seen the child, the
- that child might have made it if that child was wearing a helmet.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2741. Members adopted a committee amendment correcting a wording error, then voted the House committee substitute do pass by a roll call of 9 ayes, 2 noes, and 1 present. Supporters said the bill addressed safety concerns, especially for commercial vehicles, while opponents objected to the subjective standard for proving proficiency and to the $3,000 penalty for violations.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 1831, 2328, and 2553, all related to motorcycle passenger safety for children. The bills would require young child passengers to wear helmets, be able to reach foot pegs, and ride on properly equipped seats; the discussion also focused on whether officers could stop motorcycles based on a reasonable suspicion that a child passenger was underage or improperly secured. Bill sponsors said the measures were intended to prevent child deaths and injuries, citing the death of Calvin James, a 4-year-old grandson of one witness, as the reason for “Calvin’s Law.”
Testimony was mixed. Family members and several supporters, including emergency nurses, argued the bills were common-sense child protection measures and could prevent traumatic brain injuries or fatalities. Motorcycle advocacy groups and some witnesses said the bills were overbroad, could lead to arbitrary stops or family services involvement, and needed clearer definitions for terms like “proper passenger seat.” Several members raised questions about enforceability, age verification, and whether the fine structure was an effective deterrent. No votes were taken on the three motorcycle bills, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- support and child connecting child support and child protection<01:42:48.040><c> and</c><01:42:48.159
- </c><02:07:06.400><c> access</c><02:07:06.679><c> to</c> child and father and child access to child and
- I have to be able to link mother to child and father to child, marriage, divorce.
- I have to be able to link mother to child and father to child, marriage, divorce.
- This child's death probably could have been prevented had the other child and those child's contacts
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- burden on the mother to raise the child by themselves.
- She wasn't a confused child.
- Our baby brother's death will not be in vain. Our baby brother's death will not be in vain.
- He was my only child, the light of my life.
- His death was caused solely by mitragynine toxicity.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself.
Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism.
There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 428, from 2005 to the present, drowning deaths in Florida have ranged between 350 and 500
- From 2005 to the present, drowning deaths in Florida have ranged between 350 and 500 per year, a rate
- of approximately two deaths per 100,000 population.
- We know that a child can drown in a matter of seconds, and this happens too frequently in Florida.
- Fortunately, there was no damage done, and the child was fine.
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.