Video & Transcript Research : 'voting integrity'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 31 (2-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Carr, please cast your vote and explain. I vote no. I vote no.
- <00:47:19.839>
Um, my vote my vote really counts. Um, my vote my vote really counts. - vote to vote.<00:48:19.200>
Mr. - voting, but they seem to uniformly vote voting, but they seem to uniformly vote for<00:53:24.480
- This bill ensures that the people that are eligible to vote can vote and it improves the integrity of
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 members, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The chamber also received messages from the House that it had passed House Bills 43, 139, 297, 414, and 485 and requested concurrence. Second reading reports placed several bills in the Rules Committee, including measures on property disposition, children, school district sick leave, unemployment insurance, and status offenses, and a new resolution was introduced honoring the 10th anniversary of the 2016 session and its bullying-prevention legislation.
The main floor action was on Senate Bill 39, relating to fishing in privately owned lakes and ponds. Senators debated multiple floor amendments, with several withdrawn and floor amendment 6 adopted. Supporters said the bill clarified private property rights and allowed stocking of F1 Florida bass without changing existing license requirements, while opponents and some supporters emphasized protecting the public trust, conservation funding, and the North American wildlife management model. After extended debate, the Senate passed SB 39 as amended by a vote of 29-8.
The Senate then took up Senate Bill 154, relating to elections. The sponsor said it would strengthen election integrity by removing non-photo identification options, specifically Social Security cards and EBT SNAP cards, from the list of acceptable voter verification methods. Opponents argued the bill would make voting harder without evidence of fraud, citing that many Kentuckians used those IDs in the last election and that transportation and access barriers already exist. The transcript cuts off during debate on SB 154 before a final vote is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-LAB Joint Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, vice chair for the vote. Seeing none, vice chair for the vote.
- . vote. vote.
- If not, Vice Chair, please take the vote. >> On SB 2756, Chair votes aye.
- On SB 2756, Chair please take the vote. On SB 2756, Chair votes<01:36:19.800>
aye. - Vice Chair voting I. Are there any noes Vice Chair voting I.
Bills:
SB3326
Keywords:
renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Labor heard SB 3326, a bill concerning a study of separating transmission from generation in Hawaii’s electric system. Testimony was largely opposed. Life of the Land argued that true separation on an isolated island grid has not been shown to work anywhere and said the bill would waste taxpayer money. Hawaiian Electric and the Public Utilities Commission also opposed the measure, saying Hawaii already uses competitive bidding for new generation, that the bill would add cost, complexity, and reliability risks, and that a new study would duplicate prior work. In response to questions, the PUC explained its existing competitive bidding framework and said it had not seen an island system fully restructure in this way. The chair then amended the bill’s intent to require the PUC to open a proceeding for an independent, comprehensive analysis of the state’s energy pathways, including cost reduction, financial risk, state energy goals, and reliability, rather than narrowly focusing on separation. Both committees voted to pass SB 3326 SD2 with amendments, with the Energy committee adopting the recommendation unanimously and the Labor committee adopting it with one reservation and two no votes.
The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee then took up SB 2497 SD2, which would require electric utilities other than cooperatives to provide transparent, publicly accessible customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the PUC. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the PUC offered comments, with the PUC supporting the intent. Life of the Land said the proposed disclosure requirements would be too complex for most ratepayers to use meaningfully, while Hawaiian Electric said the bill could raise costs and slow projects, though it acknowledged some of the language changes and said much of the information is already available through existing planning and regulatory processes. Hawaii Clean Power Alliance and one individual testified in support. No vote was taken on SB 2497 SD2 during the excerpt.
The committee also heard SB 3183 SD2, which would bar higher-income taxpayers from claiming the renewable energy technologies income tax credit for certain residential solar systems and would change refundability rules. The Department of Taxation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Tax Foundation offered comments, while the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and numerous companies and individuals opposed the bill. Opponents raised concerns about impacts on financing models and the solar market. Members asked the Department of Taxation for data on how credits are claimed by homeowners versus third-party owners and on the refundability of the credit; the department said it did not have the information immediately available but would follow up. The chair indicated decision-making would likely be deferred to allow further review, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/11/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Please vote yes on this bill so that Please vote yes on this bill so that when<00:08:53.360>
I - on the committee to vote yes. on the committee to vote yes.
- Senator Coopek," has voted to extend human right has voted to extend human right protections<00:20:09.600
- alternative and integrative therapies. alternative and integrative therapies. uh<00:30:59.520>
- alternative and integrative therapies? alternative and integrative therapies?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This has to do with polling places for absentee voting or early voting.
- Section 12 is from voting on page 48.
- <00:40:13.760>
that they have enough time to vote that they have enough time to vote that - Finally, uh we also to vote it.
- Second, this bill influence their votes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 24, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, chair for the vote. >> Thanks. We are voting on HR 192, HCR 202.
- Seeing none, ready for vote. >> All right, we are voting on HR 194, HCR 204.
- none, um chair for the vote. none, um chair for the vote.
- Seeing none, ready for vote. Seeing none, ready for vote.
- Seeing none, chair for the vote. vote. vote. >> Thank<00:41:16.160>
you.
Keywords:
conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively.
The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards.
Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:06:56.000>
with forests and forests integrated with forests and forests integrated with - chair for the vote pass with amendments. chair for the vote pass with amendments.
- Voting on HTR 174, House draft 1, Okay.
- HR 171 recommendation of the vote. Okay.
- <00:20:59.760>
HR none, vice chair for the vote. Okay. HR none, vice chair for the vote.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 190, asking the Department of Health to convene a demolition waste reduction work group, drew only written testimony; the Department of Health provided comments in opposition and the Department of Attorney General Services supported it. HCR 91, on requiring insurers and managed care providers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices, received supportive testimony from SHIPA and an amputee youth advocate who described the high cost and importance of sports prosthetics. HCR 174, on examining the availability and use of land-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and a youth council that described land-based learning as culturally rooted and rehabilitative. HR 171, on assessing the social and financial effects of mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitors, received support from SHIPA, the Hawaiʻi Medical Association, and kidney care and dialysis groups. HCR 146, on the Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP, drew support from disability, hunger, and public health groups, with DHS explaining it could implement the project but would need to do manual certification work until its new system is ready.
During decision-making, the committee deferred HCR 190 because the Department of Health said it could not carry out the work group without an appropriation. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 as is. HCR 174 was recommended for passage with amendments to clarify that the resolution would request continued use of land-based learning programs and to reflect existing work already underway. HCR 171 was recommended for passage with amendments to correct a statute description. HCR 146 was recommended for passage with amendments to add language that DHS should apply for and implement the project when capable, acknowledging current system limitations. All recommendations were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, were any members voted out to you?
- If you look at the integrity of the body, right, I think the integrity of the body is challenged if you
- They got They were questioning the integrity of the Texas legislature that members can break quorum and
- Maybe in Texas, but in DC, a bunch of Republicans left because they didn't want to vote on the Epstein
- Did you get a vote on that, that it was OK for the taxpayers?
Bills:
HB18
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 19 Mar 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Any members wishing to vote or change a vote, chairs are preparing to clear the vote.
- Any members wishing to vote or change a vote, Lawson.
- Any members wishing to vote or change your vote, declare the vote. 93, 0 nay.
- Any members wishing to vote or change their vote, chairs preparing to close, declare the vote 96 to zero
- Any members wishing to vote or change their vote, chairs preparing to close, declare the vote. 71 to
Bills:
HB4358, HB2398, HB3557, HB3129, HB3312, HB2210, HB1937, HB3021, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457, HB2947, HB2951, HB2980, HB3082, HB3519, HB3644, HB3882, HB3661, HB3996, HB4335
Keywords:
screen time, education, public schools, child development, digital learning, youth health, academic performance, credential of value, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, free expression, colleges, security fees, public forums
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote. Voting on SB66 SD2.
- c><01:42:17.280>
the vote voting on sb66 sd2 the vote voting on sb66 sd2 the recommendation<01 - <01:45:44.840>
voting bills um Vice chair for the vote voting bills um Vice chair for the - voting on SB Vice chair for the vote voting on SB 1263<01:48:00.920>
se2 <01:48:01.480>the - concerns see n Vice chair for the vote concerns see n Vice chair for the vote voting<01:48:43.000
Summary:
The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities.
On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates.
The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Elise Stefanik, of New York, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the United States of Americ Jan 30th, 2025 at 09:25 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not going to vote for nominees until this is reversed.
- I'm going to vote for her. I'm also a close call.
- I'm going to vote for her because I told her I was going to vote for her, and my word is my bond.
- On another, she apparently didn't vote.
- There being no further debate, we'll proceed to a vote. Are we satisfied with the voice vote?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I encourage you to vote yes on H. 4119.
- Please vote yes on H. 2504. Thank you. Please vote yes on H. 2504 and S. 1481.
- Please pass both to the floor for a vote as was done in 2019.
- Please pass both to the floor for a vote as was done in 2019.
- I'm here to voice. and a long-time supporter of integrative health and wellness.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives.
A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing.
There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/25/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It will also update the curriculum to focus on program integrity. program integrity work. program integrity
- integrity approaches. integrity approaches.
- program integrity integrity controls. program integrity integrity controls.
- Okay, moving on to program integrity. We have around 10 program integrity proposals.
- program integrity throughout the agency. program integrity throughout the agency.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, we submit an integrated resource plan to the Public Service Commission every three years
- From an energy perspective, you know, I mentioned that long-term integrated resource plan.
- So, you know, I mentioned our 2025 update to our integrated resource plan that called for 5.3 gigawatts
- And the integrated resource planning cases have not started yet, but that would be an issue in those
- And I understand the House voted to mandate it, so there's conflicting bills on that.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will not be taking any votes today.
- In 2024, we made some changes, and indeed, Tomorrow, my bosses will be voting at one of our voting meetings
- Today, we voted to approve three agreements, and we're aiming to bring the remaining agreements to the
- For instance, the integrated resource planning process is a proceeding that is left open because every
- The CPUC votes on the allocation amongst the surcharges that are collected within their public... ...
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of the United States European Command and United States Africa Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed he Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a vote. There is a vote going on and we actually have a series of three votes.
- The hearing will not recess for the votes. Senator Scott, you're recognized. Thank you, Chairman.
- When we match capabilities to the threat, it first calls for integrated air missile defense.
- The CCP integrates its perspective into local media.
- from the legitimacy of those votes?
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss various bills and hear testimonies related to legislative matters, including public concerns and implications surrounding the proposed legislation. Notably, the members engaged in a vigorous debate over SB4, where several representatives shared differing viewpoints on its impact on local communities and the environment. Public testimonies were heard, with advocates arguing for the bill's potential benefits, while opponents raised significant concerns regarding the fiscal implications and land use. Following these discussions, the committee moved to vote on HB2214, which passed without issue, illustrating the bipartisan support for certain initiatives tied to public welfare.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
OK 911 Management Authority Jun 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Discussion, revision, and vote to adopt the Oklahoma 911 Management Authority 2027 fiscal year budget
- Item number 10 is a possible discussion, revision, and vote to approve the Oklahoma Technical School
- We spend a lot of money today if you look back on all these votes. All right.
- They're interested in bringing more attention to 988 and the integration to their 911 center.
- June 24, I'm meeting with Roger Mills County to do their integration.
Summary:
The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program.
The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources.
Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements.
In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
BCA Use of Force investigations of federal agents 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- recommend a no vote. recommend a no vote.
- The roll call began with Chair Mohler voting aye, Chair Noatne voting no, Vice Chair Feist voting aye
- Curran voting aye, Representative Duran voting no, and Representative Enen voting no.
- Representative Johnson voted aye. Representative Johnson voted aye. Representative Pinto voted aye.
- Representative Schwarz voted no. Representative Steer voted no. Representative Tapki voted aye.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Out of the house by a vote of 116 in favor and 23 opposed, but the bill died in the Senate.
- The right to work is integral to the health of our economy and our society.
- Or a significant contribution can do more to influence the outcome of an election than a vote.
- The right to vote in our elections is hopefully reserved to Texas citizens.
- That's a compelling case when you integrate technologies to reduce long-term operational costs.
Bills:
HB 1951, HB 2715, HB 3092, HB 3237, HB 3278, HB 3511, HB 3592, HB 3675, HB 3778, HB 3782, HB 3826, HB 3970, HB 4016, HB 4049, HB 4341, HB 4344, HB 4406, HB 4427
Keywords:
collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (11/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- state, I'll be voting against it. state, I'll be voting against it.
- Vote is 17 to zero. Motion passes. If I may vote. Oh, sorry. Rep. McDonald. Yes. Sorry.
- Vote is 17 to zero. Motion passes. Vote is 17 to zero. Motion passes.
- Vote is 17 to zero. Motion passes. If I may vote. Oh, sorry. Rep. McDonald. Yes. Sorry.
- So I will be voting no. women's privacy. So I will be voting no.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 12th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, by your vote, SB 624 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, SB 42 will be reported favorably.
- By your vote, SB 42 will be reported favorably.
- By your vote, CS for SB 578 is reported favorably.
- to vote?
Keywords:
child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.