Video & Transcript : 'genetic disorder' :
Page 58 of 204
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And we'd say, how are we allowing this to happen to her when she has a severe psychosis disorder?
- And we'd say, how are we allowing this to happen to her when she has a severe psychosis disorder?
- pushback because rather than realizing this is talking about schizophrenia and people with psychotic disorders
- People with psychotic disorders who don't know who they are.
- through courts, it's allowing injections for people who are schizophrenic or have the psychotic disorder
Committee:
House Legislative Review
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As many of you know, I'm one of millions of people in the world that live with substance use disorder
- center because they went somewhere, although it's illegal, those of us that live with substance use disorder
- We know that substance use disorder disease is a disease that is scientifically defined as a disease
- need to help you guys understand that there are many people like me that live with substance use disorder
- we understood that it will protect many of us, but for those of us that battle with substance use disorder
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard and approved several bills. SB 504 and its related public records bill SB 506, both by Sen. Burgess, would allow local governments to authorize code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies and create a public records exemption for certain recordings; members raised questions about disclosure and when cameras may be used, and both bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 32 and SB 210 by Sen. Sharif, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and extending public records protections to petitions under that injunction category. Supporters included law enforcement, women’s advocacy groups, and justice organizations.
The committee then favorably reported SB 676 by Sen. Arrington, which creates a graduated penalty structure for adults who involve minors in certain animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties related to fighting or baiting animals. SB 432 by Sen. Yarbrough was also approved; it adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates penalties for candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Sen. Osgood spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder.
Finally, the committee approved SB 524 by Sen. Simon, which makes a series of technical and administrative changes affecting the Medical Examiners Commission, district medical examiner appointments, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, and notice procedures for administrative complaints. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement appeared in support. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- As many of you know, I'm one of millions of people in the world that live with substance use disorder
- center because they went somewhere, although it's illegal, those of us that live with substance use disorder
- We know that substance use disorder disease is a disease that is scientifically defined as a disease
- need to help you guys understand that there are many people like me that live with substance use disorder
- we understood that it will protect many of us, but for those of us that battle with substance use disorder
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills. The committee heard and approved SB 504, allowing local governments to adopt standardized policies for code enforcement officers to use body cameras, and SB 506, which creates a related public records exemption for certain body camera recordings, including protections for minors and private information. Senator Smith raised questions about notice to property owners and use limitations, and Senator Osgood asked whether cameras must be on at all times; the sponsor said he would follow up on specifics. Both bills had support from local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after adoption of an amendment to SB 504 clarifying training and familiarity with camera rules.
The committee also approved CS/SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, the companion public records exemption for petitions involving that injunction. Senator Sharif said the bills fill a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories, and supporters waived in favor. SB 676, by Senator Arrington, was also reported favorably; it creates a graduated penalty structure for contributing to the delinquency of a minor when the underlying conduct involves certain animal cruelty offenses, and increases penalties for fighting or baiting animals. Senator Osgood spoke in support, tying the bill to protecting children and animals, and several law enforcement and animal welfare groups waived in support.
The committee further approved SB 432, which adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum for certain candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Senator Osgood spoke at length in support, emphasizing overdose risks and the impact on people with substance use disorder. Finally, the committee passed SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and district medical examiners, clarifies responsibilities within Chapter 943, and changes notification and curriculum approval provisions for criminal justice standards. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- As many of you know, I'm one of millions of people in the world that live with substance use disorder
- center because they went somewhere, although it's illegal, those of us that live with substance use disorder
- We know that substance use disorder disease is a disease that is scientifically defined as a disease
- need to help you guys understand that there are many people like me that live with substance use disorder
- we understood that it will protect many of us, but for those of us that battle with substance use disorder
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills, most of them related to public safety, criminal justice, and privacy. The committee first heard SB 504, which authorizes local governments to allow code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies, and SB 506, its companion public-records exemption bill protecting certain body-camera recordings from disclosure. Members raised questions about notice to property owners and when cameras may be used; both bills were supported by local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after roll-call votes.
The committee then approved CS for SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, which extends public-records protections to petitions for that injunction. Senator Sharif described the bills as filling a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories; supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. The committee also favorably reported SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for involving minors in certain animal cruelty offenses, and SB 432, which adds 7OH to Schedule I, exempts approved veterinary xylazine products, and increases penalties for trafficking and candy-like xylazine products. Senator Osgood spoke in support of SB 432, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder.
Finally, the committee approved SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, including shifting district medical examiner appointments to the commission and clarifying notification procedures for administrative complaints. All bills received favorable votes, with support statements or waivers from various state, local, and advocacy organizations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the bill that establishes a pilot program to expand access to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
- treatment prior to... ...participating self-insurers to authorize post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
- than allows L&I to participate and participating self-insurers to authorize post-traumatic stress disorder
- treatment prior to. participating self-insurers to authorize post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
- And we want to get them that post-traumatic stress disorder treatment as early and often as possible.
Summary:
The committee held executive session on eight bills and heard staff briefings on each measure and any proposed substitutes or amendments. The bills covered domestic worker labor protections (HB 2355), a PTSD treatment pilot in workers’ compensation (HB 2405), electronic notices from L&I (HB 2406), private-sector collective bargaining (HB 2471), fire sprinkler contractor licensing and fitter certification (HB 2472), wage complaint enforcement discretion (HB 2478), a wage recovery program and account (HB 2479), and behavioral health and wellness training for apprentices (HB 2492). Several amendments were described as stakeholder-driven or clarifying, including changes to babysitting exemptions and disclosure language in HB 2355, opt-in language for the PTSD pilot in HB 2405, restoration of some current-law notice provisions in HB 2406, and technical or policy-aligning changes in the wage and apprenticeship bills.
During final action, the committee adopted the proposed substitute for HB 2355 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote, with opponents citing the fiscal note and affordability concerns. HB 2405 was amended to make participation in the PTSD pilot voluntary for workers and self-insurers, then passed unanimously out of committee. HB 2406 also passed unanimously after an amendment preserving certain current-law notice provisions. HB 2471, the collective bargaining bill, was reported out on a 6-3 vote after debate over whether the bill was premature given the current status of the NLRB.
The committee then adopted a stakeholder amendment to HB 2472 and passed it unanimously, followed by unanimous passage of amended HB 2478, which gives L&I discretion in wage complaint enforcement and requires public prioritization of complaints. HB 2479, creating a wage recovery program and account, was also amended and passed unanimously, with members emphasizing bipartisan support and the goal of helping workers recover unpaid wages faster. Finally, HB 2492 was amended to allow certain behavioral health training to count toward continuing education for licensed electricians and plumbers, and it passed unanimously before the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/11/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We serve people who have got mental health and behavioral health and substance use disorder.
- those changes, for example, when we say there's a program integrity concerns with substance use disorder
- And when we make those disorder.
- and how that with substance use disorder and how that program<00:36:20.720><c> uh</c><00:36:21.119><
- rather than just allowing disorder rather than just allowing individuals<00:36:39.119><c> to</c><00:
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- , co-occurring substance use disorder, and related neurological and mental health conditions."
- co-occurring substance use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder,<00:54:09.359><c> and</c><00
- So the folks that were brought in, those folks were not afflicted with opiate use disorder.
- </c><01:02:30.079><c> The</c> afflicted with opiate use disorder.
- The afflicted with opiate use disorder.
Committee:
Joint Public Health and Welfare
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Human Services - 03/05/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- on a potential service disruption. ...on a potential service disruption for a large substance use disorder
- Substance use disorder treatment is a critical need in the state, and it's really important to us that
- If substance use disorder is a topic, I think you'll find this worth listening to.
- disorder.
- disorder.
Committees:
Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/09/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> opioid use disorder. opioid use disorder.
- ,</c> in the context of opioid use disorder, in the context of opioid use disorder, delays<00:10:40.120
- mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
- . and substance use disorders.
- During that time, we faced disorder.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant neurological or mental health conditions to qualify
- It's very challenging for physicians to treat these disorders.
- , co-occurring substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant neurological or mental health conditions
- It's very challenging for physicians to treat these disorders.
- There's very few treatment options available, and those treatments I'm to treat these disorders.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss.
Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Jan 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- These conditions are characterized by sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other
- These conditions are characterized by sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other
- My constituent whose family suffers with this disorder, and I've gotten to know really the impacts of
- So they're losing years of their life being treated with a psychiatric disorder when really they have
- an inflammation disorder going on.
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
Keywords:
patients' rights, healthcare information, medical confidentiality, health data security, healthcare access, abortion, medications, reproductive health, access, healthcare, PANDA, PANS, treatment access, mental health, legislation, preventive services, state authority, definitions clarification, public health
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (3-12-25) - Upon Adjournment of the Senate
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:41:06.680><c> of</c><00:41:06.839><c> substance</c><00:41:07.280><c> use</c><00:41:07.760><c> disorders
- </c> the treatment of substance use disorders the treatment of substance use disorders and<00:41:09.160
- /c><00:42:52.920><c> use</c> we have seen in the substance use we have seen in the substance use disorder
- billing codes um inside of the disorder billing codes um inside of the Medicaid<00:42:57.240><c> system
- use disorder treatments and counselings<00:43:19.800><c> it</c><00:43:19.920><c> will</c><00:43:20.160
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 12, 2025, after waiting for the Senate to adjourn so the committee could officially convene. The committee first took up House Bill 90, which concerned freestanding birthing centers and related medical language. Testimony from Representative Jason Nemes, Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg of ACOG Kentucky, and a representative from Kentucky Right to Life focused on clarifying what medical procedures are not abortions under Kentucky law, including miscarriage management, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, sepsis, hemorrhage, and stillbirth. Supporters said the committee substitute was intended to reduce confusion and barriers to care for physicians and patients, while Senator Armstrong and Senator Berg raised concerns about the late-arriving substitute, terminology, and whether the bill was being accurately described as supported by ACOG. The committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and House Bill 90 passed with favorable expression.
The committee then considered House Bill 398, relating to occupational safety and health. Representative Walker Thomas said the bill would prevent Kentucky from adopting or enforcing regulations stricter than federal OSHA standards, arguing it would create uniformity for businesses operating in multiple states while preserving worker safety. Senator Armstrong questioned what would happen if federal OSHA were eliminated and argued the bill could reduce Kentucky’s ability to address state-specific workplace hazards; Representative Thomas responded that Kentucky is a state-plan state and would retain the ability to act if needed, and that the measure was about administrative regulation rather than legislation. After a committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed 8-1, with Senator Armstrong voting no.
House Bill 580, concerning alcohol and drug counselors and peer support specialists, was presented next. Representative Kim Moore and Elena Sweezy explained that the bill would add structure, training, and supervision requirements for peer support specialists, limit group settings to eight patients, shorten temporary peer support status to nine months, and require additional supervision hours so trainees can complete required training. The bill passed with favorable expression, with Senator Nemes voting no. House Bill 87, relating to employment and occupational licensing, followed; Representative Emily Callaway said it would reduce barriers for people with felony records and help “second chance” citizens enter the workforce. Several senators supported the goal but Senator McDaniel noted caution about substance-use billing and oversight, and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, House Bill 422, relating to administrative regulations, was described by Representative Derrick Lewis as a streamlining measure that would reduce paperwork and simplify the regulatory process. It also passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- an incredibly valuable partner, and their insights to address opioid addiction and substance use disorder
- shared, you know, we as a family, when you have that loved one that's continuing with substance use disorder
- and others around recovery homes and supporting housing for those continuing with substance use disorder
- continuing with substantive recovery homes and supporting housing for those continuing with substance use disorder
- entities and met with providers and clients and family members, those impacted by substance use disorder
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, as amended, the sponsor explained that the original child welfare language was replaced with a strike-all requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation to work with DCF and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability, report findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, and allow penalties for failure to provide requested information. The committee adopted the amendment and amendment to the amendment, heard supportive testimony from child welfare advocates, and reported the committee substitute favorably.
The committee also heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, and clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, parents, and other supporters testified in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. On SB 794, the sponsor described requirements for background screening of employees in residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, workforce needs, geographic service gaps, and related recommendations due in 2027. The committee adopted a conforming amendment and reported the bill.
The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined DCF’s recent work on child welfare, behavioral health, peer support, and technology improvements, and answered questions about child welfare system challenges, funding formulas, opioid settlement dollars, and interoperability of agency systems. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Graal voting no. The meeting ended with a request to record one senator’s vote on SB 1600 and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- needed to provide mentorship, recovery support, and advocacy to those navigating substance abuse disorders
- an incredibly valuable partner, and their insights to address opioid addiction and substance use disorder
- and others around recovery homes and supporting housing for those continuing with substance use disorder
- our managing... ...recovery homes and supporting housing for those continuing with substance use disorder
- entities and met with providers and clients and family members, those impacted by substance use disorder
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- an incredibly valuable partner, and their insights to address opioid addiction and substance use disorder
- know, we as a family, you know, when you have that loved one that's continuing with substance use disorder
- and others around recovery homes and supporting housing for those continuing with substance use disorder
- ... ...recovery homes and supporting housing for those continuing with substance use disorder, the need
- entities and met with providers and clients and family members, those impacted by substance use disorder
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 30th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- the bill that establishes a pilot program to expand access to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
- the bill that establishes a pilot program to expand access to treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
- treatment prior to... ...participating self-insurers to authorize post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
- can speak to this as well, is... participating self-insurers to authorize post-traumatic stress disorder
- And we want to get them that post-traumatic stress disorder treatment as early and often as possible.
Committee:
House Labor & Workplace Standards
Keywords:
labor protections, domestic workers, wage standards, employment rights, worker safety, mental health, PTSD, treatment program, research, pilot program, veteran support, trauma, healthcare funding, labor, communication, Department of Labor and Industries, workplace standards, modernization, collective bargaining, labor relations
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 206 on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- August 1, 2027, instruction for teaching students with disabilities must include autism spectrum disorder
- So if I've already been teaching in autism spectrum disorder for three years...
- Spectrum disorder for three years. Do I get grandfathered in, or what are we saying?
- Disorder, and just wanted to say that Senator Harrell's office has been fantastic.
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 420, which would require portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be prominently displayed in classrooms used for social studies and in all K-5 classrooms, with the Department of Education selecting the portraits. Senator Burgess framed the bill as a patriotic and educational measure tied to America’s 250th anniversary, while Senator Davis raised concerns about exclusivity, political precedent, and state intrusion into local classroom decisions. Senator Osgood and others asked about sensitivity to diverse student populations and whether additional figures such as Harriet Tubman could also be displayed. Burgess said the bill would not prevent other displays, emphasized the two presidents’ historical significance, and committed to funding support so the mandate would not burden districts. The committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then took up CS/SB 206 on autism education and teacher preparation. Senator Harrell’s strike-all amendment required teacher preparation programs to include autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, required ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, created an autism loan forgiveness program and salary supplement provisions, and directed district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A second amendment removed a proposed change to the legal definition of autism so that issue could be handled separately. Senators Davis and Osgood asked about implementation timelines, grandfathering current teachers, and how the bill would affect educators already working in autism classrooms; Harrell said he was open to further discussion and wanted to ensure flexibility while still requiring the credential. Public testimony included support from Orange County Public Schools, a parent of children with autism, and others. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 556, which allows students with disabilities to satisfy the high school physical education requirement by participating in Special Olympics for one year if included in the student’s IEP. An amendment also clarified that two years of marching band satisfies both the PE credit and a fine or performing arts credit. Supporters said the bill expands inclusive options and reduces administrative burdens, and Senator Yarborough praised the change as giving students more flexibility. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also took up confirmation votes for appointments in tabs 4 through 7 and recommended all of them favorably by a single roll call vote.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (04/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So we see almost a thousand patients, 96 certified for anxiety disorder.
- Relative: opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder.
- and cannabis use and opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder<01:17:53.199><c> there</c><01:17:
- </c><01:18:01.760><c> Uh</c> products and mental health disorders.
- Uh products and mental health disorders.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on April 17 and approved the prior meeting minutes, then set its next meeting for May 29 at 9:30 a.m. Members also discussed a New Futures effort to collect questions about Medicaid changes and post answers as an FAQ, with a preference that the FAQ live on New Futures’ website rather than the state website. The commissioner’s office said it would coordinate responses and that the issue is still evolving.
The main presentation was an HHS update focused on the state public health laboratory and its work during Public Health Lab Week. Officials reviewed the lab’s history, its biosafety functions, and its role in disease prevention, food safety, preparedness, and response. They highlighted mosquito surveillance for eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus, noting that the lab tested more than a quarter million mosquitoes last year and that mosquito testing helps provide early warning for local public health decisions. They also discussed rabies testing, saying New Hampshire’s lab is the only one in the state that performs it, that rabies is fatal once symptoms begin, and that the work is preventable through early prophylaxis.
Members asked about federal funding cuts, water testing, and whether CDC changes to rabies testing would affect New Hampshire. The department said it had been affected by an $80 million federal clawback but was managing through other funds and staff reassignments; for the water lab, temporary staff had been hired to continue swimming-area testing. Officials said the state remains able to handle rabies testing and that federal changes would mainly affect areas without similar services. They also answered questions on Jamestown Canyon virus, saying New Hampshire had one human case in 2025 and three in 2024, compared with zero West Nile cases in 2025 and one in 2024, and that weather and protective measures influence mosquito-borne disease levels. Additional questions covered biosafety levels, cyanobacteria coordination with the Department of Environmental Services, and the Brown Building flood mitigation, which was described as about halfway complete with a hoped-for reopening of the west side by June.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Before the committee on Appropriations for Education, CS for SB 206, Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Education Loan Forgiveness Program for completion of a master's degree or Autism Spectrum Disorder
- For autism spectrum disorder endorsement, up to five annual payments of $3,500, to a total of $17,000
- We support the core goal of SB 206, strengthening support for students with autism disorder and other
- Support for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities is undeniably
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote.
Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Before the committee on Appropriations for Education, CS for SB 206, Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Education Loan Forgiveness Program for completion of a master's degree or Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Or autism spectrum disorder endorsement, up to five annual payments of $3,500, to a total of $17,000
- We support the core goal of SB 206, strengthening support for students with autism disorder and other
- Support for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities is undeniably