Video & Transcript : 'noncustodial parent' :
Page 59 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been working with a group of parents who are very concerned about the death of a 12-day-old boy
- the boy, and one of them is an adoptive parent of three of the siblings of the one who died.
- To parents who had prior convictions, a misdemeanor injury to a child, and served jail time.
- histories that put prior children at risk, and children born to parents addicted to narcotics.
- Born to parents addicted to narcotics.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the omnibus education policy bill, SF1740 5/16/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> And if you can get a hold of a parent, And if you can get a hold of a parent, maybe<01:24:30.400
- ,</c> me home, say I've got two parents, me home, say I've got two parents, they're<01:26:18.320><c>
- Some parents don't have an option.
- Some parents don't have of that school." Some parents don't have an<01:42:36.159><c> option.
- /c><01:57:29.280><c> the</c> parents um, parents data in the parents um, parents data in the handbook
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Supporting continuity of care instead of forcing parents to juggle two. Program.
- She absolutely adored her parents, and she was a light in their world.
- of both Charlotte and Liam were good people—parents with an awful disease.
- Parents are being misled, and that's really at the heart of this.
- Consumers, many parents don't know what questions need to be asked.
Summary:
The committee first adopted a 4-0 consent calendar for SB 1345, SB 1410, and SB 1421. It then heard SB 1200 on child care, which would redefine infant and toddler age categories so providers could count 18- to 24-month-olds as toddlers without changing ratios. The author and family child care providers said the bill would better reflect child development, improve reimbursement, increase capacity, and help keep family child care businesses open; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations.
The committee next approved SB 971, a permissive framework for counties to offer senior education and technology training through local public health systems and community partners. Supporters said it would help older adults with digital literacy, fraud awareness, health, and social connection, while remaining optional and locally tailored. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 to the floor. The committee also passed SB 1234, which requires fentanyl to be included in court-ordered drug testing in dependency cases when drug testing is already ordered. The author, an angel family member, and a sheriff’s office witness described child deaths and fentanyl exposure risks; the bill passed 4-0 to the floor.
SB 1109, dealing with oversight of short-term residential therapeutic programs in small rural counties, drew substantial testimony. Supporters from Alpine County argued that two facilities there strain local emergency response and that annual review should be triggered by repeated serious citations or placement in counties lacking basic infrastructure. Opponents said the bill was too broad and could destabilize needed placement capacity. After discussion, the author accepted committee amendments, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations as amended. The committee also passed SB 961, which would notify financial aid applicants that they may be eligible for CalFresh; students and advocates said it would reduce food insecurity and improve college success, with no opposition, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations.
Later, SB 1099, clarifying local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under federal PRWORA exemptions, was heard and supported by local government attorneys; it was held on call after a 2-0 roll. SB 1190, creating licensing and safety rules for youth transport companies used in out-of-state residential placements, was supported by survivors and advocacy groups, with some support-if-amended testimony; it passed 4-0 to the Public Safety Committee. Finally, SB 1325, a narrow San Diego County measure to allow Feeding San Diego to participate in Cal Food under specific conditions, drew support from the author and Feeding San Diego but opposition from the California Association of Food Banks, which argued it would shift limited resources and add administrative burden. The transcript ends during committee discussion on SB 1325, before a final vote is shown.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:58 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Just stop expanding government programs and let infants stay home with their parents.
- I mean, I know some parents really...
- As I look at the work habits and, I guess, schedules of many of our parents.
- Not all of them would the parents want them. So that's our goal.
- always appreciate a parent leadership.
Bills:
SB2
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- With my parents, we attempted to ask for help and stop the harassment.
- I am parent to Ella Miller, who I had to remove her daughter. Excuse me.
- I am a physician and a parent. And I oppose this bill. Good morning.
- Now the parent of two, a grandparent of two who are beginning that process.
- Maita Castillo-Garcia on behalf of Parents Anonymous in support.
Committee:
House Education
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, if your parents need to text you, and at the end of the day you check to see what your parents
- I mean, if your parents need to text you, and at the end of the day you check to see what your parents
- Like, if there's an emergency, they could call their parents or something like that, right?
- Like, if there's an emergency, they could call their parents or something like that, right?
- If there are emergency, There's lots of mechanisms in a school to call parents and get in contact.
Committee:
House Education
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Feb 16th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And with the amendments, this will make it due to or with requiring parental consent to ensure that if
- It will probably be less than that now, being that we added the parental rights amendment.
- I think it's fair for parents to be notified if their baby's going to get a test.
- The other piece that I added in this bill is that they must have parental consent.
- , and the parent can refuse.
Bills:
SB1421 , SB1427 , SB1484 , SB1503 , SB1553 , SB1557 , SB1564 , SB1566 , SB1567 , SB1591 , SB1642 , SB1794 , SB1837 , SB2044
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm mostly curious about the parental choice tax credit.
- Yes, all will be, including— ...curious about the parental choice tax credit.
- This child has gone to their parent, who is a state employee of the state of Oklahoma, and has shared
- I think we would all expect out of a parent regardless. ...and that parent is going to do everything
- to a parent being charged with a crime?
Committee:
House General Government
Summary:
The committee first handled housekeeping, announcing that House Bill 4276 would be laid over until the third week and moving Representative Lawson’s bill to the top of the agenda. HB 3620, creating a 2030 census complete count committee, was presented and passed by due pass. HB 3942, which updates the state’s tax incentive evaluation process by directing reports to LOFT and requiring comparisons to other incentives and strategic economic goals, also passed due pass after brief discussion about whether all tax incentives, including the parental choice tax credit, would be reviewed.
Representative Pfeiffer presented HB 3279, a follow-up public corruption measure that clarifies conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements and sets a $25,000 threshold for certain purchase orders; it passed due pass. After Vice Chair Woolley took over, HB 3378 passed 7-0 to stagger OCAST board terms after all members had expired at once. HB 3383, setting a 14-hour limit on required work in a 24-hour period for state employees with emergency carve-outs, passed 6-1 after questions about law enforcement and emergency-service exceptions. Several transparency and procurement bills from Representative Strom also passed unanimously: HB 3413 requires agencies to report outsourced jobs and consulting outcomes, HB 3414 adds accounting-system reporting for contract type and invoice location for intangible assets, HB 3415 requires subcontractor reporting and post-contract assessments, and HB 3420 requires justification for sole-source purchases and limits pilot or proof-of-concept contracting to 12 months.
The most contentious measure was HB 313 by Representative Kevin West, which restricts state agencies, employees, contractors, and public institutions from using state funds to perform, facilitate, refer, or encourage gender transition procedures. Opponents argued it intrudes into private medical decisions, could affect adults as well as minors, and may worsen health outcomes or create vague enforcement problems; supporters said it protects minors from harmful, life-altering procedures and prevents state dollars from supporting them. After extended debate, the committee passed HB 313 by a 7-2 vote. The meeting then adjourned, with one more committee meeting announced for the following week.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Our children need both parents in rearing and raising.
- Frequent and continuing contact and substantial parenting time with both parents.
- As a parent, I expect my child to be safe when I take her to school.
- Parents are put on alert and fear the worst for their children.
- And as a parent, it hurts unacceptable.
Committee:
House Judiciary
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- From our bedside conversations, it is clear that parents and consumers are confused.
- In our experience, many parents and riders simply do not know the rules.
- But the parent, once discovered by an officer and cited, I think the parent needs to be brought in.
- ...by an officer and cited, I think the parent needs to be brought in.
- And the parent said, “Oh, don't worry about it.”
Committee:
Senate Transportation
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the former foster parent and proud adoptive parent of Kaylee Williams, who is nine years old.
- But parents have to be able to choose to parent their children.
- the parents want, what the parents need, and it's, that's not the focus.
- We are eliminating the idea that the custodial parent is always the mom and the non-custodial parent
- We are eliminating the idea that the custodial parent is always the mom and the non-custodial parent
Summary:
The committee first approved the May 20 minutes and then advanced HCR 95, which would create a more uniform tax base for future state and local tax exemptions and credits, requiring a two-thirds vote of both chambers to deviate from that uniformity. HB 648 was deferred by the author. HB 1049, dealing with public meeting procedures and notice requirements, was amended after discussion with the Police Jury Association, school boards, and local government groups; the amendments removed a requirement for a lawyer at every meeting and clarified notice and posting language, and the bill was reported with amendments despite opposition from local government associations and the City of Baker.
The committee then heard HB 615, which would expand livestreaming and two-year archiving requirements to more public bodies, including non-elected boards and commissions with taxing or rulemaking authority. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while local government and association witnesses argued it would impose an unfunded mandate, especially on small volunteer boards, and raised concerns about costs, staffing, record retention, and reliance on social media platforms. The bill was not advanced. HB 1201, as amended, would provide legislators reimbursement for travel and limited out-of-session expenses, including housing and mileage, beginning with the next term; members discussed the need to make public service more financially feasible and to broaden who can afford to serve. The committee reported HB 1201 with amendments.
The committee also considered two constitutional convention-related bills. HB 244 would set guardrails for any future convention by capping delegates at 144, specifying delegate selection, requiring a two-thirds delegate vote to send proposals to voters, and requiring both a majority of voters and approval by three-fourths of the parishes for ratification; after debate over whether the parish threshold was too high, the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote. HB 4, as amended, was narrowed to require the Senate and House Governmental Affairs committees to meet in the off-season to discuss the mechanics of a possible convention, but members viewed it as more of a study resolution than binding legislation, and the committee voted to keep it in committee.
The meeting then moved to confirmation hearings. Courtney Myers, nominated for Deputy Secretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice, and Ernest Jacob Reade Jr., nominated as Assistant Secretary, testified about their backgrounds and priorities, emphasizing juvenile rehabilitation, education and vocational programming, mental health services, credible messengers, family contact, and better communication with legislators and families. Nathan McBride, nominated as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, testified about his engineering and government affairs background and said he would focus on legislative work, waste tire management, permitting modernization, and constituent service.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Seclusion Working Group - 01/28/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:58.320><c> or</c> outreach and education to parents or outreach and education to parents or
- </c> informed consent and parent informed consent and parent understanding<00:15:55.680><c> where</c>
- However, parents are always able to invite who they want to an IEP meeting.
- Parents are always able to invite who they want to an IEP meeting.
- I care about parents taking charge.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules and Enrolled Bills (01/15/2026)
Rules and Enrolled Bills
Transcript Highlights:
- They have a longer day than their parents do.
- They have a longer day than their parents do.
- And so longer day than their parents do.
- and for parents.
- Um, for for for workers and for parents.
Committee:
Senate Rules and Enrolled Bills
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- the homeschool parents, it's been a big blessing.
- Parents know something isn't right.
- We're not trying to also limit parent choice here, and parents are perfectly free to give their children
- Parenting is hard.
- It's hard often to be that parent to opt out, right?
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed.
The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition.
Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My parents are in their 70s and they live in West Altadena.
- As if my parents were supposed to be the experts.
- Yet my parents' insurance company refused to cover further remediation.
- My parents can't afford to pay for more remediation out of pocket.
- then, of course, empowering pediatricians to inform those parents.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, remediation, and insurance handling of wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said the bill is needed because survivors face inconsistent claims practices and no enforceable standards for determining when homes are safe. Supporters included the City of Los Angeles and a wildfire survivor who described health problems and disputed remediation results; opponents from the insurance industry said the bill could create broad new exposure and worsen affordability, though they continued to negotiate amendments. The committee recommended the bill do pass with urgency, and it passed on a 4-0 vote, with the roll held open for additional votes.
The committee also heard AB 1612, which would create a centralized process for law enforcement to transfer seized controlled substances such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin to the Department of Justice for disposal after the state’s last in-state incineration facility closed. The author said the bill would address unsafe storage and inconsistent disposal pathways. There was no opposition in the room, and the committee sent the bill to the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a do pass vote.
AB 2322 would standardize the definition of commercial, industrial, or institutional sites for municipal stormwater permits by tying it to assessor land-use codes and excluding residential parcels. Supporters said the bill would reduce patchwork enforcement and improve consistency, while stormwater and city representatives asked to keep working on regional flexibility concerns. The committee approved the bill 4-1 and sent it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 2245, a producer responsibility bill for vehicle lubricant products and their containers, intended to expand collection and recycling using existing household hazardous waste and used oil infrastructure. Supporters said it would reduce landfill disposal and align with existing EPR frameworks, while retailers and industry groups raised concerns about overlapping obligations, unclear definitions, and compliance costs. The author said negotiations would continue, and the committee sent the bill to Natural Resources on a do pass vote. The committee also heard AB 1603, which would phase out PFAS-containing pesticides over time and require disclosure and permitting for their use. Supporters argued PFAS pesticides contaminate food and water and pose health risks; agricultural and chemical industry opponents said the bill could remove many products from the market and lead to harmful substitutions. The chair expressed support for reducing PFAS but raised concerns about replacement chemicals, and the bill was sent to Appropriations on a do pass vote. Finally, AB 2034 was introduced to increase transparency around food additives and GRAS ingredients by creating a state database of chemicals that bypass FDA premarket review; supporters said it would close a federal loophole, while consumer brands opposed a duplicative state system and warned of costs and confusion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Parents have to opt-in, correct.
- The parents have to consent. This is parental consent. Remember, parental consent.
- But if a parent does not choose?
- not to sue under that claim yes So the parents, let's say the parents sign the consent form. maybe because
- The parents are deciding.
Bills:
SJR18 , SCR5 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SB3 , SB6 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB18 , SB35 , SB388 , SB412 , SB441 , SB495 , SB666 , SB687 , SB706 , SB740 , SB815 , SB842 , SB917 , SB925 , SB995 , SB1006 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1379 , SB1451 , SB1902 , SJR36 , SJR18 , SJR12 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SCR5 , SCR22 , SB565 , SB372 , SB495 , SB842 , SB765 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB290 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB412 , SB441 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB917 , SB925 , SB388 , SB1902 , SB1121 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB35 , SB6 , SB815 , SB3 , SB1281 , SB1379 , SB1300 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB1451 , SB1061 , SB15 , SB65 , SB241 , SB304 , SB402 , SB499 , SB621 , SB974 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB1025 , SB1106 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB400 , SB609 , SB1447 , SB670 , SB502 , SB427 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB893 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB509 , SB985 , SB965 , SB17 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB12 , SB24 , SB57 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1268 , SCR12 , SCR24 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB840
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- As a result, many parents and guardians are forced to opt out of school meals altogether.
- I'm going to put a lot of pressure on your parents.
- I'm here today as the parent of a child with celiac disease.
- At first, even my parents and I weren't always sure what foods were safe.
- We have a next — oh, and you can go back to your parents if you want.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program.
Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly.
Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.
MI
Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety 26-06-18
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- In these cases, high-quality legal representation for the parents and the children involved is critical
- Not only does high-quality legal representation protect the fundamental rights of parents and children
- Specifically, the bill would create the Parent and Child Legal Representation Commission, which would
- I had the parents, and the float was showcased by our buried children.
- I had the parents and the float was showcased by our buried children.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety met with a quorum and adopted the June 4, 2026 minutes. The committee first took up Senate Bill 712, adopting the S-2 substitute, which expands residency requirements to include adjoining districts and removes a provision allowing a district to appoint someone employed by the district. The committee then reported SB 712 to the floor. It also considered House Bills 4025 and 4026, described as safe storage tax exemption bills; the committee heard one supportive written card and reported both bills to the floor, each on a 5-1 vote.
The committee next heard testimony on Senate Bill 885, which would create a statewide Parent and Child Legal Representation Commission and Office within LARA to address child protective legal representation. Senator Singh and Alicia Moon of the Michigan Supreme Court described the current county-by-county system as uneven, with attorney shortages, inconsistent pay, and limited specialized training. They said the bill would set standards for training, caseloads, client contact, and compensation, while requiring public comment and future appropriations before implementation. Testimony and written cards from a broad range of organizations and judges supported the measure, and the committee reported SB 885 to the floor on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on Senate Bills 1015 and 1016, which would create an Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention within MDHHS and establish a grant program to support community violence intervention efforts statewide. Sponsors and witnesses from Force Detroit, D-Live, Seize the Smoke, Advance Peace, public health, law enforcement, and advocacy groups described CVI as a public health and public safety strategy that reduces shootings, supports survivors, and saves public costs. Several witnesses cited local data showing reductions in shootings and homicides in Detroit and Lansing, while one witness from the Michigan Sheriff's Association opposed the bills as written. The committee voted to report both SB 1015 and SB 1016 to the floor, each on a 5-0 vote with one pass, and then adjourned after additional testimony and reading of support cards.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 44 Afternoon Session Apr 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It helps parents know how to challenge mistakes.
- I've heard of parents leaving other schools that aren't in the public system.
- I don't know where I would be without parent support that is funded.
- But they're Just counting on their parents to help them as well.
- School boards are answerable to the parents and the families of their district.
Bills:
HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- meeting certain criteria, including families who have received child welfare services or have had a parent
- involved in a specialty or therapeutic court, and families who have a parent who is a high school student
- It helps make stable child care possible so student parents can stay enrolled and finish on time.
- A couple things here: we're seeing the theme of excluding parents from notification.
- And also, as a parent, you still have a right.
Summary:
The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 1873 would expand Working Connections Child Care eligibility to full-time graduate and professional students with household income at or below 85% of state median income, with copays waived to the extent allowed by federal law. The prime sponsor and student testifiers argued that child care costs and limited stipends force student parents to choose between education and family responsibilities, while some members raised questions about program cost, uptake, and return on investment.
The committee also heard HB 2600, which would require DSHS to update the Supported Living Cost Report template and convene a work group to develop Medicaid rate recommendations aimed at improving compensation for direct support professionals. Supporters, including SEIU-affiliated workers, said the bill would increase transparency and help ensure state funding reaches frontline caregivers, citing low wages and high turnover. Opponents from provider organizations argued the current cost report is already detailed, that the bill would add administrative burden, and that recent rate increases have already been passed through to wages and benefits.
In executive session, the committee considered three Senate bills. It adopted a striking technical amendment and voted 9-1 to report out SSB 5911, which protects funds for youth in extended foster care and raises the threshold for protected accounts. It then voted 10-0 to report out SSB 5957, expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more people with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations. Finally, it voted 7-3 to report out SSB 6184, which updates Office of Homeless Youth programs and language, including expanding eligibility for emerging adults up to age 21. The meeting ended with an interim planning discussion focused on future work on critical incidents, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities data, homelessness, child care, and facility tours.