Transcript Highlights:

• We also use those beds for hospital discharges that we can't get discharged to anywhere else in the community
• So one of our other challenges is finding a place for discharge whenever someone is ready to discharge
• On page 307 is the patients post-discharge. This was one-time funding that was reduced for FY 27.
• Next, moving on to page 527, our DD patient post at discharge.
• reimbursement to hospitals that have individuals who qualify for DD services but who are unable to be discharged

Summary: The Budget Committee heard the Department of Mental Health’s FY 2027 budget presentation, with Director Valerie Hoon outlining a $4.4 billion department budget, including $1.7 billion in general revenue, and describing the department’s roles in substance use, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities services. Early questioning focused on marijuana-related mental health impacts, but the main discussion centered on the department’s new decision items, funding sources, and expected wait lists. The director explained several increases tied to Medicaid growth, mental health youth services, outpatient competency restoration, crisis residential services, developmental disability waivers, and provider tax adjustments, along with offsets such as reduced wraparound funding at the Kansas City Assessment and Triage Center and cuts to some youth and self-directed DD services. A major portion of the hearing focused on competency restoration for people found unfit to stand trial and currently held in county jails. Members pressed the department on the cost, effectiveness, and legal implications of keeping people in jail while awaiting services, noting a reported wait list of roughly 524 to 538 individuals and average holds of about 14 months. The department said it currently has eight outpatient competency restoration beds in the community, is seeking funding for 50 additional outpatient slots, and also operates jail-based restoration for about 40 people at a time. Members repeatedly asked for breakdowns of violent versus nonviolent cases, success rates, cost per person, and the split between state and federal funding, while the department explained that Medicaid can cover only the treatment portion, not residential housing or other non-billable costs. The committee also discussed broader capacity constraints in state hospitals and developmental disability services. Hoon said Fulton, Center for Behavioral Medicine, and FTC North are full, with 183 vacancies across the department, and that the department is working on a new Kansas City hospital that would add 150 beds, though completion is now expected closer to 2029 or 2030. In the developmental disabilities section, the department warned that the governor’s recommendation would create wait lists for in-home waiver services and crisis residential services, and members questioned proposed reductions to self-directed services rates and other provider payments. No votes were taken, and the committee recessed before finishing the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Honorable Chair and members, I'm here today on behalf of my members in respectful opposition day before
• staff be able to determine how other countries and states manage their on-site chemicals and water discharge
• Prior to the effort South Coast Air Quality Management District, who I have the honor of representing
• to working with my colleagues and stakeholders on this bill to implement local equity authority and honor
• It's an honor to have Dr.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Or the things that you support, which are all good and valid and honorable things.
• We're honored to work with this committee in that regard Okay just reference you back to page four of
• It does and we are honored to be a part of that. Discussion.
• It's an honor to be a part of that discussion. Thank you, Representative.
• You understand what happens on discharge. All of these pieces, all of...

Bills: HB138 , HB335 , HB388 , HB138

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Ganon, Senator Abbis, and honorable members of the committee.
• Authorizing victim access to post-discharge travel funds will help alleviate substantial financial burdens
• travel funds will help discharge travel funds will help alleviate<00:08:33.360><c> substantial</c><00
• Members of the honorable Senate Judiciary Committee, my name is Major Ryan Alice.
• Chairman and honorable members of the committee.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a huge honor.
• This is a huge honor.
• This is a huge honor.
• This is a huge honor.
• And it will always be my distinct honor to call her my friend.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also appreciate the amendments requiring increased notice to the court and counsel, written discharge
• My name is Taryn Hunter, and I'm honored to serve as Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Napa County
• My name is Terran Hunter, and I'm honored to serve as Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Napa County
• But your honor, not your honor—Chair Jackson, your honor to me in this setting—I think you hit the nail
• Jackson and honorable committee. My name is Elizabeth Gomez.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on several Department of Developmental Services proposals, with no votes taken. The first item focused on equitable access to intake and services for regional center clients, including standardizing eligibility assessments and modernizing the strengths-and-needs evaluation used to inform individual program plans. DDS said the changes would create a more consistent, equitable, and evidence-based process statewide, while the LAO explained the proposals as a response to disparities and inconsistent regional center practices. Advocates and regional center representatives were divided: Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and some providers supported modernization but urged clearer safeguards, more community co-design, and stronger legislative review; others, including some regional center leaders and family advocates, warned against replacing the CEDER too quickly and stressed the need to preserve the person-centered IPP process. Committee members emphasized fair process, fidelity, and the need for a validated tool, while also noting that the proposals would not change eligibility definitions or replace IPPs. The second major item addressed state-operated transitional and rehabilitative services, including proposed time limits for stays at Porterville Developmental Center and Canyon Springs, plus the merger of the Community Placement Program and Community Resource Development Program. DDS argued that people should not remain in locked facilities for years and that the proposal would create urgency, clearer transition planning, a right of return, and a more efficient single program for community resource development. Supporters, including Disability Rights California, the State Council, the Public Defenders Association, and some service providers, said the proposals align with Olmstead and the Lanterman Act, reduce overreliance on institutions, and should be paired with stronger mental health supports, oversight, and notice to counsel. Opponents, including a district attorney representative, argued that a blanket 24-month limit could endanger public safety and that some individuals require longer, case-by-case commitments. Committee members said they wanted a more comprehensive plan showing that community placements and supports will be ready before people are moved, and they questioned whether an arbitrary timeline could work for such a complex population. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that any implementation must be fair, transparent, and backed by valid tools, adequate community capacity, and public input. DDS said both sets of proposals would require legislative approval and that the department is still open to changes in trailer bill language and further stakeholder consultation. The hearing ended with the committee indicating it would continue reviewing the proposals and hear public comment, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Lanterman Act and, most important, ...a sense of urgency while honoring the Lanterman Act and, most
• My name is Taryn Hunter, and I’m honored to serve as Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Napa County
• My name is Taryn Hunter, and I’m honored to serve as Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Napa County
• But your honor—not your honor, Chair Jackson; your honor to me in this setting—I think you hit the nail
• Jackson and honorable committee. My name is Elizabeth Gomez.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those who don't know, I am the Senate chair of this committee, and it is my honor to serve.
• For those who don't know, I am the Senate chair of this committee, and it is my honor to serve as Senate
• And I think we also, along with this proactivity, have to be finding a way of how we are discharging
• Chair Velis, Chair Domb, honorable committee members. My name is Lydia Conley.
• Good afternoon, Chair Velis, Chair Domb, honorable members of the committee.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery opened its first public hearing of the 2025–26 session with remarks from the Senate and House chairs outlining the committee’s priorities. They noted recent work on addiction and recovery legislation, the ongoing youth behavioral health crisis, and that members might need to leave periodically for floor votes. The chairs explained hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony deadlines, and reporting deadlines for Senate and House bills. The hearing then focused on several bills related to youth mental health, overdose prevention, and psychedelic treatment research. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills to improve youth crisis response and overdose prevention. Testimony strongly supported bills to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, with speakers from mental health organizations, crisis centers, and individuals sharing personal stories of depression, suicide attempts, and the importance of making 988 as familiar as 911. Another set of bills would require schools to stock naloxone and provide overdose prevention education. Physicians, harm reduction advocates, students, and grieving family members testified that school-based Narcan access and education could save lives, reduce stigma, and help students recognize overdoses and understand Good Samaritan protections. Senator O’Connor and Tamika Perry also testified for a bill to strengthen substance use prevention education and reduce overdose abandonment, emphasizing the need to teach students about overdose risks and the legal protections for calling 911. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic treatment in licensed facilities. Senator Friedman and several medical and behavioral health professionals argued the proposal was a narrow, research-based approach distinct from the broader ballot question rejected in 2024. They said the bill would allow only a small number of supervised clinics to use psychedelics for conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders, with data reporting and Department of Public Health oversight. Supporters described it as a cautious way to study promising treatments while avoiding unsupervised or commercialized use. Finally, the committee heard support for a bill to create a special commission and five-year strategic plan for children’s behavioral health services, with testimony that the current system is fragmented, difficult for families to navigate, and strained by workforce and funding challenges. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Brooke Vass, and I have the honor of serving as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of
• I have the honor of serving on the steering committee for this program.
• I have had the honor of serving on the steering committee for this project for the last two years, listening
• I guess the assessment or evaluation could have taken place, and that child could have been discharged

Summary: The Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and related state systems. Testimony came from the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a CPT medical lead, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant. Witnesses described how DCF investigations, CPT medical and forensic services, CAC multidisciplinary coordination, and law enforcement work together to assess abuse allegations, provide interviews and exams, and connect children and families to services. Several speakers highlighted telemedicine, co-location, and Jacksonville’s specialized investigative model as examples of stronger coordination. Committee members focused heavily on communication gaps, staffing shortages, and delays in forensic interviews and medical evaluations. Senators asked about implementation of Jordan’s Law, the timing of DCF and law enforcement notifications, whether law enforcement is always included in decisions about forensic interviews, and how quickly children are seen after a report. DCF and DOH representatives said referrals are generally made within 24 hours and that multidisciplinary staffings are used to share information, but law enforcement described cases where interviews were scheduled weeks out or reports arrived late, creating problems for probable cause and safety decisions. Members also raised concerns about turnover among CPIs and CPT staff, caseloads, and the need for more specialty providers. CAC representatives said the model reduces trauma by bringing services together in one place, but noted uneven access across the state, especially in rural areas and in counties without CACs. They said sustainable funding and workforce development are needed to maintain and expand services, and one speaker noted that some CACs have closed due to funding challenges. DCF said there are about 1,500 CPIs statewide and an average active caseload of about 12 per investigator, while CPTs serve roughly 22,000 to 23,000 children annually. The committee did not take any formal vote or action, but members requested follow-up information on staffing numbers, communication practices, CAC locations, and recommendations for statutory or budget changes. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• He displayed stern disappointment, followed by a sincere lecture about honor, integrity, and respect
• We had a juvenile detained for aggravated robbery where he actually discharged the firearm in the commission
• For an anecdotal piece of information to consider, Judge Brian Geary, Honorable Judge of the 397th District
• I am honored to testify on behalf of Harris County.

Bills: HB1511 , HB1831 , HB1988 , HB2147 , HB2234

Committee: House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, I am honored to present this bill, House File 1855.
• any additional assistance, and the state of Minnesota has made a commitment to that veteran from discharge
• make it prohibitive for veterans to get advice or assistance from any private services, including honorable
• to ensure they receive all the benefits they're owed for the injuries they incurred during their honorable

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• I am honored to stand here before you today and provide a presentation and updates to the Continue the
• I am honored to stand here before you today and provide a presentation and updates to the Continue the
• I am Amanda Van Lanningham, and I have the honor of serving the department as the Deputy Assistant Secretary
• addressing critical issues such as defining the high-acuity population, refining SIP admission and discharge

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• control section provides the administration flexibility to determine how the funds will be used to honor
• The funds will be used to honor the accomplishments and contributions of prior governors, and the administration
• borrowers $14,000 in monthly savings, resulting in over $4.6 million in student debt canceled or discharged
• secured over $14,000 in monthly payment savings for borrowers, resulting in over $4.6 million in debt discharge

Transcript Highlights:

• And I honor that. Yes, sir. On your list. And I honor that.
• It requires police departments to provide notice of illegal discharge of a firearm.
• Basically, we're just asking for PSAs to make the public and new generations of our citizens aware that discharging

Bills: HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB167 , HB175 , HB255 , HB330 , HB364 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB656 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1070

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: public defender, funding, district court, East Baton Rouge, judicial expenses, Autism Spectrum Disorder, missing children, law enforcement, public safety, Spectrum Alert, inmate documentation, post-release employment, special identification card, Louisiana Department of Public Safety, reentry services, veterans, veterans services, lottery proceeds, special fund, grant board

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a great honor. to chair this committee for this session.
• In closing I'd like to say I'm honored to be here and to remind you that I'm not Wes Hambrick.
• And once they have discharged their sentence, it will release them back into the community.
• arrested and are awaiting release. trial on a local charge or they could be individuals that they have discharged

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• significant work that both her and Senate President Pasadomo have established in this area, and I hope to honor
• I hear you talk about parole, conditional discharge, release, addiction, ...conditional discharge, release
• For those of you who don't know me, I am humbled and honored to have been serving in this position for

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice budget area and then received performance-measure presentations from the Department of Corrections, the Commission on Offender Review, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Staff reviewed the roughly $7.4 billion criminal justice and judiciary budget, noting major funding areas such as corrections, law enforcement, victim services, courts, and due process, along with recent investments in prison health care, security equipment, fentanyl enforcement, court staffing, and juvenile justice salaries and education programs. Secretary Dixon of the Department of Corrections described staffing and population pressures, including growth in inmate population, overtime-driven deficits, and the opening of additional housing units. He emphasized the department’s use of performance measures and highlighted reforms such as incentivized prisons, administrative management units, reentry planning, faith-based programs, and expanded education and vocational training. Members asked about teacher hiring, public defender pay parity, fentanyl funding, staffing capacity, and the role of the National Guard; Dixon said teacher vacancies had improved, public defenders had received comparable pay increases, fentanyl funding would be addressed further by FDLE, and the Guard had helped stabilize staffing. The Commission on Offender Review reported on parole, conditional release, addiction recovery supervision, and revocations, saying its recidivism/success rates had improved over a three-year measurement period. Senator Rouson pressed the commission on clemency and pardons, saying that work was omitted from the presentation and asking for backlog and case data; the commission said it did not have those figures on hand and would follow up. The committee also discussed a conditional medical release pilot study, and members questioned the report’s conclusion that no suitable elderly inmate population could be identified, asking what criteria were used and whether stakeholders were consulted. Secretary Hall of the Department of Juvenile Justice outlined the agency’s prevention-to-residential continuum and its emphasis on education, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based programming. He said salary increases had reduced vacancies, juvenile arrests and residential commitments had fallen sharply over time, and tools such as civil citations, risk assessments, and quality-improvement reviews were being used to guide placements and services. Hall also described the department’s use of dashboards, monthly data check-ins, and the dispositional matrix to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism.

Transcript Highlights:

• Morning, Madam Chair, honorable members of the committee.
• , patients move from the hospital to an off-site clinic for further care or follow-up care after discharge

Transcript Highlights:

• WE LOCATED A PROVIDER AND THAT PROVIDER WAS THERE THE DAY AFTER HE WAS DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL TO
• AND SO SUPER HONORED THAT THIS COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ABLE TO BE A PART OF THAT.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm honored to speak in front of you today.
• of children is those who are dependent and will require continued placement in foster care after discharge

Transcript Highlights:

• for foster youth with case-by-case access to nonprivileged information that is necessary for the discharge
• for foster youth with case-by-case access to nonprivileged information that is necessary for the discharge
• for foster youth with case-by-case access to nonprivileged information that is necessary for the discharge