Video & Transcript : 'child' :

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Jan 27th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • A child of a military family, of the school year in which the student turns age 22.
  • A school district must accept an application for enrollment and course registration for a child of a
  • The parent or guardian of the child must provide proof of residence to the school district within 14
  • The parent or guardian of the child must provide proof of residence to the school district within 14
  • origin or enroll the child in a public school in the attendance area in which the homeless child or
Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1662, which would require the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Washington State Charter School Commission to make separate administrative arrangements and operate independently. Staff explained a proposed third substitute that delays implementation to July 1, 2027, clarifies independent agency status, and directs OFM and OSPI to support the transition. The prime sponsor and another member spoke in favor, emphasizing agency independence and better use of funds. The committee approved the bill 19-0 and reported the proposed third substitute out with a due pass recommendation. The committee then acted on House Bill 1683, which sets minimum numbers of school directors elected by director district for certain school districts. The substitute changed the enrollment thresholds, clarified the effective date, and removed intent language. Supporters argued it would improve parent and student representation; opponents said it would create an unfunded mandate and micromanage local districts. The committee passed the substitute 11-8 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. In public hearing, House Bill 2534 was heard first. The bill would expand enrollment flexibility and record-transfer protections for military-connected students, including allowing enrollment before arrival, extending proof-of-residence timelines, and adding protections for students with IEPs or 504 plans. District, military, and advocacy witnesses generally supported the bill as promoting stability, though some asked for changes to a proposed 30-day reevaluation timeline and noted possible compact-related issues. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2557, which would require school districts to provide special education evaluation reports to parents at least five school days before eligibility meetings. Supporters said this would help families prepare and participate meaningfully; district and special education staff warned it could shorten already tight evaluation timelines and create implementation challenges. The committee suspended and later closed the hearing on that bill after time ran out, with the chair noting it could be eligible for executive action the following week. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections into state law, assign related duties to OSPI and school districts, and require periodic state reporting. The sponsor and numerous advocates, school district staff, PTA representatives, and individuals with lived experience testified in support, saying it would improve stability, accountability, and access to education for homeless students. One witness asked that grant funding explicitly include community-based organizations. The hearing closed after a large number of pro and some con sign-ins, and the chair also closed the hearing on House Bill 2557, noting amendment deadlines and that the bills could be eligible for executive action the next week.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Apr 8th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Coming to Louisiana and the emerging need of a growing workforce, that child care and access to child
  • It is a pro-child bill.
  • It is a pro-child bill.
  • , but my child has to have some...
  • It is a pro-child bill.
Committee: House Education
Summary: The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection. The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed. The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Human Services Committee Jul 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • the only learning program or child care option available.
  • Yesenia Jimenez with End Child Poverty California in support.
  • Head Start is an instrumental program on our child care. It's a similar.
  • Without it, more families and children will have a harder time having child care.
  • child care and development services if they meet specific criteria.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met to hear several measures focused on children, foster youth, farmworker families, and disaster assistance. AJR 12, recognizing May 2025 as Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding, was presented by Assemblymember Hadwick on behalf of Assemblymember Arambula. Testimony emphasized Head Start’s role in early education, health, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities. The resolution passed 6-0. The committee also heard SB 624, which would expand access to the California Foster Youth Tax Credit by requiring counties to mail notices and provide guidance to non-minor foster youth about filing taxes and claiming the credit. Supporters from John Burton Advocates for Youth and former foster youth described the credit as a meaningful poverty-reduction tool that helps with rent, transportation, and other basic needs. Members praised the bill, and it passed 7-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 778 would broaden eligibility for the Migrant Child Care and Development Program by redefining migrant agricultural worker family and allowing self-certification of income eligibility. Support came from the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, California Citrus Mutual, and First 5 California, with witnesses saying the changes would ease enrollment for farmworker families facing seasonal and verification challenges. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 444, SB 471, and SB 792, all on a 7-0 vote. Finally, SB 739 would authorize the Department of Social Services to check whether counties in disaster areas can provide timely CalFresh and Disaster CalFresh services, aimed at improving coordination when local systems are damaged or overwhelmed. Supporters said the bill would help protect access to food benefits after disasters, and members noted its importance in light of recent Los Angeles County emergencies. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after all items were acted upon.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/21/25

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • The statute does define child. Chair. The statute does define child.
  • </c> before the child was born. And Mr. before the child was born. And Mr.
  • So the child, correct? Say the child instead of a child or children. Yes. Um, Mr.
  • So the child or birth of that person's child or children. the child, correct?
  • Say the child the child, correct?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/09/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:30:39.840><c> care</c> information lookup for child care information lookup for child care lenses
  • </c><00:32:31.440><c> welfare</c> Kunes's bill for the child welfare Kunes's bill for the child welfare
  • A child welfare response will ensure that local agencies can offer the child and family services or supports
  • </c><01:32:46.639><c> and</c> a statewide association of child and a statewide association of child and
  • </c> disproportionality in Minnesota's child disproportionality in Minnesota's child protection<02:00
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Each household would get $300 per child in the home per month.
  • The eligibility, at least one child has to be in school. Okay, thank you. Thank you.
  • As you heard, in 2021, the expanded child tax credit reduced child poverty in the U.S. by nearly half
  • In 2021, the expanded child tax credit reduced child poverty in the U.S. by nearly 40% in a single year
  • That is one of the most significant reductions in child poverty.
Bills: SB6007 , SB6186 , SB6212
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee approves HF1346 2/26/25

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We work closely with a number of frontline professionals in the child welfare system.
  • Child abuse is a significant but often overlooked issue in Minnesota.
  • Child abuse is a significant but often overlooked issue in Minnesota.
  • Child abuse is a significant but often overlooked issue in Minnesota.
  • </c><00:11:03.519><c> Welfare</c> believe fortunately the Child Welfare believe fortunately the Child
Bills: HF1346 , HF1169 , HF1276
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/06/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Over 60% of child foster care placements are with relative kin caregivers, and this is a good thing.
  • care</c><00:34:49.560><c> placements</c> over 60% of child foster care placements over 60% of child foster
  • </c> take somebody on permanently a child take somebody on permanently a child because<00:53:52.880><
  • </c><00:58:28.799><c> neglect</c> seems like third degree child neglect seems like third degree child
  • Nothing related to, like, treatment of a child there.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/04/2026)

Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:33:59.360><c> care</c><00:33:59.919><c> during</c> child from school or child care during child
  • </c> for my child or for my body. for my child or for my body.
  • your child.
  • </c> know when I send my child to school?" know when I send my child to school?"
  • </c> contact with chickenpox affected child. contact with chickenpox affected child.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill also creates the Child Care Infrastructure Fund to support various child care infrastructure
  • The bill also creates the Child Care Infrastructure Fund to support various child care infrastructure
  • back and they'll continue to abuse that child.
  • so the child doesn't go back to the abusing parent.
  • Madam WIPP, members, another child protection bill, so we can keep our kids safe.
Summary: The meeting reviewed two caucus packets covering a wide range of bills, with most items described by staff and then passed over without questions. Topics included appropriations for pregnancy resource centers, home- and community-based services for seniors and people with disabilities, veteran specialty courts, child care grants and infrastructure, emergency shelter grants, language acquisition services for deaf or hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers, and uranium contamination monitoring. Other measures addressed utility plant replacement, local government investment pools, task-order contract posting, ambulance reporting and certificate-of-necessity changes, short-term rental regulation, tuition waivers for dependents of disabled veterans, memorial authorization, manufactured home installer licensing, CPR/AED training in schools, national park fee exemptions for military members and veterans, and a tourism improvement area funded by lodging businesses. Several bills focused on child welfare and family law, including expanded kinship placement notification, a neglect definition change tied to poverty, evidence rules in custody and dependency matters, DCS investigations when a protective parent is involved, and parenting-time supervision requirements. Health-related bills included midwife practice changes, controlled substance monitoring program updates, interstate EMS licensure, prostate cancer screening coverage, sleep apnea coverage, and resident electronic monitoring in care facilities. Judiciary and property-related bills included enhanced trespass penalties, post-nuptial agreement rules, tax lien excess proceeds procedures, and unlawful entry into residences occupied by vulnerable adults. A few members briefly explained or defended selected bills, including the child protection measures, the CPR training requirement, the ambulance reporting bill, the tourism improvement area bill, and the bill moving inter-facility transports away from police. The sponsor of HB 2950 emphasized it was a voluntary, opt-in lodging assessment with local approval and statutory guardrails. No roll-call votes were described in the transcript, and most bills were noted as being on consent or third-read consent calendars, with several removed from consent or not yet on a calendar.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 18th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The care navigator will be involved with that child, and if that child does end up going home, we want
  • Of these newborns to child care services as well.
  • And after the child, if the child is placed in custody, what are you doing to make sure that that child
  • But when a child, when you tell a mother that her child is being taken away...
  • A child is a child; it's an infant.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Mar 25th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Child abuse investigations, also named Patterson's Law.
  • Child abuse investigations, also named Patterson's Law.
  • Fast forward, another child was born.
  • It's a campaign-related child care expense if the expense would not exist but for the campaign. ...child
  • So if you do take your child to a child care facility and drop them off, they would be the licensed organization
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Summary: The committee first took up CS for Senate Bill 304, which would address child protective investigations involving children with certain pre-existing genetic or medical conditions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to prevent children from being wrongly removed from their families when symptoms of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, rickets, or vitamin deficiencies are mistaken for abuse. Several parents and advocates testified in support, describing long dependency cases and removals they said were caused by misdiagnosis. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that removed language requiring certain medical personnel to provide differential-diagnosis analysis, and the bill then passed favorably with unanimous support. The committee then heard SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, sponsored by Senator Collins, who described the long effort by U.S. victims of the FARC to enforce a federal judgment and recover assets. The bill would clarify procedures for terrorism-related judgments, modernize intangible asset law, and help prevent terrorists from hiding assets or blocking wire transfers. After one supportive appearance form and no debate, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 96, a local claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and SB 382, an affordable housing rent bill that was amended to define base rent and apply to certain shorter-term rental agreements entered after July 1, 2026; SB 382 drew support from housing advocates and some opposition, but passed unanimously. Several claims bills were also approved: SB 4 for Patricia Armini, SB 6 for Jose Correa, SB 28 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., SB 30 for the estate of M.N., and SB 24 for Mandy Penny Lemon, each involving injuries or damages caused by local government or hospital district negligence and each reported favorably after brief testimony and roll calls. The committee also passed SB 658 on waiver or release of liens after discussion about form language and enforceability. SB 72, which would allow campaign funds to pay certain child care expenses incurred while a candidate is actively campaigning, prompted questions about definitions and safeguards; the sponsor said the bill would require the expense to exist only because of campaign activity, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1142 on release of conservation easements, which would create a statewide process for releasing certain small, low-value parcels from conservation easements if mitigation credits are secured elsewhere. The bill drew support from the sponsor and a property representative, but environmental advocates and President Passidomo raised concerns about flood control, wildlife corridors, and whether the bill was too property-specific; the sponsor said he would continue working on the language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1622, which would repeal the 2018 customary use law and restore local authority over public beach access. Supporters argued the current law has privatized beaches, hurt tourism, and led to harassment and conflict, while opponents defended private property rights and warned against taking away owners’ ability to exclude others. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1622, before a final vote is shown.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Transcript Highlights:
  • maternal and child health infrastructure.
  • Internal and child health infrastructure.
  • to prevent child sexual abuse.
  • Second, our Center on Child Well-Being and Trauma supports child-serving state agencies and their providers
  • Third, I want to talk about an act enhancing child welfare protection, otherwise known as the Child Welfare
Summary: The hearing was an informational and oversight session of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, with chairs and members hearing agency updates from several commissioners. The Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition described its maternal and child health work, including home visiting, early intervention, WIC, newborn hearing screening, and cross-agency efforts on prenatal substance exposure, respite care, children’s vision, and maternal health initiatives. DPH emphasized that federal grant cuts, layoffs, and the loss of data systems such as PRAMS would weaken services and planning, and members asked about Title V funding and the impact of federal uncertainty. The Massachusetts Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing highlighted communication access services, interpreter and CART referrals, emergency after-hours support, family navigation, and independent living services. Commissioners and members discussed the shortage of ASL interpreters and the need to expand training pipelines, including partnerships with colleges and possible ASL programming for younger students. The Department of Developmental Services reported serving nearly 50,000 people and focused on youth and adult services, transition-age supports, autism services, self-direction, respite, and new high-acuity residential models. Members asked about respite availability, self-direction outcomes, and workforce shortages; DDS said it was expanding clinical capacity and provider rates while monitoring possible federal Medicaid, SNAP, and immigration-related impacts. The Commission for the Blind described services for about 28,000 legally blind residents, most of whom are older adults, including social rehabilitation, orientation and mobility training, children’s services, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 supports. The commissioner discussed a UMass-based effort to build the workforce pipeline for blindness services and said the agency was watching federal restructuring but had not yet seen direct cuts. MassAbility’s leadership then warned about major federal changes affecting Social Security disability determinations, including staff restructuring, office closures, and a new overpayment repayment policy, and said the agency was preparing for possible increases in claims and uncertainty around reallotment dollars that help fund services. The Disabled Persons Protection Commission closed the hearing with an update on its abuse investigations and protective services for adults with disabilities. DPPC reported rising hotline calls and investigations, a growing caseload, its sexual assault response team, the abuser registry, and a new interagency protective services integration system funded by ARPA dollars through 2027. The agency also flagged new federal rules that could affect funding eligibility and said it may need statutory changes to comply. Members asked about funding, reporting pathways, and how complaints reach DPPC, and the commissioner said the agency uses both mandated reporting and proactive outreach to identify and respond to abuse.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Finance Division III (02/13/2026)

Transcript Highlights:
  • for each child.
  • for each child.
  • for the child.
  • </c> as opposed to a child? as opposed to a child?
  • </c> child care? child care?
Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (03/04/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:01.319><c> by</c> think that a child child is at risk by think that a child child is at risk
  • </c><00:05:04.880><c> and</c> trusts the school with their child and trusts the school with their child
  • I worked for years in the Massachusetts child abuse hotline, have educated in schools to prevent child
  • Massachusetts child abuse hotline have Massachusetts child abuse hotline have educated<00:33:13.480><
  • Having journals of each child.
Committee: Senate Education
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Mar 5th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • When the state removes a child from their home, it assumes a constitutional duty to protect the child
  • When the state removes a child from their home, it assumes a constitutional duty to protect the child
  • When the state removes a child from a home and takes custody of that child, it also takes responsibility
  • And finally, if a child discloses abuse while in foster care, should that child have a right to timely
  • If the child—does the child have any say in who's...
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So that's the type of child that we're talking about.
  • So by disenrolling their child from public school, the child may lose these accommodations, as Ms.
  • , especially a child with special needs.
  • , especially a child with special needs.
  • This aligns with the PTA mission to make every child, and we stand here for every child, their particular
Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-15 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So this bill would change the law to allow for an unborn child, the wrongful death of an unborn child
  • And if you have a child, if you have a daughter or a best friend who has a child, I want you to think
  • And if you have a child, if you have a daughter or a best friend who has a child, I want you to think
  • She lost her child. I've lost a child. Do you all know that? And I believe...
  • She lost her child. I've lost a child. Do you all know that? And I believe.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then adopted the special order report for the day. The chamber took up House Bill 167 on former phosphate mining lands. Sponsor Rep. McClure said the bill removes strict liability for previously mined phosphate lands if a Department of Health study is completed at the owner’s request and the former mining status is recorded publicly. Opponents, led by Rep. Cross and others, argued the bill relies too heavily on buyer-beware principles and does not adequately notify future buyers or renters. The bill passed 87-24 after debate. Members then considered House Bill 145 on suits against the government. Rep. McFarland said it updates Florida’s sovereign immunity caps, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident, with a later automatic increase, while preserving the liability shield and improving access to compensation for people harmed by government negligence. The bill also aligns the statute of limitations with private claims and allows entities to settle above the cap. After brief debate, the House passed the bill 104-7. The House next debated CS/HB 289 on wrongful death for an unborn child, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow claims involving unborn children and their parents. The bill prompted extensive questioning and debate about damages, definitions, medical care, surrogacy, and whether the measure could affect abortion access or expose doctors, friends, family members, and surrogates to lawsuits. Multiple amendments sought to carve out protections for mothers, health care providers, abortion care, perinatal professionals, surrogates, and victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking, but each was defeated. The final vote on the bill itself was 33-78, so the motion failed and the bill did not advance.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Feb 19th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • People come in and say, my child was transitioned socially without my knowledge at a school or clinic
  • People come in and say, my child was transitioned socially without my knowledge at a school or clinic
  • Chairman, Representative Haas, the scope would include if a child is wanting to change their gender,
  • So there's an example of an affirmative desire by a child. ...would be a child seeing a counselor or
  • So there's an example of an affirmative desire by a child.
Committee: House State Affairs
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And our child care providers are stretched. Taking a break.
  • And our child care providers are stretched.
  • Just briefly, this gives some flexibility to our small child care providers. Please vote yes.
  • You need a prediction: did the tool say the child was safe, and an outcome: was the child actually safe
  • And basically, in my opinion, screen out child safety. So we need this safety valve.
Summary: The committee met to brief amendments and then took executive action on nine bills related to child care, DCYF oversight, and services for children and vulnerable populations. Before voting, members reviewed proposed substitutes and amendments for HB 1544, 2099, 2219, 2253, 2319, and 2350, with brief discussion on issues such as child welfare risk assessment tools, military family child care access, child care provider flexibility, licensing and monitoring requirements, and residential habilitation center terminology and notice requirements. The committee then reported HB 2099, HB 2185, HB 2219 as amended, HB 2253 as amended, HB 2317, HB 2318, HB 2319 as amended, and HB 2350 as amended out of committee with do pass recommendations. HB 2253 saw one amendment adopted to restore state monitoring and health/safety reviews at the Washington School for the Deaf, while other proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected. HB 2319 was amended to correct technical language regarding Eastern State Hospital and Interlake School. HB 2350’s substitute changed notice procedures for residential habilitation center noncompliance to emphasize posted notices, email, preferred language, and plain-language summaries. HB 1544 drew the most debate. Amendments to add domestic violence, define “safe,” require an audit of missing safety-plan data, and prohibit use of an unvalidated risk tool to screen out referrals were considered; only the domestic-violence amendment was adopted, while the others failed. Members discussed concerns about the current DCYF risk assessment tool, cultural bias, and the need to improve validation, but also cautioned against narrowing the study too much. The committee ultimately reported the second substitute HB 1544 out with a do pass recommendation by a 9-0-2 vote, with two members voting no without recommendation.