Transcript Highlights:

• Do we support our disabled fund?
• Do we support our disabled services<01:34:51.120><c> in</c><01:34:51.360><c> Minnesota,</c><01:34:51.840
• </c> and motans who are disabled. and motans who are disabled.
• . support. support.
• I'd ask for members<03:22:12.960><c> support.</c> members support. members support.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.360><c> Care</c><00:02:01.600><c> for</c> disability services, Minnesota Care for disability services
• </c> funding to nursing homes and disability funding to nursing homes and disability services,<00:02:
• </c> immigrants over motans with disabilities immigrants over motans with disabilities and<00:03:00.959
• </c><00:03:20.239><c> for</c> eliminate uh the taxpayer supports for eliminate uh the taxpayer supports
• support? What we want to do is take that support?

Transcript Highlights:

• I stand in support of this bill.
• That don't support it; it could be the three nursing home employees that don't support it.
• The reality is I've supported.
• That's just something that I can't support, and I hope that you don't support too.
• Representative Coran, who has been a really strong supporter for disability rights and waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:25:48.600><c> support</c> encourage you to support encourage you to support sb151<00:25
• I would support it either way.
• I would support it either way.
• I would support it either way.
• Please support this bill.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• . disability. disability.
• Supporting<00:09:13.520><c> this</c><00:09:13.760><c> bill</c> Supporting this bill Supporting this bill
• </c> applications for duty disability. applications for duty disability.
• </c> consideration, and your support. consideration, and your support.
• </c> physical disability physical disability and<00:39:45.000><c> mental</c><00:39:45.440><c> disability

Transcript Highlights:

• We serve individuals with disabilities, meaning physical and/or mental disabilities that have barriers
• Our ultimate mission is to support Floridians with disabilities achieve competitive and integrated employment
• We assist businesses in hiring and supporting employees with disabilities, including a prepared applicant
• Most are fully disabled, partially disabled.
• Most are fully disabled, partially disabled.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:35.359><c> Eric</c> Leis Urcher, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, in support.
• <00:48:02.839><c> and</c> disabilities and disabilities and support<00:48:05.800><c> good</c><00:48:05.960
• disabilities we stand in<00:48:14.800><c> strong</c><00:48:14.920><c> support</c><00:48:15.160><c> of
• individuals with because it supports individuals with disabilities<00:48:18.040><c> under</c><00:48:
• Next, we have Balus Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities in support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 72 on pharmacy drew only support, with testimony from the University of Hawaiʻi system, the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists, and others; no questions were raised. HB 237 on peer support programs also received broad support from the Department of Health, DHS, early learning officials, families, and advocates, with testimony emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer mentoring and support for parents, youth, and people with disabilities; no opposition or questions were noted. HB 250, the prior authorization bill, generated the most discussion. SHPDA supported a revised version focused on reporting prior authorization practices and creating a nonbinding working group to develop automation standards, while PCMA, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, and others raised concerns about duplicative pharmacy requirements, unintended consequences, and alignment with federal timelines and reporting. Several medical groups and individual patients supported the measure, describing delays and burdens caused by prior authorization. A committee member asked whether the bill’s working group differed from a similar group in Senate Bill 1449, and the witness said it was intended to be the same. HB 303 on health care preceptors was supported by the Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi, nursing and health care organizations, and the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, which asked that pharmacists’ residency programs be specifically tied to national accreditation standards. HB 341, relating to issuance of SPURS to assist the Hawaii Island Community Health Association, drew support from the health center and related groups. HB 692 on Preschool Open Doors received extensive support from early learning, education, family, labor, and community organizations; testimony stressed the shortage of child care and preschool slots, especially on Kauai, and the need to expand access for families. Committee members asked about adding family child care providers and about licensing/certification barriers, and DHS said the bill was focused on current licensed child care facilities and that certification issues were a separate, broader problem. HB 700 on cognitive assessments also drew strong support, with the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, disability advocates, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers, and others urging use of a validated cognitive assessment tool during annual wellness visits and asking that the age 65 threshold be removed; some witnesses supported keeping the data-collection portion as a pilot and emphasized early detection and reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:10.880><c> with</c> of individualized Home supports with of individualized Home supports with
• disability disability waivers<00:52:32.760><c> is</c><00:52:33.319><c> that</c><00:52:33.680><c> it's
• </c> under uh the section reduced disability under uh the section reduced disability uh<01:01:55.119>
• </c><01:10:32.640><c> determination</c> 22 um Medicaid disability determination 22 um Medicaid disability
• Sorry, I don't have it right here. disabilities and we never really talk disabilities and we never really

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Los Angeles county we urge your support in ab287.
• And we strongly support AB 287 by Assemblymember Lackey.
• This will help elections officials provide the accommodations necessary to support voters with disabilities
• with disabilities.
• I think about all the veterans that need this type of support.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• of our seniors and those with disabilities.
• This corps supports the state staff in the delivery and facilitation of senior and disability services
• We do serve all seniors and individuals with disabilities, which can include developmental disabilities
• disabilities.
• So we do serve individuals with developmental disabilities because by federal law, disabilities because

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee heard the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services present its FY 2027 budget request, with Director Sarah Wilson and budget staff describing the department’s mission, major divisions, and the impact of federal funding shifts, especially the FMAP change that will shift costs to general revenue. Wilson emphasized prevention, public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and data modernization, while several members praised the department’s responsiveness and cost-cutting efforts. The discussion repeatedly focused on lapses, excess authority, and the department’s stated practice of spending federal and other funds before general revenue where possible. Members asked detailed questions about local public health agency support, nutrition programs, rural health and primary care, newborn screening, the state public health lab, and the department’s use of flexibility and reallocations. There was extended discussion of substance use disorder funding: the department explained that some funding is being reduced in its own budget because transfer authority is being added for the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections, while some other SUD-related lines are actual reductions. Members also questioned tobacco prevention and cessation cuts, maternal and infant health programs, fetal infant mortality review, and minority health initiatives, with staff explaining program purposes and noting that some reductions were tied to excess authority or to moving programs to other departments. The committee also reviewed specific operational items such as the Health Initiatives Fund transfer, debt offset escrow for loan repayment defaults, donated funds authority, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health informatics, HIV/STI/hepatitis services, local public health incentives, and the COVID/ARPA authority reductions. Several members requested follow-up information on vacancies, lapse trends, grant spending plans, and program details. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the chair recessed briefly and the hearing continued with additional budget testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The process for persons with developmental disabilities has been very problematic.
• I am the deputy. disabilities pilot, otherwise known as the IDD pilot. My name is Brian Meyer.
• She also is the mom of two children with developmental disabilities.
• So I think that I want to reiterate how appreciative that we are of all the support..."
• Care program, will current waiver support coordinators be brought in as care coordinators?

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee received an overview of Florida’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) managed care pilot, created by legislation in 2023 to test whether a managed care model could integrate Medicaid medical services with iBudget waiver home- and community-based services for adults in pre-enrollment categories. AHCA explained the existing system, the pilot’s scope in Regions D and I, and the rollout timeline, including federal approval, contract execution with Florida Community Care, and the October 2024 go-live. Officials reported that, as of early February, 370 individuals had been sent for onboarding and 168 more were in queue, with about $35.8 million of the appropriation remaining. APD also clarified the difference between the pre-enrollment categories and the waiver waitlist, and noted that crisis cases can be enrolled more quickly depending on eligibility and funding. Florida Community Care described the pilot as a comprehensive managed care model offering medical, long-term care, and iBudget services, plus enhanced benefits such as bed-hold days, caregiver transportation, and help with legal guardianship costs. The plan said it uses one care coordinator, a 1:18 coordinator ratio, a face-to-face assessment within five days of enrollment, and 180 days of continuity of care for existing providers. The company emphasized that it is recruiting providers by offering higher rates than some iBudget rates, lower administrative burden, and network adequacy incentives, while APD said it continues to monitor provider supply and demand and recruit across service types and regions. Members repeatedly questioned whether the pilot’s costs, provider rates, and service levels were truly comparable to the iBudget system, and AHCA and APD said it was too early to draw firm conclusions because claims data are still lagging. Committee members also raised concerns about communication, enrollment delays, provider shortages, and whether the pilot could scale statewide. APD said it has used letters, phone calls, texts, emails, and community meetings to reach eligible individuals, and that some delays stem from required assessments, Medicaid eligibility checks, and level-of-care determinations. Several members asked for more detailed comparisons of costs and provider reimbursement between the pilot and iBudget, and APD said it would provide additional data. Public testimony at the end was strongly critical of managed care, with a participant and his mother describing poor service, transportation failures, and loss of control under prior managed care arrangements, and urging the committee not to expand such a model without safeguards. No votes or formal committee action were taken before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• . disabilities. disabilities.
• </c> with disabilities in their service area. with disabilities in their service area.
• </c> Minnesotans who have a disability. Minnesotans who have a disability.
• </c> Council on Disability. Council on Disability.
• My car was disabled.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in strong support of HB 19.
• We are in strong support of HB 47.
• They receive support now.
• We stand in full support of House Bill 52 and urge your support as well. Thank you. Thank you.
• I support this.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• California's law enforcement organizations are in strong support of this bill to support the retention
• This is a support. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This is a support. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• without disabilities.
• on support for the renters' increase as well.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee heard six bills and announced at the outset that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The chair also reminded witnesses to submit position letters in advance so their positions would appear in the analysis. A quorum was established and the committee proceeded through the agenda. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to help recruit and retain peace officers in California. The author and supporters, including several police and sheriff associations, argued that many retired officers leave the state and that the tax exemption would encourage them to stay and continue contributing to their communities. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was referred to the suspense file. AB 918 proposed a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders while deployed within California on mutual aid during declared emergencies. Supporters said mutual aid is increasingly strained by major disasters and that the bill would reward and retain responders who leave their home communities to assist elsewhere. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment; supporters framed it as a response to retail theft and violence, while one member questioned whether the state should instead fully fund broader crime-enforcement efforts. AB 984 would allow tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from a CalABLE account holder and a family member describing the importance of the accounts for people with disabilities and their long-term savings needs. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, with the author citing high poverty and medical debt rates; members voiced support for helping low-income Californians with medical costs. AB 838 would raise California’s renter tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible renters, with support from the California Apartment Association and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, both arguing the current credit is outdated and should better reflect housing costs. All six bills were ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Young children, especially those with disabilities, need support, not exclusion.
• Young children, especially those with disabilities, need support, not exclusion.
• Young children, especially those with disabilities, need support, not exclusion.
• Young children, especially those with disabilities, need support, not exclusion.
• support, not disabilities, need support, not exclusion.<00:30:48.240><c> Suspensions</c><00:30:48.960

Bills: HF3493 , HF4114

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in support of 2173. Staff did a great job explaining the bill.
• So we would appreciate your continued support. Any questions? Thank you. Mr.
• For a long-term disability benefit, there are two separate reviews.
• determination letters, as they do veterans' VA disability letters, for the tax exemption for the disabled
• As they do veterans' VA disability letters for the tax exemption for the disabled.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2173, which would let tax officers and taxpayers communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims unless certified mail is required. County and assessor representatives supported the bill as a modernization measure, and the committee voted 6-0 to give it a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered several Arizona State Retirement System-related measures and nominations. It recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly as a public member of the ASRS Board and Charles Essex as a retired member, both by 6-0 votes. The committee also passed House Bills 2089, 2090, and 2092, which clarified ASRS health subsidy eligibility, changed the disability determination timing for long-term disability benefits, and adjusted the waiver window for new eligible members age 65 or older. Each of those bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support. Members next approved House Bill 2693, as amended, which revises Arizona’s association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement rules to align with current federal law and adds a study by the Department of Administration on state and school employee health insurance options. Supporters said it could expand affordable coverage for small businesses, while Senator Epstein raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and prior fraud issues; the bill passed 5-1. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, allowing Social Security disability determination letters to help certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled persons, and House Bill 2138, clarifying workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from duty, both with some discussion but no opposition. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2273, which creates a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents using remaining escrow funds from the county transportation tax litigation, though members debated whether the money should instead go to roads. The bill passed 3-2 after comments from the sponsor, a Pinal County mayor, and senators who said they wanted the funds directed to transportation projects. The committee then passed House Bill 2786, exempting income from renting required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a cross-secretariat focus and a $10 million investment to support... ...support immigrants
• , 44% supported children and families, 39% supported individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• , and 32% supported older adults.
• Workers supported by these grants earned a total of 2,000... ...workers supported by these grants earned
• Disability suffering.

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the April and May minutes, welcome a new member, and hear an update from Gina Frey of EOHHS on statewide health and human services workforce development efforts. Frey described cross-secretariat initiatives under the Workforce Skills Cabinet, including MA Repay loan repayment awards, expanded community college and tuition supports, ESOL/work-readiness programming for immigrants, and efforts to build career pathways and reduce attrition in nursing, behavioral health, direct care, and primary care. She also reviewed a $46 million ARPA-funded home and community-based services grant program that supported 82 grantees, led to hiring 8,752 new staff, over 1,000 interns, 2,000 new certifications, and a drop in vacancy rates from 22% to 12%. Members raised concerns about the impact of immigration policy changes on the direct care workforce, including losses of trained workers in provider agencies, and asked whether any exemption or other relief efforts were underway. Frey said EOHHS is tracking the issue closely but did not identify a specific exemption effort. The discussion also touched on Medicaid and related program changes, with Frey noting the administration is focused on understanding potential impacts to eligibility and work requirements. Rep. Howard asked about initiatives for direct support professionals and wraparound supports, and Frey said those efforts are often led by individual agencies such as MassAbility and DDS, with EOHHS coordinating across them. The latter part of the meeting shifted to planning FY26 subcommittee goals and possible events. Members discussed using the Health Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center and possibly asking for a study comparing compensation in DDS and related direct care roles against health care and education jobs. They also discussed a possible cross-state public event on immigration’s impact on the workforce, especially for people with disabilities and direct support services, and agreed to continue refining goals and event ideas by email and at the next meeting. Frey provided a website link and contact information for Amy Doyle at the Health Policy Commission to facilitate future presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I support that.
• I'm a civil rights attorney and disability rights advocate. I strongly support this bill.
• I'm a disability advocate.
• I am disabled and a disability advocate.
• We stand in support of House Bill 295 as an avenue to improve treatment of disabled workers and to start

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would ask the Public Regulation Commission to convene a working group on utility service problems in manufactured home communities. The sponsor described repeated water, electricity, and gas outages in mobile home parks and said current remedies are too slow and often require attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said manufactured home communities are an important source of affordable housing and that clearer coordination and oversight are needed. The memorial passed on a due pass motion with no opposition. House Bill 166 then drew substantial debate. The bill would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses, while sponsors said municipalities would still retain zoning authority. Supporters argued the measure would reduce confusion, provide uniform standards, and help businesses deter crime without taxpayer cost. Several members raised concerns that the bill would override local zoning practices, favor a specific product type, and create conflicts with existing local codes and historic or mixed-use districts. Despite those objections, the committee advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote, with members noting it should be worked on further before floor consideration. House Bill 20 proposed allowing Native American applicants to request a Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, using tribal documentation but not naming a specific tribe. Supporters, including tribal representatives, State Police, and the sponsor, said the designation could help with law enforcement, turquoise alerts, child welfare, health and education verification, and recognition of tribal political status. Opponents and some members expressed concern about racial profiling, stigma, and whether the designation could create unintended consequences or extra bureaucracy. The bill ultimately passed, with several members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would remove constitutional language requiring school elections to be held separately from partisan elections, allowing school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot. Sponsors and school board advocates said this could reduce special-election costs and increase turnout, while some members questioned ballot crowding and whether county clerks had been consulted. The resolution passed by due pass motion. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, a committee substitute creating an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting and technical assistance on ADA compliance for state buildings and websites. Disability advocates and supporters said the office would improve coordination and accessibility, while opponents argued it lacked enforcement power and would not by itself change compliance. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this committee strongly supports the elderly, the disabled, and those who care for them.
• I know this committee strongly supports the elderly, the disabled, and those who care for them.
• I know this committee strongly supports the elderly, the disabled, and those who care for them.
• I know this committee strongly supports the elderly, the disabled, and those who care for them.
• I know this committee strongly supports the elderly, the disabled, and those who care for them.

Bills: HF2367 , HF2319 , HF2523 , HF1742 , HF671 , HF2331 , HF2722 , HF2406 , HF1674

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It actually left Judiciary in the House fully supported, passed the House on consent.
• That's really all I came up here to do was affirm my support as a co-sponsor.
• </c> 18 doesn't that protect your disability 18 doesn't that protect your disability person<00:55:45.119
• </c><01:01:19.119><c> Alzheimer's</c> suffering disability Alzheimer's suffering disability Alzheimer's
• </c><01:03:23.640><c> and</c> system for people with disabilities and system for people with disabilities

Committee: Senate Judiciary