Video & Transcript : 'child' :

Page 71 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • We increased the child tax credit.
  • So when you add in the child credits on top of... ...on some of the child credits.
  • That tax credit goes from $100 per child to $125. ...a 25% increase in the child tax credit, which is
  • have the funds to pay for child care.
  • per child to $125 per child.
Summary: The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical Arizona tax conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would conform state tax law to the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, with some provisions applied retroactively to tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills exclude the federal senior deduction for those 65 and older, the higher state and local tax deduction, and the new car loan interest deduction, while including a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. The JLBC fiscal note estimated a $441.3 million general fund revenue loss in FY 2026, and members discussed that this was roughly the same as full conformity because the bill’s adjustments offset some of the federal changes. Bill sponsors and supporters argued the measure should be enacted early to give taxpayers and tax preparers certainty before filing season, noting that the Department of Revenue had already issued forms assuming conformity and that delay could force amended returns. They said the bill reflects a negotiated package that preserves most of the federal tax relief while tailoring it for Arizona, especially by lowering the senior deduction age to 60 and replacing the auto loan deduction with family-focused provisions such as the higher child credit and child care deduction. The Arizona Society of CPAs and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing the need for early conformity and fewer filing complications. Opponents, including Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, argued the package would reduce state revenue, worsen the structural deficit, and mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Some witnesses criticized the inclusion of federal school-choice-related provisions and warned about uncertainty around future federal guidance, while others said the bill should not move ahead before the budget process. Members also debated whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the state later diverged from the Department of Revenue forms, and whether the senior and child care provisions were targeted or equitable. The transcript ends during public testimony, with no final committee vote or action shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 3/9/26

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • The provider hub is used by child care center and certified child care center providers to apply for
  • The provider hub is used by child care center and certified child care center providers to apply for
  • You've heard me say this before: when one family or child that was in the child welfare system comes
  • You've heard me say this before when one family or child that was in the child welfare system comes back
  • Passenger child sees a position that's in the child welfare system, you know, within 30 days because
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Feb 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a picture of a real child that, or excuse me, a fictitious child or a real child that they've doctored
  • ...harm done to that child.
  • Changing one pixel from an image of child sexual abuse can prevent police from matching that child to
  • Simply put, child pornography is child pornography.
  • of the content, but due to the harm caused to the child, the actual child, while creating it.
Summary: The committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills, with members repeatedly noting limited time and that some measures were already familiar from prior hearings. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 would allow cities and counties to use ISO/IEC-accredited private toxicology labs for blood or breath testing, accept private donations for that purpose, and reimburse the State Patrol for evidence transport costs. Senator Wagoner said the bill is a temporary fix for a major toxicology backlog that delays justice; prosecutors, police chiefs, and the Seattle City Attorney supported it as a way to relieve the backlog, while defense representatives said it would not solve the problem and raised due process concerns about out-of-state labs and access to witnesses. Members discussed possible amendments on in-state/out-of-state labs and litigation logistics, and the bill was set for executive action the following Tuesday. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5436 would create a gross misdemeanor for willfully or recklessly interfering with access to or from a place of worship or disrupting religious services through obstruction, trespass, repeated calls or electronic communications, or threats. Senator Solomon said the bill responds to rising intolerance and is modeled on protections for health care facilities; supporters from the Anti-Defamation League, Faith Action Network, Jewish and Sikh community organizations described harassment, threats, and security costs at houses of worship. Defense and law enforcement groups raised concerns about overbreadth, possible impacts on peaceful protest, and unintended effects on law enforcement or immigration enforcement, and asked for clarifying amendments. The sponsor said he was open to changes, and the committee indicated it would continue working on the bill before executive action next Tuesday. Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 would expand child sexual abuse material offenses to cover digitally created or altered obscene depictions, even when the minor is not identifiable, extend the statute of limitations for those felony offenses from three to ten years, and broaden sexual exploitation of a minor to include knowingly causing a minor who is unconscious or unaware to be photographed or part of a live performance. Supporters including the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ chiefs said the bill is needed to address AI and other technology that can evade current law and to keep pace with rapidly changing digital abuse material. Opponents from the defense bar and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission argued the bill may still be overbroad and raise First Amendment problems under Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition, especially where no actual minor is identified. The committee also heard and then quickly acted on other bills: Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, requiring one year of community custody for unlawful possession of a firearm, was amended and reported out due pass as amended; Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, addressing penalties for violence against referees and school volunteers, was reported out due pass; and Engrossed Senate Bill 5286, concerning reimbursement for costs in cities with state psychiatric hospitals, was also reported out due pass.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • When you get a child on the same.
  • And so, when you foster child myself.
  • Um needs are for a child or children.
  • Every child needs a family.
  • </c> challenges in our child welfare system. challenges in our child welfare system.
Summary: The Joint Committee on Families and Children met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and received an update that the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements was 8,647 as of September 7, 2025. The first presentation was from Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit that provides a home-like setting for children on removal day so they do not have to wait in a state office. Speakers described the mission as reducing trauma for children, lightening the burden on case workers, and easing transitions to foster or kinship placements. They said the Kentucky home in Logan County opened on August 15 and had already served 10 children in its first six days. Committee members asked about logistics, including whether children placed with kinship caregivers would still come to the house, how long children can stay, who remains responsible for them, and how volunteers are screened. The presenters said children are brought to the house regardless of whether they are headed to kinship or foster placement, that 72 hours is not a hard cutoff, and that a case worker remains in charge at all times while volunteers provide support. They also said volunteers undergo background checks, trauma-informed training, confidentiality instruction, and annual continuing education. In response to questions about funding and expansion, they said Isaiah 117 House is community-funded without state or federal money, and that new homes are opened only when fully funded, with construction costs typically ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 and first-year budgets around $180,000. The committee then heard a presentation from Remy Eastep Homes on its Family Centered Integrated Healthcare and related services. Leaders described the organization’s history from its origins as separate orphanages in Boyd County to residential treatment, treatment foster care, prevention services, and outpatient behavioral health. They said the organization shifted about 15 years ago toward engaging families more directly because family involvement improves outcomes and helps keep children safely at home when possible. The presentation continued into program details, but no votes or formal actions were taken on either presentation.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Committee Apr 6th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a mom of a child with autism, and I support the bill. Thank you.
  • This bill builds a more stable and robust child care subsidy system.
  • Alicia Hatfield from Every Child California.
  • Care Resource Center and Alicia Hatfield from Every Child, California.
  • I'm the president of the Child Care Resource Center.
Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on disability services, food security, veterans, aging services, and child care. SB 969 by Senator Reyes would make permanent the option for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive certain regional center services remotely; supporters said remote services improve access, continuity, safety, and choice, and there was no opposition. The committee initially lacked a quorum, so action on the bill was delayed until later in the hearing, when it was moved on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate state food programs, improve CalFresh enrollment, reduce duplication, and support a 24-hour hunger hotline; supporters framed it as a coordination and strategic-planning measure, while some members questioned whether existing programs should be evaluated first and whether the bill needed stronger reporting and accountability. It passed 3-0 to Governmental Organization. The committee also heard SB 1052 by Senator Gonzalez, which would allow the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to appoint contingent authorized representatives so people with developmental disabilities are not left without support if a parent or other primary helper becomes unavailable. Supporters, including families and disability advocates, described emergencies, immigration enforcement fears, and service interruptions as reasons for the bill; members asked about the current approval and renewal process and whether the annual renewal requirement could be streamlined. The bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations. SB 1077, also by Senator Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to prepare for future federal shutdowns by creating a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions and a state-backed emergency benefits mechanism; supporters cited the 43-day federal shutdown and delays in benefits, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Other measures discussed included SB 1201 by Senator McNerney, the No Hungry Heroes Act, which would seek waivers and direct referrals to protect veterans from federal SNAP changes and job-search-related income calculations; it passed 3-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would let aging and disability resource connections continue operating during partner transitions so people do not lose access to “no wrong door” services; it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. SB 1110 by Senator Becker would update child care subsidy funding and reimbursement structures to better reflect direct family services and stabilize providers; the author said a provision tied to the budget would be removed, and the bill passed 4-0 to Education. Finally, SB 991 by Senator Menjivar was presented to improve how abuse and neglect findings in residential care facilities for the elderly are categorized in the licensing database, so serious abuse is not lumped together with lesser violations; testimony described examples of sexual assault and restraint being recorded as generic residents’ rights violations.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 23rd, 2026 at 09:13 am

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • That doesn't eliminate the need for child care, but it will duplicate... ...just do the child care wraparound
  • Then you have a child with a pre-K child going to a school and finding wraparound care.
  • And I have an infant and an after-school child. I will get free universal child care for my infant.
  • , I got to find somewhere else for my school-age child.
  • And move it to child care assistance.
Summary: The meeting began as an informal education budget work group focused on reviewing a revised House Appropriations and Finance Committee scenario and flagging concerns rather than taking votes. Staff outlined the main changes from the LFC recommendation, including moving the statewide student information system appropriation, adding funding for the Black, Bilingual, Multicultural and Hispanic Education Act, universal school meals overrun costs, an evidence-based CTE pilot with a 50% local match, STEM network funding, wellness room pilots, Martinez-Yazzie action plan items, and changes to innovation zone and out-of-school time appropriations. A separate handout on the seven-year CTE pilot explained spending patterns, reversions, and possible federal maintenance-of-effort concerns if the state continues funding beyond a true pilot. Members then debated CTE extensively, with several arguing it improves attendance, graduation, and career readiness and should be sustained or expanded, especially in rural areas, while staff and others emphasized that much of the current funding has gone to general operational costs rather than intentional program design and that regional or matched funding models may be more effective. Members also discussed STEM and math initiatives, the need for more industry involvement, and whether the proposed match requirements would be too burdensome for smaller districts and BIE schools. The discussion also covered the Black, Hispanic, and Multilingual Education Acts and the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit. Some members stressed that the acts should be explicitly named in the budget language and not merely implied, while staff said the scenario reaffirms prior commitments by building the costs into agency operating budgets. Members raised concerns about charter school hold-harmless funding, declining enrollment, and the need to align spending with the needs of at-risk students. The work group ended the education portion without any votes, with staff noting they would incorporate the feedback and return with clarifications, including on CTE funding, the educational acts, and the charter hold-harmless item. The meeting then shifted to the child well-being and early childhood work group, where staff presented a revised Early Childhood Education and Care Department scenario. The proposal moved money toward child care assistance and early pre-K, kept the FIT program funding level unchanged, and used a mix of trust fund, TANF, federal, and operating-budget adjustments to close part of the gap between the executive and LFC recommendations. Members questioned the policy direction, especially the shift toward infant and toddler care and pre-K expansion, the impact on school-age child care, and the implications for continuity of care and provider costs. Staff explained that the scenario prioritizes younger children and at-risk families, includes language for a wage and career ladder, and would require legislation to raise the early childhood trust fund distribution cap from 500 to 525. Members also discussed a separate proposed CYFD pilot bill (HB 65), which would be distinct from ECECD funding. No votes were taken, and staff said they would return with more cost information on full pre-K plus wraparound care. A final work group reviewed C2 and Department of Information Technology-related appropriations. Staff compared the LFC and executive recommendations for new funding and reauthorizations, noting that the LFC generally limited new projects while the executive funded more. Members discussed several IT modernization requests, including the Secretary of State’s voter registration and election management systems, the Spaceport Authority, Game and Fish, the State Engineer’s WATERS system, ECECD’s FitKids and EPIC replacement discovery, and Aging and Long-Term Services’ enterprise system modernization. The main themes were whether to fund planning versus full replacement, how to avoid piecemeal spending, and whether new systems should wait for incoming leadership. The Secretary of State’s office said its system is nearing end of life and the planning funds would help prepare a realistic replacement request, while other agencies described aging infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and the need for modernization. The work group did not vote on any of the items and ended with staff noting additional follow-up on funding needs and reauthorization details.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Feb 23rd, 2026

Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • , child support, paternity, and minor guardianship matters.
  • , childhood, with family law matters, which includes divorce, child custody, child support, paternity
  • In addition, Ada County plans and child support calculations.
  • Child interview.
  • You probably want somebody who's actually talked to the child.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The cost of raising a child persists well past that age, as we know.
  • in combined YCTC and Cal EITC credits when their child is five.
  • Status households are excluded from the full federal child tax credit.
  • , housing, and child care.
  • Expanding the Young Child Tax Credit to...
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation convened with a quorum, reviewed housekeeping rules for testimony and position letters, and reminded the public that bills with revenue impacts over $150,000 would be sent to the suspense file rather than voted on immediately. The chair noted that no bills on the agenda would be eligible for a vote that day because they would automatically be referred to suspense. The committee then heard several tax-related measures, with testimony generally split between bill authors/supporters emphasizing affordability, public safety, or conservation, and opponents arguing the proposals were inefficient tax expenditures better handled through existing programs or direct budget funding. AB 1565 proposed a $5,000 tax credit for small businesses that hire formerly incarcerated people within a year of release and keep them employed for at least six months. Supporters said the bill would reduce recidivism, help small businesses manage hiring risk, and save the state money by avoiding incarceration costs; one witness described personal experience overcoming a felony record. The California Tax Reform Association opposed the measure, arguing employment tax credits are ineffective and that existing programs are more targeted. Members from both parties expressed support, but the bill was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1596, which would create a five-year sales tax holiday for infant car seats; AB 1668, which would extend a welfare tax exemption for land trust-held open space; AB 1690, which would expand the Young Child Tax Credit to families with older children; AB 1698, which would create a tax credit for small restaurants that comply with food handler certification requirements; and AB 1620, which would allow a deduction for homeowners’ insurance premiums on primary residences. Supporters framed these bills as relief for families, small businesses, and land conservation efforts, while opponents repeatedly argued the tax code should not be used to subsidize these costs and that existing programs or market solutions were preferable. Each bill was ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 16th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • The cost of raising a child persists well past that age, as we know.
  • in combined YCTC and Cal EITC credits when their child is five.
  • , housing, and child care.
  • The reality is that raising a child is expensive past the first six years.
  • Expanding the Young Child Tax Credit to...
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/12/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:12:48.720><c> care</c> Both the school and the child care Both the school and the child care
  • </c><00:20:05.000><c> and</c> I'm asking you to protect my child and I'm asking you to protect my child
  • </c> Some will say this bill burdens child Some will say this bill burdens child care<00:21:26.800><c
  • For a young child in child care, safety is built through simple but essential experiences: a trusted
  • in child care, safety For a young child in child care, safety is<00:41:25.560><c> built</c><00:41:25.840
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , not their own child, any other child, from being able to withhold consent for their child to complete
  • and the child first.
  • for that child.
  • Think about your child lives. I don't know. Think about that you have a child.
  • So then they move the child somewhere else. And then you go and you try to follow the child.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee Jun 16th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • No evidence of abuse, just because the child wanted to.
  • If a child wants out, the child gets out.
  • Nonprofits can get nearly $18,000 per child per month.
  • Folks out here who believe that if a child is an LGBTQ child and in an unsafe situation, of course that
  • So if a child is with their birth parents, let's say just any average family, and the child is petitioning
Committee: Senate Judiciary
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Public Safety Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Supreme Court has repeatedly noted that child sexual abuse is different.
  • Furthermore, there are instances where child... traumatizing the child victim.
  • SB 1143 would permit child welfare agencies to receive and review forensic interview recordings, child
  • Unfortunately, child welfare agencies who are tasked with investigating child abuse and neglect allegations
  • CAC video recordings are integral components to child welfare services and child abuse investigations
Summary: The committee met first as a subcommittee because a quorum was not initially present, and it heard several bill presentations. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases, limiting copying and dissemination while preserving discovery and trial rights. Supporters, including Aaron and Denise Heskins-Quinn and the California District Attorneys Association, said the bill would prevent retraumatization and close a privacy gap; opponents, including public defenders and criminal defense groups, argued it was overbroad, vague, and could interfere with defense preparation. The committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and sent it to Appropriations on a due pass as amended vote, with the bill held on call. SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching charges, including incidents involving protests and a home entry in Huntington Park; opponents from sheriffs’ and police groups argued the bill’s definitions were vague, could limit tactical discretion, and might conflict with existing law and task force operations. Members expressed both support and concern about definitions and exigent circumstances, and the bill was moved due pass to Appropriations on a vote, with the final roll held on call. SB 1070 by Senator Grove would make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defenders argued it would criminalize speech, rely on a content-based statute, and impose disproportionate felony penalties. Several committee members raised constitutional and restorative-justice concerns, and the bill failed on the roll call, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1130 by Senator Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, limiting surreptitious recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and restricting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to emerging surveillance risks; opponents from TechNet and industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses beyond the actual wrongdoers. The committee accepted amendments reducing penalties, removing manufacturer provisions from the bill’s core criminal section, and creating civil penalties in the Business and Professions Code; the bill was moved due pass as amended to Rules, with the vote held on call. The committee also heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, which would bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; there was no public opposition, but some members questioned the need for a constitutional amendment given the lack of evidence of abuse, and discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/20/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • to implement a traditional child protection response for screened-in child protection reports of educational
  • </c><00:02:30.680><c> or</c> and or medical needs of the child or and or medical needs of the child or
  • </c><00:03:40.599><c> welfare</c> agencies to implement a child welfare agencies to implement a child
  • </c> response versus a traditional Child response versus a traditional Child Protection<00:03:45.040>
  • </c><00:04:29.720><c> child</c><00:04:30.000><c> welfare</c> that diversionary child child welfare that
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, let me be clear: I certainly believe that every child, every special ed child, should get what they
  • My child and every child with dyslexia deserves instruction based on science, not chance.
  • the child fell, or hit, or was hit by another child without supervision.
  • When a child cannot speak, the camera becomes their voice.
  • child without supervision a child cannot talk how can a story be told the story is told through pictures
Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting. On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers. House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Mar 16th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We had child protection.
  • Through the programs in child protective services, foster care, adoption, and child support, our staff
  • So then, when a child is adopted, does any of the money follow that child?
  • Okay, so the adopted parent gets that money for the child until that child ages out.
  • So if a child is experiencing any abuse or neglect in the foster care setting, they can call our child
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (01/28/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Child advocacy centers respond to allegations of all forms of child abuse.
  • Child advocacy centers respond to allegations of all forms of child abuse.
  • Child advocacy centers provide a safe, neutral environment for forensic interviews of child victims.
  • </c> multi disciplinary response of child multi disciplinary response of child abuse<00:17:31.360><c>
  • </c> previous funding allocated for child previous funding allocated for child advocacy<00:21:34.200>
Committee: Senate Finance
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Committee Jun 15th, 2026

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to make sure that any child who is in danger, Any child who is in danger is protected.
  • for child care providers.
  • for child care providers.
  • Charlotte Neal, representing Child Care Providers United, speaking on the work of family child care providers
  • Regarding child care, thank you for the continued investment in child care slots.
Committee: House Budget
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 17th, 2026

EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't know, October, or how many child cares around the state no longer exist?
  • to school in kindergarten can have a detrimental effect and impact on the child.
  • have a child... ...families who can't stay home with their child, but they have a child who has developmental
  • And they're not going to get that just by dropping their child off at child care.
  • I decided the rate change was... their child off at child care.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Mar 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The parent wants that child to have it.
  • And it's already in there her child.
  • And their child needs help.
  • But this rolling their child from public schools, a child may lose these accommodations that they have
  • And parents may not be fully aware of that until it is too late and the child the child has fallen behind