Video & Transcript Research : 'background screening'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/27/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been part of the Application Review Committee, the Complaint Screening Committee, and then the full
- I see a lot of your background is in behavioral health, and we've been doing a lot of work on that, and
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met, approved the March 25 minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Lynette Livesey, a nominee for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners. Dr. Livesey described her background as an Arizona psychologist with experience in public health, corrections, and behavioral health training, and emphasized her commitment to ethical standards, access to care, and community service. In response to questions, she said she had been serving on board committees and attending board meetings, noted that family court-related complaints have been a recurring challenge, and expressed support for fair, informed decision-making and better coordination among providers, probation officers, and primary care physicians in behavioral health cases.
Committee members asked about her experience on the board, challenges facing the board, and her views on behavioral health system improvements. One member encouraged her to meet with caucus members and discuss family court issues further. A motion was made to recommend Dr. Livesey’s confirmation to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The nomination was then forwarded to the full Senate, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm going to invite you to look to the top right of your screen, but in the meantime, perhaps Sheriff
- Nine out of ten employers use background checks to screen applicants, and having a record reduces your
- Sealing opens up opportunities because it keeps sealed records off of background checks.
- Sealing opens up opportunities because it keeps sealed records off of background checks.
- Enforcement of the law has been effective, making background checks more accurate.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a wide range of criminal justice, victim services, and records-sealing bills. Early testimony focused on H.1811, the Clean Slate automated record-sealing bill, with supporters arguing that automatic sealing after existing waiting periods would remove barriers to jobs, housing, and education without changing eligibility rules. Advocates from legal aid, business, and housing organizations said the current petition-based system is underused, burdensome, and costly, while opponents of expanding surveillance-related laws urged the committee to preserve privacy protections. The committee also heard testimony on H.1693, which would immediately seal records in cases ending without conviction and clarify the presumption of innocence, with speakers describing how dismissed cases still create lasting collateral consequences and prevent people from moving forward. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Several bills centered on victim safety and domestic violence. Senator Michael Moore testified for S.1201, which would keep child-protective orders in effect even if the parent or guardian who filed them dies, and for S.1204, which would update the wiretap statute. Multiple survivors and advocates supported S.1215 and S.1222, arguing for a narrow wiretap defense for recordings made to document threats or abuse and for making GPS tampering a separate felony offense. Testifiers described situations in which GPS devices were cut off or disabled and said current law leaves victims at risk and gives abusers too much leeway. The committee also heard emotional testimony on H.1685/S.1238, a bill prompted by the suicide of Stavri Yanka in custody, with the sponsor, his mother, and the sheriff describing the need for better information-sharing so suicide-risk information follows a person into custody.
Law enforcement and prosecutors supported several due-process and dangerousness-related bills. MassCOP, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the State Police Association backed H.1828/S.1039/S.1235, which would require de novo Superior Court review for POST Commission suspensions over two weeks or decertifications, arguing officers need a meaningful appeal beyond administrative review. The committee also heard support for H.1691, expanding the dangerousness statute to additional offenses; Bristol County District Attorney Quinn said the changes would let prosecutors seek detention in serious cases such as child rape and manslaughter when facts warrant it. In contrast, the Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed expanding dangerousness detention, warning that pretrial detention causes serious harms and disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic defendants. The hearing also included testimony on H.1654/S.1063 to enhance victims’ rights and H.1525, which would rename and expand community corrections into community justice programs, with supporters emphasizing reentry, reduced stigma, and broader service access.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple of those will be on the screen. By Zoom. Okay, let's start with Commissioner.
- Now I will direct your attention to the screen. The Chair calls Dr.
- You've got a good background.
- They background those cattle, they import them, they background them, and get them ready for the feed
- I'd like to give you just a little background on myself so you can understand.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- infrastructure, expanded weapon screening capacity, including staffing and overtime, and operational
- infrastructure, expanded weapon screening capacity, including staffing and overtime, and operational
- infrastructure, expanded weapon screening capacity, including staffing and overtime, and operational
- infrastructure, expanded weapon screening capacity, including staffing and overtime, and operational
- infrastructure, expanded weapon screening capacity, including staffing and overtime, and operational
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- can, thank you. >> Can you guys see the screen now?
- , background investigation, advertising, and<01:19:32.480>
travel. - <01:19:50.640>
investigators licenses um for background investigators licenses um for background - I work in the screening and intake division.
- I because the background violent crime.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies.
Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
SPEED Task Force (STF) - Mon Dec 15, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reggie brings a strong background in intelligence analysis and public service.
- So first, introduction and background. Second, the findings identified from the PIG.
- So our group, the PIG, emphasized pre-application screening and early archaeological surveys for major
- Um, little bit of historical background. In the early 90s, you know, we knew cesspools were bad.
- So, uh, introduction, background to the IWS permittee project.
Summary:
The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items.
The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting.
The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 26th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- impacts Texans daily. ...through our statewide coordinated partnership with over 130 agencies to screen
- For background, in 19- In 1999, the legislature passed SB 965, which granted NPS officers limited state
- We'll start by calling up the witnesses in the order that they're on the screen.
- Importantly, documents in this file, such as background investigations and other related materials, would
- Okay, I've got to figure out a way to get rid of this screen. There it is. All right, great.
Bills:
HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486
Keywords:
mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But the other thing is just a lot of that falls on DOTD needing to do pre-bid screening for projects
- And generally speaking, when there's a more advanced project that requires some technical background,
- I do appreciate the background and walking us through your foundation's thoughts on these different aspects
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 and considered several resolutions and one Senate bill dealing with transportation project delivery, vehicle safety, school-zone safety, flooding, and highway signage. The committee first took up SCR 64, which creates a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) for public works. An amendment added representatives from Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to the task force, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The committee also heard HR 282, which creates a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with Louisiana State Police and other stakeholders; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and the resolution was reported with amendments.
The most extensive discussion centered on SB 513, which addressed public works project delivery methods and included a proposal for an average-bid award method as well as design-build authority for airports and vertiports. Testimony from a Reason Foundation policy analyst and a Louisiana Associated General Contractors representative opposed the average-bid concept, arguing it lacked U.S. precedent, could encourage collusion, and could raise costs, while airport-related design-build provisions were supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to remove the average-bid language, then reported SB 513 with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays.
The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate all school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses involving crossing guards and distracted driving. In addition, HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were acted on and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Schools around the state are showing that when they focus on academics, students from all backgrounds
- the absolute proficiency rates will never equal those in a school where the kids come from rich backgrounds
- violations because it doesn’t treat people as individuals; it treats them based on their racial background
- Third, if the goal is to strengthen literacy and reduce screen time with this cell phone ban bill, this
- We are very cautious about what books we put out, and we go through... ...kind of a screening to make
Summary:
The committee first heard Superintendent Tom Horn’s State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, teacher pay, school choice, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools. Horn argued that students cannot learn unless schools are safe, cited increased funding for school police officers and a recent Tucson charter school incident as evidence for more officers, and said the department’s academic efforts have centered on Project Momentum, tutoring, cell phone restrictions, career and technical education partnerships, and support for Native American districts. He also urged direct teacher pay increases through Proposition 123 and said the state board should revise teaching standards and school grading practices. Members questioned him about DEI compliance, cell phone enforcement, ESA accountability, teacher preparation programs, school safety funding, and literacy outcomes; Horn said the department’s role is largely advisory in a local-control state, that it tracks school practices on a website, and that it lacks academic outcome data for ESA students because private schools are not tested by the state.
The committee then took up House Bill 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues or memberships to professional library associations that advocate for libraries and information services. Representative Cooper, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while arguing that membership could still be paid privately and that free professional development options exist. Opponents, including former librarian Judy Schweber, Marana board member Hunter Holt, and the ACLU of Arizona, argued the bill would undermine professional development, local control, and constitutional rights of association and petition, and that there was little evidence public funds were actually being used this way. Supporters, including Adrienne Johnson, said some library materials and associations promote political viewpoints and should not be funded with public dollars.
After public comment and debate, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2008 a do pass recommendation. Members who explained no votes said the bill targeted a non-issue, lacked data showing a problem, and would divert attention from funding and literacy needs. Members supporting the bill said it was a reasonable restriction on public spending and a way to keep school libraries ideologically neutral. The committee then announced it would move on to House Bill 2249, the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Remedies.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Jul 7th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- There's some backgrounding on the manufacturer, so those would be citizens.
- From my Czech background. Okay. Okay.
- So I think everyone here is well aware that crisis screening and assessment services that are funded
- So all those private hospitals in the background, you can give them to me.
- So all those private hospitals in the background, you can give them to me.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 003 Jan 17th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . where compassion is not a background. where compassion is not a weakness<00:44:04.480>
but <00 - We saw it on the screen up here. I think one of the greatest days in our country's history.
- We saw it on the screen up here. I 1963. We saw it on the screen up here.
- Um, so while we can't hear them, they are displaying on the screen if you would like to proceed.
- and give me a could come on screen and give me a thumbs<01:45:36.320>
up.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance with visiting students from Dr. Martin Luther King Early College, and approved the journal from the previous day after a brief, humorous exchange about a correction to the minority leadership title. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1002, a resolution commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and honoring Dr. King’s life, nonviolent leadership, and role in the civil rights movement. The resolution recounted his education, activism, speeches, writings, the Montgomery bus boycott, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the history of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Colorado and nationally, including the state holiday commission and the holiday’s service-oriented observance.
Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy as a call to action, the importance of nonviolence, community service, and the need to continue addressing injustice. Speakers highlighted the role of young people in the civil rights movement and urged continued work on equity, dignity, and inclusion. One member also connected King’s legacy to current concerns about immigration enforcement and federal power, arguing that justice requires active resistance to injustice. Another member objected that the discussion had become politicized and used the opportunity to criticize immigration policy, while the chair reminded members to stay within the resolution.
The resolution text was read at length and included a call for observances, ceremonies, and activities across Colorado, encouragement of service projects, and support for teaching King’s legacy and nonviolent principles in social studies standards. The transcript shows the House adopting the journal, but it does not show a final vote on the resolution within the excerpt provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/20/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So both of those organizations, Actors Equity and the Screen Actors Guild, do provide some benefits,
- Actors Guild do Equity and the Screen Actors Guild do provide<04:41:37.920>
some <04:41:38.240 - <04:41:52.480>
Um, <04:41:52.878>believe Screen Actors Guild actor. - Um, believe Screen Actors Guild actor.
- Um, I have a pretty good background in workers' compensation. I used to work for a major carrier.
Summary:
The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123.
The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review.
Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- It would require the submission of a background check, etc.
- Have a few questions to get that background check and things like that.
- Is there a fee to get the background check done during this licensing process?
- It's the applicant that should supply the background. It's done by several other agencies also.
- It depends on how in depth of a background. Triple II state charges.
Keywords:
cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/10/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- If there were a two-dimensional screen.
- , unable to sit up and look at the screen, unable to sit up and look at the screen, she<01:06:40.799
- their head even to see the VRI screen their head even to see the VRI screen was<01:07:08.160>
- Just to give a little background on psilocybin, it is naturally found in fungi throughout the world.
- >
it <02:09:22.480>is background on psilocybin, it is background on psilocybin, it is naturally
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/05/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, there is a lot of background in decision-making that the department is immersed in daily, with
- The department is immersed in the background and decision-making daily, with the expertise required to
- maybe professional background that leads you to use the term doctor?
- Although the bill says, quote, telehealth pre-screening, it's important to emphasize that a pre-screening
- c><03:39:06.040>
pre-screening <03:39:06.840>interview emphasize that a pre-screening interview
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/05/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- throughout the screening process.
- throughout the screening process.
- Thank you. includes the screening continuum which includes the screening continuum which includes<00:
- The screening guidance from HERSA.
- screening process. Thank you. screening process. Thank you.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So cultural and language background will affect the early testing.
- And then it also says shall administer screening assessments within 30 calendar days.
- It also says they would have to notify the students' parents as a result of the screening.
- Chair, Representative, that is the grade in which we require dyslexia screening for all students.
- You all have passed provisions to ensure that all students are screened.
Summary:
The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs.
Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation.
The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we've definitionally already screened out non-materiality.
- Uh I I screened out non-materiality.
- tenants and all the um landlord screens tenants and all it<03:01:51.600>
does <03:01:51.840>- check, a credit criminal background check, a credit report,<03:02:10.880>
those <03:02:11.120>- Excellent work. at your face on the screen. I don't at your face on the screen.
- check, a credit criminal background check, a credit report,<03:02:10.880>
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and conference committee permissions. It also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University (SR 8) by a 35-0 vote, with remarks highlighting the university’s history, workforce role, mountain rescue team, athletics, and ties to Gunnison and the Western Slope. The resolution was adopted and co-sponsors were added.
The chamber then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. Senate Bill 152, concerning automated vehicle identification systems, was amended on the floor with a technical correction and passed 32-3. House Bill 1322, creating civil actions related to conversion therapy efforts, prompted emotional testimony from Senator Mullica about his mother and passed 23-12. House Bill 1123, addressing sexual abuse prevention in jails, passed 27-8 after a technical amendment. House Bill 1226, reducing emissions from certain electric generating units, passed 22-13. House Bill 1076, modifying transportation statutes, passed 28-0, and House Bill 1207, requiring employer disclosure of demographic workforce data, passed 23-12.
Senate Bill 115, a postconviction relief measure for certain older incarcerated people, was amended and debated at length. Supporters described it as narrowly tailored to a small number of eligible inmates and emphasized victim-rights protections and exclusions for serious offenses; opponents remained opposed. The bill ultimately passed 18-17. The Senate then approved a Committee of the Whole report advancing Senate Bill 181 and several House bills—1338, 1344, 1336 as amended, 1227, 1314, 1028, 1282, and 1317 as amended—to third reading and final passage, and later adopted the consent-calendar bills in special orders without objection.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- employer may look a little different, put a little bit more scrutiny on them because of their military background
- Let me share my screen. Let’s see if this works. There we go.
- For background on this grant program, this grant program is funded through a line item in the Massachusetts
- And so to give back some sort of quick background, since this conversation really...
- So to give back some sort of quick background, since this conversation really started earlier this year
Summary:
The Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met and began with roll call, but did not have a quorum, so approval of prior minutes and an inspirational quote were tabled. A planned presentation from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee was canceled shortly before the meeting, and the agenda shifted to an informal discussion with two Treasury employees, Steve Kroder and Bill Collievis, about veterans with disabilities in the workplace.
Kroder and Collievis described barriers veterans face, including stigma, employer misunderstanding, the need for frequent medical appointments, invisible disabilities such as PTSD and other service-connected conditions, and challenges for Guard and Reserve members balancing service with civilian work. They also discussed supportive practices in public employment, the need for better outreach to employers, the role of local veterans service officers, Military OneSource, TAP, and the importance of helping veterans navigate benefits and transition services. Commission members responded by emphasizing education, employer outreach, and possible resource-sharing through the commission’s website and toolkit.
The committee then heard a presentation from Commonwealth Corporation on its Young Adults with Disabilities employment grant program. Staff explained the program’s funding, eligibility, training and placement model, and data from the prior cycle, including participant demographics, completion rates, credential attainment, employment outcomes, and wages. Members discussed benefits counseling, underemployment definitions, stigma around addiction as a disability category, and the need to connect grantees and participants with work incentives and benefits information. Commonwealth Corporation said grantees now receive training on benefits impacts and that the agency is open to further partnership.
The meeting ended with a brief update on a planned commission event focused on youth and young adults with disabilities, inclusive workplaces, PCAs, and job coaches. Organizers said they were still securing a venue and were considering a hybrid or virtual format, with participation from youth organizations, the PCA Council, and the Arc of Massachusetts. The subcommittee then voted to adjourn.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- like to feel secure that people are still capable of thinking autonomously without the help of a screen
- I'll give a very brief background of my professional experience in life.
- I'll give a very brief background of my professional experience in life.
- In terms of my background, I'll balance out David Smith, who's from Southern California.
- In terms of my background, I'll balance out David Smith, who's from Southern California.
Bills:
S1694
Keywords:
technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.