Video & Transcript Research : 'disability'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (9-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um we've been Intellectual Disabilities.
- . disability. disability.
- burst with significant disabilities. burst with significant disabilities.
- with intellectual disabilities. with intellectual disabilities.
- people with developmental disabilities." people with developmental disabilities."
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on September 24, 2025, approved the minutes from the September 9 meeting, and then continued its discussion of Medicaid waivers with Leslie Hoffman and Carmen Hancock from the Department for Medicaid Services. Members asked for updates on the 2024 waiver waitlist management assessment recommendations, including aligning waiver policies, standardizing applications and waitlist placement, and modernizing data systems. DMS said that work is being done jointly with Aging and Independent Living and Behavioral Health/Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities through task forces, that ARPA spending delayed action, and that implementation timelines extend through March 2027.
The board also reviewed per-member waiver cost averages for fiscal years 2023 through 2025 for ABI, ABI long-term care, HCBS, Model II, Michelle P, and SCL. DMS emphasized these figures were benefit-only averages based on paid claims, not full waiver costs, and explained that true budget neutrality is calculated on an aggregate basis against institutional care comparisons approved by CMS. DMS said all six waivers remain in compliance with budget neutrality and that the most recent 18-month lag review for FY 2022 and FY 2023 found costs at or below institutional care. Members also asked about unused waiver slots; DMS said slots generally cannot be reallocated mid-year if they have been used, except in cases such as death or reserved capacity, because CMS treats participants as unduplicated for the waiver year.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the new child waiver created under House Bill 6. Legislators questioned whether the waiver’s design, including the exclusion of participant-directed services and the emphasis on high-acuity children with behavioral health, DCBS, or juvenile justice involvement, matched the bill’s intent to keep children at home. DMS said it used the $14.7 million appropriated for FY 2026 to develop the program, that there is no priority list, and that the waiver is intended to serve the highest-acuity children while also addressing residential needs for those sleeping in offices or placed out of state. Members also raised concerns about the rapid growth of the HCBS waiting list and asked for more detail on age and timing patterns, which DMS said it would provide later. Finally, DMS gave average processing times from application to eligibility determination and from approval to service start, and said the overall average from application to services beginning was about 80 days, while members requested follow-up information on the Carewise assessment contract and related costs.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, ...or ethnicity, but it does not include marital status or disability.
- I was going to talk about disabilities because Jacksonville does the ADA conference and the disability
- I just want to say that DEI is intersectionality and DEI is accessibility in more ways than just disabled
- I mean, who would have thought they were... and the disability symposium, one of the very few in the
- The reason that disability status is not included, and you also pointed out earlier about religion, you
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1134, which would extend the use of qualified private providers in the building permit process to residential solar energy systems and certain single-trade inspections, and would allow computer-based plan review tools. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long solar permitting delays and lower costs. A late amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted, and after some discussion about local permitting problems and the need to work with municipalities, CS/SB 1134 was reported favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no.
The committee then took up SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would limit fee collection if verification is not completed. Members discussed whether the bill should include more flexibility and whether private providers are appropriate for this function, but the committee ultimately reported CS/SB 784 favorably. SB 1738, allowing counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in while maintaining current levels of service, was also reported favorably without significant opposition.
Next, SB 1080 on local government land regulation was presented as a measure to speed up development permit and order approvals, limit repeated information requests, prevent hearing delays, and impose penalties for noncompliance. Local government testimony argued it would rush planning and weaken public input, while supporters called it common-sense streamlining. After debate, the bill was reported favorably, with several no votes. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members raised concerns about county budget timelines.
Finally, the committee considered SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, programs, or policies, while carving out compliance with state and federal law and defining DEI-related terms. The amendment removed retroactivity and delayed the effective date, but members from both parties raised concerns about vague definitions, impacts on women- and minority-owned business programs, local commemorations, and the loss of attorney’s fees for prevailing counties. Public testimony was sharply divided, with many speakers opposing the bill as an attack on local control and inclusion, and a few supporting it as a merit-based standard. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition in debate and was not yet reported in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 01/27/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Priority number three is to modernize the disabled market value exclusion.
- <01:30:51.560>
for get Social Security dis disability for get Social Security dis disability - I know how to do disability benefits.
- <01:41:18.400>
but benefit the the the VA disability but benefit the the the VA disability - I know how to do disability benefits.
Summary:
The subcommittee held its first hearing of the session and began with introductions from members and staff, many of whom shared personal or family connections to military service. The chair emphasized that the committee would work respectfully and invited members to raise concerns directly. No votes or formal actions were taken during the opening portion of the meeting.
The main substantive item was an overview presentation from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Commissioner Brad Lindsay described the agency’s mission, statewide footprint, and strategic goals, noting Minnesota has more than 286,000 veterans and that MDVA serves veterans in all 87 counties. He outlined the department’s structure, including eight veterans homes, four state veterans cemeteries, tribal and campus outreach, and the agency’s focus on seamless support, awareness of programs, stewardship of resources, and workforce retention.
Deputy Commissioner Ben Johnson then detailed the Programs and Services Division, including federal VA claims assistance, veterans employment and education support, state veterans cemeteries and memorial affairs, the State Soldiers Assistance Program, homelessness prevention, tribal veteran service officers, women veterans services, the Minnesota GI Bill, licensing and certification assistance, the state approving agency, veterans preference, emergency assistance, the LinkVet line, and the Minnesota Service Core partnership with Lutheran Social Services. He also noted the agency’s work on food insecurity and burial services. The presentation was informational only, with no committee action reported.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And disability is a secret of their power and their achievements.
- Our high percentage of elderly and disabled is largely due to life without parole sentencing, and by
- I've witnessed male officers punch on women with mental health disabilities and go unpunished.
- I've witnessed male officers punch on women with mental health disabilities and go unpunished.
- Every dollar... ...care for the growing population of incarcerated elders and disabled people.
Summary:
The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well.
Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC.
A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Steven Alleman on behalf of Disability Rights Texas testifying for the bill. Is that correct?
- I'm Stephen Aleman with Disability Rights, here in favor of the legislation.
- In special education settings, where students may be nonverbal, disabled, or unable to self-advocate,
- No two students with disabilities are the same, and their safety plans should reflect that.
- We have Maya Volk on behalf of Disability Rights Texas registered on the bill but not testifying.
Bills:
SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843
Keywords:
lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Balancing Fraud Prevention and Protecting Services for the Vulnerable / Modernizing School Funding May 8th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why more than 100 Minnesotans with disabilities, supporters, and advocates came to the Capitol
- to rally for disability rights.
- According to the Minnesota Council on Disability, the number one legislative priority this session is
- So, we are here to talk today about disability advocacy and rights.
- <00:04:56.600>
uh Um the uh ombudsman for disabilities uh Um the uh ombudsman for disabilities
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Aug 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The bad news is that many of our veterans that have served are now going 100% disabled, which is part
- for Chapter 35, which is our biggest program, is that to receive that program, you have to be 100% disabled
- The Iraq and Afghanistan wars have led to our veterans increasingly receiving disabled ratings and giving
- They coordinate with your office to help veterans either apply for their disability benefits or reapply
- And I think, you know, what we did, for example, in the state as far as property tax relief for disabled
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Current Texas law already reflects that children, the elderly, and disabled individuals are at a higher
- It's the duty to protect elderly and disabled individuals who may be victims or key witnesses in criminal
- Under current law, depositions of elderly or disabled witnesses may be taken in criminal cases, but there
- person for forced labor, and receiving financial benefit from trafficking a child or disabled person
- Additionally, it includes trafficking that results... ...in sexual offenses against a child or disabled
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Like a Santa Fe officer did responding to the Santa Fe shooting, they have an option for a disability
- I told them who I was and I wanted to apply for a disability pension.
- In Texas, that has a pension system, provides for disabilities for officers like myself.
- He told me that the disability portion of the bill was taken out because it was not cost-effective.
- Uh, apparently other police systems that have this disability for police officers disagree with that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , and for over 6 million Californians... ...income, disability, and life insurance.
- And for over 6 million Californians, including veterans and those with severe work disabilities, the
- If you get to be old like me, you'll likely have some disabilities.
- But Social Security is for disabled people of all ages.
- Robert Copeland, member of CARE and DPOA with Disability Rights Group, strong support. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on public employment, retirement, and recognition of cultural and public service issues. AB 569 would allow local governments and unions to negotiate supplemental pension contributions for certain employees; AB 989 would make California Native American Day an official paid state holiday; AB 268 would recognize Diwali as an official state holiday; AJR 3 would urge protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal from federal cuts; AB 1067 would require misconduct investigations to continue even if an employee retires during the process; AB 1510 made technical and conforming changes to state employee pay and benefits laws and to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority labor law; and AB 1233 would create a statewide database of classified school employee employment history and serious misconduct records. The committee also took up AB 1383, which would lower the retirement age for certain first responders and restore some bargaining rights over retirement benefits, drawing extensive testimony for and against.
Supporters of the holiday bills emphasized long-overdue recognition of Native American and South Asian communities and the importance of honoring California’s diversity. Supporters of AJR 3 described the reliance of seniors, people with disabilities, and families on federal and state health and retirement programs, warning that cuts would cause serious harm. AB 1067 was presented as a way to prevent employees from retiring to avoid accountability, while AB 1233 was framed as a student-safety measure to help schools identify applicants with prior egregious misconduct. Opposition to AB 1233 focused on due process and the breadth of the misconduct records, and opposition to AB 1383 argued it would reverse PEPRA reforms, raise pension costs, and strain local budgets, while supporters said firefighters and other first responders face unique health and safety risks and deserve earlier retirement.
Most bills were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes and placed on hold for add-ons or referral to Appropriations or another committee. AB 912 was taken up on the consent calendar and held; AB 569, AB 989, AB 268, AJR 3, AB 1067, and AB 1510 all advanced with do-pass recommendations and were placed on hold. AB 1233 was moved to the Committee on Education. AB 1383 drew the most extensive debate, with many witnesses in support and opposition, and committee members largely expressing support for first responders while also noting concerns about cost and pension policy.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- My request for the resolution was that you include the disabled citizens in this as well as the kupuna
- My request for the resolution was that you include the disabled citizens in this as well as the kupuna
- My request for the resolution was that you include the disabled citizens in this as well as the kupuna
- And in the committee report, we're going to note also to include disabled seniors and engage with area
- And in the committee report, we're going to note also to include disabled seniors and engage with area
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Senate committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard testimony on several resolutions focused on community safety, emergency preparedness, and commemorative actions. STR 16 and SR 30 sought permission for the City and County of Honolulu to use restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs; Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Vere testified in support, describing a shortage of youth sports space and the availability of the former Navy fuel farm area. STR 22 asked Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to work with other agencies on outreach to help kūpuna prepare for emergencies; testimony from AARP Hawaii, neighborhood boards, and others emphasized lessons from the Lahaina wildfires and the need for statewide, community-based preparedness efforts. Testifiers also urged that disabled seniors be included, and committee members discussed coordination with neighborhood boards, area agencies on aging, and nonprofits. STR 112 and SR 93 proposed lighting City Hall purple on August 7 for National Purple Heart Day, and STR 84 and SR 67 addressed disaster preparedness and drills in Maui after the wildfires. STR 184 and SR 146 would direct county police to enforce registration rules for out-of-state vehicles, and STR 229 and SR 205 would call for explosion-detection technology to respond to illegal fireworks and gunfire; Larry Vere supported the latter as a way to speed law enforcement response, while one senator said she would vote no on the vehicle-registration measure pending more information about possible effects on the Nation/Kingdom of Hawaii community.
In decision-making, both committees adopted recommendations to pass STR 16, STR 22, STR 84/SR 67, and STR 184/SR 146, with STR 112/SR 93 and STR 229/SR 205 passed with technical, nonsubstantive amendments. The committee report for STR 22 was also noted to include disabled seniors and to engage neighborhood boards and community groups already working on preparedness. For STR 184/SR 146, one senator recorded a no vote because of concerns about impacts on Native Hawaiian sovereignty-related communities. The meeting concluded after all listed measures were acted on and the joint committee hearings were adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- then, this group has grown to an all-veteran board of directors and volunteers with a focus helping disabled
- But more importantly, they've provided more than 10,000 hours peer-to-peer counseling for combat disabled
- Michael also volunteered as unit chaplain. for disabled American veterans leaving a legacy through her
- HB 2807 by Rose relating to the statewide intellectual and developmental disability coordinating council
- Disabilities at public and private institutions of higher education for the committee of higher education
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (05/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m the policy director at the Disability Rights Center.
- Um we are the Disability Rights Center.
- >
with <01:36:44.080>disabilities <01:36:44.960>in represent students with disabilities - She then said she was happy to take any questions. disabilities who are frequently bullied. disabilities
- Truly, um, the Disability Rights Center.
Summary:
The committee opened hearings on SB 69, including a germane amendment on school board votes to accept or reject gifts and donations, and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Prime sponsor Rep. Glenn Cordelli said the literacy program was modeled on earlier HB 671, would be funded through gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements to the governor and legislature. Members questioned changes from the earlier bill, including the move away from center-based language, the lack of a dollar threshold for school board action on donations, anonymous gifts, and whether the amendment preserved enough evaluation data.
Testimony on the donation provisions raised concerns about broad language, timing, and public-meeting requirements. Rep. Timothy Han and Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association both noted that school districts already have policies and asked how the bill would work for routine donations, anonymous gifts, and situations that might require non-public discussion under right-to-know law. Wilson cited examples such as field-trip scholarships, backpack drives, and sports uniforms, and said the association was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails. Rep. Han said school boards may need to discuss some gifts in non-public session and that the bill should better address those circumstances.
On the early literacy amendment, Wilson and others questioned whether the program was sufficiently developed, whether it was appropriate to rely on a primarily online model for very young children, and how it would interact with special education services and IEPs. A representative from Waterford.org, Rob Riley, testified in support, saying the program would be supplementary, adaptive, and family-engagement based, and that Waterford could provide devices and internet access for families who need them. He said the program would work alongside school districts and IEP teams rather than replace existing services. No vote was taken during the hearing; the chair said the committee would later exec the bills and try to get reports in for the calendar.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/22/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- , the permanent partial disability, the temporary total disability, which is essentially the same from
- temporary total disability. temporary total disability.
- <00:08:07.919>
again partial disability aspect of that. again partial disability aspect of - what we would call total disability or some form of partial disability.
- ongoing work um workrelated disability ongoing work um workrelated disability that<00:55:53.520>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:20.720>
Act of the American with Disabilities Act of the American with Disabilities - We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
- We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
- We've included the disabilities community as a part of that process.
- Print disabilities of all types are also included.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 7th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- LB 937 was supported in committee by parents and citizens, by disability advocacy groups such as the
- What we have found from disability less disruption in their children's education.
- of military-connected students with disabilities in our state.
- Her families of children with disabilities in Nebraska.
- Amy Bond, who's an attorney who helps kids with disabilities and families with disabilities get the educational
Bills:
LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787
Keywords:
LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I have never held a driver's license due to a combination of disability and finances.
- <00:31:35.159>
and due to a combination of disability and due to a combination of disability - comment um for people who are disabled comment um for people who are disabled you<00:43:48.839><
- I appreciate you bringing this there was a comment about disability folks.
- <00:54:48.240>
to tough for someone with a disability to tough for someone with a disability
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Ellen Pines, representing the Disability Coalition, first.
- But we are advocates for people with disabilities, including mental illness.
- I'm speaking today as the registered lobbyist for Disability Rights New Mexico.
- But I had a concern that going through the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code and the
- This is still just for the mental health And developmental disabilities code and the ART code as we refer
Keywords:
Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ACT 310, SLH 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program Informational Briefing 11-20-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Health, $125,000 Hawaii Cattleman's Council, $86,000 Hoy Children's Action Network, $100,000 Hawaii Disabilities
- Health, $125,000 Hawaii Cattleman's Council, $86,000 Hoy Children's Action Network, $100,000 Hawaii Disabilities
- Health, $125,000 Hawaii Cattleman's Council, $86,000 Hoy Children's Action Network, $100,000 Hawaii Disabilities
- Action Network 100,000 >> Hoy Children's Action Network 100,000 Hawaii<00:05:42.960>
Disabilities - <00:05:43.440>
Rights <00:05:43.759>Center Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, $225,000
Summary:
The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million for nonprofit and community organizations facing uncertainty, especially amid federal funding disruptions. Speakers thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leadership, and legislative staff for helping craft the measure and review more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million in requests. They noted the funding was intended as a safety net for organizations serving at-risk populations and those that had lost federal support, with priority given to healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution.
The co-chair then presented the recommended award list, describing it as aimed at programs with broad reach and high impact. The list included a large number of nonprofits and community providers across the state, such as food banks, health centers, youth and family services, domestic violence and legal aid organizations, cultural and educational groups, and hospitals. Several of the larger awards mentioned included Hui Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, West Hawaii Community Health Center, The Food Basket, and multiple Maui and Oahu service organizations.
After the full list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the committee adopted the list of nonprofit awards as read. The briefing then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 1, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- As the mother of a son with significant disabilities, I know listening to you is like listening to what
- And watching those children become increasingly more disabled was heart-wrenching for everyone who was
- As the mother of a son with significant disabilities, I know listening to you is like listening to what
- we went through in the early. disabilities.
- And watching those children become increasingly more disabled was heart-wrenching for everyone who was
Summary:
The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met and took up four bills. First, CS/HB 633 by Rep. Koster on managing entity reporting and transparency for behavioral health services was amended to clarify reporting requirements and timing, and to address the bill’s fiscal implementation through conferencing. Members and one public speaker supported the measure, emphasizing accountability and better use of state funds. The bill was reported favorably.
Next, CS/HB 531 by Rep. Hunschofsky on background screenings was amended with a strike-all that would require ACCA to create a public webpage with screening education, level-two screening standards, and a searchable catalog of positions requiring screening. Because the amendment changed the bill’s relating-to clause, the chair noted it would be temporarily postponed under House Rule 7.11D and returned to the committee later.
The committee then heard HB 1089 by Rep. Booth, which adds Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the recommended newborn screening panel, subject to appropriation. A parent testified in strong support, describing the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment, and several members spoke in favor. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 907 by Rep. Anderson created the Sunshine Genetics Program, an opt-in newborn whole-genome sequencing program, and established the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics Consortium. An amendment made funding contingent on appropriations and added Nicholas Children’s Hospital and Florida International University to the consortium board. After supportive testimony and debate, the bill was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.