Video & Transcript : 'pedestrian awareness' :
Page 79 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease TF Jan 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then awareness. So, you know, nonprofit awareness is always a hurdle.
- I'm not aware of it, but I can't speak on it either. That's fair. I don't know.
- I'm not aware of it, but I can't speak on it either. That's fair.
- I'm not aware of it, but I can't speak on it either. That's fair. I don't know.
- They kind of lose awareness and do weird stuff.
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, approval of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes, followed by a presentation from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry. She described the nonprofit’s work collecting and distributing protein to food banks and agencies statewide through freezer clean-out days, deer donations processed by more than 50 processors, fish donations through Venice Marina, and a paused-but-planned-to-reopen feral hog program. Members asked about processor locations, signage, exotic species, funding, sponsorships, and disease safety; Grenwald said the program is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law and that wildlife and fisheries agents help connect processors and promote the program. She also noted the organization is looking for more partners and ways to expand access and awareness.
The task force then received an update from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on chronic wasting disease testing. Jonathan Bordelon reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives to date: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed new detection in Concordia Parish from a hunter-harvested deer. He said the Concordia positive triggered the state’s CWD response plan, including a declaration of emergency and a future rulemaking process to adjust control-area boundaries. Members asked about symptomatic deer, harvest trends, and whether the disease appears to be spreading along the river; Bordelon said most positives were asymptomatic hunter-harvested deer and that harvest numbers remain near record highs.
William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks then gave an extensive presentation on Mississippi’s CWD experience. He said Mississippi has had 529 detections across 18 counties since 2018, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to roughly one in 40 this year, and that some counties near the Tennessee line are seeing severe impacts. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, voluntary sampling, taxidermist partnerships, targeted tags for properties near positives, bans on feeding and baiting in CWD zones, and research on environmental contamination, raccoons, and strain differences. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, Tennessee’s regulations, environmental testing capacity, and whether more aggressive measures or LSU research capacity could help Louisiana; McKinley said the disease is expanding despite management efforts and emphasized early detection, rapid response, and continued interstate coordination.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's something we need to be aware of.
- the state of California are aware of TK.
- the state of California are aware of TK.
- 2023, when there was much about double the amount of parents who were aware compared to unaware.
- are the primary ones in terms of proportions who are enrolling, the awareness is higher.
Summary:
The California Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its third hearing focused on transitional kindergarten (TK) and how it fits within the state’s mixed delivery early learning system, with an emphasis on the Central Valley. Opening remarks stressed that TK and community-based child care are both needed to serve families, especially working and low-income households that need full-day, year-round care, transportation, and flexible hours. Committee members said the goal was to understand what is working, where gaps remain, and how to better coordinate TK with other programs to support children, families, and the workforce.
The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, Every Child California, and Early Edge California. Testimony reviewed TK’s expansion to all four-year-olds, growth in enrollment, and changes to program requirements, while also noting related shifts in state preschool eligibility, reimbursement rates, and the option for programs to serve two-year-olds. Witnesses argued that TK should be treated as part of a broader continuum that includes state preschool, Head Start, family child care, and voucher-based care, and they called for easier local partnerships, shared facilities, aligned funding and oversight, better compensation, and permanent support for serving younger children. Committee members and witnesses discussed the strain on home-based providers and centers, the need for more vouchers and higher reimbursement, and the fact that many TK programs are part-day and do not meet full-day family needs.
Public comment and the second panel reinforced concerns about affordability, access, and equity. Parents described the benefits of high-quality child care and TK for children’s development and for their own ability to work, while a parent from Oakland said TK was transformative for her child and essential to her career, but that her younger child still faced a wait for a TK spot. Children Now and Stanford researchers presented data showing that awareness of TK is uneven, especially among lower-income families, and that enrollment and access are stronger in more affluent areas. They recommended broader outreach, full-day/full-year options, and a true mixed delivery model that includes community-based providers, family child care homes, and Head Start. The California Department of Education said TK and state preschool work best as a shared opportunity and noted ongoing mixed-delivery grants and local coordination efforts, while public commenters from county offices, providers, and nonprofit organizations emphasized the need for continued funding, stable rates, and protection for community-based programs affected by TK expansion.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (01/22/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Now I am aware what the rationale is.
- </c> cons on any different bill but be aware cons on any different bill but be aware of<02:51:45.920>
- </c> all comments in and I wasn't even aware all comments in and I wasn't even aware that<02:57:12.960
- Um, you may be aware of that.
- Um you may be aware of gather wealth.
Committee:
House Legislative Administration
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- So what I would say is the state regents, as far as I'm aware, are in support. resident tuition rates
- So what I would say is the state regents, as far as I'm aware, are in support.
- So what I would say is the State Regents, as far as I'm aware, are in support of us aligning our statutes
- I'm not aware, or have not been made aware of, any problems that you're describing.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education
Summary:
The Postsecondary Education Committee considered a series of higher education and career-tech bills, with members asking mostly clarifying questions about eligibility, implementation, and alignment with existing law. House Bill 1477, requested by the State Regents, would limit concurrent enrollment to students age 21 or under; it passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1593 updated language on the Oklahoma State University Board of Trustees to reflect current practice and passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1725 addressed expressive activities on public campuses by allowing security fees for students or student groups, but not based on the content of expression, and also directed free speech training through the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee; it passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1670, a State Chamber priority bill, aimed to strengthen startup ecosystems, venture capital, and industry-embedded research to help move university research into private-sector jobs, and it passed 9-0.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1726, which would establish a baseline training course for graduate student instructors at colleges and universities. Supporters said it would standardize instruction across institutions and help ensure a consistent level of preparation for graduate instructors teaching undergraduates; it passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1633 would align Oklahoma statute with federal law following a consent judgment regarding tuition eligibility for individuals not lawfully present in the United States; members discussed how “lawfully present” would apply to DACA recipients and others with federal immigration status, and the bill passed 6-3. Senate Bill 1735, a cleanup measure shifting certain oversight of technology center career tech schools more directly under the State Board of Career and Technology Education, passed 9-0.
Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1480, a pilot program for paid apprenticeships for 16-year-old students within career tech settings, despite questions about why a pilot was needed when career techs were already prepared to do similar work; it passed 9-0. Finally, an amendment to Senate Bill 1632 changed “shall” to “may” and allowed the State Board of Regents to use workforce assessments such as WorkKeys to award some entry-level college credit for students who score highly, especially those returning to community college or seeking an associate degree; after discussion about the limits of the credit, the amended measure passed 9-0. The meeting concluded with thanks to members as the committee’s final meeting.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- office to have for information to get to their constituents before hurricane season, so that they're aware
- on the front lines with their constituents to make sure that they're... ...and just so that they're aware
- being on the front lines with their constituents to make sure that they're... and just so that they're aware
- active presence in the community after a storm to make sure that as many residents as possible are aware
- As people are coming in and paying property taxes, they are making sure that they’re aware that there
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
Summary:
The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Lissette Kelly of the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Oversight Office on property tax relief for catastrophic events. Kelly reviewed existing statutory relief for homestead, non-homestead, commercial, and agricultural property owners, including extended rebuild timelines, preservation of homestead exemption during rehabilitation, agricultural classification protections, and the catastrophic event refund program for residential property that becomes uninhabitable. She also explained the refund process, the roles of property appraisers and tax collectors, and prior legislative reimbursements to local governments after storms such as Ian, Nicole, and Idalia.
Members asked about how portability works if a homeowner chooses not to rebuild, and Kelly said she would follow up with more detail. Senator Bernard also asked how residents learn about the refund application, and Kelly said property appraisers and tax collectors actively notify affected owners, including through mailings, FEMA and Red Cross sites, public service announcements, and outreach at community events. She said the property appraisers take the lead in promoting the program, with tax collectors also helping direct taxpayers to apply.
The chair noted that staff will distribute the department’s guide to offices before hurricane season and said the committee’s next meeting, during the first week of session, will focus on property taxes more broadly. Kelly said the department would be willing to review the process further and bring suggestions if needed. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned without objection.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/25/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Not that I'm aware of. Okay. Other questions? Thank you very much.
- </c> at any age not that I'm aware at any age not that I'm aware of okay<00:26:49.919><c> other</c> okay
- not aware of the resources<00:37:31.560><c> in</c><00:37:31.760><c> the</c><00:37:32.040><c> state</
- that this is a dire need in the aware that this is a dire need in the state<00:44:44.720><c> thank</
- <01:06:56.000><c> of</c><01:06:56.119><c> our</c><01:06:56.240><c> board</c> aware of our board aware
Summary:
The committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 493, a proposal to require physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to complete child abuse and neglect training as part of licensure and continuing education. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the measure addresses a gap in provider training, especially because abuse can be difficult to recognize and voluntary training has had low participation. They described a free Dartmouth online course and argued that mandatory, repeated education would help providers identify signs of abuse, know when to involve specialists or DCYF, and improve child safety. Supporters also noted the bill was amended to clarify coverage for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing hours, and to address language concerns raised by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
Committee members and OPLC counsel raised implementation questions, including whether the bill would apply to all physicians regardless of specialty, whether it created a new licensure condition rather than only a continuing education requirement, how often the training would need to be repeated, and whether the accreditation language fit nursing rules. OPLC also noted that psychiatrists would be covered as physicians, while psychologists would not. A child abuse pediatrician testified that in his experience, children were sometimes seen by providers who missed early signs of abuse, leading to worse outcomes, and that mandatory education was needed because voluntary programs had poor uptake.
The New Hampshire Hospital Association opposed the bill, saying health care professionals already have reporting duties and that the legislature should not single out one training mandate when similar requirements are generally left to licensing boards. The Office of the Child Advocate supported the bill, citing cases from 2023 involving non-ambulatory infants with fractures, conflicting medical testimony in court, and a low completion rate for the existing free online course. The Child Advocate said the bill should be mandatory and recurring so providers stay current on evolving science and law. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, I think counsel's been made aware of it.
- of it uh I would propose been made aware of it uh I would propose an<00:01:37.520><c> oral</c><00:01
- Everyone in this room is aware that college is a time of transition.
- </c><00:05:16.520><c> that</c> everyone in this room is aware that everyone in this room is aware that
- Underutilization of resources is the cause that students simply aren't aware that this exists.
Committee:
Senate Higher Education
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 7th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- No, not that I'm aware of. It would not suspend the variance process.
- You say you had not, you weren't aware of it either.
- If you got more— ...something just to at least make them aware.
- I'm not aware. Uh-huh. Okay. You are aware?
- aware, let's do something about it.
Committee:
House Labor & Industrial Relations
Summary:
The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote.
The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/12/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> I wonder if you think that the awareness I wonder if you think that the awareness and<01:31:14.480
- </c><03:22:27.239><c> both</c> now unfortunately as we are aware both now unfortunately as we are aware
- </c> want to make sure that drivers are aware want to make sure that drivers are aware that<04:28:24.239
- You know, nobody is... well, nobody's really... aware of them I was aware that they were aware of them
- Is there anything like that that you're aware of with a psychedelic use?
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you aware of that? Yes, sir.
- Are you aware of that?
- I was aware that they were temporarily removed, but I was also aware that they are now back in place.
- But awareness does not stop this fast-moving disease.
- its way through the process, and certainly were not aware.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1079 by Rep. Boudreaux, which would allow charter schools to give enrollment preference to children who attended a licensed early learning center operated by the charter school or under an articulation agreement. An amendment expanded the preference to include children of active-duty military members, foster children, and children in court-ordered custody situations, and a second amendment clarified that the preference is permissive. Supporters said the bill would improve continuity from preschool to kindergarten and encourage more early learning centers. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1079 as amended.
The committee then took up HB 737 by Vice Chair Amedee, which would remove the state requirement that students show proof of meningococcal vaccination for school or post-secondary entry. The author argued the bill aligns state law with updated CDC guidance and preserves parental choice and physician consultation, while opponents, including pediatricians, public health advocates, and meningitis survivors, warned that removing the requirement would lower vaccination rates and increase the risk of severe illness or death. After extensive testimony and questions, the committee voted 4-8 against the motion to report the bill, so HB 737 failed.
Next, the committee considered HB 628 by Rep. Landry, as substituted, to allow school boards and the Department of Education to work with licensed early learning centers to operate micro centers at schools, including dual licensing at one location. Supporters said it would expand access for three-year-olds, improve school readiness, and help families and the workforce. The substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported by substitute without objection.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1008 by Rep. Owen, which would prohibit public post-secondary institutions from retaliating against faculty for disclosing certain violations or exercising academic freedom and free speech. The author and a professor witness said the bill would protect open inquiry and reduce self-censorship in higher education. The committee adopted two amendments to clarify academic freedom and tighten remedies; the transcript cuts off before any final vote on the bill.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you aware of that?
- I was aware that they were temporarily removed, but I was also aware that they are now back in place.
- But awareness does not stop this fast-moving disease.
- so the parents are aware that it's not going to follow the same standards.
- its way through the process, and certainly were not aware. who were not even aware that this legislation
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
mandatory reporter, child abuse training, online training, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Education, educator requirements, early childhood education, microcenter, school board, cooperative endeavor, economic disadvantage, vaccination, meningococcal disease, school entry, immunization requirements, public health, academic freedom, free speech, retaliation, faculty rights
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's undefined and not anything that I am aware that we provide coverage for.
- I am not aware of that. I mean, it is certainly possible, though.
- So I believe that seniors and their families are not aware of that.
- I've been personally aware of this issue for a number of years.
- I've been personally aware of this issue for a number of years.
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and advanced several bills. HB 1881 was voted do pass without discussion. HB 3010 was amended with a committee substitute that removed a subsection allowing payers to remove “gold carding” based on procedure volume changes, then passed 10-0. HB 2355, the “Food is Medicine” bill, received a committee amendment to align terminology with other partnerships and then passed 11-0. HB 1855, dealing with alpha-gal reporting, was substantially revised: the substitute narrowed the bill to alpha-gal, removed Lyme disease, changed a department duty from mandatory to discretionary in one section, and delayed reporting implementation; it then passed 14-0 after members discussed the need for better disease tracking and the department’s workload.
The committee then heard testimony on HB 2034, which would require insurance coverage for activity-based prostheses, orthotics, and high-performance or mobility-supportive wheelchairs. Sponsor Representative Carolyn Caton said the bill is intended to cover devices that help people live, exercise, and avoid secondary health problems, while preserving prior authorization and medical-necessity review. Supporters included clinicians, parents, amputees, and athletes who described being denied running blades, water-safe prostheses, or durable wheelchairs and said the devices are essential for health, independence, mental well-being, and participation in school, work, and sports. Several witnesses said the bill would reduce long-term costs and reliance on charity.
Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans, argued the bill is an expansion of coverage with unclear definitions and potentially significant costs, especially for Medicaid and other state-regulated plans. They cited the fiscal note, warned about possible federal ACA rule changes that could shift costs to states, and questioned whether the bill’s language on Medicare supplemental coverage and “perceived disability” was workable or preempted. Committee members pressed both sides on cost savings, definitions of “normal” activity, and whether the bill could be narrowed or otherwise revised, and several said they were willing to keep working on the issue. The hearing on HB 2034 was left open and then recessed after testimony, with no vote taken in the portion provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Children and Families Jan 13th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Children and Families
Transcript Highlights:
- For police officers for trafficking awareness. And that’s just getting started.
- I'm not sure if you guys are aware of that.
- So I've just been made aware that vulnerable person is defined in statute already.
- Education and awareness matter, but they must be supported by laws that a whole...
- You took a tragedy and you're bringing awareness, and we thank you for that so much.
Committee:
House Children and Families
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- No, not that I'm aware of.
- It would recognize March 17th as Profound Autism Awareness Day.
- It will also be used to raise awareness on profound autism within our Texas community. providing such
- Awareness Day.
- Already, kin are supposed to be made aware that they can become.
Bills:
HB741 , HB 1199 , HB2070 , HB2402 , HB2542 , HB2665 , HB2789 , HB3096 , HB3396 , HB3595 , HB3747 , HB4116 , HB4127
Committee:
House Human Services
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL Jul 9th, 2026
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL
Transcript Highlights:
- We also talked about public awareness and education, and then, of course, the family caregiver support
- You had mentioned that there were primary care physicians in rural Arkansas who were not aware that we
- for patients, and these are the doctors who would have prescribed the treatment, and they were not aware
- So they just weren't aware of some of the recent developments, and they've become aware.
- They've become aware of the blood-based biomarkers. This was a summer ago.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- May we grow in awareness of the violence of some of our words as we listen to those who have loved.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 149 by Senator Valadares, relative to World Autism Awareness Day.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 149 by Senator Valadares, relative to World Autism Awareness Day.
- So this resolution is a lot more than simply awareness.
- Awareness matters, but awareness alone doesn't get a child into therapy.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several routine announcements. Senator Weber Pierson removed SB 977 from the consent calendar. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, including Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission; all were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls after brief presentations by Senator Grove.
The Senate also considered several commemorative resolutions. SCR 152, by Senator Reyes, designated April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day. Senators from both parties spoke in support, praising Huerta’s lifelong labor, civil rights, and nonviolent organizing work, and noting her role in the farmworker movement and the contributions of Filipino farmworkers. The resolution passed unanimously. SR 91, by Senator González, recognized Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week; SCR 149, by Senator Valadares, marked World Autism Awareness Day and emphasized early intervention and adult services; and SCR 150, by Senator Choi, recognized National Librarian Day and the public value of librarians. Each of these resolutions was adopted with broad support.
The Senate also passed SB 1078 by Senator Laird, an urgency measure giving Santa Cruz County voters the opportunity to consider a local tax increase above the combined local tax rate cap to help fund services, including medical services; the bill passed 29-9 on both urgency and final passage. SR 98 by Senator Wiener, designating Heat Pump Week in California, also passed with strong support, highlighting energy savings, emissions reductions, and the state’s electrification goals. After lifting the call, the chamber confirmed the earlier appointments and adopted the remaining consent calendar items without objection. The session ended with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a nurse and community leader, with the Senate scheduled to reconvene on April 20, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House agriculture panel lays over bill exempting elk from state's Cervidae importation ban Apr 8th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- today doesn't address that, but it's certainly something that any of us that care about this issue are aware
- today doesn't address that, but it's certainly something that any of us that care about this issue are aware
- 14.560><c> are</c> any of us that care about this issue are any of us that care about this issue are aware
- 16.520><c> like</c><00:09:16.680><c> to</c><00:09:16.800><c> see</c><00:09:16.960><c> movement</c> aware
- of, and would like to see movement aware of, and would like to see movement on.<00:09:17.560><c> I</
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE Feb 18th, 2026
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Transcript Highlights:
- "As far as I'm aware, no, sir. Okay. No, sir. Not that I can think of.
- no check and balance as to be able to make that agency that was seeking to employ that individual aware
- task to try to be able to follow those types of situations and make sure that any hiring agency is aware
- So I probably wouldn't be aware of those...
- That's when I would probably become aware of the complaints, that we would review those complaints, see
Committee:
All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Summary:
The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported.
The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues.
Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, few qualifying disabled people are aware of the program, so the bill also provides that eligible
- But in doing so, you are making sure that more people are aware, as Senator Grohl said, and also more
- A lot of that is down to the fact that DCF itself is not necessarily as aware of the program as they
- in codification, our hope is that the requirements will become more apparent, more people will be aware
- We do have... ...we have been seeking as Disability Rights of Florida to make people aware, but as far
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced several bills and confirmations. SB 1016, on medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities, was amended to remove automatic enrollment and to improve information sharing between AHCA and DCF; supporters said the bill codifies an existing program that helps developmentally disabled adults work without losing Medicaid coverage, and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1002, on temporary custody of minor children, was amended to focus on substance abuse as a pathway for court intervention when parental drug abuse creates ongoing risk to a child, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1594, on veteran benefit payments for minor clients in foster care, would ensure military benefits accessed for foster youth are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare rather than used as reimbursement to agencies; it passed favorably without amendment.
The committee also considered SB 1630 on aging and disability services, a broad modernization bill covering long-term care screening, emergency continuity of care, area agency oversight, Alzheimer’s services, home care, and guardianship reforms. Two amendments were adopted, including one on competitive procurement and another allowing area agencies on aging to directly provide core services during emergencies with department approval. Supporters emphasized caregiver navigation, dementia training, and service continuity, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1030 on substance abuse services/recovery residences was taken up with a substitute amendment that narrowed transfer definitions, required faster licensure action for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident medical records; stakeholders said further work was needed, but the committee still reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard the nomination of Robert Astellos to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He outlined priorities including reducing the pre-enrollment list, improving transparency and family involvement, strengthening customer service, and streamlining agency processes. Several disability and provider organizations appeared in support, and the committee voted to recommend his confirmation. The committee then recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10 by a single favorable vote, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- presentation from the Department of Transportation on the atmospheric river events that we're all well aware
- presentation from the Department of Transportation on the atmospheric river events that we're all well aware
- Turning to I-90, I’m not sure how much awareness there was around this area.
- So you're all aware that we get federal funding on a regular basis from, you know, for transportation
- I think you're all aware that we're applying for FEMA Public Assistance, a major disaster declaration
Committee:
House Transportation