Video & Transcript Research : 'special needs'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Oct 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Appropriating funds for the expenses of the 57th Legislature First Special Session 2025.
- organized and ready to conduct the business of the First Special Session of the 57th Legislature.
- Members, it is my honor to call to order the First Special Session of the 57th Legislature.
- Both our permanent staff and those who are joining us for this special session.
- This special session should be about lifting up our communities.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students.
- Short-term interventions and up to more intensive interventions, such as special education.
- have to imagine a lot of their special ed pieces were in place to...
- Population, so I would have to imagine a lot of their special ed pieces were in place to move.
- A lot of my heart is with special education.
Summary:
The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings.
The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints.
Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (2-25-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we need a voice vote >> All right.
- I need a motion on the >> All right.
- And so that was just sort of a needed.
- Need a roll call vote. All in favor? >> All opposed?
- Need a roll call vote. All in >> All right. Need a roll call vote. All in favor? favor?
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:02
Bills for Consideration:
26RS HB 383: 1:03
26RS HB 469: 6:32
26RS HB 586: 14:46
26RS HB 621: 19:58
Adjournment: 28:32, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met and first considered House Bill 383, which concerns military-connected students with IEPs and 504 plans. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended by a committee substitute and then a committee amendment, is intended to emphasize Kentucky’s priority for military children and to have their existing or new plans adopted within 30 days of arrival to the greatest extent possible, while documenting cases where that is not possible. Members spoke in support, including references to military families who would benefit. The committee adopted the substitute and amendment and then passed HB 383 favorably to the House floor with the committee substitute attached.
The committee next heard House Bill 469, which would require school board candidates to undergo a background check and can test before appearing on the ballot. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns about school board access to children and school buildings, and that the cost would be paid by the candidate. Members asked about the criteria for disqualification and the open records exemption; the sponsor said the background check would use existing pass-fail criteria and the records exemption would protect candidates from embarrassment if they failed. The committee passed HB 469 favorably with the committee substitute attached.
House Bill 586 was then considered, clarifying that sunscreen is not a medication in schools. The sponsor and a student advocate testified that some districts treat sunscreen as an over-the-counter medication, limiting student use without a provider order, and argued the bill would help prevent sunburn and skin cancer by allowing students to use sunscreen more freely. Members praised the advocacy and asked about the medication issue; the sponsor said the concern came from dermatology stakeholders. The committee passed HB 586 favorably to the House floor.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 621, which would move special education caseload and class-size limits from regulation into statute. The sponsor said the bill responds to proposed Department of Education changes that worried special education teachers, would slightly increase class-size maximums when a paraprofessional is present, and would not affect waiver procedures, preschool caseloads, or speech-language pathologist caseloads. Members asked about the rationale and supporting data for the limits; the sponsor said there are no federal guidelines and the bill was meant to preserve current regulatory numbers. The committee passed HB 621 favorably to the House floor, and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Legislating Legacy - Senator Foung Hawj Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, that's the special ground unit veterans bill.
- There's still going to be a special session.
- There's still going to be a special session, and there just a few other omnibus bills that need to be
- Uh, still going to be a special session.
- Uh, honibus bill that need to be passed.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children.(6-17-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- need very intensive levels of support. need very intensive levels of support.
- the more specialized and individualized support of special education.
- /c><01:24:36.760>
proceed child's needs, and we need to proceed child's needs, and we need to - and think about the need is real. and think about the need is real.
- unmet need. unmet need.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also need to focus on what the state needs to do to support all schools in helping our students recover
- Why is it that we need...
- The population of kids and the very special needs that occur for kids in that age.
- We need to build them in.
- Patel brought up today repeatedly is special education and the need for more robust special education
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, best practices around how we serve our students with special needs and our students with
- So I do need to advocate on behalf of them, as well as our special education costs.
- So I do need to advocate on behalf of them, as well as our special education costs.
- I think what's challenging, especially on the special ed, is we're seeing so much more need.
- We also know it's going to reduce special education needs and increase our literacy rates.
Summary:
The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts.
Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students.
Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- session, a bill that needed to be tweaked, or maybe just something that needed to be amended.
- These communities have unique needs and challenges, and they need unique representation in Washington
- These communities have... ...have unique needs and challenges, and they need unique representation in
- Austin Airport is in real need of air controllers. And we need to strengthen that system.
- As a teacher, I work with special needs students, and there is a huge need for support.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, the governor has to agree um to the special session deal, right?
- for the the special session trajectory? for the the special session trajectory?
- governor has to agree um to the special governor has to agree um to the special session<00:04:55.680
- the governor calls us in special the governor calls us in special session.<00:05:08.240>
They - I think we will have a special session?
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It's supported by special and general revenue.
- It's supported by special revenue.
- Members, we need more questions on E3.
- So the need is still there.
- So the need is still there.
Summary:
The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section.
The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment.
Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We need more of that; we need to produce it here in New Mexico.
- You also need water, internet, and electricity. So that's the basics, but you also need that stuff.
- need to take that into consideration.
- I think right quick, yeah, we'll get to the specials when we get to the specials. Thank you, Mr.
- I just need to review what we did. Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Oct 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And I don't need a dimension. I'm going to run my report.
- How is it we have a library that’s in a special district?
- Wilson Memorial Law Library as a special district. Memorial Law Library as a special district.
- Commerce to be a special district, but it may be that the law may need to be revisited to see if they
- truly still qualify as a special district.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive updates on Transparency Florida and related transparency tools. The Governor’s Office and the Department of Financial Services described the Transparency Florida website, the state payment and contract systems, and the local-government financial reporting system (Logger X/XBRL), emphasizing public access, searchable payment and contract data, downloadable reports, and ongoing upgrades. Members asked whether school districts and the Department of Corrections are included in these systems; staff explained that state agencies like Corrections are covered through Transparency Florida, FACTS, and the state financial reports, while Logger X is for local governments. Committee staff reported that the Transparency Florida Act’s requirements have been met and noted that any new recommendations would need legislative action; members were invited to submit recommendations by October 30.
The committee then reviewed repeated audit findings for local governments and educational entities. Staff explained the statutory process for “three-peat” findings: first requesting an updated written corrective-action status, then possibly requiring an appearance before the committee, and finally taking further action if findings remain uncorrected. Most entities were recommended for written updates, while the City of Daytona Beach was singled out for an in-person appearance because of a repeated finding involving unexpended building permit balances. Members also raised questions about specific entities, including McIntosh, White Springs, Pahokee, and the Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library special district, with staff explaining the nature of the findings and noting that some entities may warrant further review.
The committee adopted a motion to accept staff’s recommendations and to send letters to entities with uncorrected audit findings in late-filed 2023-24 audit reports. It also approved a motion directing the Auditor General and OPPAGA to conduct the required audit of the Department of the Lottery for fiscal year 2025-26, with the Auditor General handling financial, internal control, and compliance work and OPPAGA preparing operational recommendations. The meeting concluded with notice that the next meeting was tentatively scheduled for November 3 at 3:30 p.m., followed by adjournment.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is David Rogers, and I'm the proud father of a child with special needs who is in our school
- We don't need more money; we need more accountability and transparency. Thank you.
- So this need that we've created is based on what we believe the students need.
- they need for This.
- But I also understand that the basic needs already—there's not enough money to cover basic needs.
Keywords:
graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- needs.
- needs.
- , parenting support, services for children with special needs.
- We all have a soft spot for children with developmental disabilities and autism and special needs here
- We all have a soft spot for children with developmental disabilities and autism and special needs here
Summary:
The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments.
Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71.
The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Advancing Education in Minnesota – Senator Julia Coleman Apr 7th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so what we need to do is actually listen to the boots on the ground.
- <00:07:49.919>
to together and I said we need to together and I said we need to accomplish - increase the amount of special education aid paid for by the state.
- special education are not going to be cut now.
- So special education is going to be okay, but what's going to happen here statewide?
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- to be doing in this special language committee now.
- So if they were special, and cities are not special revenue agencies, If they were special revenue agencies
- and that they need.
- This amendment to HB 107 adds special language to revise Arkansas Code to address specific funding needs
- And that is why you do see this in special language.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/19/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I knew that we were going to be held into a special session, and that's okay if we need to finish up
- We need to finish the work.
- I knew that we were going to be held into a special session, and that's okay if we need to finish up
- I knew that we were going to be held into a special session, and that's okay if we need to finish up
- We need to finish the work. negotiation. We need to finish the work.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:51.600>
an bills we might consider need an bills we might consider need an amendment - Duty as they want special much special Duty as they want special Duties<03:12:42.000>
are <03: - is are we going to allow exter special is are we going to allow exter special duty<03:22:53.720>
- if he's doing special if he's doing special hours<03:29:31.359>
what <03:29:32.359>it< - coming out of the private entities need coming out of the private entities need for<03:38:00.960
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language.
The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent.
Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Management Audit Committee, June 18, 2026 - PM
Management Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Specific to special districts and small Specific to special districts and small towns, special districts
- Is there a special license needed for that or education in that area needed for audit by a CPA?
- License needed for that or education in that area needed for audit by a CPA? >> Mr.
- Do I need to do this by resolution? Do I need to do this? How do I handle this? That um...
- And then as it relates to the special districts, you have almost 700 special districts spending 9 billion
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So it solves a short-term need but doesn't solve the long-term need.
- There continues to be a high need for special education teachers across the state.
- There continues to be a high need<00:44:13.440>
for <00:44:13.680>special <00:44:13.920> education <00:44:14.319>teachers need for special education teachers need for special- And if you're having, like, special ed, that's the biggest special thing.