Video & Transcript : 'infectious diseases' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When you live with substance use disorder, a disease that's scientifically defined as a disease that
- When you put that into your system, because your disease is active, it creates a shock for your brain
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and reported several bills favorably. SB 646, by President Gates, would allow the use of drug testing tools such as test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine; it was supported by Senator Osgood and others who said it could help prevent overdose deaths, and it passed unanimously. SB 418, by Senator Jones, creates autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it drew strong support from Disability Rights Florida, parents, advocates, and committee members, who emphasized safety, communication, and de-escalation, and it also passed unanimously after extensive testimony.\n\nThe committee then considered SB 132, by Senator Polsky, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed the requirements for restoration of voting rights. An amendment making the database subject to legislative appropriation was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1734, by Senator Martin, would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law, extend training and certification standards, and provide officer-level benefits and protections; it passed without opposition.\n\nFinally, the committee took up SB 820, by Senator Bradley, on problem-solving court reports. A strike-all amendment expanded annual reporting requirements for specialty courts, set a January 31 reporting deadline, and phased in the new data collection. After support from the State Courts Administrator and others, the amendment and the bill as amended were adopted and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- When you live with substance use disorder, a disease that's scientifically defined as a disease that
- When you put that into your system, because your disease is active, it creates a shock for your brain
Keywords:
voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 646, relating to drug paraphernalia, was presented by President Gates as a narrow measure to allow drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants and help prevent overdose deaths. Senator Osgood spoke in strong support, describing the bill as important for people in recovery. The bill had one support appearance and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
The committee then heard SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Jones explained that the bill requires autism awareness and communication/de-escalation training for officers and creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Multiple advocates, including Disability Rights Florida, an Autism Society representative, parents, and a retired federal officer, testified in support, emphasizing safety, communication, and the need to avoid tragic misunderstandings during police encounters. Senators also discussed whether broader disability training should be considered in the future. SB 418 was reported favorably unanimously.
Next, the committee considered SB 132 on restoration of voting rights, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create and maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed sentence requirements for rights restoration and to publish clearer instructions for eligible individuals. An amendment was adopted to make the database subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1734, which recognizes juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extends training, certification, and certain benefits, and CS/SB 820, which strengthens reporting requirements for problem-solving courts and sets annual reporting deadlines. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support appearances.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- They were also diagnosed with a metabolic bone disease, which was caused by a medication taken by the
- Medical conditions such as rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, brittle bone disease, and vitamin D deficiencies
- numerous other risk factors for Tasha Patterson's pregnancy that led to the twins having metabolic bone disease
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. HB 1013, relating to crisis care coordination, would create a pilot program in Polk and Volusia counties to connect people who have had Baker Act-related crises with follow-up counseling, assessments, and outpatient services through partnerships between law enforcement and community providers. The sponsor said the program has reduced repeat Baker Act commitments in Polk County, and the committee adopted a strike-all amendment moving the pilot to a different statute, formalizing partnerships, and requiring an independent DCF evaluation due in January 2029. The bill drew support from mental health and justice advocates and passed unanimously.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 511, which addresses child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses. Sponsors and several parents, attorneys, and advocates described cases in which children were removed after injuries were initially treated as abuse but later linked to conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, metabolic bone disease, or other medical fragility. They argued the bill would require notice of the right to a second medical opinion, better consideration of preexisting conditions and medical records, and more coordination before reports are sent to law enforcement, while still preserving protections for abused children. Members expressed sympathy for the families and emphasized the need for fairness and accurate medical review; the bill passed 17-0.
Finally, HB 1439, based on recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, was presented as a broader mental health and substance use disorder measure focused on crisis response, access to care, and workforce development. An amendment aligned the bill more closely with commission recommendations, including assessment tools, trauma-informed practices, school-based behavioral health access, telehealth, discharge planning, and long-acting injectable treatment access. The commission chair testified that the bill reflected a vetted set of recommendations from subject matter experts and commissioners, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Faruki is a pulmonologist specializing in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, including asthma
- , COPD, intestinal lung disease, and lung cancer.
Bills:
SB1423 , SB1426 , SB1502 , SB1377 , SB1983 , SB1466 , SB1645 , SB1647 , SB1847 , SB1565 , SB1562 , SB1329 , SB1383 , SB1833 , SB1555 , SB1344 , SB1839 , SB1280 , SB1832 , SB2001 , SB1405 , SB2143 , SB1989 , SB1393 , SB1392 , SB1395 , SB1400 , SB1220 , SB1516 , SB1239 , SB1531 , SB1349 , SB1221 , SB1538 , SB1309 , SB1434 , SB2108 , SB2121 , SB2171 , SB2061 , SB2112 , SB2138
Keywords:
Oklahoma Hospital Advisory Council, hospital licensure, public health, State Department of Health, State Board of Health, hospital regulations, healthcare regulation, hospital standards, hospital construction, hospital operations, stroke care, stroke system, emergency medical services, EMS transport, psychiatric treatment, chemical dependency treatment, substance use disorder, drug storage, pharmacy, quality indicators
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Over 100,000 people in Minnesota have Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia.
- Over 100,000 people in Minnesota have Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia.
- Over 100,000 people in Minnesota have Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia.
- Dementia is a fatal disease.
- can</c><00:50:38.240><c> affect</c> disease this vicious disease can affect disease this vicious disease
Committee:
Senate Human Services
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/24/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- If a inflammatory disease and whatnot.
- I am part of the New Hampshire Rare Disease Advisory Council.
- rare disease patient.
- </c> happens with the rare disease patient. happens with the rare disease patient.
- But 95% of rare diseases do not have any FDA treatment available to them.
Committee:
House Children and Family Law
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 113 May 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So are we to believe that state disease.
- Scientific and occupational health data demonstrates increased incidence of Parkinson disease, multiple
- <03:33:25.359><c> Parkinson</c> increased incidence of Parkinson increased incidence of Parkinson disease
- , disease, disease, multiple<03:33:28.479><c> melanoma,</c><03:33:29.520><c> non-hodkin</c><03:33:30.479
- These byproducts, these heavy metals, significantly elevated risk of cancer and neurological disease.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Disease within the University of South Florida.
- This will help Florida lead the fight in finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Thank you.
- , all types of things. ...issues, heart disease, all types of things.
- Former Representative Bob Cortez and his family are advocates of this disease.
- with the very first of its kind Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have serious risk of waterborne illnesses, including Legionnaires' disease, Pontiac fever, hot
- :30:56.919><c> legionnaires</c> illnesses including legionnaires illnesses including legionnaires disease
- disease disease um<00:31:01.080><c> uh</c><00:31:01.279><c> Pontiac</c><00:31:01.760><c> fever</c><00
- you this bill passes and somebody gets you know<00:39:55.319><c> Legionella</c><00:39:56.240><c> disease
- and something or know Legionella disease and something or gets<00:39:58.280><c> entrapped</c><00:39:
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
Keywords:
informed consent, sensitive examinations, healthcare, patient rights, anesthesia, hot water pools, rental properties, public health, safety regulations, Minnesota Statutes, health care access, hospital surcharge, fund allocation, medical assistance, health funding, health care, education, bonding capacity, financing, Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/23/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I certainly think this is a very admirable project, but how does it differ from any other chronic disease
- ongoing, it's mutating, and perhaps this should be changed from long COVID to post-viral symptom disease
- So it's a valid point that there are many diseases out there, but... on individuals families and the
- </c> differ from any other chronic disease differ from any other chronic disease that<00:38:19.359><c
- </c> covid to post viral symptom uh disease covid to post viral symptom uh disease because<00:39:03.440
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The effect of this disease on individuals is as profound as any addiction that you can encounter.
- It's a serious disease, which is chronic, and the best we can do with this is get it in remission.
- </c><01:40:56.400><c> thank</c> this disease thank this disease thank you<01:40:58.440><c> thank</c><
- what was already a dangerous disease significantly worse.
- me so this this disease has has created<01:47:57.840><c> significant</c><01:47:58.360><c> trauma</c>
Committee:
Senate Finance
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Association to discuss their legislative priorities and how advocates can draw attention to this disease
- In these attention to this disease.
- Maybe it's the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who would discover a cure for a devastating disease like
- As he and his family face his recent diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, I join countless New
- Very rare disease. Fortunate to have amazing health care in Utah.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:30.960><c> people</c><00:36:31.119><c> with</c><00:36:31.359><c> rare</c><00:36:31.680><c> disease
- </c> new hope for people with rare disease new hope for people with rare disease diagnosis.<00:36:33.520
- to make a difference, to get better at what we do, to help our patients do better with terrible diseases
- </c><00:53:42.640><c> It's</c><00:53:42.960><c> important</c> terrible able diseases.
- It's important terrible able diseases.
Committee:
Senate Higher Education
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Address to Congress by the President of the United States (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I could find a cure to the most devastating disease that would wipe out entire nations, or announce the
- I could find a cure to the most devastating disease that would wipe out entire nations, or announce the
- most</c> could find a cure to the most could find a cure to the most devastating<00:57:50.359><c> disease
- </c><00:57:51.359><c> a</c><00:57:51.599><c> disease</c><00:57:52.200><c> that</c><00:57:52.400><c> would
- </c> devastating disease a disease that would devastating disease a disease that would wipe<00:57:53.160
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- call out that Medicaid is not allowed for adults to pay for services in an institution for mental disease
- And an institution for mental disease is defined as more than 50% of the individuals in that institution
- disorder, we cannot pay for those with Medicaid dollars, but we are pursuing an institution for mental disease
- And I think part of the solution is going to be this institution for mental disease waiver: we'll be
Summary:
The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to behavioral health as the main topic. Representatives Woodridge and Vaught described the work of the behavioral health working group, saying Arkansas needs a more proactive system that improves access, reduces red tape, and focuses on a few achievable policy changes for the 2027 session rather than many bills. Members discussed barriers such as low reimbursement, workforce shortages, licensing and credentialing hurdles, rural access problems, and the need to better use community providers, compacts, and step-down services.
Director Paula Stone of DHS’s Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health gave a detailed overview of the behavioral health system. She said Medicaid pays for more than 75% of behavioral health services in Arkansas and explained that when people are jailed or admitted to the state hospital, Medicaid generally stops, leaving state general revenue to cover care. She described current efforts including family-centered treatment for children, community reintegration group homes, a new adolescent substance use disorder residential unit, expanded community mental health center contracts, a secured restoration unit to reduce state hospital backlogs, and an IMD waiver to allow Medicaid payment for certain residential services. She also said DHS is working on crisis services, forensic evaluations, and provider rebidding in areas previously served by ERISA.
Members asked about reimbursement for jail services, the lack of a statewide behavioral health dashboard, civil commitment options, crisis stabilization units, and whether Arkansas should expand step-down or long-term facilities for people who cannot safely return to the community. Stone said the state hospital backlog remains significant, average stays are still about 14 months, and crisis stabilization units have had mixed success, with Fort Smith and Jonesboro performing better than Fayetteville and Little Rock. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue the work, with more substantive discussion planned for August.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 25th, 2026
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- call out that Medicaid is not allowed for adults to pay for services in an institution for mental disease
- An institution for mental disease is defined as more than 50 percent of the individuals in that institution
- We cannot pay for those with Medicaid dollars, but we are pursuing an institution for mental disease
- And I think part of the solution is going to be this institution for mental disease waiver, is we’ll
Summary:
The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to a broad discussion of behavioral health policy, taking up work previously handled by a behavioral health working group. Representatives Wooldridge and Vaught described major gaps in Arkansas behavioral health care, emphasizing access problems, workforce shortages, rural service barriers, low reimbursement, and the need to move from a reactive crisis system to more proactive community-based care. Members discussed possible 2027-session priorities such as reducing red tape, improving provider licensing and supervision pathways, expanding billing codes and reimbursement structures, and considering interstate compacts and other workforce fixes.
A major focus was the state’s crisis and forensic system, including long waits for competency evaluations, the backlog at the Arkansas State Hospital, and the use of county jails for people awaiting treatment. DHS Director Paula Stone explained that Medicaid pays for most behavioral health services, but cannot pay for services in jails or state hospitals because those individuals are treated as inmates of public institutions, leaving state general revenue to cover much of that cost. She outlined DHS efforts including secured restoration beds, therapeutic communities, community mental health center contracts for jail-based services, and plans for an institution-for-mental-disease waiver that could allow Medicaid payment for certain hospital-based services.
Members also discussed crisis stabilization units, with DHS noting that Fort Smith and Jonesboro have been more successful than Fayetteville and Little Rock, largely because of location, partnerships, and law enforcement coordination. Questions covered reimbursement for county jails, step-down facilities, civil commitment options, non-emergency behavioral health transportation, and whether DHS should create a bed-availability dashboard similar to hospital systems. DHS said it does not currently have such a dashboard but is exploring the idea. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue the work, with more detailed discussion planned for August, and the subcommittee adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 25th, 2026
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- call out that Medicaid is not allowed for adults to pay for services in an institution for mental disease
- An institution for mental disease is defined as more than 50 percent of the individuals in that institution
- disorder, we cannot pay for those with Medicaid dollars, but we are pursuing an institution for mental disease
- And I think part of the solution is going to be this institution for mental disease waiver, is we'll
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session and Joint Convention State of the Judiciary Address Mar 23rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- disorders like hemophilia significantly impact patients and their families, and like other rare diseases
- As chair of the California Legislative Rare Disease Caucus, I know that despite each rare disease's unique
- Awareness Month serves as a crucial step in advancing the unmet needs of the bleeding disorder and rare disease
- Awareness Month serves as a crucial step in advancing the unmet needs of the bleeding disorder and rare disease
Summary:
The Assembly met, established a quorum after a roll call, and handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor items. Members recognized several guests and student groups, then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items, Senate amendments, and the consent calendar, which was adopted 54-0. The chamber also adopted ACR 151 recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day, with 59 co-authors added, and ACR 146 designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with 61 co-authors added; both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. ACR 140, proclaiming March 21 as Women in STEM Day, also passed with 56 co-authors added and was adopted by voice vote.
The most substantial debate centered on AB 2156, which renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Workers’ Day and declares an urgency clause. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry and several members spoke in support, emphasizing recognition of farm workers’ collective contributions and, in light of recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, the need to honor the broader movement rather than one individual. Other members echoed support while discussing farmworker history, accountability, and the importance of acknowledging survivors. Assembly Member DeMaio supported the bill but criticized state policies affecting agriculture and argued for broader recognition of Latino Californians and farmworker policy reforms. The bill passed with 67 votes and was transmitted immediately to the Senate.
Later, the Assembly recessed for the Joint Convention and heard the 26th State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. She focused on judicial independence, threats to judges, remote proceedings, CARE Act implementation, trial court funding and judgeship shortages, AI use in courts, immigration-related courthouse concerns, State Bar reforms after the February 2025 bar exam problems, and judicial salaries. She also highlighted the judiciary’s centennial, the importance of collaboration with the Legislature and Governor Newsom, and the need to preserve equal access to justice. After the address was ordered printed in the Journal, the joint convention adjourned and the Assembly later adjourned until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
FULL INTERVIEW: Supporting Our Hometown Heroes | Senator Jeff Howe Mar 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- think anywhere else that it provides the training for the awareness on cancer, the stuff on cardiac disease
- <00:04:03.840><c> stuff</c><00:04:04.159><c> on</c><00:04:04.400><c> cardiac</c><00:04:04.959><c> disease
- ,</c> the the stuff on cardiac disease, the the stuff on cardiac disease, emotional<00:04:06.080><c>
Summary:
The interview focused on the senator’s long career in the fire service and his legislative work on firefighter health and well-being. He described serving as a firefighter and fire marshal in St. Cloud, later as White Park’s only full-time firefighter, and also as a volunteer, EMT, captain, and fire chief in Rockville. He said those experiences made him familiar with occupational hazards faced by firefighters, including cancer, cardiac disease, and psychological trauma.
A major topic was the Hometown Heroes assistance program, which he helped advance. He said the program covers about 20,000 Minnesota firefighters, including career, paid-on-call, and volunteer personnel, and provides training on cancer awareness, cardiac disease, and emotional trauma, along with counseling and financial assistance for qualifying occupational illnesses. He said the program can provide up to $20,000 in payments depending on the condition, offers up to five free counseling sessions per year, and has paid out about $5.7 million to fewer than 600 firefighters. He also said the program is funded by a $4 million annual appropriation and a separate insurance policy, and that it is managed through the Department of Public Safety and MinFIRE.
The senator addressed a 2023 Legislative Auditor report that found management problems in the program, saying he contacted MinFIRE immediately and that the issues were largely a communication disconnect and a double payment of about $2,300, which was corrected. He said the auditor later confirmed the problems had been fixed. He noted that the latest bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers, which he attributed to broad recognition of the program’s value for retention, recruitment, and support for firefighters and their families. He also said he would like to explore extending similar support to retired firefighters and possibly peace officers. The interview ended with him reflecting on his public service career and saying he plans to retire after 14 years in the Senate to spend more time with family and travel.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 10th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Endometriosis is a complex disease. It affects one out of every eight women in our country.
- Fifty percent of all infertility is related to this disease.
- before you is really a group effort to see what we can do to raise awareness and understanding of this disease
- For a third of these folks, the disease is not caught until fairly late in the process.
Summary:
The Senate began by advancing to the Eighth Order of Business and adopted Senate Resolution 8683 honoring the Seattle Seahawks for their 2025 championship season. The resolution and floor remarks celebrated the team’s 14-3 regular season, NFC West title, playoff run, Super Bowl 60 victory, and community involvement. Senators from both parties offered supportive remarks about the team’s leadership, teamwork, and impact across Washington, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. The chamber then welcomed Seahawks representatives and former player/play-by-play announcer Steve Rable to the rostrum for recognition and photographs.
The Senate then considered and passed several bills, including SB 6084 clarifying that a person may not vote more than once in the same election across states; SB 5977 requiring publication of child near-fatality reviews; SB 5985 on endometriosis awareness and research; SB 6046 placing the Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department; SB 6291 extending septic inspector training supervision from two to four years; SB 6707 directing a WSIPP study of DCYF screening tools; SB 6183 ensuring rapid coverage for HIV antiviral drugs; SB 5956 restricting harmful uses of AI, surveillance, and automated discipline in public schools; SB 5820 concerning freight rail-dependent use overlays in Clark County; SB 5936 strengthening remedies and protections for human trafficking survivors; SB 6269 modernizing the motor fuel definition to include gaseous fuels such as hydrogen; SB 6226 protecting audiologists’ clinical autonomy; SB 6025 updating fetal death gestational-age calculations to use more accurate methods; SB 6058 giving Labor and Industries discretion in wage enforcement and adopting a transparency amendment; and SB 6136 requiring publication of actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates.
Most bills passed with broad support, though SB 5956 on AI in schools drew the most debate and passed 35-13. SB 5820 also drew a split vote, with supporters arguing it would restore environmental protections in Clark County and opponents warning it would undermine rail-related economic development and existing investments. SB 6084 passed 47-1, and the remaining measures passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The Senate then recessed for caucus.