Video & Transcript Research : 'deafness'

Page 8 of 41
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • through many conversations with her and other stakeholders, such as the Kentucky Registry for the Deaf
  • It would also protect deaf consumers and hiring entities by clearly identifying the skill sets that a
  • obtain this third license would<00:20:55.520> also<00:20:55.799> protect<00:20:56.120> deaf
  • <00:20:56.400> consumers<00:20:56.880> and would also protect deaf consumers and would
  • also protect deaf consumers and hiring<00:20:57.480> entities<00:20:58.000> by<00:20:58.159
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure. The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor. Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • /c><01:16:18.000> school<01:16:18.159> for<01:16:18.320> the<01:16:18.400> deaf
  • , blind, Kentucky school for the deaf, blind, Kentucky school for the deaf, preschool,<01:16:19.520
  • Another area that I don't want to overlook is the School for the Blind and the School for the Deaf.
  • the blind and the school for the deaf. the blind and the school for the deaf.
  • be the ones more responsible for deaf be the ones more responsible for them.<01:41:05.760> So,
Summary: The committee heard a presentation from KDE on the revised Kentucky academic standards for reading and writing. KDE explained the statutory six-year review process, the public comment periods, and the main revisions, including updates tied to the science of reading, decodable text, encoding/decoding, and an updated vision statement. KDE said 308 responses were received on the initial public comment, most respondents favored keeping standards as-is, and about 12% of standards were revised. The department also said the document was streamlined by removing repeated graphics and reducing its size by about 24%, and that a later comment period drew more than 400 responses. No new standards were flagged for review. Members asked about alignment between standards, curriculum, assessments, and NAEP, and KDE said instructional resources should be aligned to standards, KSA assessments are aligned to the standards, and screeners/diagnostics help identify student needs. Representative Truett raised the idea of a textbook-to-standards crosswalk, and KDE said publishers and a future repository partner should provide such crosswalks for local districts. Representative Bojanowski asked why foundational reading skills are not directly assessed on the third-grade KSA; KDE responded that the assessment is designed to measure end-of-grade expectations, while screening and diagnostics are used earlier to identify decoding needs. Representative Gel asked about early childhood supports, and KDE said it is working with early learning and special education offices and promoting LETRS professional learning for both teachers and preschool educators. The committee then received the mathematics improvement committee report. KDE said the mathematics committee unanimously approved a new strategic plan for improving math achievement from pre-K through grade 20 and adult education. The plan centers on six priorities: student empowerment, effective mathematics teaching and learning, continuous educator development and growth, a continuum of learning, community and family partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention. KDE said the plan is intended as a living document with goals, recommended actions, and evidence bases, and that it aligns with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act by supporting high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, and family resources. In response to Senator Thomas, KDE explained that the professional learning recommendation means districts should tailor teacher training to classroom needs and instructional materials so math teachers are better equipped to implement standards and support students.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • and so but using the regarding deafness and so but using the broad<01:28:33.520> criteria<01:
  • Um, other health impairment, you would have a medical note that states that um for um deaf and hard of
  • , death, blindness, deafness, Autism, death, blindness, deafness, developmental<01:32:10.880> delay
  • <01:33:25.760> blind<01:33:26.080> students have 85 students for deaf blind students
  • deaf and heart<01:34:58.800> of<01:34:58.960> hearing,<01:34:59.280> you<01:34:
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (03/27/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • establishing an elderly disabled blind establishing an elderly disabled blind and<03:21:25.920> deaf
  • tax exemption and deaf property tax exemption reimbursement<03:21:28.239> fund<03:21:28.640><
  • than increase revenue sharing to our coveted Group Two retirees, the elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf
  • , blind, and deaf property tax exemption<03:32:00.000> reimbursement<03:32:00.720> fund
  • , blind, and deaf property tax exemption<03:33:01.920> reimbursement<03:33:02.640> fund
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
IN

Indiana 2026 Regular Session

Friday, Feb. 27 part 6

Indiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • available to non-public schools, and there was also language that would allow for the blind school, deaf
  • school... ...to non-public schools, and there was also language that would allow for the blind school, deaf
Keywords: 964, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • However, it does not include anyone representing deaf or hard of hearing Granite Staters.
  • However, it does not include anyone<03:02:54.960> representing<03:02:55.520> deaf<03:02
  • of anyone representing deaf or heart of hearing<03:02:56.720> granite<03:02:57.040> sters.
  • <03:03:02.000> and<03:03:02.160> heart<03:03:02.399> of SB68 to add the deaf
  • and heart of SB68 to add the deaf and heart of hearing<03:03:02.880> program<03:03:03.359>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 254, which Senator David Roford described as a technical correction to controlled substance inventory law for pharmacies. He said the bill would remove outdated language requiring inventories to be done in an odd-numbered year, while keeping the existing requirement that pharmacies conduct a full controlled substance inventory every two years in line with federal law. Members asked several clarifying questions about whether the requirement is pharmacy-by-pharmacy, whether new pharmacies would be affected, and whether the change would alter scope or compliance; the sponsor and a representative of the New Hampshire Pharmacist Association said it would not, and that it mainly provides clarity for pharmacies and inspectors. The public hearing on SB 254 was then closed, and the committee also heard support from a representative of the pharmacist community, who said the association supports the bill. The committee then discussed a non-germane amendment to SB 254 dealing with FBI background checks for educational surrogate parents under the Department of Education. Representative Leyon explained that the amendment was requested by the Department of Education after the FBI rejected prior statutory language, and that the goal was to allow people serving as educational surrogate parents to complete FBI fingerprint-based background checks so they can perform their duties. Department of Education and Department of Safety staff testified that the amendment mirrors language that has worked in other education-related background check statutes, including provisions with specific disqualifying offenses tied to child safety, and that the FBI requires precise statutory language and direct transmission of records through the Department of Safety. Members questioned why the FBI’s approval was needed, whether individuals could simply provide their own records, and whether changing federal leadership could require future changes; witnesses said the state needs both state and national records, that records must come directly from the FBI through the Department of Safety, and that the language is intended to satisfy current federal requirements. During the discussion, some members expressed skepticism about the need for the amendment and about placing it on a bill about controlled substance inventories, but no vote was taken during the portion of the transcript provided. The committee also briefly discussed a separate bill on physician assistants/physician associates, with members noting that the proposed name change would not alter scope of practice and that some outside groups had raised concerns about transparency, but that discussion was interrupted and not concluded in the excerpt.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • agencies are guided by when providing language access to linguistically diverse persons, including the deaf
  • this navigation is made far more complex for survivors who are limited English proficient, or LEP, deaf
  • an overwhelming lack of accessible and trauma-informed state services for survivors who identify as deaf
  • For example, 61% of advocates reported that deaf, hard-of-hearing, and/or limited English proficient
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several bills. Senator Mike Moore supported S. 2185, which would delay implementation of the heavy-duty omnibus/advanced clean truck requirements while requiring the Commonwealth to purchase or lease electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles starting in 2025; he argued the delay is needed because infrastructure, grid capacity, vehicle availability, and costs are not yet ready. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2156/H. 3318, which would require free menstrual products in public buildings, with advocates and students describing period poverty and the need to treat menstrual products like other basic restroom supplies. Senator John Keenan testified for S. 2158, a bill to let municipal light plants protect proprietary and competitively sensitive information from public disclosure while keeping board meetings and minutes open, saying it would help level the playing field against larger competitors. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2125/H. 3384, the language access and inclusion bill. Testimony from the AAPI Commission, Mass Speaks coalition members, Mass Appleseed, MLRI, ATASK, MAPC, the Boston Bar Association, Mass Advocates for Children, and others described barriers faced by limited-English-proficient residents in accessing MassHealth, DCF, courts, domestic violence services, schools, and other state services. Witnesses cited untranslated documents, inadequate interpretation, delays, and the burden placed on bilingual staff and children; several also pointed to recent federal moves toward English-only policy as making state action more urgent. Committee members asked questions about implementation, interpreter availability, and the role of technology and remote participation, and the chair noted the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and intended to be again. The committee also heard testimony on time-zone legislation. Dr. Karin Johnson, representing sleep medicine interests, supported H. 3405 for permanent standard time and opposed S. 2157 for permanent daylight saving time, arguing that standard time better aligns with circadian rhythms and health, while permanent daylight saving time would worsen morning darkness and sleep disruption. Members questioned the strength of the scientific evidence and discussed school start times, geography, and whether Massachusetts should align with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and testimony continued on additional bills as the session progressed.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee Jun 16th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nationwide, there are roughly 10,000 certified ASL interpreters serving up to a million deaf or hard-of-hearing
  • Nationwide, there are roughly 10,000 certified ASL interpreters serving up to a million deaf or hard-of-hearing
  • One of the most significant challenges we have are court users who are deaf and hard of hearing who rely
  • Federation of Interpreters, and also authorized to register support from Northern California Services for Deaf
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard a series of Assembly bills, with no formal votes taken because the committee was operating without a quorum and repeatedly noted that motions and votes would occur later when a quorum was present. Several measures drew broad support and no opposition, while others generated both support and opposition testimony on policy and legal grounds. AB 1744, the Clear Labels, Clear Seas Act, would prohibit sunscreen products marketed as reef safe, reef friendly, or similar terms from containing chemical UV filters. The author and student supporters said the bill is a truth-in-labeling measure meant to prevent greenwashing and protect marine ecosystems; Consumer Reports also supported it. No opposition was offered, and senators praised the student advocates. AB 713 would allow undocumented students at UC, CSU, and community colleges to access campus jobs. The author, a law professor, and many student and immigrant-rights organizations supported it, arguing it would reduce exploitation and improve affordability and retention; a few opponents argued it would conflict with federal law. Committee members expressed strong support and personal reflections on the issue. AB 1359 would let people age 80 and older opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note, and supporters said it would reduce burdens on older adults and people with Alzheimer’s or other conditions; there was no opposition. AB 2563 would standardize and clarify definitions of sex discrimination across California codes. Supporters, including women’s rights and reproductive health groups, said it would strengthen and harmonize protections; opponents argued it would blur distinctions between sex and gender identity and create legal conflicts. AB 1705 would require websites hosting sexually explicit content to verify consent for depicted persons before upload; supporters framed it as a response to nonconsensual pornography, while TechNet opposed the bill as overbroad for sites that prohibit such content, though Senator Wiener said he would support it while seeking further privacy-related amendments. The committee also heard AB 1940 on menopause-related workplace protections, with supporters saying it would clarify existing rights and improve workplace awareness, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed expanding the protected-class framework and urged reliance on reasonable accommodation law. AB 1824 would incorporate ICWA and Cal-ICWA protections into the Probate Code to prevent guardianship proceedings from being used to bypass tribal child welfare protections; tribal representatives and advocates strongly supported it and no opposition appeared. AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California Native peoples for historic state violence and discrimination and place a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; Native leaders and allies supported it, and committee members offered strong remarks in favor. AB 2076 would add nitrous oxide to age-verification restrictions on dangerous online products, prohibit purchase with gift cards or store credit, and increase penalties for large sellers; supporters cited youth misuse and public safety harms, and TechNet/CCIA moved from opposition to neutral. AB 2783 would expand court reporter licensure reciprocity and extend a remote court reporting pilot, with support from court reporters and the Judicial Council and no opposition. AB 1916 would include American Sign Language interpreters in the court interpreter collective bargaining framework; interpreters and disability advocates supported it, while the Judicial Council opposed it, saying the act was designed for spoken-language interpretation and the amendment did not fully resolve implementation concerns.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • At the same time, there seems to be a tone deafness here.
  • At the same time, there seems to be a tone deafness here.
  • At the same time, there seems to be a tone deafness here.
  • At the same time, there seems to be a tone deafness here.
Summary: The committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes and held SB 1208. It then heard SB 1211, which would allow victims of felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence to seek a lifetime injunction against the convicted defendant. The sponsor said the bill came from fellowship participants, and supporters from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, Amberle’s Place, and survivor advocates testified that repeated harassment and re-traumatization justify permanent protection. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1211 a do pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered SB 1239, which removes the statute of limitations for failing to register as a sex offender. The sponsor said DPS requested the change to close a loophole and hold offenders accountable even years later. Opponents from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice argued existing warrant and registration processes already address the problem and that eliminating the time limit raises due process concerns and risks stale prosecutions. After discussion, the committee approved SB 1239 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard SB 1240, which excludes probationers convicted of dangerous crimes against children from the probation incentive payment formula. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said the incentive system should not count these offenders. Opponents warned it could push probation departments to send more people to prison instead of treatment and that the bill’s language is broad. The committee passed SB 1240 on a 4-3 vote. It then took up SB 1095, as amended, which bans gender transition procedures and referrals for minors and limits public funding and use of public facilities for such care; supporters framed it as protecting children and parental rights, while opponents called it discriminatory and medically unsound. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 4-3 do pass as amended recommendation. Finally, the committee heard SB 1243 and SB 1244, both dealing with court-ordered mental health treatment. SB 1243 requires notice to guardians when a patient may be released early or when treatment may not be renewed, and allows guardians to seek an independent evaluation and petition for continued treatment; supporters said it helps families prevent dangerous gaps in care, while opponents raised due process concerns about non-medical guardians initiating petitions. The committee passed SB 1243 unanimously. SB 1244 creates a continuing court-ordered treatment process after a second consecutive annual review, reducing repeated renewal hearings while preserving annual reporting and objections; supporters said it prevents dangerous lapses in treatment for the sickest patients, while opponents warned it could weaken due process and allow indefinite confinement. The committee adopted an amendment and passed SB 1244 on a 6-1 vote.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We serve people with mobility challenges, seizure disorders, deafness or severe hearing loss, type 1
  • :04:07.200> disorders challenges with seizure disorders challenges with seizure disorders deafness
  • 09.000> hearing<00:04:09.360> loss<00:04:10.000> type<00:04:10.200> 1 deafness
  • or severe hearing loss type 1 deafness or severe hearing loss type 1 diabetes<00:04:10.879> and
Keywords: 1183, house
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

JBC-PEER REVIEW Apr 15th, 2026

JBC-PEER REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:
  • B3 is a letter from the Department of Education School for the Deaf and Blind for $500,000.
  • The first one is Department of Education, School for the Blind and Deaf.
  • Deaf and Blind is for $5,000. It's due to staffing shortages.
Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Tue Mar 12, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • We call everyone, and it falls upon blind eyes and deaf ears. Enough is enough.
  • Do not allow anyone to suffer like this or fall upon blind eyes and deaf ears. We're taxpayers.
  • We call everyone, and it falls upon blind eyes and deaf ears. Enough is enough.
  • Do not allow anyone to suffer like this or fall upon blind eyes and deaf ears. We're taxpayers.
  • <00:35:10.200> ears not fall upon blind eyes and deaf ears not fall upon blind eyes and deaf
Keywords: 910, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/07/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:43:49.360> hearing deaf, deaf, blind, and hearted hearing deaf, deaf, blind, and hearted
  • She also said the proposal would reduce grants to deaf, blind, hearing, disability, behavioral health
  • She also said the proposal would reduce grants to deaf, blind, hearing, disability, behavioral health
  • She also said the proposal would reduce grants to deaf, blind, hearing, disability, behavioral health
  • He said he wanted to go back to Senator Hoffman's earlier point about reducing grants to deaf, blind,
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's deaf and now is it under hearing impaired or >> Deaf or hearing impaired?
  • <00:35:26.000> That's<00:35:26.320> deaf DF? That's deaf DF?
  • That's deaf and<00:35:28.160> and<00:35:28.560> now<00:35:29.599> is<00:35:29.839
  • and and now is it under hearing impaired and and now is it under hearing impaired or or or >> deaf
  • >> deaf or hearing impaired? >> deaf or hearing impaired?
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Education Policy Committee 3/11/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • and moving this bill will lower educator pay, which during an educator shortage is extremely tone-deaf
  • and moving this bill will lower educator pay, which during an educator shortage is extremely tone-deaf
  • and moving this bill will lower educator pay, which during an educator shortage is extremely tone-deaf
  • and moving this bill will lower educator pay, which during an educator shortage is extremely tone-deaf
  • Moving this bill will lower educator pay, which during an educator shortage is extremely tone-deaf.
Keywords: 1183, house
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 1st, 2026 at 01:15 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The defendant was deaf and was found incompetent to stand trial based off of a psychological evaluation
  • that failed to account for the deaf cultural and ASL linguistic factors.
  • I provided legal precedent showing that deaf defendants can, in fact, stand trial with appropriate accommodations
  • Because we're talking about people that are deaf, people that have lower their treatment, that really
Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> So you just experienced how people who are deaf or hard of hearing receive emergency announcements
  • DE for deaf or first language is ASL.
  • interpret. >> So what just happened is that would be the PSP or the ASL interpreter on the TV for the deaf
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committees heard testimony on several public safety and emergency-related measures. SB 3192, on emergency healthcare license waivers, drew support from nursing and healthcare advocates who said automatic emergency licensure during a governor-declared emergency would help avoid delays in bringing qualified clinicians to disaster areas, citing the Lahaina wildfire response. The committee reported 13 supportive testimonies, none in opposition, and one comment. It later recommended passage of SB 3192 with technical non-substantive amendments and a defective effective date, and the recommendation was adopted by vote. SB 2121, requiring ASL interpretation and visible picture-in-picture display during official emergency announcements, received supportive testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters. DAP demonstrated why captions alone are not sufficient and why an interpreter on screen improves effective communication. Broadcasters supported the bill’s intent but raised practical concerns about implementation and staffing, suggesting amendments. SB 3239, which would appropriate funds to HMA for bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency, was supported by legal aid and immigrant-rights advocates who emphasized the need for language access during disasters and noted the large LEP population in Hawaii. After discussion, the chair proposed folding the sign-language and multilingual access concepts into SB 21109, a broader emergency preparedness communications bill, and the committee deferred SB 2121 and SB 3239. The committee also heard SB 2645 on fire prevention and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire marshal supported the bill’s provisions to modernize the office, create cross-certified assistant fire marshals, shift inspections to a risk-based schedule, establish the state fire code as the baseline, and create a special fund, but DLNR opposed the section changing the marshal selection process from a council-based appointment to gubernatorial appointment. The chair ultimately recommended passage of the proposed SD2 with blank appropriation amounts and committee-report concerns, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then passed SB 21109 with amendments, incorporating the deferred sign-language and language-access ideas into the broader emergency communications framework. It also later took up measures from the prior day’s agenda, passing SB 2882, SB 3191, and SB 2339 with amendments, including changes to the state buildings, water safety/drowning prevention, and building code council measures.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:35 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • This afternoon is the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons.
  • And in your book, it's code 604, 604 for Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons.
  • So we keep this language always in, saying that 456,400 is specifically set aside for Deaf and DeafBlind
Keywords: 996, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 27th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 142 by the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, an act relating to the Deaf and
  • which extends the sunset on a long-running, successful program to fund accessible phone service for deaf
  • Encinitas for her consistent and principled leadership on this issue and for her work in supporting deaf
Summary: The Assembly met on June 4, 2025, first establishing a quorum and then moving through a long budget and concurrence session. After procedural motions, the house took up several budget trailer bills and related measures presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 103, a technical budget cleanup bill addressing the Public School System Stabilization Account, a CDCR shortfall, and Middle Class Scholarship funding, passed 52-16. SB 120 on child care and preschool funding passed 65-1; SB 124 on natural resources and wildfire response passed 69-1; SB 127 on climate change and zero-emission transportation passed 53-17; SB 128 on transportation and DMV/LA Olympics implementation passed 53-17; SB 132 on taxation, veterans, wildfire settlements, film tax credits, and housing passed 64-1; SB 141 on cannabis enforcement and illicit market suppression passed 71-1; and SB 142 extending the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program passed 68-1 on both urgency and the measure. The Assembly also approved a motion to re-refer several bills to committees and later suspended rules to take up Senate-amended bills without reference to file. The chamber then considered AB 102, the main budget bill reflecting the final three-party agreement with the Governor. Supporters said it balanced compassion and fiscal responsibility while preserving housing, health care, child care, education, wildfire resilience, and public safety funding. Opponents criticized it for unsustainable spending, insufficient Prop. 36 funding, and other omissions. After extended debate, the Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments by a 55-16 vote and sent the bill to the Governor. The Assembly then concurred in Senate amendments to AB 116 on health care, AB 118 on human services, AB 121 on TK-12 education, AB 123 on higher education, AB 134 on public safety, AB 136 on courts, AB 137 on general government, and AB 143 on developmental services, with each bill passing on largely party-line or broad bipartisan votes. Debate on AB 116 focused on Medi-Cal, HIV program backfills, pharmacy benefit managers, and health care cuts; opponents objected to funding for undocumented immigrants and to hospice prior authorization. AB 118 drew support for child welfare, CalFresh disaster readiness, and CalWORKs simplification. AB 121 emphasized record K-12 funding and a $1.7 billion block grant. AB 123 extended the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and supported higher education and fire-impacted career technical education. AB 134 updated CDCR and tribal policing provisions, AB 136 streamlined court reporting and funded courthouse facilities, AB 137 made technical budget adjustments and fee changes, and AB 143 made developmental services reforms while preserving the state’s entitlement commitment. The final item shown was AB 470 on telecommunications, which was presented and discussed as a transition away from copper landlines toward fiber and modern networks, with supporters emphasizing public benefits and labor concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 17 (1-30-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bill 528, Representative Elliott, an act relating to the governance of the Kentucky School for the Deaf
  • Kentucky<00:45:27.760> School<00:45:28.000> for<00:45:28.160> the<00:45:28.319> Deaf
  • <00:45:29.119> House<00:45:29.359> Bill Kentucky School for the Deaf.
  • House Bill Kentucky School for the Deaf.
Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and reported several bills on second reading, including measures on elections, retired police officers, the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, local government, mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, and electric generating unit decommissioning costs. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills. House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, was taken up first. A House Committee Substitute was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would let insurance companies avoid forfeiting titles for cosmetic damage such as hail damage while still requiring payment for the damage. The bill passed 94-0, and the clincher was applied. House Bill 3, relating to Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist services, was then explained as allowing Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services they already provide, such as strep testing, immunizations, and medication management, without expanding Medicaid or scope of practice. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, and the bill passed 93-0, followed by the clincher. House Bill 290, concerning county law libraries, was explained as allowing local bar associations to use their funds for electronic legal research tools, including online subscriptions, computers, and internet access, rather than only books. It passed 94-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 84, on local government liability for failure to protect property during riots, generated the most debate. Supporters said it would make the law uniform across jurisdictions and hold governments accountable when they have notice and the means to act but do not; opponents raised concerns about outdated language, possible vigilante implications, and fiscal impact. A floor amendment adding an emergency clause was adopted 81-8, and the bill then passed as amended.