Video & Transcript Research : 'peer support'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Nov 14th, 2025
Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll see if the legislature appropriates this higher level and supports these efforts.
- We're not going to put in as much federal support for the Adult Expansion Population.
- Chairman, the feds weren't going to support any of it any longer.
- So, they're removing that support.
- conduct presentations in our community because we have found that evidence-based curriculum looks at peer-to-peer
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:04:02.360>
as to know your teachers, your peers, as to know your teachers, your peers - <00:13:01.160>
No standardizing support for CTSOs. No standardizing support for CTSOs. - . supports. supports.
- , a really good, robust, and supported, a really good, robust, and supported, widely<00:42:36.360
- widely supported omnibus can look like. widely supported omnibus can look like.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 23 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- support contacts, crisis services, and information about outdoor recreation and nonclinical wellness
- I rise today to support Senate Bill 730, which is legislation that codifies Pennsylvania orders. 730,
- This was done about 10 years ago. ...palliative care and with support.
- This amendment is at the request of the Department of Health and has the support of all stakeholders.
- Thank you, Madam President. ...of the Department of Health and has the support of all stakeholders.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session.
On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage.
Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education.
In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I also note that this funding also goes to the Cannabis Control Commission to support its social equity
- We support our more than 350 retail and vendor partners across Massachusetts, 90% of our non-cannabis
- We proudly seek out, employ, and support our veteran community.
- , operational support, and co-packing opportunities.
- There is no peer-reviewed data that supports half of the claims that were shared today.
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10, House Bill 5002, titled “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. Chairs Brendan Crighton and Kate Hogan outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the committee is gathering testimony for a report to the legislature. The hearing was organized into expert, proponent, opponent, and public testimony, with written testimony accepted through March 27.
The first witness, Jessica Trow of MassBudget, testified in opposition to repeal and focused on cannabis-related revenue and social equity. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion statewide since adult-use sales began, with revenue flowing through the Marijuana Regulation Fund, the state sales tax, and local taxes and fees. She emphasized that funds support public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity work, the Cannabis Social Equity Fund, and municipal budgets, and argued that legalization has created pathways for communities harmed by prohibition. The petition’s spokesperson, Wendy Wakeman, argued in favor of repeal, saying legalization has worsened public health, safety, and quality of life, citing higher potency, addiction, youth use, impaired driving, workplace positives, and black-market concerns. Committee members questioned her about the data sources, the will of the voters, the role of paid signature gatherers, and the petition’s funding, including out-of-state and dark-money concerns.
Opponents of the initiative then testified that repeal would harm a regulated industry that has created jobs, tax revenue, and social equity opportunities. Caroline Pino of STEM, Kristen Rogers of Levia, Judith Ledbetter of Project De-Stigmatized Healthcare, and Armani White of Firehouse Dispensary/EON described their businesses, community investments, and personal reliance on cannabis, and warned that repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity programs. In public testimony, Lucas Thayer of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and Jeff Rawson, a chemist and consumer protection advocate, also opposed the measure, arguing that regulated cannabis is safer than unregulated products and that repeal would damage investments and public safety. The hearing ended after the public testimony, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the support Roxan O' Connor.
- bill overwhelmingly support it. Uh it is bill overwhelmingly support it.
- I'm in support, just pointing that out.
- court of law with a jury of your peers court of law with a jury of your peers and<00:26:31.679><
- <01:36:23.440>
the prosecuting authority to support the prosecuting authority to support the
Keywords:
felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- County is in my district and supported by DWP. Sure. I'd be happy to.
- County is in my district and supported by DWP. Sure. I'd be happy to.
- It's positive peer pressure.
- It's positive peer pressure.
- I've sent numerous letters supporting the strictest forms of Zone Zero.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 12, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I would have used would have been to look for the program reputation, the location, resource and support
- And today we're going to hear from these systems as well as a panel on supporting student acceleration
- We have peer mentors that come and visit them.
- We have peer mentors that come and visit them.
- We have created a program where peer leaders will teach them how to navigate this campus, and they'll
Summary:
The subcommittee began with an informal “college day” exercise in which members described what careers and colleges they would choose if starting over, often citing factors such as program reputation, location, cost, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and family or personal interests. Members mentioned a range of possible paths including law, aviation, education, construction management, psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, intelligence studies, and the arts. Several also highlighted the value of historically Black colleges and universities, dual enrollment, and career/technical education. The chair used the exercise to frame the meeting’s broader focus on Florida’s higher education pathways and student outcomes.
Dr. Kathleen Plinsky of Valencia College then gave an overview of the Florida College System and Valencia’s role in it, emphasizing Florida’s statewide articulation and transfer framework, open-access mission, affordability, and workforce alignment. She described Valencia’s record enrollment, high retention, large share of first-generation and working students, and partnerships such as Direct Connect to UCF, Osceola Prosper, and Open Door grants for short-term training. Members asked about guaranteed transfer, apprenticeships, enrollment trends, student demographics, out-of-state residency, county scholarship costs, dual enrollment outcomes, and barriers to expanding career dual enrollment. Dr. Plinsky said the system supports transfer and acceleration well, but funding constraints limit growth in some areas; she also noted that dual enrollment participation is high and that Valencia’s affordability and student support efforts have driven recent enrollment gains.
Dr. Jim Clark of Florida State University followed with an overview of the State University System, describing its governance, performance-based funding, low tuition, and strong graduation and research outcomes. He highlighted FSU’s enrollment, research profile, transfer student success, FSU Health, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, partnerships with K-12 schools and Tallahassee State College, and efforts to expand nursing and medical education to address workforce shortages. After the presentations, the committee heard from a panel on student acceleration and mobility: Shannon Mercer of the Department of Education explained the Office of Articulation, the statewide course numbering system, FASTER records, the 2+2 transfer model, specialized AA transfer degrees, and credit for industry certifications, military, medical, and law-enforcement training. Panelists from Kaiser University, Florida State University, and Pinellas County Schools described their institutions’ roles in transfer, advising, career pathways, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the portion provided.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 08:02 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:56.200>
an development costs and supports an development costs and supports an estimated - bringing forward a proposal, um, that answers the calls of Minnesota Minnesotans that have been doing peer-to-peer
- of bringing forward a proposal that answers the calls of Minnesota Minnesotans that have been doing peer-to-peer
- Minnesotans that have been doing peer-to-peer crowdsourcing and funding to prevent evictions?
- we're building homes and supporting we're building homes and supporting communities. communities
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- >
so <01:22:08.320>uh and were supportive, so uh and were supportive, so uh interested< - Uh no, I I need y'all help and support Uh no, I I need y'all help and support and<01:30:10.680><
- support program. 25% of the amount peer support program. 25% of the amount to<01:52:44.200>
be peers as the superintendent of the year. peers as the superintendent of the year.- I'm going to support it, you know.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports throughout the day. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 19 on insurance, including a changed start date and a bill name honoring David McHanie and Roy Johnson. On a long roll, the Senate concurred 22-0 with one abstention. Senator Singleton then used personal privilege to present a Black History observance highlighting Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., and Mahalia Jackson.
Committee reports followed, with the Senate confirming Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission and Lynn Brewer to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. Senator Singleton spoke at length in support of the trades-related confirmation, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor, contractor oversight, and workforce training, while also discussing the need to support such professions and the role of boards in protecting consumers. The Senate also received favorable reports from Judiciary, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Tourism, and Local Legislation on a range of bills, many with amendments or substitutes, and placed them on the next day’s calendar.
In motions and resolutions, Senator Elliott recommitted Senate Bill 310 to local legislation and introduced Senate Joint Resolution 50 honoring Coach Tim Carter, which was sent to rules. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 51 mourning Junior Harold Sorrells and several House resolutions from the Rules Committee, including recognitions for the Alabama State Games, Mack McCutcheon’s retirement, the Black pioneers of Macon County, Alicia Cannon, Joseph William Jones Jr., and Louis Vuitton the Pitbull Day. The chamber also recognized several school leaders in the gallery and then moved into local bills, beginning with Senate Bill 266, a proposed constitutional amendment regarding Covington County, for which a bill reading was requested using the previous roll.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP/WAL Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Coalition Denver in support. Coalition Denver in support.
- Office uh in support in person. Office uh in support in person.
- Earth in support, and from six additional individuals in support.
- support in person. support in person. Thank<02:17:09.599>
you. - . support. support.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted.
The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits.
Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So I support that. I had a question for Emily about the compensation.
- So I support that. I had a question for Emily about the compensation.
- to come and do that, it might be helpful because that first week you really learn a lot from your peers
- willing to come and do that might be helpful because that first week you really learn a lot from your peers
- I think you do learn a lot from your peers.
Summary:
The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time.
The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have one in support, waiving in support, representing Job Rizo, Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts.
- We have KC Welch from the University of South Florida waiving in support. Waiving in support.
- These programs are not primarily supported by donors; they are primarily supported by the significant
- We have [unknown name] waiving in support. waiving in support. Is there debate on the bill?
- Bobby Speth from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement waiving in support. waiving in support.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . supports that activity or organization.
- others to support terrorist activity related to an ongoing conflict or to support a terrorist organization
- It's to support the activities of the organization. Thank you.
- It's not clear what would amount to public opinion. support.
- Supporting this bill means supporting teachers, students, and lessons of history we cannot afford to
Bills:
SB2972, SB1909, SB2815, SB735, SB2233, SB800, SB1069, SB2683, SB2986, SB2058, SB2310, SB2055, SB1032
Keywords:
expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, antisemitism, public institutions, disciplinary policy, student organizations, compliance, institutional policy, disciplinary sanctions, diploma designation, institution merger, academic records, student options, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, genocide education
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/7/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- payments to families, supported payments to families, supported healthcare<00:04:51.360>
providers - <00:09:41.120>
for spending for testing, support for spending for testing, support for atrisisk - and other provider supports.
- It funded a combination of supports.
- <00:42:36.720>
both investment came in to support both investment came in to support both
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/19/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So, would urge member support. capacity. So, would urge member support.
- And then we'll also be engaging student to student, so doing peer-to-peer engagement.
- And then we'll also be engaging student to student, so doing peer-to-peer engagement.
- And then we'll also be engaging student to student, so doing peer-to-peer engagement.
- helpful and yeah, I support this 100%. helpful and yeah, I support this 100%.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm community service, and I support, strong support.
- So, full support.
- Strong support.
- support change.
- I support. Adam Kane with Initiate Justice. I'm in strong support.
Summary:
The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call.
The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call.
Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This House Resolution does not support that work.
- We respect everyone's religion and we support it.
- We have Orange County Public Schools waiving in support.
- It is to support literacy development. That is the bill.
- Claudette Lloyd waives in support. Crystal Etianne waives in support.
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no.
The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 19 (2-3-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- just imperative, and our school counselors are the people on the ground who are first to be there to support
- One of my students in fourth grade had some struggles in recess, some sort of a peer issue.
- Some<00:28:04.720>
sort <00:28:04.880>of <00:28:05.039>a <00:28:05.200>peer - Some sort of a peer struggles in recess.
- Some sort of a peer issue.<00:28:06.080>
It <00:28:06.320>wasn't <00:28:06.559>a
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:18
Report of Committees 05:09
Orders of the Day 06:40
HB 169 06:50
HB 393 13:08
HB 194 15:43
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 24:38
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 35:23
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 38:09
ConC/Rules Report 40:57
Floor Amendments 42:04
Adjournment 42:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded 95 members present, approved the prior journal, and received notice from the Senate that Senate Bills 1 and 3 had passed and were sent over for concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on housing, local purchasing, health care credentials, postsecondary education, school bus safety, special license plates, milk transportation, veteran PTSD treatment, and the Kentucky Fire Commission, with several reported with committee substitutes.
The chamber then considered House Bill 169 on coverage for feeding or eating disorders. The sponsor explained that the bill addresses insurance coverage decisions tied to body mass index by requiring BMI to be considered alongside another factor, such as depression, anxiety, or family circumstances, and said the committee substitute clarified that one factor alone could not control the decision. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 95-0. House Bill 393, which updates the Alzheimer’s and related dementias council, adds a caregiver seat, and requires an annual action project including an early detection toolkit, also passed unanimously, 95-0.
House Bill 194, relating to cigar bars, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill does not repeal existing smoke-free ordinances, but creates a narrow exemption for tightly defined cigar bars, with a 25% gross revenue threshold from cigar-related sales, age restrictions, local permitting options, smoke containment requirements, and signage. Members asked about local authority, other tobacco products, and whether the bill could affect smoking bans; supporters emphasized the narrow scope and personal choice, while opponents said their districts’ smoking bans and constituent concerns led them to vote no. The bill passed 69-24. The House then applied the clincher and moved to announcements, including committee schedule notices, a Small Business Day event, receptions, and citations recognizing National School Counseling Week, the KBLC Black History Celebration, and memorializing Brandy Engles.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- support, getting peer support... several months around what we should be several months around what
- <01:02:45.279>
support <01:02:45.720>getting <01:02:46.000>peer <01:02:46.279> - support Peer support: getting peer support navigators with lived experience to be the ones guiding
- Okay, thank you, and support. Next, we have Dana Tsunami in support.
- support you and uh we also had support support you and uh we also had support from<01:05:03.200>
Summary:
The committee heard several Human Services measures focused on Medicaid access, long-term care benefits, home health reimbursement, SNAP administration, trauma-informed child welfare, and child abuse reporting. HP 702 would increase funding for Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are secured, and testimony from disability advocates supported the measure as needed to help people with disabilities cover medical expenses. HB 1477, described as a correction to a prior session’s mistake, would clarify that the monthly needs allowance for certain long-term care residents does not replace state supplemental payments and would raise the ceiling by $25 to fix the prior issue and by an additional $20 as a new benefit; DHS supported it with amendments, and the committee indicated it would amend accordingly. HB 713 would fund a DHS rate study for home health services, with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii strongly supporting it and describing rising labor costs, losses on Medicaid patients, and access concerns if agencies cannot keep serving Medicaid clients. HB 1099 would appropriate emergency funds to DHS after a USDA penalty tied to SNAP response times, with supporters including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others arguing the money should be reinvested in staffing and systems to improve access and avoid further penalties. HB 1079 would direct the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS to create trauma-informed assessments and training for Child Welfare Services staff; testimony from state offices and advocacy groups supported it, citing the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, staff burnout, and the need for a sustainable train-the-trainer model. Finally, HB 239 would narrow when failure to provide a child’s needs constitutes abuse or neglect, but DHS raised concerns that the current wording could broaden abuse findings and leave families in poverty without a clear safety net, while the Honolulu prosecutor’s office opposed it, warning it could weaken mandatory reporting and hinder investigations of child abuse. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, though the chair said HB 1477 would be amended and several measures were left open for further questions and testimony.