Transcript Highlights:

• But often, the line between poverty and neglect is not clear cut.
• Other clients are the subject of intense coercive control and emotional and verbal abuse and are terrified
• For other survivors, they have already been forced to retell their story of trauma and abuse to police
• For other survivors, they have already been forced to retell their story of trauma and abuse to police
• Immigrant workers are particularly vulnerable to wage theft, exploitation, and workplace abuse because

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on miscellaneous bills, including H. 5286, which would require DCF to consult a medical professional when a parent presents evidence of a pre-existing diagnosis that could explain symptoms mistaken for abuse or neglect. Representative Brian Mario said the bill would give DCF another tool in difficult cases. Jennifer Fernandes testified about her family’s experience with her grandson being removed after doctors initially suspected a skull fracture that later proved unfounded, saying the bill could help prevent similar outcomes. Committee members expressed sympathy and indicated interest in further discussion. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H. 5085/S. 3095, the omnibus “An Act Significantly Alleviating Poverty.” Supporters described the bill as a comprehensive anti-poverty package built from the Poverty Commission’s work, combining higher cash assistance grants, matched savings, baby bonds, a guaranteed stipend for youth aging out of foster care, expanded tax credits, language access, clean slate record sealing, and worker protections. Senator Eldridge, Senator Miranda, Representative Decker, and many advocates argued that poverty is tied to housing instability, child welfare involvement, health harms, and racial and gender inequities, and that the bill would help families meet basic needs, build wealth, and reduce the benefits cliff. Witnesses from social service, legal aid, labor, immigrant advocacy, and public health groups strongly supported the bill’s provisions. Several focused on specific sections: child support pass-through and a broader good-cause exception for TAFDC recipients; extending the state EITC to ITIN filers; creating baby bonds and matched savings programs; automating criminal record sealing; improving language access at state agencies; and ending the subminimum wage for farm workers. Former foster youth and service providers said the guaranteed stipend would help young adults avoid homelessness and transition more safely into adulthood. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly noted the limited time and encouraged written testimony and follow-up conversations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But often the line between poverty and neglect is not clear cut.
• Other clients are the subject of intense coercive control and emotional and verbal abuse and are terrified
• For other survivors, they have already been forced to retell their story of trauma and abuse to police
• Immigrant workers are particularly vulnerable to wage theft, exploitation, and workplace abuse because
• it goes on and on and on.

Bills: H5085, H5286

Keywords: poverty alleviation, family support, economic mobility, youth transition, financial education, matched savings, community programs, Department of Children and Families, DCF, child abuse investigation, child neglect, pediatrician, advanced practice registered nurse, medical misdiagnosis, rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, bone fragility, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides that if an investigation finds harm and neglect, the courts can then intervene and
• require substance abuse assessment and treatment.
• The bill expands the definition of harm and neglect in such a way that more children can be protected
• The bill provides that if an investigation finds harm and neglect, the courts can then intervene and
• require substance abuse assessment and treatment.

Bills: S1002, S1016, S1030, S1594, S1630

Keywords: child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support

Summary: The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably. The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Licensing for specialized activities like scuba, riflery, and real accountability for abuse and negligence
• So, I'm not talking about assault and arrest, but if it's a typical sexual harassment, sexual abuse,
• And abuse reporting, I would think some of that may be similar to schools.
• And DFPS has a responsibility with a person potentially being abused, used by somebody in their care,
• And I know another question was a... Question about the reporting of abuse.

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• real accountability for abuse and negligence.
• I'm not talking about assault and arrest, but if it's a typical sexual harassment, sexual abuse, that's
• And just to clarify, everybody calls DFPS to report child abuse, and DFPS has a responsibility when the
• OK, thank you very much, and I'll just say the other comment is if somebody has sexually abused a child
• Um And I know another question was about the reporting of abuse, and so there is a part in statute that

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• and prevent abuse in this vulnerable population.
• And what did I get? He got abused and exploited by the probate court.
• I'm now being abused and exploited by the probate court. I'm a victim of elder abuse.
• When I think of elder abuse and neglect and exploitation, it's a much bigger and broader problem than
• , many times, caregivers being on alcohol and drug abuse.

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence heard testimony on Senate Bill 1015, which would clarify that the comptroller is responsible for distributing excess judicial fund payments back to statutory probate courts. Judge Guy Herman testified in support, saying the bill would help ensure probate courts receive funding they are entitled to, while Ed Heimlich testified against the bill with broad criticism of probate courts and judicial practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2933, which would add elder abuse training to required judicial education for several categories of judges and judicial officers; Dr. Bruce Hargrave supported the bill, citing the prevalence and underreporting of elder abuse and the need for judges to recognize warning signs. No votes were taken on either of those bills, and SB 2933 was left pending. The committee then reconsidered Senate Bill 38, an eviction-related bill, and Vice Chair Hayes described two agreed floor amendments: one limiting the summary disposition procedure to forcible entry and detainer cases involving squatters, and another requiring a notice to pay rent or vacate for tenants who had been timely payers but missed a payment. After discussion, the committee voted 6-4 to report SB 38 without amendments. The committee also adopted or advanced a series of other bills and resolutions, including SB 293, SB 1141, SB 1448, SB 1536, SB 1558, SB 1838, SB 1940, SB 2127, SB 53, SB 251, SB 311, SB 387, SB 441 (with a substitute), SB 1164, SB 1335, SB 1574 (with a substitute), SB 1719, SB 1760, SB 1839, SB 1923 (with a substitute), SB 2807, and SJR 27 (with a substitute). Most measures were reported favorably on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with a few close votes on SB 942, SB 311, SB 2807, and SJR 27. SB 942, relating to retroactive child support beginning at conception, initially failed 5-5 but was reconsidered and then passed 6-5. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• and prevent abuse in this vulnerable population.
• And what did I get? He got abused and exploited by the probate court.
• I'm now being abused and exploited by the probate court. I'm a victim of elder abuse.
• When I think of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, it's a much bigger and broader problem than many
• the fact that many times the caregivers are on alcohol and drug abuse.

Bills: SB1015, SB2933

Keywords: statutory probate courts, probate court fees, judicial fund, county reimbursement, comptroller, Texas Government Code, Local Government Code, court fees, fee allocation, excess contributions, judicial education and support fund, presiding judge salary, county finance, court administration, Texas judiciary, revenue distribution, SB 2933, elder abuse, neglect, judicial training

Transcript Highlights:

• into, and that's... ...language from the current administration, and that's going into, and that's proposed
• It ensures that no parent or prospective adoptive parent can be labeled abusive, neglectful, or disqualified
• Or does this board look at and call forth and get data and questions from a local representative that's
• The one next door to the east has 14,000 and change. And south of that is 5,000 and change.
• Here's the things that you need to be sure and ask and have plans for, and one of those being emergency

Bills: HB3131, HB3380, HB3502, HB3552, HB3849, HB3886, HB3907, HB4201, HB4302, HB3448, HB3409, HB4095, HB3637

Keywords: homelessness, shelter standards, safety, accountability, state funding, local governance, regulation, Oklahoma Homeless Shelter Safety and Accountability Act, foster care, child welfare, Department of Human Services, educational opportunities, employment support, technology in child welfare, faith-based organizations, self-sufficiency, financial literacy, HB3502, Oklahoma, children's code

Transcript Highlights:

• And of that 219 counties have oil and gas production, and I forgot the map, but we're bringing it here
• And here's kind of a list, and then I'll stop.
• oil and gas.
• And so, and it's not just us.
• Uh, the future of Pecos and Reeves County and all cities and counties within the Permian Basin and the

Bills: HB188, HB 265, HJR35

Keywords: emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• And I length about abusive head trauma.
• And so we do know that um a lot of abuse happens inside the home and you guys know that.
• And so we do know that um a lot of abuse happens inside the home and you guys know that.
• And so we do know that um a lot of abuse happens inside the home and you guys know that.
• </c><01:13:40.239><c> abuse</c> the current climate of fraud and abuse the current climate of fraud and

Bills: HF3831, HF3603, HF1900, HF495, HF3750, HF4316, HF2136, HF4384

Keywords: SNAP, income limits, asset limits, nutrition assistance, children and families, federal poverty guidelines, federal waiver, food assistance, low-income families, nutritional support, day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, child care, family child care, child care center, licensing, correction order

Transcript Highlights:

• Safe Passage is devoted to protecting children from abuse and neglect through research, policy, and systems
• Neglect can be more serious and is often more deadly than what we typically think of as abuse.
• </c> responding to child abuse and neglect. responding to child abuse and neglect.
• happen</c><01:21:28.920><c> in</c> is that abuse and neglect can happen in is that abuse and neglect
• </c><01:37:18.520><c> happen</c> physical abuse can and and does happen physical abuse can and and does

Bills: HF4277, HF3819, HF3489, HF4408, HF3901, HF4316

Keywords: child care, child care center, day care, licensed child care, video security cameras, surveillance, security cameras, maltreatment, child abuse, child safety, public and shared areas, camera mandate, child care assistance program, CCAP, Great Start Compensation Support, early learning scholarships, licensed provider, Minnesota Statutes 142B.68, Harvey's Law, privacy

Bills: SB 397, SB 481, SB 596, SB 760, SB 855, SB 1195, SB 1196, SB 1233, SB 1257, SB 1318, SB 1368, SB 1388, SB 1398, SB 1524, SB 1558, SB 1589, SB 1677, SB 1792, SB 2034

Keywords: data privacy, consumer rights, technology, business regulation, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, nursing facilities, assisted living, resident safety, power outage, voting by mail, legal guardian, electoral process, foster care, medical consent, out-of-network, healthcare access, Medicaid, child protection, expungement

Transcript Highlights:

• name to the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect without judicial review or any external oversight
• and neglect.
• the investigative processes related to child abuse and neglect cases. due process concerns.
• to find and place a person on a child abuse and neglect registry.
• That this person abused or neglected a child, and you're on the list.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• And Advocacy at Text4Text, where we prioritize strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect
• They've been possibly abused or neglected.
• abuse and molestation.
• $2.2 million in 2025, and that’s for general liability, professional liability, and for abuse and molestation
• and neglected children heal.

Bills: SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034

Keywords: SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection, data sharing, audio-only telehealth, in-person examination, irreversible medical procedure, health professional regulation, Occupations Code, Texas Health and Human Services, medical records, provider compliance, data privacy, consumer rights

Transcript Highlights:

• prevent child abuse and neglect.
• , consistency, and compliance of investigations into child and adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in our state's health and human services programs.
• Of any state's expenditures in Health and Human Services annually are lost due to fraud, waste, and abuse
• instruction services as and in lieu of service, just as certain mental health and substance abuse services

Bills: HB 26, HB 140, HB 141, HB 142, HB 215

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• , specialty consultations in certain child abuse or neglect investigations and assessments.
• They should be looking and going, is there even an accusation that amounts to abuse or neglect?
• and neglect.
• out information on reports that don't even amount to abuse and neglect.
• We don't want a situation then down the road where More and more information that's not abuse and neglect

Bills: HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Madam Chair and members. Senate Bill 626 has to do with in-service abuse training.
• or neglect and illegal, unprofessional, or unethical conduct by or by- or in the facility.
• I recognize that there are cases where the discretion of the judge is being abused. and creating issues
• They refuse it, and I will say, DFPS and Audrey.
• and what it costs and the opaqueness.

Bills: SB437, SB528, SB626, SB636, SB884, SB968, SB1044, SB1608, SB2336

Keywords: healthcare, training, abuse, neglect, penalties, chemical dependency, safety, regulation, inpatient competency restoration, competency restoration, forensic mental health, mental health law, criminal competency, incompetent to stand trial, Chapter 46B, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospital, behavioral health, local mental health authority

Transcript Highlights:

• and a survivor.
• work in our neighborhoods and communities and uphold the oath of serving and protecting our communities
• And Mr. If we have criminal, we can defer, and Mr. Barnes, can I... we can defer, and uh, Mr.
• civil procedure and... create criminal and civil procedure and stick it into the actual law instead
• He was looking down and I guess checking his... he had dropped something and looked and reached down

Bills: SB156, SB134, SB108, SB47, SB88, SB89, SB106, SB18, SB9, HB38, HB54

Keywords: habitual felony offender, resentencing, Alabama Department of Corrections, victim notification, criminal justice reform, life sentences, parole eligibility, pardon, parole, law enforcement, GPS monitoring, data sharing, mail theft, stolen mail, criminal penalties, personally identifying information, felony, misdemeanor, expungement, criminal records

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to be really associated with abuse and neglect. Safety. Okay. All right.
• on the Abuse and Neglect Central Registry from the moment... ...investigation begins and remain there
• of competent jurisdiction finds that abuse and neglect occurred.
• the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry.
• on strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't even amount to abuse or neglect, and those things are just no one's business.
• something that they would not even go out and investigate. because it does not amount to abuse and neglect
• And there's nothing there, and even DFPS says, hey, this does not. rise to abuse or neglect.
• and neglect.
• more information that's not abuse and neglect is just automatically turned over to more and more agencies

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid