Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'developmental disabilities'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, disabled veterans, these and these are all defined

  • I'm a disabled veteran.
  • Is it any veteran with a 40% or above disability?
  • ...it's 50% that qualifies for the disabled veterans.
  • or a 40% service-connected disability due to the amputation of a lower extremity.
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss a range of bills pertinent to veterans' issues, including housing, mental health, and memorial designations. Representative Lopez took a leading role in presenting several bills, most notably HB2210, which aims to formally recognize the United States Space Force within Texas laws. Concerns were expressed over ensuring that Space Force veterans receive the same benefits as those from other military branches. Various resource witnesses contributed their expertise to underline the necessity of these initiatives. The public also had opportunities to provide testimony regarding the impact of these measures on veterans' welfare. Discussions frequently centered on challenges such as homelessness among veterans, with several bills introduced to address these issues directly. The committee expressed a strong intention to advocate for veterans' needs through legislation, with notable support for bills that addressed housing affordability and mental health services. HB2061, which honors a fallen service member, was also discussed, reinforcing the community's commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by those who served. The meeting concluded with motions to schedule multiple bills for further consideration with unanimous support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We represent veterans to file disability claims with

  • Now, veterans that are 70% disabled or more actually

  • We have many that have also had their disability rating established or improved.
  • You have to have a service-connected disability to live in the home.
  • So you could be zero on your disability rating from the VA, and you'd be paying whatever the
Summary: The meeting of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee served as the inaugural session for the legislative year, focusing on various significant veteran issues and programs. Chairman Cortez led discussions around the upcoming legislative workload, with an estimated 75 bills anticipated for review. Members acknowledged the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges within the defense forces, with insights on necessary facility upgrades and the impacts on local communities. Collaborative efforts, such as home loan programs and the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, were highlighted to demonstrate the support provided to veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The committee emphasized the vital role of outreach initiatives to ensure veterans are aware of available services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This program prioritizes disabled and income-vulnerable students.
  • So yes, in a lottery situation weighted towards the disabled and low-income, I think it is fair.
  • My concern happens to be with these families with kids with disabilities.
  • Why is there any reason that 504 students are not included under the definition of disability?
  • , so $1,500 more than a student that does not have a disability.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The meeting focused extensively on the amendments and discussions pertaining to SB2, which is aimed at establishing an education savings account program. Various members presented and debated amendments that targeted transparency, accountability, and potential conflicts of interest within the private education sector. Notably, Senator Cook proposed an amendment to require educational service providers to make their budgets public, while Senator Blanco highlighted the need for disclosures relevant to parents of special education and English language learners. The bill saw intense discussion around protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that the provisions did not segregate or discriminate against students within the program. Throughout the meeting, the committee demonstrated robust engagement with both proponents and opponents of the bill, examining the implications of the proposed amendments critically. The overall atmosphere suggested a strong desire to balance educational freedom with accountability and oversight. The meeting concluded with calls for diligence in ensuring that public funds are appropriately utilized, setting the stage for future discussions as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill, a very small but powerful provision, includes students with disabilities in public pre-K.
  • For example, a student with a learning disability receiving services from a special education teacher
  • Lubbock ISD gets $985,000 in state funding for students with specific learning disabilities.
  • Good evening, I'm Stephen Aliman with Disability Rights Texas, here in support of HB 2.
  • I think in the long term this is going to help students with disabilities.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 2, which aims to reform funding for special education in Texas. Various stakeholders, including educators and administrators, testified on the importance of the bill, highlighting current funding gaps and the need for increased resources to adequately support students with disabilities. Testimony revealed that many school districts are experiencing a significant funding shortfall, forcing them to seek additional local funding sources to cover the costs of necessary services. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a new tiered funding system, which was met with cautious support due to the ambiguities surrounding its implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...people in mobile scooters who have disabilities, etc.
  • Since 1949, Texas has issued specialty license plates for disabled veterans.
  • with a disability.
  • Disabled peace officers should register their vehicles.
  • Peace officers whose specialty license plate displays the disabled symbol can qualify.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jeff Miller, Disability Rights Texas.

  • for folks with disabilities.
  • For certain people that have long-term disabilities, they
  • CTD is a cross-disability advocacy organization advocating for Texans with disabilities to live and thrive
  • We need to make sure that older adults and people with disabilities are not.
Summary: The meeting brought forward significant discussions centered on various bills related to child welfare and mental health support, particularly focusing on the well-being of children in the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Notable bills such as HB2789 and HB2809 were thoroughly reviewed, where stakeholders highlighted the critical need for improved data collection on suicide attempts among youth in foster care. The interventions proposed aim to enhance early identification and support for these vulnerable populations. The committee members engaged with professionals and advocates who emphasized the urgency of addressing these mental health challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are many private sector companies that work with veterans and their disability claims.
  • claims on the one hand, and private sector companies like Remedical that offer only disability benefit
  • and what accreditation means for veterans and for a free market option for them to pursue their disability
  • If a veteran receives a disability percentage increase years
  • They get their disability claim prepared.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development convened to discuss a range of bills addressing workforce policies, business practices, and data privacy issues. A highlight was the presentation of HB5146, aimed at expanding subsidized childcare eligibility to include parents pursuing non-credit workforce training, which drew significant support from both committee members and witnesses. Additionally, SB2121 was introduced to rectify clerical errors within the data broker law, ensuring better consumer protections around the collection and use of personal data. Various other bills saw quick passages with unanimous support, reflecting broad agreement among members regarding workforce development and operational efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 10th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is first-time suspicion of a disability.
  • We want to look at long-term disability.
  • I'm Stephen Aleman with Disability Rights Texas.
  • if we keep that disability penalty cut in half.
  • Why couldn't they see all seven disabilities?
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting covered a wide range of topics, focusing primarily on pending legislation and various policy issues facing the committee. Discussions were notably animated surrounding several bills, with members expressing both support and concern over their implications. Witness testimonies were heard, shedding light on different perspectives regarding the legislation in question, indicating a robust public interest and engagement in the topics discussed. Members collaborated to address constituents' concerns while seeking solutions that align with the committee's objectives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ="49" data-time="288"> criminal offenses that target the abuse of children, the elderly, and the disabled
  • our law by creating an offense to target those who abuse elderly individuals, children, and the disabled
  • I'm sorry, who abused the individual children and the disabled
  • or disabled

  • , we must ensure that we protect those who cannot protect themselves: our children, elderly, and disabled
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussing various bills addressing public safety and criminal penalties within Texas. Notable discussions included the introduction of HB544, which aims to expand consecutive sentencing for crimes against children and vulnerable adults. Representative Gervin Hawkins highlighted the urgent need for this legislation by referencing a shocking case in Bexar County involving severe abuse, illustrating the limitations of current law in imposing adequate penalties. The bill received public support and raised awareness of the ongoing issues surrounding the safety of vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 14th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, the 81st Legislature granted a residence homestead exemption to 100% disabled veterans
  • Disabled veterans would get the relief they need while

  • I've testified before on the Disabled Veterans Property Tax...
  • For a long time, it was not considered a service-connected disability.
  • And could it be 100% disability in those instances?
Summary: The meeting covered multiple bills, primarily focusing on House Bill 2802, which relates to the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund Pension, and House Bill 1056 regarding the establishment of gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Senator Schwartner introduced several committee substitutes aimed at improving provisions in these bills, with the committee discussing amendments and seeking public testimony on the implications of these changes. Notably, the discussion highlighted varying perspectives on the use of gold as a currency and its constitutional implications, eliciting significant public and legislative engagement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...disabled people with voting from their vehicle.
  • You know, if there's a disabled person, I've seen some veterans that really...
  • ...like to go out and participate who are disabled, and
  • Now a disabled person is waiting hours in their car to vote, while others are asking if they're disabled
  • individual in the car, not one disabled individual with four people.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee saw extensive discussion surrounding several key bills, including HB4749, SB621, and HB201. Notably, HB3133, which involves legislation regarding explicit deepfake content and social media, was presented and debated vigorously with a committee substitute being proposed to align it with federal standards following the recent federal 'Take It Down' Act. The committee moved to report several bills favorably, including HB1506, emphasizing support for updating laws concerning political contributions and expenditures. Public testimonies were held on various bills, allowing stakeholders to voice their perspectives, particularly on legislation concerning tactical medical professionals and their role during high-risk incidents. The committee concluded the meeting by laying out additional bills for further discussion in subsequent sessions, underscoring a commitment to thorough legislative review.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , or CTD, an organization advocating for people with disabilities.
  • These are basic disability accommodations.
  • Twelve percent of the state's population, or roughly 3 to 4 million Texans, has a disability.
  • Physical disabilities make up a significant part of that percent.
  • Many were also older, physically disabled, and living on extremely limited incomes like myself.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee involved deliberations on a series of significant bills addressing issues such as election procedures, mental health crises, and the interplay between homelessness and public safety. Notably, Senator Parker presented Senate Bill 2487, focusing on creating infrastructure for mental health crisis management in urban areas, emphasizing the need for crisis service centers. Testimonies were heard from various stakeholders about the impact of mental health on homelessness, with supporters advocating for more comprehensive care while opposing viewpoints cautioned against conflating mental illness with criminal behavior. Another prominent discussion was around Senate Bill 2876, which proposed increasing penalties for rioting, specifically targeting those who conceal their identities. This stirred public outcry as civil rights advocates raised concerns about potential profiling and freedom of expression.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • People in mobile scooters who have disabilities, etc.
  • Since 1949, Texas has issued specialty license plates for disabled veterans.
  • Disabled officer from their ability to ambulate to qualify
  • loss of $246,000 to the highway fund over a five-year period, but really we don't know how many disabled
  • A small number of those are permanently disabling.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on legislative discussions surrounding multiple Senate bills, with a significant emphasis on Senate Bill 2080, which aims to modernize outdated regulations affecting navigation districts and port authorities in Texas. Senator Alvarado led the discussion on this bill, highlighting its potential to streamline operations and enhance flexibility in Texas ports, aligning them with national best practices. Several members of the committee expressed support for this legislation, citing its economic implications for Texas, particularly in relation to job creation and infrastructure improvement. However, concerns were raised by representatives from the city of Corpus Christi regarding provisions within the bill that might expand the port's authority, potentially impacting local governance and tax revenue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 23rd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • It can support home-based care or care that specializes in children with disabilities, for example.
  • marker="403" data-time="2412"> ...organization, a nonprofit serving families with every type of disability
  • I'm Steven Aleman from Disability Rights Tech.
  • a complicated story, but in fairness to those school districts that serve these students with disabilities
  • To go to school districts to help students with disabilities
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee featured extensive discussions surrounding several important bills, notably House Bills 500, 4486, and 3010. Chair Huffman presented HB500, a supplemental budget addressing vital state services, in which $2.5 billion was allocated for water infrastructure projects. The committee approved the bill unanimously, showcasing bipartisan support for its critical provisions including enhancements to Texas's cybersecurity and disaster response capabilities. Discussions also revolved around HB4486, which was substituted and subsequently reported back to the full Senate, indicating ongoing legislative refinement and collaboration among members. Additionally, HB3010, aimed at facilitating disaster recovery for rural infrastructure, was brought forward by Senator Nichols, emphasizing the state's commitment to assisting communities impacted by natural calamities.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • They asked about disability wait times and approval backlogs, but by far,

  • They asked about disability wait times and approval backlogs, but by far,

  • And if a senior or somebody with a disability can't access their Social Security, that in my view is
  • the committee last week, the amount of fraud taking place from Social Security's retirement and disability
  • They asked about disability wait times and approval backlogs, but by far,

Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 11th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes ma'am, I'm Steven Aliman from Disability Rights

  • I ask you to please consider removing the disability penalty, which cuts the basic allotment in half
  • for our students with disabilities.
  • I wanted to ask, I don't think I'm really understanding what the disability that they're talking about
  • Additionally, there's the issue of the disability

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24
Summary: The committee meeting centered around special education funding and safety provisions for children with disabilities. Key discussions were led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the transformative potential of SB568, which proposes a transition to an eight-tier service intensity funding model. This model is designed to better accommodate the needs of special education students, ensuring they receive the necessary services tailored to their unique requirements. The bill received strong support from stakeholders and included testimony from educators and advocates highlighting the importance of early intervention and the need for ongoing funding support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Mar 12th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of our students under the age of 22 who had not been previously identified as a student with a disability
  • It may not be a learning disability; it may be a learning disability.
  • keep a close eye on, that there may be a disability, and
  • that 60% it appeared to not be a disability.
  • escorted, he broke free from TDCJ and attacked the victim again after having already permanently disabled
Summary: The House Committee on Corrections convened to discuss various operational issues and concerns surrounding the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Notably, Executive Director Brian Collier highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance inmate rehabilitation services, including job training programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates. While the session was not dedicated to voting on bills, the committee reviewed the budget cuts impacting correctional facilities, which raised questions regarding the potential effects on facility operations and inmate management. Concerns were also aired about maintaining standards for educational programs within the correctional framework.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and Housing Choice vouchers for people with disabilities
  • The Chair now calls Tanya Lavelle from Disability Rights Texas for the bill.
  • I am the policy specialist with the housing and transportation team at Disability Rights Texas, and we
  • disabilities.
  • This income bracket includes people with disabilities, those who receive assistance, and those who do
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These agreements allow persons with disabilities who are
  • Jeff Miller, Disability Rights Texas.

  • Obviously, at Disability Rights Texas, we believe Supported Decision-Making has made a huge impact in
  • We believe that the bill would be better and more usable for both individuals with disabilities, the
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills focusing on children's welfare, particularly regarding foster care and supportive decision-making agreements. Notably, Senate Bill 2165 was presented, which addresses the issue of foster children who go missing and the legal implications of dismissing their cases while they are unaccounted for. The bill aims to ensure that courts retain jurisdiction over these cases to provide continuous support and monitoring until the children reach adulthood. Several witnesses, including legal experts and advocates, expressed fervent support for the bill, highlighting the vulnerabilities of youth in the foster care system and the risks of human trafficking associated with missing children. The importance of maintaining oversight and support for these youth was a common sentiment throughout the testimony.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • These are the people working behind the scenes to ensure students with disabilities get the education
  • These educators and leaders are changing lives every day by helping students with disabilities not just
  • care facilities and registered family homes, including provisions of services for children with disabilities
  • relating to state employment preference for certain individuals who reside with veterans with a disability
  • to certain local governments and proportionally affecting the grant of ad valorem tax relief to disabled
Summary: The meeting focused on honoring Senator Judith Zaffirini for her exceptional service to the state of Texas, marking her as the first female dean of the Texas Senate. Various members spoke of her achievements, highlighting her dedication to public service and her significant impact on the community and education, particularly for students with disabilities. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and deep respect, as colleagues shared personal anecdotes and affirmed her role as a mentor and leader.

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