March 24, 2026 · HUMAN SERVICES · 651 words · 6 speakers · 15 segments
Good morning. I'd like to call this meeting of the House Human Services Committee to order. And thank you all for being here. Amanda, please, would you take the roll?
Sure. Good morning, everybody. Chairman Williams. Here. Rep. Bellman. Designation. Rep. Benham. Designation. Rep. Serato. Designation. Rep. Gerrall. Designation. Rep. Green. Designation. Rep. Harris. Designation. Rep. Kahn. Designation. Rep. Kincaid. Designation. Rep. Mays. Designation. Rep. Otten. Designation. Rep. Prokopiak. Designation. Rep. Rivera. Designation. Rep. Venkat. Designation. Chairman Heffley. Present. Rep. Anderson. BBD. Rep. Baseline. BBD. Rep. Flick. BBD. Rep. Flood. Yes. Rep. Hogan. BBD. Rep. Labs. Yes. Rep McKenzie Rep Pugh Rep Reichard Rep Schlegel and Rep Weakneck
We have a quorum The chair calls of House resolution 208 printers number 1520 sponsored by Representative Fleming Dylan can you please explain the resolution
House Resolution 208 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on wait times for services provided by the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, including the impact of those delays. The study must be completed within 180 days and include recommendations to the General Assembly to approve access to those services.
Thank you. The question is, with the committee report, HR 208, Chair Heffley is offering Amendment A-02644. Anne-Marie, would you please provide an explanation of the amendment?
Yes, thank you. Amendment A-02644 replaces the term study with performance audit and clarifies the issues to be addressed by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee.
Thank you, Anne-Marie. Will the committee agree on the amendment? On that question, the chair recognizes Chairman Hefley.
Thank you, Chairman. I want to start by thanking both Representatives Fleming and Marcel for working together to sponsor this resolution. My amendment will clarify the purpose of the resolution in order to address stakeholder concerns. It is agreed to an amendment, and I ask for an affirmative vote on both my amendment and the underlying resolution.
Thank you, Chairman. Are there any comments on the amendment?
I'd like to thank Chair Heffley for offering this amendment and working with the committee to accomplish a goal of providing holistic study on access to services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired I'd like to ask the committee for a yes vote.
Is there any opposition to the amendment? Seeing no opposition, the amendment A-02644 is adopted. The question reoccurs, will the committee report on House Resolution 208 as amended? Is there any discussion on the resolution? I do want to mention we've been joined by Representative Benham. We've been joined by Representative Flick and Representative Riker. Thank you. So much. Is there any discussion on the resolution? Are there any comments on the resolution, Chair Heffley?
Just an affirmative vote. And once again, thank everybody for working together, getting this meaningful resolution passed.
Thank you, Chairman Heffley.
I would like to thank the representatives Fleming and Marcel for their work on this resolution, as well as the chair for his willingness to work together. This resolution represents a thoughtful and necessary measure towards strengthening services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services programs plays a critical role in supporting independence employment and overall quality of life and this resolution will help identify gaps in access evaluate service delivery processes, and assess whether resources are being used efficiently and effectively. Importantly, it will conclude with actionable recommendations to improve outcomes. Supporting this resolution is the first step in delivering meaningful improvements for those who rely on these services. I'd like to ask the committee for a yes vote.
Is there any opposition to the resolution? I'd like to note we've been joined by Representative Kincaid. Seeing no opposition, Resolution 208 will be reported as amended. Seeing no further business, I'd like to thank the committee for their attendance. And this House Human Services Committee voting meeting is adjourned. Thank you so much. Thank you.