House Human Services: H657 and H938 reported from appropriations; ADA coordinator language, DCF appeals restart noted

The House Human Services Committee on Thursday also handled routine business and scheduling: members reported votes on two appropriations items, discussed an amendment option for an ADA coordinator bill, and received an update that Human Services board appeals will restart their timing clock on July 1.

Chair reported that H657 advanced out of appropriations with support on the committee amendment (110 votes on the amendment) and that H938 was reported out of appropriations with 101 votes on the bill. The chair said both items will be on notice Tuesday and up for action Wednesday.

Members discussed an ADA coordinator bill that had passed appropriations with conditional language and considered an amendment to allow the coordinator to apply for and receive grants to help meet the workload. Committee members volunteered to draft or sponsor the amendment; the chair said staff will coordinate next steps.

The committee also noted a personnel and process update: members heard that a new Department for Children and Families commissioner has been named and that the Human Services board will restart the appeals timing clock on July 1; the chair referenced approximately 400 appeals involved in that reset.

Committee members said they will continue oversight and accountability work, move briefly off DCF topics to discuss recovery residences, and resume pre-K discussions next week with JFO and education stakeholders.