Video & Transcript Research : 'disaster declaration'
Page 111 of 322
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The witness said they did not have the answer to that question, but imagined that in cases of disaster
- in cases of disaster that they have<00:22:36.919>
but <00:22:37.039>I'm <00:22:37.159>< - that uh the of an uh natural disaster that uh the least<00:23:56.200>
expensive <00:23:57.159> - The member said he thought he heard that it would be permissible if there were a natural disaster and
- But if there is a disaster, can they use them for shelter for the residents beyond 72 hours?
Summary:
The meeting began as a Division 3 work session on HB 71, but much of the early discussion focused on whether a previously discussed non-germane amendment could be considered or voted on that day. Members and the chair debated process and notice requirements, and the clerk’s guidance was that the amendment needed a separate public hearing before the full Finance Committee. The amendment was described as requiring DHHS contracts and addenda to include compliance with the Patient Bill of Rights, with a repeal date so the requirement would expire on November 30, 2026. The motion to move OTP on HB 71 with the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee agreed the amendment would be scheduled for a future full Finance hearing instead.
The committee then turned to HB 71 itself and heard testimony from DHHS representatives John Williams and Jenny O’Higgins on the fiscal note and policy implications. Members questioned the estimate that the bill could put $12 million to $18 million per year in federal funding at risk, including HUD and Office of Refugee Resettlement funds. DHHS explained that the estimate was based on a broad reading of the bill’s term “specified alien,” which they said was not clearly defined in the bill, so they analyzed it using the federal definition of “alien” and assumed the bill could affect lawfully present non-citizens as well as undocumented individuals. They said the figure represented a worst-case scenario and that they were not claiming the loss was certain.
Members also pressed DHHS on whether the bill could affect emergency sheltering in schools, public academies, or institutions of higher learning during disasters. DHHS said the language could create conflicts with federal funding conditions because emergency shelter programs generally cannot impose barriers on who may be sheltered, and they warned that excluding certain people could affect refugee-related and HUD funding. Questions were raised about whether the bill’s language would apply to private institutions as well as public ones, and whether the state could still use schools in short-term emergencies. DHHS said the language was broad, that they could not answer every legal question definitively, and that they would need input from public health and legal staff. No final vote on HB 71 was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/work session mode after the amendment motion was withdrawn.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness
- In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness
- <00:25:41.279>
that for this resolution declaring that for this resolution declaring that - Declaring climate change as a public health emergency is misleading and politicized.
- Uh declaring climate Thank you, Chair.
Summary:
The Committee on Health met on April 2, 2025, and heard several resolutions focused on student mental health, autism data collection, school heat exposure, and climate change as a public health issue. Testimony on HCR 96/HR 92 supported encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand student mental health services; the University of Hawaii testified in support, and a student speaker said expanded services would make students more likely to seek help. The committee also heard HCR 145/HR 139, which urges state agencies to collaborate on planning for Hawaii’s participation in CDC autism prevalence surveillance; supporters included the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and an autism advocate who said Hawaii needs better local representation in the data.
The committee then heard HCR 186/HR 179, requesting a study of heat exposure management in Department of Education and charter schools. The Department of Health and the climate change and health working group supported the measure, citing rising temperatures, heat-related illness risks during outdoor activities, and the value of wet bulb globe temperature standards. Finally, the committee heard HCR 188/HR 182, declaring climate change a public health emergency and calling for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the climate change and health working group, and a Native Hawaiian physician emphasized climate-related health harms such as heat illness, wildfire impacts, chronic disease, and inequities; one member opposed the measure as politicized and said it could dilute attention from other urgent problems.
In decision-making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HCR 96/HR 92, HCR 145/HR 139, and HCR 186/HR 179 as is. For HCR 188/HR 182, the committee recommended passage with amendments, specifically a House draft one for technical clarity, consistency, and style. During the vote on the climate emergency resolution, Representatives Elos and Garcia voted no, while the rest of the members present supported the recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 41st Legislative Day Jun 25th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Vitola is declared confirmed by the Senate. The nomination of Christy N.
- Vitola is declared confirmed by the Senate. Congratulations, Your Honor.
- House Bill 89 with House Amendment 1 is declared passed by the Senate.
- Madam President, the roll call on House Bill No. 381 is declared passed.
- Having received a majority vote, Senate Bill 345 is declared passed by the Senate.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Having received nine ayes and two nays, that declares Senate Bill 1726 to have passed.
- Having received six a's and 3 nays, I declare Senate Bill 1413 to have passed.
- Having received seven aye's and three nays, I declare Bill 1342 to have passed.
- Having received 10 ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1477 to have passed.
- Having received nine ayes and one nay, I declare Senate Bill 1189 to have passed.
Bills:
SB1726, SB1236, SB1633, SB1413, SB1317, SB1360, SB1342, SB1477, SB1189, SB1546, SB1524, SB1338, SB1193, SB1812, SB1617
Keywords:
higher education, graduate instructors, training program, academic integrity, First Amendment rights, administrative reporting, education, consolidation, board, public schools, resident tuition, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, state scholarships, financial aid, immigration status, undocumented students, noncitizen students, lawfully present, postsecondary education benefits, college tuition
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the same to have passed.
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
- I declare the same to... ...have passed.
- I declare Senate Bill 201 to have advanced.
- I declare the same to have passed.
Bills:
SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201
Keywords:
voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 22 Morning Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Declare the vote.
- Declare the vote.
- Representative Declare the vote.
- Representative Blan set declares the vote.
- Declare the vote. Zero nays received.
Bills:
HB4104, HB3722, HB3787, HB3700, HB3701, HB3310, HB3404, HB2964, HB2398, HB3024, HB3499, HB3278, HB3279, HB3645, HB3649, HB2293, HB3260, HB3176, HB3177, HB3114, HB3172, HB3322, HB3323, HB4248, HB3720, HB2210, HB1322, HB1937, HB3301, HB4107
Keywords:
Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Because we are vulnerable to disasters in the state that include...
- We are vulnerable to disasters in the state that includes wildfires.
- hazardous materials responses, earthquakes, urban search and rescue missions, and all of the large-scale disasters
- apparatus is offline, the state's entire mutual aid system absorbs that strain, affecting fire seasons, disaster
- conditions and manufacturers will critically limit our ability to respond to emergency situations and disaster
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Because we are vulnerable to disasters in the state that include...
- We are vulnerable to disasters in the state that include wildfires.
- hazardous materials responses, earthquakes, urban search and rescue missions, and all of the large-scale disasters
- apparatus is offline, the state's entire mutual aid system absorbs that strain, affecting fire seasons, disaster
- conditions and manufacturers will critically limit our ability to respond to emergency situations and disaster
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on the rising cost and long delivery times for fire apparatus and related equipment, with opening remarks stressing that aging fleets, supply chain problems, and delayed replacements are affecting emergency readiness across California. Cal OES and Cal Fire described statewide procurement challenges, including higher prices, multi-year delivery timelines, two-year encumbrance limits, and the strain on mutual aid when engines remain in service beyond their intended replacement cycles. Cal Fire said it operates 537 engines, with 300 meeting replacement criteria and 243 at least 16 years old, and explained the difference between mandatory contracts and one-time acquisitions. The Department of General Services said vendors have cited labor costs, chassis pricing, and the need for longer production timelines, while also noting that statewide contracts can include nominal price increases but not open-ended price hikes.
Local fire chiefs from Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, Napa, and Fullerton testified that apparatus prices have risen sharply while delivery times have stretched from under a year to three to five years or more. They described specific examples of engines and ladder trucks costing far more than prior purchases and arriving years later, forcing departments to keep older reserve apparatus in service, spend more on maintenance, and defer other budget priorities. Several witnesses said industry consolidation has reduced competition and contributed to delays and price increases, with Los Angeles County and Fullerton noting they have pursued antitrust complaints and litigation against major manufacturers. Napa also described proprietary parts and software limiting in-house repairs, and Santa Barbara County said a vendor’s unfulfilled delivery promise caused the department to lose its place in line.
Members asked about possible solutions, including whether the state should consider manufacturing apparatus itself, whether procurement rules or prototype requirements could be streamlined, whether DGS staffing or contract processes could be accelerated, and whether more stable long-term purchasing commitments would help manufacturers plan production. Witnesses said safety-driven specification changes are necessary but can add time, and that the main bottlenecks are industry capacity, consolidation, and vendor performance. The vice chair raised concerns about how grant funding windows and local matching requirements are affected by multi-year delays, especially for small and rural departments that rely on grants and on used apparatus passed down from larger agencies. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with committee members indicating interest in possible legislative, regulatory, and antitrust follow-up.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Caucus of the Whole - State of the Guard - 2026-02-19 - 9:00AM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Natural disasters, public health emergencies, cyber threats, and global instability have tested our institutions
- partnerships have moved well beyond traditional military-to-military engagement and now encompass disaster
- militarytoilitary engagement and now militarytoilitary engagement and now encompass<00:27:24.640>
disaster - <00:27:25.120>
response, <00:27:25.600>emergency encompass disaster response, emergency - encompass disaster response, emergency management,<00:27:26.720>
and <00:27:26.960>civil
Summary:
The caucus of the whole was held as the annual State of the Guard address, featuring Adjutant General Gregory Knight’s remarks to legislators and guests. Knight said this would likely be his final address before retirement and thanked Gold Star families, military survivors, Governor Phil Scott, honorary commanders, legislative leaders, his family, and many Guard and community partners. He emphasized that the Vermont National Guard is a civic institution, not just a military force, and said its strength depends on a strong relationship with the legislature.
Knight reviewed several priorities and accomplishments, including regular transparency updates to the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and force; the creation of the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Caucus; and legislation supporting education, workforce development, benefits, and service members’ families. He highlighted recruiting and retention efforts, including the Prime employer partnership program, which he said now has 40 employer partners and 24 more pending, and argued that Vermont can attract and retain service members by connecting military experience to civilian jobs and education opportunities. He also discussed organizational climate improvements, mental health and prevention staffing, and the need for more providers who accept military patients and Tricare, noting the Howard Center and other health centers are expanding military and veteran care.
The address also covered the Guard’s broader role in emergency response, citizenship, diversity, and international partnerships. Knight described recent deployments and state responses to COVID-19, flooding, and other emergencies, explained Guard duty statuses and called for congressional reform to simplify them, and outlined state partnership work with Austria, North Macedonia, and Senegal, as well as related educational and economic initiatives. He recognized numerous Guard members, recruiters, fiscal staff, media partners, and outside collaborators for their contributions.
No votes were taken. The meeting concluded with Speaker recognition of Knight’s service and an announcement that the caucus had ended and the House would gavel in shortly afterward.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had the worst natural disasters in the history of the state occur over the last during the course
- of this administration, and responding to those natural disasters and emergencies have been done through
- created The Federal Reimbursement Revolving Fund aims to transition us away from responding to natural disasters
- That's not a very good way to respond to multi-million dollar natural disasters.
- That would be the primary vehicle for responding to natural disasters going forward.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Oct 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- good alternative, and parametric insurance also can offer a very good backstop to help people when disaster
- plan that took place exactly for this: If there was a large-scale mega-earthquake, what would the disaster
- Banks are required to have a disaster recovery plan, and that gets to some of the, I think, consumer
- If there was a large-scale mega-earthquake, what would the disaster recovery process look like and went
- Banks are required to have a disaster recovery plan, and that gets to some of the, I think, consumer
Summary:
The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken.
The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- housing, allowing residents to safely stay on their property while we're rebuilding after a natural disaster
- Current laws lack a clear process for permitting single-family homes after a disaster, leading to costly
- AB 818 offers a ready-to-implement pathway using lessons from past disasters to help families return
- When disaster strikes, families need housing, not red tape.
- forward while easing the administrative burdens on local planning departments, especially in a post-disaster
Summary:
The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local government finance. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assemblymember DeMaio proposed changing SANDAG board selection to give rural unincorporated areas a stronger voice; members raised concerns about the approach and local input, and the bill ultimately did not receive a second at the time it was heard. The chair later clarified that because no second was made, the bill was held rather than voted out, though the transcript also reflects confusion and later attempts to revisit the item.
Several housing and permitting bills advanced with committee amendments and broad support. AB 671 by Assemblymember Wicks would streamline restaurant permitting through self-certification and faster plan review; AB 920 by Assemblymember Caloza would require a centralized online portal for housing permit tracking in larger jurisdictions; AB 1061 by Assemblymember Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing in historic districts with limits to protect historic character; AB 818 by Assemblymember Anamarie Farías would streamline temporary manufactured housing after disasters; AB 660 by Assemblymember Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assemblymember Haney would expand downtown revitalization financing tools for mixed-use housing. Each of these measures drew support from housing, business, and industry groups, with some local-government and special-district stakeholders seeking continued amendments on certain bills.
The committee also approved AB 1156, which updates the solar use easement program to better accommodate renewable energy development on water-constrained agricultural lands, and AB 964, which would let local governments offset certain state mandate reimbursement debts against amounts the state owes them. AB 1223, by Assemblymember Wynn, would let Sacramento-area transportation authorities propose sales tax measures for portions of the county and keep revenues local; it advanced despite some transportation and taxpayer concerns. Consent items AB 36 and AB 1131 were also approved. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, often with committee amendments and some members noting they would continue working on the measures in later committees.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- hands of farmers and ranchers to restore their livelihood once they've been wiped out by a natural disaster
- enforce movement restrictions and other agency regulations and play a critical role in responding to disaster
- finally, I want to point out an often overlooked aspect of our profession, the veterinarian's role and disaster
- The veterinarian emergency team at Texas A&M has responded to fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters
- And we simply must do more to prepare for the animal. aspects of disaster response in the state.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Declare the vote. Oh, yes, Kendrix, aye. Yes, Kendrix, aye. Declare the vote.
- Declare the vote.
- Declare the vote. “Care to vote? Declare the vote.” Representative: 19 ayes, 7 nays.
- Close the vote and declare the vote. 27 aye, one nay. Mr.
- I, one nay, will declare your bill to have passed.
Bills:
HB3622, HB3621, HB3151, HB3882, HB3661, HB4273, HB3644, HB3706, HB3708, HB2021, HB3986, HB3972
Keywords:
HB3622, 2030 Census, Decennial Census, U.S. Decennial Census Revolving Fund, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Commerce Department, census preparation, federal census, state treasury fund, revolving fund, continuing fund, deemed appropriated, technology upgrades, census outreach, redistricting, population count, Title 74, OMES, State Treasurer, budgeting
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Contract Review Committee Meeting Jun 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment before you today, uh, which adds money and time to our contract with BDO Contract with BDO for disaster
- It's a new contract for a vendor to come in in case we have a large-scale disaster in the state that
- If they’re disaster contracts, so they may never be activated, but if they are activated, the state has
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 23rd, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1427 Calderon, credit reporting natural disasters, do pass, out on an A roll.
- AB 1200 Colosa disaster preparedness do pass as amended to strike creation of the state lifelines council
- AB 245 Gibson property tax disaster relief do pass out on on an A roll call.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's not just about the transportation and the water quality issues, the disaster preparedness, but
- They look at the general stuff like transportation, water quality, and disaster readiness.
- And while those things general stuff like transportation, water quality, and disaster readiness.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no.
The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition.
Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Mar 21st, 2025
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- to that, two final are Senate Bill 378, liquor excise tax increase, as well as Senate Bill 393, disaster
- related to one of the Senate bills that was amended into this package, and that is Senate Bill 393, disaster
- can't blame all this on the racetrack, and we do have, we reach out and help people all the time in disasters
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 6 (1-13-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, there being 37 members present, a quorum is declared.
- members present, a quorum is declared. members present, a quorum is declared.
- Senate Bill 85, an act relating to Declaring an emergency. Senator Douglas.
- disorder and declaring an emergency. disorder and declaring an emergency.
- appropriation therefore, and declaring appropriation therefore, and declaring an<00:32:52.320>
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 37 members. The chamber approved the journal from Monday, January 12, 2026, and then moved through routine business including recessing briefly for the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees. The Committee on Committees reported referrals of Senate Bill 7, Senate Joint Resolution 11, and Senate Joint Resolution 27 to Transportation, and Senate Resolutions 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31 to the Senate floor.
Several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on identity documents, youth vaping prevention, local occupational license fees and taxes, healthcare provider credentialing, constitutional amendments on voting and restoration of rights, substance use disorder medication regulations, forcible entry and detainer, coroner response times, special needs trusts, immigration enforcement collaboration, and a resolution recognizing Physician Anesthesiologist Week. The Senate also adopted Senate Citation 001 honoring Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore as the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year, and adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring David Delvin Drake.
A major floor discussion centered on Senate Resolution 10, which honored the victims of the UPS Flight 2976 crash and commended first responders. Senator Herron described the crash, named the victims, and thanked emergency responders and government partners; the resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. Another extended discussion came from the Senator from Marion regarding the I-69 bridge project, explaining the bipartisan effort behind the project, the push for a federal grant, and the state’s tolling requirements if no grant is secured. The Senate also heard announcements about committee meetings, upcoming receptions, and a film release, and several members requested co-sponsorships on various bills before the chamber adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Zern is declared confirmed in the Senate. Congratulations, Your Honor.
- House Bill 452 is declared passed by the Senate. Senator Townsend.
- House Bill 448 is declared passed by the Senate. House Bill 448 is declared passed by the Senate.
- House Bill 180 is declared passed by the Senate.
- House Bill 134 is declared passed by the Senate.
Summary:
The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote.
Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program.
The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.