Video & Transcript Research : 'Water Code Section 16.343'
Page 115 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- city water system?
- Okay, and currently we have the 2018 International Fire Code as the current state fire code, and there
- The other two days they were actually in classroom learning the code, the electrical code or the code
- I do think that we probably need to update that statute in the criminal code section, so 13-9-11, so
- And we know we want water to go low and slow, right? We want water to go low and slow.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2079, which authorizes a memorial for Arizona journalist Don Bolles in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The sponsor described the memorial as a no-cost way to preserve Arizona history and honor Bolles, who was assassinated in 1976 while investigating corruption and drug cartels. The bill was moved and passed unanimously, 7-0, for a due pass recommendation.
Members then considered HB 2080, a strike-everything amendment addressing deed and title fraud. The bill would require photo identification for certain county recorder filings, add identifying measures for deeds and real property documents when notarized, create an assessor alert system tied to property addresses, and increase penalties for knowingly filing false claims or forged real property documents from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Testimony from county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and a fraud victim emphasized the scale of the problem and the need for layered protections. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0.
HB 4064, concerning municipal improvement districts, drew more debate. The bill would move the petition requirement earlier in the process before a city or town adopts a resolution of intention for an improvement district. Supporters from Camp Verde, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, a developer, and the Yavapai Apache Nation said the change would improve transparency, reduce wasted planning costs, and help finance sewer and infrastructure projects in rural areas. Opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want and infringe on property rights. The bill passed 5-2.
The committee also approved HCR 2048, which would withhold pay for statewide elected officials and legislators if the general appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30 and send the measure to voters. Supporters said it would create a stronger incentive to finish the budget on time; opponents said more work was needed on session length and bill volume. The resolution passed 4-3. Later, HB 2324, allowing municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county buildings inside city limits to be inspected under local code through an intergovernmental agreement, passed 7-0 after testimony from county and state fire officials who supported the concept but wanted technical amendments.
The committee then passed HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, with the family covering costs. Finally, HB 2239 created a child care grant program and infrastructure fund to expand child care in underserved and rural communities. Supporters described severe child care shortages, economic impacts, and safety concerns; the sponsor framed it as an investment in workforce participation and child well-being. The bill passed 5-0 with one present and one not voting. The committee then began hearing HB 2375 on historic districts and middle housing, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/11/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- code and finally a office code code and finally a four-digit<01:32:55.199>
station <01:32:56.199 - The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
- The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
- The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
- The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Gutierrez, this bill would remove the merchant codes for certain firearms.
- As a former retail worker, the merchant codes and the codes that we use give us a lot of data.
- Senate Bill 1024 amending sections 28-2082 and 28-2357, relating to vehicle registration.
- Today, as we speak right now, my youngest granddaughter is having a C-section.
- Today, as we speak right now, my youngest granddaughter is having a C-section.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several points of personal privilege introducing guests, including the doctor of the day, Delta Sigma Theta members visiting for Delta Day at the Capitol, and a proclamation honoring the City of Tolleson’s Founders Day/Whoopi Days Festival. Members also recognized a House staffer’s family member who had completed Army basic training. The chamber then moved through routine communications and Senate messages before taking up unfinished business, including a motion to reject Senate amendments to HB 2874 and appoint a conference committee, which was adopted.
In Committee of the Whole, members debated several Senate bills. SB 1058 drew the most discussion: Rep. Gutierrez offered a hostile amendment to add gun-trafficking and merchant-code restrictions, arguing it would help stop straw purchasing and cartel-related firearms smuggling; supporters of the underlying bill said it was intended to prevent merchant codes from becoming a gun registry. The amendment failed, and SB 1058 received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1094, concerning civil liability related to gender transition procedures for minors, also prompted extended debate, with opponents arguing the bill was duplicative, punitive, and could raise malpractice insurance costs and worsen physician shortages; it too received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1136, SB 1422, and SB 1663 (with a floor amendment) were also recommended do pass.
After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House took up third-reading votes. SB 1024 passed 35-20; SB 1148 passed 33-22 despite objections that it was unconstitutional and interfered with the judiciary; SB 1232 passed unanimously 55-0 after remarks that it clarified local zoning authority over billboards; SB 1293 passed 33-0 with several members criticizing or defending the GPLET tax structure; and SB 1586 passed 33-22. The House also adopted do-pass recommendations for SB 1075, SB 1202, SCM 1004, and SCM 1007, while SB 1419 was retained on the calendar. The session ended with announcements, a personal privilege request for prayers for Rep. Villegas’ granddaughter and newborn twins, and a motion to adjourn until April 9, 2026.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:17:30.000>
shoreline deep water, shoreline deep water, shoreline than<00:17:32.080>- When the zip code needs to thrive.
- , a unique zip code.
- <04:38:51.039>
My water to rural communities. My water to rural communities.- Ranking Member Waters for their support. Ranking Member Waters for their support.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is the Uniform Commercial Code. It's a federal code.
- Paragraph 2 here, auctioneer is used in section 150.380 and sections 343.070 and 343.010 is one who sells
- In these existing sections are taxable? No.
- My name is Lynch-Sloser, registered lobbyist from Missouri-American Water.
- Depreciation period for gas lines under the Internal Revenue Code?
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 092 Apr 16th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- up to speed with that code. up to speed with that code.
- with that code. with that code.
- of international code. of international code.
- In fact, it does create a crime because it adds a new definition under a section of the criminal code
- In fact, it does create a crime because it adds a new definition under a section of the criminal code
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then spent much of the early portion of the meeting on recognitions and announcements. Members welcomed the Sikh community of Colorado for Baisakhi and Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month, noted a langar lunch at the Capitol, and announced a governor’s proclamation later in the day. Other tributes highlighted Jackie Robinson Day, Golf Day at the Capitol, an upcoming Colorado Religious Freedom Day event, and an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority legislative day and youth leadership program.
After announcements, the chamber moved to business and adopted a motion making Senate Bill 109, Senate Bill 104, House Bill 1245, and Senate Bill 121 special orders for April 15. The House then began consideration of Senate Bill 109, concerning building code standards for accessible housing supported by public money. The committee report was adopted, and debate focused on an amendment offered by Representative Soper to exempt counties that have not adopted international building codes. Supporters argued the amendment would protect rural counties, preserve local control, and avoid higher housing costs and budget strain; opponents said it would undermine uniformity. Several members spoke in favor, and the amendment was still under discussion when the transcript ended.
Committee announcements also noted that Judiciary would hear Senate Bill 1283 and Senate Bill 85, Education would hear Senate Bill 153, and Health and Human Services would hear Senate Bill 60, House Bill 1347, and House Bill 1314 for action only. The House also heard that House Bill 1250 would be pushed to the following week.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Aug 14th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are important: Section 62 and Section 63.
- There are also some references to the Internal Revenue Code and other sections, but look first at the
- So it references the Internal Revenue Code Section 62.
- In Internal Revenue Code Section 66, you've got this definition of what itemized deductions are.
- Okay, so then on the next page, the Internal Revenue Code sections 224 and 63B.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The game wardens have said, 'Nope, you are in violation of the state's conservation code, Century Code
- That is... ...for the water, for the lake. I'm just wondering, Mr.
- And what they tell me is, no, we own the water.
- and our water rights.
- I think it's in the waiver rules, like the Code of Federal Regulations, as well.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 306, relating to water code. First up, we have DLNR in support.
- So giving the commission tools to be able to enforce the state water code, which is overseeing a public
- uh to be able to enforce the state water uh to be able to enforce the state water code<00:45:46.480
- You drink water, I drink water. I'm a farmer.
- You drink water, I drink water. I'm a farmer.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided.
HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt.
The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The school sections were sections 21, 32, and 36.
- And when I say water projects, that is in the broadest sense, from a drinking water system to a wastewater
- of Drinking Water, and the Division of Water Quality, that submitted their relevant agency plans to
- the Water Development Coordinating Council.
- residents pay for that cost of water, right?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I voted for the water trust, the water fund project yesterday that some people thought was against the
- Expenditures not subject to the procurement code?
- President, Senator, it's on page 7 under section 788 F.
- They present these to the Soil and Water Commission.
- I added in there for a new section D, not been convicted of any violation of the Children's Code.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Public water agencies are tasked with providing the public with safe and reliable drinking water.
- water.
- Water Agencies have additional considerations. including maintaining water quality, financial constraints
- This bill has no mandates for water infrastructure.
- I think I just wanted to clarify that that section that's being referred to is section 2B6, where it
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- waters.
- Section three, why the bill would permit the, well, I'm sorry, Water Quality Control Commission, the
- When it comes to the Water Quality Control Commission and their permitting, we're in section three.
- were traditional navigable waters and not all waters.
- Surface water.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE-SENATE AND HOUSE Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not sure if that exists in state code, but regardless of CPT codes or anything like that, it's the
- It is the exact same code that both will be doing.
- Adelia Oldenbrook, Radiation Control Section. Thank you.
- How much water usage are you allowing the RVs?
- I believe it's How much water usage are you allowing the RVs?
Summary:
The committee reviewed a series of Medicaid and health-related administrative rules, most of them tied to 2025 acts. Early items covered presumptive eligibility end dates, adding a definition of fictive kin for foster children, and updating ABLE account disability onset age. The committee also reviewed rules on continuous glucose monitors, RSV vaccine administration fees, ET3 telemedicine exemptions for ambulance services, dental rate increases, physical and occupational therapy access, and the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies and lactation consultant provisions. Most rules were reviewed without objection, though several members asked for fiscal and implementation details, especially on the CGM rule and the dental rate rule.
The most extended discussion centered on the dental rate increase under Act 1025. DHS said the rule applies only to oral surgeons’ dental services as written, while the Arkansas State Dental Association and legislative sponsors argued the intent was to raise rates for a broader set of dentists performing the same procedures, especially for adults with special needs. Members discussed the statutory language, CMS constraints, bifurcated rates, and the estimated additional cost of about $1.5 million annually if general dentists were included. The committee ultimately reviewed the rule, but the chair noted the testimony and lawmakers indicated they would work on a fix next session.
Another major exchange involved the CGM rule. Members questioned the reported $3 million two-year fiscal impact, the prior authorization process, and whether DME providers would be forced into a pharmacy-based system. DHS explained that the same vendor would handle prior authorizations and that the billing system changes were already live, but one member moved to expunge the earlier review vote and then said he would hold the rule pending further clarification. The committee also reviewed rules on adverse decisions appeals, CNA training, substance abuse and mental health network-status disclosures, new certification rules for doulas and community health workers, cosmetology/body art, massage therapy, lead-based paint, radiation control, radiologic technology licensure, and mobile home/RV park standards. The meeting ended with all remaining items reviewed and the committee adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The next section that I'd like to review with you is Century Code 48-01.2-20.
- The following section is in the same grouping here for Century Code 54.
- I just want to bring up my section of code. Where are we got? Does this? Does that work?
- Now, this section of code, I would point you to, let's see, what can we see on the screen here?
- I believe the code just said water resource districts, which ones?
Summary:
The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements.
Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed.
The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:17 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , Chapter 56, Section 28, Section 31-9-1.2, NMSA, 1978, Being Laws, 1988, 188, Chapter 107, Section 3
- Section 31 Chapter 108, Section 6 as amended.
- Section 31-18-16, NMSA, 1978, Being Laws, 19977, Chapter 2116, Section 5 as amended, Section 32-2-2A,
- 000, 178, being laws 1977, 177, Chapter 216, Section 5, Section 5 as amended, Section 32-2A-2A, 3.
- Section 5 as amended, Section 32-2A-3, NMSA, 1978, Being Laws, 2002, Chapter 2, Chapter 8, Section 3,
Bills:
HM19
Keywords:
New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 96, SB 87, SB 210, SB 206 (06/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll start with the violation section.
- Right here—section two. Sorry, section Roman numeral two.
- Yes, it's in section three. proposed? Yes, it's in section three.
- Section Roman number two. three. Sorry. Section Roman number two.
- The department investigation and enforcement for any educator code of conduct violation under the section
Summary:
The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator.
The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement.
The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The code of student conduct.
- The code of student conduct must meet or exceed the minimum standards set forth in the sponsor's code
- and whatever's in the water out to our beaches.
- me what the section is, I'm happy to answer questions about that section.
- If you want to tell me what the section is, I'm happy to answer questions about that section.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions and recognitions. The Rules Chair moved CS/CS/SB 622 to the end of the special order calendar, which was adopted without objection. SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed, as were later bills SB 716 and CS/CS/CS/SB 1348.
The chamber then took up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and adopting amendments before final passage. Measures approved included a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan (HB 295, 38-0), mitigation banking and land development changes with a phosphate mining lands amendment (CS/CS/SB 492, 35-3), aggravated animal cruelty with a searchable FDLE database and sentencing multiplier (HB 255, 37-0), the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism and related training/funding (HB 711, 37-0), newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (CS/CS/HB 1089, 36-0), and revisions to the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects and adjust approval thresholds (CS/CS/HB 393, 37-0).
The Senate also passed workforce education legislation allowing charter schools access to grant funding and expanding money-back guarantees (HB 1145, 37-0), a statewide study on automation and workforce impact (HB 827, 35-0), parole guideline revisions (HB 181, 37-0), court-appointed psychologist procedures in family law cases (HB 901, 37-0), sexual cyber harassment protections covering digitally forged intimate images (HB 1451, 37-0), a home health aide program for medically fragile children with training and reimbursement provisions (CS/CS/SB 1156, 37-0), substance abuse and mental health care changes including 988 oversight and involuntary examination procedures (HB 1091, 37-0), a feasibility study for a statewide pond data database (HB 1359, 37-0), and Department of Law Enforcement housekeeping changes and retired police dog reimbursements (HB 1053, 37-0). The most extensive debate centered on the charter schools bill (HB 443), which expanded charter autonomy, reporting parity, enrollment flexibility, and governance rules; after a delete-all amendment and a friendly amendment, it was placed on the third-reading calendar rather than immediately voted on. Several bills were briefly discussed with concerns about transparency, accountability, funding, and constitutional issues, but all bills brought to a vote during this segment passed.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- The town was in noncompliance with these code sections and proper accounting procedures, as noted below
- The Outside Kingsland Rural Water Association, The Outside Kingsland Rural Water Association, ending
- And then we have five more: Fulton Water Department, December 31, 2023; McRae Municipal Water and Sewer
- System, December 31, 2024; Montrose Water and Sewer Department, December 31, 2024; and Wilmer Water
- It's a few code sections later, and there's a penalty provision in that they could receive a $1,000 penalty
Summary:
The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation.
The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present.
Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida Building Code.
- The Florida Building Code works.
- The Florida building code.
- water inside the building.
- How much water?” “Is the—if the question is how much water intrusion, is that in liters?
Summary:
The Banking and Insurance Committee heard a series of presentations focused on mitigation, flood and wind resilience, and insurance discounts. Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlined several funding streams for mitigation, including federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, BRIC grants, flood mitigation assistance, and the state hurricane loss mitigation program. He emphasized the new Elevate Florida initiative, which will use about $400 million initially to elevate or reconstruct flood-prone homes, starting with National Flood Insurance Program properties and severe repetitive-loss homes, with no current per-home cap. Guthrie said the state will contract directly with licensed vendors and aims to reduce future flood losses, lower insurance costs, and keep properties on the tax rolls rather than relying on buyouts.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski described Florida’s windstorm mitigation discount program, explaining that the 1802 inspection form is used to assess a home’s overall “envelope” and determine statutory discounts. He said the office is updating the program based on a new wind loss study, with likely changes including greater recognition of roof types such as metal roofs and possible territorial risk adjustments. He also said the Legislature now requires the office to revisit the study every five years. Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services reported on My Safe Florida Home, noting that the program offers inspections and grants for roof and opening protections, has completed more than 100,000 inspections, and has reimbursed hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the department has validated its discount calculations with insurers and that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce premiums through verified mitigation work.
Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said Florida’s building code is nationally leading and that post-Ian surveys found no wind-driven structural damage in buildings built after adoption of the code. He argued that mitigation should be treated as a system, not isolated upgrades, and suggested adding Fortified designation to the state’s mitigation form to better document verified resilience improvements. Bill Truex, a county commissioner and builder, stressed the need to educate homeowners about floodproofing and roof choices, citing examples where flood panels prevented damage and noting that asphalt shingles often do not last as long in Florida as their marketing suggests. In panel discussion, senators asked about program eligibility, outreach to elderly and digitally challenged residents, contractor vetting, roof-life disclosures, and whether flood insurance should be more broadly required. Officials said outreach will include call centers and in-person assistance, and several participants urged better consumer disclosure and more data-driven guidance on roof and mitigation choices.