Video & Transcript Research : 'declared disaster'

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 08:29 am

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • It adds in the Environmental Product Declaration Act.
  • there are two programs established within the Environment Department: the Environmental Product Declaration
  • The program relies on independently verified environmental product declarations, which ensures transparency
  • I see that's probably what is trying to be addressed under the Environmental Product Declarations.
  • For highlighting the Environmental Product Declaration, the EPDs.
Keywords: 996, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Independence, which as Declaration of Independence, which as historian<00:11:04.320> Jill<
  • Thomas Jefferson declared, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of
  • Pursuant to clause 12A of rule one, the Chair declares the House in recess until 2 p.m. today.
  • More than a dozen have declared children's exposure to declared children's exposure to pornography a
  • Speaker, when Thomas Jefferson wrote those words in the Declaration of those words in the Declaration
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • I declare the minutes approved.
  • I declare the motion adopted, and the bill will be reported.
  • I declare the motion defeated. The bill will not be reported.
  • I declare the motion adopted. Congratulations. All right.
  • I declare the amendment adopted.
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that it moved the existing additive list into a new code section, kept the 2028 effective date, added exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, and small sellers under $5,000 per month, and created civil penalties for knowing violations. Testimony split between industry witnesses, who argued the bill and last year’s law would raise costs, burden interstate commerce, and conflict with federal regulation, and advocates who said the law is already prompting companies to reformulate and that the bill clarifies vague language tied to a federal injunction. Several amendments were offered to tie the law to FDA action or exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, frozen confections, and snack foods; some were adopted and others failed. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment as amended and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a victim’s access to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing a victim of a sexual offense who becomes pregnant to have an illegal abortion, along with a conspiracy offense. Counsel said the strike-and-insert added clarifying language and definitions. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to include the victim herself, and the bill sponsor said the intent was to target traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care and force abortions outside medical facilities. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation, and adopted a title amendment. The final bill discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality protections for victims in criminal complaints by limiting redaction to names and addresses, while still allowing disclosure to other governmental entities and permitting victims to request redaction of addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026. Counsel said the bill would replace broader existing confidentiality language and remove provisions allowing disclosure upon a showing of justice or by subpoena. Members questioned whether the change would weaken victim privacy protections, noting that identifying information can include much more than names and addresses. The committee then began hearing testimony from a county prosecutor on the bill, but the excerpt ends before any vote or final action on HB 4468.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Rules Apr 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • I declare House Bill 3711 has passed the committee.
  • I declare House Bill 4104 to have passed the committee. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • I declare the committee substitute has been adopted.
  • I I declare HJR1077 to have passed the committee. I will now pass the gavel to Chairman Rader.
  • I declare the same to have passed as amended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jun 3rd, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • There was a shortfall in purses and it was an economic disaster. That’s what it was.
  • It was a disaster, not teetering.
  • And Golden State was a disaster from the beginning.
  • The Golden State was a disaster from the beginning, but that had nothing to do with John Harris and George
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and a reference of bills to committee. The committee first approved or advanced a series of appointments not required to appear, including Paulette Brown Hines to the California Transportation Commission, Christopher Clark and Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections, Maggie Hallahan to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Kent Sasaki to the Building Standards Commission, and Danielle N. Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees. The committee then heard from Tanya Pacheco Warner, PhD, for reappointment to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Board. She described her public health background, her family’s experience with asthma, and her work on agricultural burning phaseouts, mobile-source emissions strategies, AB 617 community programs, and climate and air-quality education. Members questioned her about the economic impacts of air rules on agriculture, the district’s approach to mobile-source reductions amid federal uncertainty, AB 617 community outcomes, and how she communicates climate and air-quality issues. The appointment was approved and moved to the full Senate. The committee next considered three California Horse Racing Board reappointments: Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Thomas Hudnut, J.D. The nominees and committee members discussed horse and rider safety improvements, the sharp decline in equine fatalities, the impact of Golden Gate Fields’ closure on Northern California racing, declining interest in the sport, and possible revenue options such as racing-on-demand machines and other gambling-related changes. Public witnesses from the racing industry spoke in support. All three appointments were approved and sent to the full Senate. Finally, the committee heard from Julie Lee and Ann Patterson, J.D., for the Delta Stewardship Council. Both emphasized the Delta’s importance to statewide water supply, ecosystem protection, science-based decision-making, climate adaptation, and community engagement. Senators asked about the council’s co-equal goals, the role of science and social science, public trust, and whether the council’s mission should continue after specific projects are resolved. A public witness from the Association of California Water Agencies supported both nominees. Both appointments were approved and moved to the full Senate.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • result is a subdivision without required secondary access, which, as we see repeatedly in wildfire disasters
  • Last year, the district's regular meetings were quite frankly a joke at best and a disaster at worst.
  • And frankly, like I said, this district is a disaster.
  • And although CSDA is an wonderful organization, this particular district is a complete disaster and there's
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association. The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM

Highways and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • type of issue, a damaged guard rail, a dead animal in the road, filling potholes, responding to disasters
  • road, filling potholes,<00:09:04.480> responding<00:09:04.959> to<00:09:05.200> disasters
  • potholes, responding to disasters. potholes, responding to disasters.
Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Dec 9th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And our goal is to have these there as a sort of a NOAA's ark that if ever there is a disaster on our
  • And our goal is to have these there as a sort of a NOAA's arc that if ever there is a disaster on our
  • there was the endeavor to use tires to create artificial reefs, which, of course, turned out to be a disaster
  • materials that we're using to do this that could 20 years from now, 30 years from now become the equal disaster
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects. The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis. Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment & Energy Dec 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • financing order, authorizing a utility to securitize and issue bonds to recover certain costs related to disasters
  • address wildfire risk, strengthen our communities, and reduce the harmful impacts of smoke from these disasters
  • passed 1990 last year, that several states have also done regarding securitization for recovery of disaster
  • You're more ground zero on climate-related disasters than we are.
Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • They claimed it would be a disaster, but we have very high criteria in place, and we are MDs; we know
  • we want to develop and maintain emergency response plans that detail communication methods during disasters
  • Families and residents simply know what to expect when a disaster strikes.
  • emergency planning and compile a list of resources for residents, which may be helpful during a disaster
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Declare the vote. 850 nay and received the majority of those elected to and constituting the house.
  • I declared the bill to have passed. Mr. Fleyer, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • lose. 82 for nay, having received the majority of those elected to and constituting the house, I declare
  • To unconstituting house, I declare the bill to have passed. Mr. Fleyler, thank you. Mr.
  • I declared the motion to suspend house rule 4.4 to have passed. Mr. Oyler. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Rules Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Declare the vote. With a vote of eight aye and zero nay, we'll report your bill out as do pass.
  • Declare the vote. With a vote of eight aye and zero nay, we'll report your bill out as do pass.
  • Declare the vote. Nine aye, one nay.
  • I declare the vote with a vote of 10 aye and zero nay. We'll report your bill as do pass.
  • Declare the vote. With a vote of 10 aye and 0 nay, we'll report your bill as do pass.
Keywords: 914, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/20/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • affirmative and 36 votes in the negative, House Bill 146 having received a constitutional majority is declared
  • received a constitutional<00:28:41.520> majority,<00:28:42.399> is<00:28:42.640> declared
  • constitutional majority, is declared constitutional majority, is declared passed.<00:28:43.360><
  • received a constitutional<00:30:35.919> majority,<00:30:36.640> is<00:30:36.880> declared
  • constitutional majority, is declared constitutional majority, is declared pass.
Summary: The Maryland House met in session with 122 members present, received the journal, introduced several House bills and Senate Bill 37, and referred bond initiatives and executive nominations to committee. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. House Bill 146, concerning on-site wastewater system inspection and pumping requirements and implementation dates, drew extended debate. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and water-quality measure, while opponents argued it would add significant costs to home sales and rentals, especially in rural areas. After discussion of septic-system costs, enforcement, and the pace of replacement approvals, the bill passed 93-36. House Bill 220, dealing with individual water submeters, also prompted debate over a $1 monthly administrative fee and a provision affecting unpaid water bills in eviction proceedings; members clarified that the eviction language had been struck by floor amendment. Some members argued the bill could raise housing costs, while the sponsor said it mirrored existing electric and gas submetering law. The bill passed 95-34. House Bill 236 on blood-testing timing for contestants before the State Athletic Commission passed 130-0, House Bill 241 extending sunset provisions for state boards and commissions passed 130-0, House Bill 242 on unemployment insurance confidentiality passed 130-0, House Bill 259 revising the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund passed 120-10, and House Bill 308 on private mailboxes for associations passed 120-2. During the floor session, members also discussed septic-system policy more broadly, including the cost of inspections, the need for timely repairs, and whether government should intervene in real-estate transactions. One member explained that a floor amendment had removed a disputed provision from HB 220, which is why it did not appear in the reprint. The House also received a gubernatorial message with executive nominations, referred it to House Rules, and then heard committee and subcommittee announcements about upcoming votes, budget hearings, and caucus meetings.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is in regards to disaster preparedness, urban retail water suppliers, and public water systems and
  • In response to these unprecedented disasters, our public water systems have invested significant time
  • question that I have is that the public strongly supports more transparency after we've had these disasters
Summary: The Committee on Emergency Management heard several bills related to public safety, wildfire preparedness, and fireworks regulation. SB 1299, by Senator Arreguín, would place in statute a certification and training framework for fire sprinkler fitters and apprentices after a court decision disrupted prior State Fire Marshal regulations. Supporters said the bill would protect life safety by ensuring qualified installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems, while opponents raised concerns about added costs, housing affordability, and labor-related effects. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Labor and Employment on a roll call vote, with DeMaio and Hadwick voting no. SB 1153, by Senator Caballero, would require urban retail water suppliers to incorporate wildfire-specific procedures into emergency plans and clarify that water systems are not designed to serve as wildfire defense systems. Supporters from water agencies and fire organizations said the bill would improve coordination, planning, and ratepayer protection while acknowledging infrastructure limits. Members discussed transparency, backup generators, and whether the bill should require more public disclosure; the author said he would continue working on possible amendments. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. SB 828, by Senator Cabaldon, responds to the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion by requiring fireworks licensees to disclose storage locations, verify local permits, and meet other compliance conditions. The author said the bill was developed with the State Fire Marshal and local public safety partners to close information gaps and improve enforcement. An opposition witness argued the permit-verification requirements could not be met in all jurisdictions, especially for hobby rocketry and small-scale uses, prompting discussion about clarifying different rocket categories and administrative implementation. The committee passed SB 828 as amended to the Committee on Local Government, and the meeting then adjourned after all bills were reported out.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 15, 2026 - 08:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, with first responders protected Charles Chapman: by paper on this bill, it leads to disaster
  • A growing need in many communities is resilience, disaster preparedness and recovery.
  • The biggest complaint I had from residents following Hurricane Helene and Milton was the need for disaster
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Nov 7th, 2025

Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So Congress had appropriated extra money in contingency funds in case there's a natural disaster or other
  • A natural disaster is a really important one.
  • Maybe they didn't meet all the regular low-income qualifications, but they did meet other disaster qualifications
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Oct 9th, 2025

Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It had a disaster component where it was also a reserve of money that would count towards what they had
  • in reserve in case of a natural disaster.
  • aside while still having it available for emergencies, such as an economic downturn or a natural disaster
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Oct 1st, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • respond to federal changes that are coming down the line, to be prepared and respond to natural disasters
  • working on the interstate health complex. $150,000 for NMSU's camp program, $30 million to respond to disasters
  • We helped responses for natural disasters. We saved rural hospitals.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • succeeded in that, but at some point, given the nature of what Texas deals with regarding natural disasters
  • So I think first and foremost, as we learn in every one of these... ...natural disaster tragedies, the
  • , where instead of taking care of these issues... on the front end, we've waited until after the disaster
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Community Affairs Mar 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • ITEM ILLEGALLY ENACTS BURDENSOME REGULATIONS AND MORATORIUMS AFFECTING THE ABILITY TO REBUILD AFTER DISASTERS
  • THEY ARE PREPARED TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN THE HOURS, DAYS, WEEKS AND MONTHS AFTER THE NATURAL DISASTERS
  • BUILDING STRUCTURE WAS A KNOWING AND WILLFUL DEMOLITION IS NOT PERMITTED AS A RESULT OF A NATURAL DISASTER
Keywords: 999, senate, all