Video & Transcript Research : 'declared disaster'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Human Services and Agriculture Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The state emergency food box reserve program provides emergency food during natural or human-made disasters
- network of regional-serving producers proved especially important during climate-related natural disasters
- network of regional serving producers proved especially important during climate-related natural disasters
- We have a strong disaster response.
- room to improve it, but it's a place where the state time and time again is trying to maximize that disaster
Summary:
The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce.
Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households.
PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally.
The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare it to have passed.
- Senate Joint Resolution 51 having received four aye and five nays, I declare it to have failed.
- Senate Joint Resolution number 52 having received eight aye and one nay is declared to have passed.
- OK, the amendment having received five 'ayes and four 'nays is declared passed.
- I declare it to have failed. Will pass the gavel back to the Chairman, thank you, committee.
Bills:
SJR50, SJR51, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1094, HJR1095, SJR49
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Right, declare the vote. Seeing a vote of six to zero, nay. I declare your bill to have passed.
- Declare the vote. The vote is five to one, nay. I declare your bill to have passed.
- Declare your bill to have passed. Thank you, members. Right at this time, I'd like to.
Keywords:
elections, national elections, state elections, voter intent, election reform, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, campaign finance, ethics, political contributions, candidate committee, Oklahoma legislation, voter registration, political party affiliation, Independent designation, Oklahoma, voter eligibility
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One issue, and then another constituent shared with me how during one of the hurricane disasters their
- The driving school did not actually refund them, even though it was a natural disaster.
- The driving school did not actually refund them, even though it was a natural disaster.
Summary:
The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed.
The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier.
One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1093, mobile home parks disaster assistance. The motion is do pass. Please call the roll.
- SB 1153, Disaster Preparedness, Urban Retail Water Suppliers and Public Water Systems.
- SB 1053, Property Taxation Transfer of Base Year Value for Disaster Relief.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met for a suspense-file hearing, which the chair noted was vote-only with no public testimony. The committee moved quickly through a large number of bills, mostly Senate bills with a few Assembly measures at the end, and repeatedly announced amendments that narrowed scope, made bills contingent on appropriation, removed certain provisions, or otherwise reduced fiscal impact. Topics covered included wildfire resilience and recovery, housing and homelessness, energy and utilities, health care and Medi-Cal, education, criminal justice, elections, labor and workforce issues, transportation, environmental regulation, insurance, privacy and technology, and several public safety measures.
Most bills were approved, many on unanimous 7-0 votes or 5-0/6-0 votes, while a substantial number passed on 5-2 or 5-1 votes with Republicans generally voting no. A few measures drew more specific discussion: Senator Richardson said he would vote for SB 1203 on security services but expressed concern that it would impose different and doubled training requirements compared with last year’s law; SB 904 on wildfire recovery passed 6-1; SB 1135 on the California Wildfire Coexistence Act passed 6-1; and SB 1241 on skilled and trained workforce requirements passed 6-1 after amendments. The committee also took a reconsideration vote on one previously favorable action, which passed 5-0.
No testimony was taken and no bills were held for further discussion during the hearing; the chair repeatedly noted that items not called were held under submission. At the end of the meeting, the committee announced that results would be posted online and that addendum analyses would follow for amended bills, then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- will also support charter schools directly by allowing those who have been impacted by some of the disasters
- that to all charter schools with priority given for start up schools and those impacted by natural disasters
- appreciate the particular focus on providing funding to schools that have been impacted by natural disasters
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I would hope in the future that we wouldn't see this level of disaster, but unfortunately, if you read
- the tea leaves, we may be entering a time when more and more of these natural disasters occur.
- come back to this body and ask for to enable communities to rebuild infrastructure after natural disasters
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The center's main goal is to conduct research on improving response to natural disasters, minimizing
- It's really, in times of disasters, really on what the process should look like.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 31st, 2025
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the amendment adopted. The chair recognizes the vice chair. Mr.
- I declare the motion adopted. The next item on the agenda is House Bill 5684.
- Declare the amendment adopted. Are there further amendments?
- In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and declare the motion adopted.
- In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and declare the meeting adjourned.
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 4893, which would increase penalties for contempt of magistrate court and raise the maximum fine a court may impose without a jury trial. Counsel explained that the bill would raise fines for first, second, and third offenses, add community service, and allow weekend jail or work release for a third offense. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and adopted a title amendment.
The committee then took up House Bill 5684, a pilot program creating child protection commissioners to help handle abuse and neglect cases. Counsel and the sponsor described the proposal as a way to reduce circuit court backlog, improve the frequency and consistency of hearings, and provide more focused attention to children and families while leaving final decision-making authority with circuit judges. Supporters cited the heavy caseloads, shortages of guardians ad litem, and a Texas model that reportedly improved efficiency; one senator criticized the bill as adding bureaucracy, while others said the system needs a new approach.
Members discussed funding through a companion bill tied to the medical cannabis fund, with an initial startup amount and ongoing annual support. Several senators raised concerns about the lack of a sunset date and the need for measurable outcomes. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the Supreme Court’s Administrative Director to identify measurable outcomes, establish a pre-implementation baseline, and provide annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, including costs and projected costs. House Bill 5684, as amended, was then reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 17 (1-30-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There being 93 members present, quorum is declared and the House is now open in session and ready to
- :24.879>
is <00:03:25.040>now <00:03:25.200>open <00:03:25.440>in is declared - and the House is now open in is declared and the House is now open in session<00:03:25.840>
and - declaring an emergency. declaring an emergency.
- <00:45:51.200>
House and declaring an emergency. House and declaring an emergency.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Calendar/2nd Readings 04:07
Orders of the Day 05:07
HB 144 05:15
HB 3 08:27
HB 290 12:34
HB 84 14:53
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:12
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 45:19
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 46:20
ConC/Rules Report 48:12
Floor Amendments 49:42
Adjournment 50:05, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with 93 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and reported several bills on second reading, including measures on elections, retired police officers, the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, local government, mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, and electric generating unit decommissioning costs. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills.
House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, was taken up first. A House Committee Substitute was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would let insurance companies avoid forfeiting titles for cosmetic damage such as hail damage while still requiring payment for the damage. The bill passed 94-0, and the clincher was applied. House Bill 3, relating to Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist services, was then explained as allowing Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services they already provide, such as strep testing, immunizations, and medication management, without expanding Medicaid or scope of practice. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, and the bill passed 93-0, followed by the clincher.
House Bill 290, concerning county law libraries, was explained as allowing local bar associations to use their funds for electronic legal research tools, including online subscriptions, computers, and internet access, rather than only books. It passed 94-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 84, on local government liability for failure to protect property during riots, generated the most debate. Supporters said it would make the law uniform across jurisdictions and hold governments accountable when they have notice and the means to act but do not; opponents raised concerns about outdated language, possible vigilante implications, and fiscal impact. A floor amendment adding an emergency clause was adopted 81-8, and the bill then passed as amended.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So the declaring a national emergency.
- 03:46:54.880>
the national emergency declared by the national emergency declared by the president - The question for declaring an emergency.
- <03:48:32.080>
does for the emergency that was declared does for the emergency that was declared - national emergency has been declared. national emergency has been declared.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 19 (2-3-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members being present, quorum is declared.
- All members being present, quorum is declared.
- Senate Bill 160, an act relating to child care centers and declaring an emergency. Senator Carol.
- 00:33:36.880>
care <00:33:37.120>centers <00:33:37.519>and <00:33:37.840>declaring - <00:33:38.320>
an child care centers and declaring an child care centers and declaring an
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and approved the journal from Monday, February 2, 2026. The chamber received House messages that the House had passed HB 143, 164, 314, and 398 and requested concurrence. The Agriculture Committee reported SB 5 and SB 73 favorably, and those bills were advanced to the calendar. The Senate also took up several new measures, including SB 155 on animal health emergencies, SJR 75 on utility affordability and essential services, and SR 76 honoring Frank Ryard.
The main floor action centered on SB 48, relating to mandatory re-entry supervision. The bill was explained as tightening eligibility by excluding inmates with two or more violent-felony convictions or those recommitted for probation, shock probation, parole, or conditional discharge violations, and requiring an annual Department of Corrections report to the judiciary committees. After a roll call, SB 48 passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 102 on Kentucky State Police staffing; after an amendment was withdrawn, the bill was explained as extending the Trooper R return-to-service eligibility window from the original retirement date to the last day worked, without changing benefits or retirement obligations. SB 102 also passed 38-0.
During announcements and communications, senators discussed committee meetings, legislative receptions, and co-sponsorship requests. A resolution honoring the 22nd Black History Celebration was adopted, and a senator spoke at length about the event and the recognition of Moneta Sleet Jr. Another senator used the floor to urge stronger enforcement and transparency around child marriage laws, citing continued noncompliance and the need to protect minors. Later, the clerk reported additional new bills, including SB 156 on child marriage, SB 157 on mortgage loan income limits, SB 158 on vehicle financial protection products, SB 159 on missing and unidentified persons, SB 160 on child care centers, SB 161 on employment, and SR 77 honoring Norma June Evans. The Senate then adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- received a constitutional<00:11:28.680>
majority <00:11:29.640>is <00:11:29.920>declared - constitutional majority is declared constitutional majority is declared passed.<00:11:30.800>
- and one vote in the negative, House Bill number 888 having received a constitutional majority is declared
- received<00:12:08.560>
a House Bill 888 having received a constitutional majority is declared - a constitutional majority is declared a constitutional majority is declared passed.<00:26:24.040
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer, quorum call, and recognition of two House resolutions honoring student achievements. One resolution congratulated the Henry E. Lackey High School boys basketball team for winning the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference title and the Maryland State Championship; the other recognized Charles County spelling bee champion Ethan Ntanga, who will represent Maryland at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The chamber also received Governor Moore’s Supplemental Budget Number Two for fiscal 2027, which was referred to Appropriations.
On third reading, the House passed House Bill 843, relating to Washington County tax sale notice changes, by 125-0, and House Bill 888, relating to eligibility for a Washington County property tax credit for disabled veterans, by 124-1. The House then took up Senate Bill 5, as amended, concerning special elections to fill legislative vacancies and related constitutional questions. Members debated whether the bill’s amendments violated the single-subject rule and whether it advanced voter control or, conversely, represented a partisan power grab and a threat to minority representation. Several members explained green or red votes on those grounds.
Senate Bill 5 passed the House 93-33. The House and Senate then exchanged messages on the fiscal 2027 budget bills, Senate Bill 282 and Senate Bill 284, after each chamber declined to recede from its amendments and agreed to conference committees. The House appointed conferees for both measures. The session concluded with committee and personal announcements, including upcoming committee meetings, a Jewish Caucus and Women’s Caucus lunch event, a disabilities art show reception, recognition of the doctor of the day, and a motion to recess until Monday, March 30 at 8:00 p.m.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, why should this declaration of authority, a declaration of sole authority, be repealed in my opinion
- <01:27:48.400>
of Now, why should this declaration of Now, why should this declaration of - >
of <01:27:50.719>sole authority, a declaration basic of sole authority, a declaration - <01:27:56.400>
of First, I believe this declaration of First, I believe this declaration of - The legislaturator's<02:48:04.880>
declaration <02:48:05.359>of legislaturator's declaration
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- En ate Bill 1456 having received six eyes and one nay declared the bill to have passed.
- Senate Bill 1462 having received six ayes and two nays, is declared to have passed.
- Senate Bill 1980 having received seven ayes and two nays, do declare the bill to have passed.
- Senate Bill 1479 having received six eyes and two nays, do declare the bill to proceed.
- I do declare the bill to have passed. That concludes public safety for the first week.
Bills:
SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923, HB2979, HB2980, HB3662, HB4107, HB3082, HB2997, HB3083, HB3055, HB2951
Keywords:
motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, SB1456, Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, sunset extension, sunset law, breath alcohol testing, DUI, DWI, drunk driving, drug testing, chemical testing, field sobriety, roadside screening, blood test, saliva test
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 24th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Having received eight ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 2106 to have advanced.
- Having received six 'ayes' and two 'nays,' I Declare Senate Bill 1471 to have advanced.
- Having received eight 'ayes' and zero 'nays,' I declare Senate Bill 2139 to have advanced.
- I declare Senate Bill 2154 to have advanced.
- Having received eight ayes and zero nays, I declare the same to have passed, handing the chair back to
Keywords:
zoning, municipal compensation, property rights, financial impact, reversion ordinance, solid waste management, municipal authority, regulatory fees, waste reduction, environmental impact, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants, racially restrictive covenants, housing discrimination, Fair Housing Act, plats, subdivision plats, residential additions, county clerk, municipal ordinance
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is going to have a potential impact when there's disasters and people lose their things.
- And so there's going to be a lot of people, if this goes into effect, particularly if there's a disaster
- Clearly, the closed primary was a disaster. It was horrible.
- When you mentioned the natural disasters, the students, those incarcerated, foster care, I'm looking
Bills:
HR118, HR196, HR237, HR285, HCR85, HB442, HB443, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR63, SB25, SB202, SB319
Keywords:
water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding