Transcript Highlights:

• , from Kentucky emermergency from FEMA, from Kentucky emermergency management.<01:35:21.199> Um
• And we don't have emergency generators, but we did get a FEMA grant. I'm happy to say that.
• give your receipts to FEMA; then they reimburse you.
• We're also working on getting the FEMA money and insurance dollars we need to fix what was damaged.
• <01:41:16.159> money working on getting our uh the FEMA money working on getting our uh the

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning. Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions. Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.

Transcript Highlights:

• height entitlement, only includes the habitable space above the base flood elevation as determined by FEMA
• height entitlement only includes the habitable space above the base flood elevation as determined by FEMA
• It specifies that allowable density, determined by FEMA and limits the height of each story to 10 feet

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and gallery recognitions, including students, university basketball coaches, and other visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar of bills, with most measures explained by sponsors, often substituted with identical House companions, and many passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, utility services, higher education, pre-arranged transportation services, the Uniform Commercial Code, altered sexual depictions, firearms during emergencies, brownfields, false reporting, health care billing and collection, and motor vehicles. Among the bills passed were measures on the Florida Trust Code, school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct, debt collection email communications, service of process, public lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers and releases, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ties affecting health care licensure, diabetes management in schools, platting procedures, fentanyl testing in hospitals and emergency departments, third-party reservation platforms, electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, background screening of athletic coaches, and surrendered infants. Debate was especially notable on the surrendered infants bill, where some senators raised concerns about safety, anonymity, and liability, while supporters argued the devices could save lives. The affordable housing/Live Local bill also drew extensive discussion and a late-filed amendment, with the sponsor describing major land-use and permitting changes and the chamber adopting the amendment before final passage. The most contentious floor debate came on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, where senators argued over its fluoride-related provisions and broader policy package. Opponents criticized the bill as an overbroad preemption and raised public health concerns, while the sponsor defended it as a farm-and-consumer package with multiple unrelated provisions. That bill ultimately passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a resolution honoring Florida’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, made additional announcements, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then with debris removal, there is a reimbursable portion through FEMA, which is coordinated also
• So our initial avenues for reimbursement are FHWA and FEMA, and then also, obviously, if watching those
• And then the other reimbursements come from FEMA.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to continue its review of hurricane impacts and state response. The committee first heard from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which described its four core functions—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—and highlighted its 24/7 State Watch Office, regional training efforts, and disaster assistance work. Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruitt detailed the state’s 2024 storm response, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, citing large-scale mission support, flood-control deployments, meal and water distribution, power restoration, debris removal, and billions in disaster funding and mitigation dollars. He also discussed debris management challenges and recommended that local governments update and exercise debris plans and maintain contingency contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this funding comes directly from Homeland Security and FEMA.
• from Homeland funding comes directly from Homeland Security<00:11:31.760> and<00:11:32.000> FEMA
• . when they release the Security and FEMA. when they release the funding,<00:11:36.000> they<00
• grant um they um Homeland<00:15:37.600> Security<00:15:37.920> and<00:15:38.160> FEMA
• Security and FEMA ensure that every<00:15:40.000> state<00:15:40.480> they<00:15:40.639

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the FEMA match restrictions... were in place after Ike that are applied today, it would have wiped
• Because that... is limited to those FEMA expenditures that are most immediate after.
• So tying it to just those FEMA-related expenses rather than some sort of mechanism that allows... us
• The president appointed a FEMA review council.
• Debris removal is a great example because FEMA is a reimbursement program.

Bills: HB26, HB73, SB 14, HB46

Keywords: HB26, law enforcement contracts, sheriff, constable, county commissioners court, commissioners court, private security, special law enforcement district, property owners association, POA, municipal utility district, school district, junior college district, local government, contract policing, supplemental police services, large counties, population over 3.3 million, Texas Local Government Code, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• is a flood plain analysis that is in progress, and a letter of map revision is being submitted to FEMA
• So if we're successful in getting this flood map revised with FEMA, that'll increase the amount of land
• 00:48:28.000> being<00:48:28.160> submitted<00:48:28.480> to<00:48:28.640> FEMA
• <00:48:29.240> to revision is being submitted to FEMA to revision is being submitted to FEMA
• map revised with FEMA, uh that'll increase<00:48:50.640> the<00:48:50.960> amount<00:48

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon. The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass. Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The FBI, FEMA, law enforcement personnel, again, more rescue teams — and that went on for day after day
• FBI, FEMA, LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL, AGAIN, MORE RESCUE TEAMS.
• And if the need is great enough, then to turn to the federal government and FEMA to back them up.
• called upon county government, state government, the governor, Secretary Cole, who then turned to FEMA
• AND IF THE NEED IS GREAT ENOUGH, THEN TO TURN TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND FEMA TO BACK THEM UP.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• even a matching funds program where if the homeowners are willing to put up $5,000, we can use these FEMA
• willing to put up 5,000, we can<00:42:55.760> use<00:42:55.960> these<00:42:56.120> FEMA
• c><00:42:56.360> dollars<00:42:56.680> instead<00:42:57.280> to can use these FEMA
• We hope to use FEMA funds or private donations to do this.
• FEMA funds or private donations to do FEMA funds or private donations to do this.<00:44:06.400> And

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received a message from the House announcing passage of House Bills 364, 534, 600, and 662 and requesting concurrence. The chamber then took up second-reading reports, placing several bills on the Rules Committee calendar, and briefly recessed for caucus meetings before returning to floor business. The first major floor action was Senate Bill 11, a residential safe room rebate program aimed at rural tornado preparedness. Supporters described it as a way to use FEMA or private funds to help homeowners build personal storm shelters that could also serve neighbors; one senator opposed it over a fiscal note and concerns about unintended consequences in rural areas. The Senate adopted a committee substitute and passed SB 11 by a vote of 33–3. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 8 on public utilities and PSC intervention procedures. A committee substitute and floor amendment were adopted to clarify intervention standards, limit delay tactics, allow written comments from non-intervenors, and revise transmission-line approval thresholds; supporters said the changes would improve PSC efficiency and protect ratepayers, while some senators objected to a provision moving records from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the state auditor as politically motivated. SB 8 passed 30–5. Senate Bill 94, dealing with dealer compensation for warranty and recall work, was also amended and passed unanimously after supporters said it reflected agreement between auto dealers and manufacturers. Finally, Senate Bill 197 on economic development incentives was amended to create county tiers, expand incentives for distressed areas, allow cross-border projects near state lines, and correct clerical errors; it passed 36–0.

Transcript Highlights:

• right before you mentioned it, in my head I was asking myself, could there be something, whether it's FEMA
• I was thinking at the Could there be something, whether it's FEMA funding?
• I need my denial so I can go to FEMA. And it actually—that's—we were trying to do that.
• Milton, nearly two-thirds of Milton was denied due to flood, because you want to get it up into the FEMA

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation CEO Tim Serio, with Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworski also answering questions. Serio reviewed Citizens’ role as Florida’s insurer of last resort, its statutory funding structure, eligibility rules, depopulation program, reinsurance obligations, and the surcharge/emergency assessment mechanisms that can be used if Citizens runs a deficit. He emphasized that recent legislative reforms, combined with lower litigation and improved market conditions, have helped the private market recover and reduced Citizens’ policy count from a peak of about 1.41 million in 2023 to 936,182 at the end of 2024, with a projected drop to about 771,000 by the end of 2025. He also said the reforms reduced Citizens’ rate need and helped avoid an emergency assessment after the 2024 storms. Members asked about Citizens’ rate increases, why Citizens still seeks higher rates despite lower litigation, how the 20% eligibility threshold works, whether Citizens should be wind-only, and whether the state or federal government could help with deficits. Serio explained that Citizens is still charging below actuarially sound rates in most areas, that rate filings reflect reduced litigation and lower reinsurance exposure, and that assessments on all Florida property policyholders are the reason Citizens tries to build surplus and depopulate. He said the depopulation program is working better than in the past, with less than 2% of takeout policies returning to Citizens, and that the Office of Insurance Regulation has been vetting takeout companies more carefully. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on claims handling after Debby, Helene, and Milton, including flood-versus-wind disputes and Citizens’ use of the Division of Administrative Hearings for some claim disputes. Serio said Citizens had received 76,625 claims from the three storms and had paid nearly $823 million in indemnity and expenses as of January 7, 2025. He said many closed-without-payment claims were either below deductible, withdrawn, duplicate, or flood-only, and that Citizens had asked its internal audit function to independently review the claims data and denials. He also described Citizens’ storm outreach, catastrophe response centers, managed-repair program, and claim review process, and said the corporation remains focused on paying valid claims while minimizing the risk of assessments on the broader Florida market.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, ought to know that Democrats are prepared to vote for the spending of TSA, FEMA, the Secret
• Speaker, ought to know that Democrats are prepared to vote for the spending of TSA, FEMA, the Secret
• Aren't we going to indicate that we have to deal with FEMA and help people out?
• Aren't we going to indicate that we have to deal with FEMA and help people out?
• to deal with FEMA and help people<00:55:36.559> out?

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AFTER FEMA, YOU TOLD ME TO TRUST THEM AS FAR AS I COULD THROW WORDS OF WISDOM.
• AND WE ARE STILL TRYING TO FINISH THE BILL WITH FEMA SO TO SPEAK OVER THE THINGS THAT THEY WOULD.
• IT'S BAD ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH FEMA. I WAS ENCOURAGED BY THAT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal process determined by FEMA of what actually is and isn't in a true floodplain.
• LOMA, which is a federal option under the FEMA mandate, allows you to apply for a waiver to leave out
• Striking the language from the proposal, the bill attempts to undermine FEMA by implying that letters
• Management Agency (FEMA) to exempt several of the cabins where campers were lost from the various injuries
• One, it will allow for funding for the FEMA match from the July 4th floods, where we as a state said

Bills: SB 1, HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll also be able to log FEMA hours, so if you're having 17,000 volunteers show up, the hours they put
• in count towards credit to pull more FEMA dollars into the situation.
• Through FEMA, ultimately, there are monies that do go to individual assistance that can help.
• To your point, Senator Perry, FEMA does not do long-term permanent housing.
• We can no longer continue to wait on FEMA for our maps.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They had to go try to go through FEMA, and they're having problems with FEMA.
• They had to go try to go through FEMA, and they're having problems with FEMA.
• They had to go try to go through FEMA, and they're having problems with FEMA.
• They had to go try to go through FEMA, and they're having problems with FEMA.
• They had to go try to go through FEMA, and they're having problems with FEMA.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases. Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version. Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568. The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I was going to fly to New Orleans and go pro hac vice and help lawyers there sue FEMA.
• As horrible as everything FEMA did and didn't do— >> I was sort of playing it by ear because I stole
• and help lawyers there sue FEMA. and help lawyers there sue FEMA.
• As horrible as everything FEMA immunity.
• As horrible as everything FEMA did<00:52:27.080> and<00:52:27.320> didn't<00:52:27.640>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second is Illinois and Hawaii versus FEMA.
• the District of Rhode Island, that case has briefing ongoing that relates to conditions imposed upon FEMA
• The second is Illinois and Hawaii versus<00:27:27.200> FEMA.
• Also in the District of versus FEMA.
• uh imposed upon FEMA grants. uh imposed upon FEMA grants. the<00:27:36.720> issue<00:27:36.960

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order. A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13. Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we're cutting back on FEMA at the federal level, this is more important than ever.
• cutting<00:24:18.159> back<00:24:18.480> on,<00:24:19.279> uh<00:24:19.440> FEMA
• <00:24:19.919> at<00:24:20.159> the<00:24:20.240> federal cutting back on, uh FEMA
• at the federal cutting back on, uh FEMA at the federal level,<00:24:21.279> this<00:24:21.440

Bills: HB300, HB40, SB19, HB283, HB179, HB296, HB300, HB40, SB19, HB283, HB179, HB296

Keywords: HB300, Choctaw County, probate court, probate judge, recording fee, filing fee, deed tax, mortgage tax, deeds, mortgages, property records, recordation, county local act, local legislation, technology upgrades, digitalization of records, recordkeeping, county treasury, special fund, court administration

Transcript Highlights:

• $300,000 per year from CPB's community service grant program, as well as $1.1 million in promised FEMA
• $300,000 per year from CPP's community service grant program, as well as $1.1 million in the promise FEMA
• In the promised FEMA funds to repair our disaster alert readiness infrastructure, we also are being impacted
• KVPR also lost a $34,000 FEMA Next Generation Warning System grant that would have funded equipment to

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's requesting $8.7 million of pass-through expenditure authority for FEMA money.
• So, we put together a program, requested some FEMA funding, post-fire recovery funding, and I have developed
• that about a full year after a disaster, you have things that need to be looked at for additional FEMA
• We would expect that there is a possibility that there will be more FEMA funding available to address

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, FEMA, of course, is one of those with the disasters that we've seen in recent years.
• We also appreciate the fact that there have been discussions about reform for FEMA, which will be helpful
• There have been discussions about reform for FEMA, which will be helpful.