Transcript Highlights:

• So, federal funding.
• One is called a widespread catastrophic natural disaster.
• we have to have the federal approval, and that's that FAPA, that federal aid agreement that I talked
• I think you're all aware that we're applying for FEMA Public Assistance, a major disaster declaration
• If we get that major disaster declaration, FEMA If we get that major disaster declaration, FEMA will

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• disaster.
• I think you're all aware that we're applying for FEMA Public Assistance Disaster Declaration, major disaster
• declaration.
• If we get that major disaster declaration, FEMA Major disaster declaration.
• If we get that major disaster declaration, FEMA will come into this picture and all the debris removal

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session. WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million. Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the amendment, the fund would be available to respond to any natural disaster...
• After the amendment, the fund would be available to respond to any natural disaster, such as a hurricane
• Hurricanes, natural disasters, and imminent threats require immediate executive action.
• If we, and thank goodness, we have not had a natural disaster in recent days.
• In 2022, we voted for this fund for natural disasters because we knew that it was too hard to get the

Transcript Highlights:

• YOU MENTIONED STATE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY.
• THIS ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED IN REGARDS TO NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE CASE OF BATEMAN AND PURDUE IN THE EASTERN
• DISASTERS OR IN THE CASE OF THIS BILL, RIOTS.
• WE REALLY WANT THIS BILL PASSED BECAUSE, I MEAN, NATIONAL DISASTERS OR STATE DISASTERS, LOCAL DISASTERS
• DISASTER OR A HURRICANE.

Transcript Highlights:

• there was no longer an active disaster declaration.
• Because there was no longer an active disaster declaration.
• You received a third application for natural disaster from my school in El Dorado County on September
• school districts impacted by a natural disaster for which the governor declared a state of emergency.
• disaster for which the governor declared a state of emergency.

Transcript Highlights:

• disasters.
• Disaster sites are very dangerous.
• Protecting consumers following wildfire, any declared disaster, is a top priority for CSLB, and we thank
• Protecting consumers following wildfire, any declared disaster, is a top priority for CSLB, and we thank
• disaster area.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:09.839><c> declarations</c> disaster declarations disaster declarations And<00:09:11.040><c> this
• </c> natural disaster area. natural disaster area.
• </c> nation who had major disaster nation who had major disaster declarations<01:20:52.960><c> in</c>
• As Rebecca said, on the next slide, if we look at a heat map of the major disaster declarations that
• </c> resiliency hub um for future natural resiliency hub um for future natural disasters.<01:26:23.199

Summary: The committee met to adopt the minutes of the second meeting by voice vote, then heard an update focused on disaster preparedness, resiliency, response, and coordination among state agencies and partners. The chair emphasized avoiding duplication of resources and highlighted the importance of agriculture-related response issues, including animal evacuation, feed distribution, and the role of extension services during disasters. The Department for Public Health was invited to explain its role in emergency planning and response. Public Health described its Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch as the lead coordinating agency for Emergency Support Function 8, covering health and medical services under Kentucky’s emergency operations framework. Testimony outlined its broad responsibilities, including support for hospitals, morgues, local health departments, behavioral health, crisis counseling, suspicious package testing, disease outbreaks, and coordination with emergency management, EMS, transportation, and nonprofit and private partners. Officials also described the agency’s risk-assessment process, training and exercise programs, and deployed assets such as PPE caches, deployable communications, a federal medical station, a mobile treatment center, and alternate care support used in events like the eastern Kentucky floods and COVID-19. The agency also discussed funding through federal cooperative agreements for public health emergency preparedness and hospital preparedness, noting that these programs have evolved since 9/11 and have been shaped by major disasters and emerging threats. Officials said Kentucky’s funding has declined over time and that current awards are partially funded for the first time in the program’s history. They expressed support for efficiency if federal programs are consolidated, but cautioned that combining programs could risk further funding losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then other non-federal disasters have had smaller numbers in Dixon, Rayon-Medio, Santa Cruz, Sierra County
• It was the federal government's responsibility for this disaster.
• The statewide nature of these disasters.
• Again, Hermit's Peak Cafe, because it's 100% federal, but any other disaster, Flooding, they will have
• But there's going to be a point where these federal disasters are not.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1 is the natural disaster omnibus bill.
• from natural disasters.
• relief when FEMA declares it a disaster.
• Yes, the ones that were part of the disaster declaration.
• For the declared disaster zone.

Bills: SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3 , SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3

Transcript Highlights:

• disaster or intentional demolition. ...between how the property was destroyed, whether it was a natural
• I find specifically on that nature, on the nature. Definitely.
• And regardless of the disaster, it is now covering a disaster. It's a very simple process.
• Californians who lose their home in a natural disaster face immense financial hardships in addition to
• In response to nine major disaster declarations, including the Camp Fire in Paradise in Butte County.

Summary: The committee heard several housing bills, with the longest discussion focused on SB 79, which would allow more housing near high-capacity transit stops and on transit agency-owned land. The author and supporters argued it would address California’s housing shortage, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and strengthen transit systems by putting more residents near rail and rapid transit. Supporters included housing advocates, local officials, environmental groups, and transit-oriented development organizations. Opponents, including many cities, the League of California Cities, and some tenant and legal advocacy groups, raised concerns about affordability requirements, displacement, demolition protections, local control, and the bill’s interaction with existing local planning efforts. The committee discussed amendments to strengthen anti-displacement protections, minimum density, affordability standards, and a local flexibility alternative, and SB 79 was moved out on a due-pass-as-amended vote of 8-1, with one member not voting. The committee then took up SB 21, which would amend the Housing Crisis Act to allow limited unit reductions when converting deed-restricted SRO buildings into larger, more livable affordable units with private bathrooms, kitchens, and supportive services. The author and nonprofit housing providers said many SRO buildings are financially unsustainable and that the bill would preserve deeply affordable housing while improving conditions for residents. There was no organized opposition testimony at the hearing, though one business property group registered opposition. Members expressed support for the preservation-focused approach, and SB 21 was approved on an 8-0 vote and sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. Next, SB 92 was heard, a measure to close a density bonus loophole by limiting how much additional commercial floor area a project can receive and preventing the law from being used to justify very large nonresidential projects with only minimal affordable housing. The author cited a San Diego project as an example of the problem, and the City of San Diego supported the bill as a reasonable fix. Several labor and housing groups also supported it, while no formal opposition witnesses testified. The committee accepted amendments, members praised the effort to curb abuse while preserving feasibility, and SB 92 passed on a 7-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 522, which would extend just-cause eviction protections to units rebuilt after disaster if they had previously been covered by the Tenant Protection Act. The author and the Los Angeles City Attorney said the bill would help preserve rental housing in disaster-affected communities, especially after the Pacific Palisades fires, and would not create new rent control. Opponents, including apartment, realtor, and property owner groups, argued it would add burdens to rebuilding and could discourage reconstruction. Members raised questions about whether existing law already protects returning tenants and whether the bill was necessary, and the hearing continued into committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and financially, and that's right after a natural disaster.
• And so we've been through several natural disasters since then.
• of a gubernatorial declared disaster emergency following a natural disaster.
• Yeah, no, this only relates to the state natural disaster time period.
• But it doesn't tie into any federal declarations, only the ones issued by the governor.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267, which would change the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors by adjusting appointment qualifications, term limits, and nomination procedures. Vice Chair Thomas explained the bill was meant to address the lack of nominations from existing entities and to allow the governor more flexibility, especially in smaller districts. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported HB 267 favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 478 on utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill, as amended, requires utilities to clearly label reimbursements on customer bills and sets a deadline for issuing refunds. After discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee changed the reimbursement timeline from 45 days to 90 days and clarified that the bill would not interfere with larger settlement or regulatory credits. HB 478 was then reported favorably as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 924, a consumer protection measure aimed at contractors who solicit residential property owners after declared disasters. The author said the bill was intended to curb predatory storm-chasing and fraudulent insurance-related practices, while still allowing emergency mitigation work. The committee adopted technical amendments and then a conceptual amendment shortening the catastrophe response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split: the Insurance Commissioner and some roofing industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to deter fraud, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses, limit legitimate door-to-door work, and not solve enforcement problems. The bill remained under consideration after extensive testimony and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> disaster while the Federal Emergency disaster while the Federal Emergency Management<04:43:55.920
• ><c> in</c><04:44:01.200><c> Disaster</c> federal agencies involved in Disaster federal agencies involved
• </c><04:48:04.520><c> that</c> natural disaster it is imperative that natural disaster it is imperative
• </c><04:51:21.600><c> Disaster</c> collection process for federal Disaster collection process for federal
• c> that</c><04:54:46.480><c> I</c> federal disaster spending with that I federal disaster spending with

Transcript Highlights:

• Two days later, Mayor Bass issued a declaration of local emergency, and Governor Newsom declared a state
• If the violation results from a state or federal disaster declaration, these fines can be multiplied
• has to be a federal and state disaster for there to be this scaled 10 times penalty.
• The motion is due pass to the Natural Resources Committee. Secretary, please call the roll.
• The motion is due pass to the Natural Resources Committee. Secretary, please call the roll.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard several measures, with testimony focused on local government authority, environmental justice, groundwater monitoring, redevelopment, district governance, and detention facilities. SB 716 by Sen. de León would increase local ordinance fines for large non-residential properties, especially after state or federal disaster declarations, in response to the Boyle Heights warehouse fire; supporters said stronger penalties are needed to compel cleanup and protect public health, while business and property groups argued the bill was too broad, could duplicate existing enforcement, and needed clearer limits. The bill failed on the committee vote, though reconsideration was noted. AB 1457 by Assembly Member Bryan would set a June 30, 2031 deadline for jurisdictions that have not adopted an environmental justice element under SB 1000 and add transparency and public engagement requirements. DOJ sponsored the bill, environmental justice advocates supported it, and county and planning groups raised implementation concerns but did not maintain opposition after amendments. AB 2728 would clarify that groundwater monitoring fee exemptions under SGMA comply with Proposition 218 and Proposition 26; Monterey County and rural/county groups supported it, and no opposition was heard. Both bills were approved and the Senate amendments were concurred in. SB 328 by Sen. Grayson would create a limited exemption within the Surplus Lands Act and federal base-closure disposition process for qualifying projects in the Concord Reuse Project Area, to advance the former Concord Naval Weapons Station redevelopment. Supporters emphasized the long-planned housing, jobs, and infrastructure benefits, while public interest advocates said they remained concerned about enforceability of affordable housing obligations. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 912 by Assembly Member Wilson, supported by the Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District and the City of Vallejo, would modernize the district board structure to reduce conflicts and quorum problems; it passed unanimously. SB 1367 by Sen. Cervantes would prohibit local approval of new land uses for detention facilities or conversions into such facilities, with ACLU Cal Action in support and no opposition heard; it also passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, our state has seen... ...107 major disaster declarations, 18 federal emergency declarations
• , and 159 fire-related federal declarations, for a total of 384 federal declarations in this state since
• It's a disaster declaration, and then it's the request to the President for a major disaster declaration
• for a federal disaster declaration.
• At that point in time, once the president grants a presidential disaster declaration, no federal law

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, wildfires are not the only natural disaster that threatens our state.
• Unfortunately, with the wildfires and the natural disasters that are happening, it’s just a matter of
• Mortgage servicing operates within federal disaster framework that provides standardized protections
• operational flexibility when federal declarations are made.
• It is also important to clarify how federal disaster frameworks are already operating.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• By law, the federal share for disaster assistance is no less than 75% of the total eligible costs and
• That is an example of when we write the disaster declaration and ask for the President to give us a disaster
• declaration, a federal declaration.
• That is always in our disaster declaration, but it is 100% up to FEMA and the President of the United
• Over and above that, we have for federally declared disasters, we currently have an available balance

Summary: The Economic Development Budget Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster costs, recovery operations, sheltering, and major capital projects. He reviewed the 2024 hurricane season impacts from Debby, Helene, and Milton, explaining how FEMA public assistance and state reimbursement work, how cost shares can shift from 75/25 to 90/10 after a federal threshold is reached, and how Florida uses prior storm data and inflation to estimate recovery costs. He also described the state’s faster reimbursement timelines, crediting legislative investments in technology and digital field documentation, and said the division is working to reduce disaster closeout timelines from decades to about seven years. Members asked about debris removal, FEMA de-obligations, local preparedness, and whether regional shelters or co-located emergency operations centers could be used more efficiently. Guthrie said debris assistance is complicated and should generally remain tied to local contracts and planning, though the state will help fiscally constrained communities when needed. He explained de-obligations as FEMA clawing back previously approved funds after later review, and said Florida’s FROC program is helping local governments reduce those risks through standardized documentation, procurement review, and training. He also urged more mandatory emergency-management training for local and state officials and cautioned against weakening the FEMA 50% rule for rebuilding damaged structures. Guthrie provided updates on the new central Florida warehouse in Auburndale and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. He said the warehouse will improve logistics, include cold and ultra-cold storage, and be run by a private vendor with virtual inventory tracking, while the new EOC is designed for Category 5 conditions and expanded partner capacity. He acknowledged budget pressures that reduced the size of the EOC project and said an additional IT request was needed because those costs were not originally included. The meeting ended with praise for FDEM’s work and no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, just really quickly again on the communication: as soon as the disaster was declared and as
• We also have a natural disaster fact sheet that we were posting quite regularly on all of our social
• I know we're focused on fires, but earthquakes or other floods or other natural disasters.
• really tired of natural disasters.
• It might be another natural disaster. It's going to happen.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and financially, and that’s right after a natural disaster.
• And so we've been through several natural disasters since then.
• of a gubernatorial declared disaster emergency following a national disaster.
• Yeah, no, this only relates to the state natural disaster time period.
• But it doesn't tie into any federal declarations, only the ones issued by the governor.

Bills: HB267 , HB478 , HB617 , HB659 , HB800 , HB922 , HB924 , HB947 , HB1166 , HB1223

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees

Transcript Highlights:

• a major disaster declaration.
• Since then, our state has seen 107 major disaster declarations. federal emergency declarations and 259
• for a federal disaster declaration.
• At that point in time, once the president grants a presidential disaster declaration, no federal law
• The disaster declaration. OK.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> constitutional majority is declared constitutional majority is declared passed.<00:05:25.360><c>
• </c> existing policy at the federal level. existing policy at the federal level.
• </c> majority, is declared passed. majority, is declared passed.
• </c> majority, is declared passed. majority, is declared passed.
• declared declared &gt;&gt; Mr.<02:32:58.160><c> Speaker.