Video & Transcript Research : 'emergency declaration'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 3 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- in the emergency room. in the emergency room.
- emergency circumstance. emergency circumstance. >> Madam<01:26:48.680>
Chair. - What if it's not an emergency room? What if it's a clinic? And it's not a medical emergency.
- that would fall under the emergency that would fall under the emergency exception.<01:33:36.640>
- , not an emergency.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires the creation of a disaster recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for
- It strikes language requiring building code upgrade coverage at 20% during a state of emergency.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met to consider several insurance-related bills, with SB 1301 by Senator Allen and SB 876 by Senator Padilla receiving the most discussion. SB 1301 would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving policyholders a chance to fix identified issues, and limiting non-renewals based on unreasonable grounds. The bill was supported by consumer advocates, fire survivors, local officials, and several organizations, while insurers said they had worked extensively with the author and were moving to neutral, though they still raised implementation and proprietary-information concerns. The committee voted to pass SB 1301 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll left open briefly before the bill was declared out.
SB 876 would overhaul wildfire and disaster claims handling by requiring updated replacement-cost estimates, stronger extended replacement-cost and building-code coverage options, faster status updates when adjusters change, and other consumer protections. Supporters included the Department of Insurance, United Policyholders, consumer groups, and local representatives, who argued the bill addresses underinsurance, delays, and inconsistent claims handling exposed by recent wildfires. Several industry groups said recent amendments resolved major concerns and moved them to neutral, while the California Fair Plan remained respectfully opposed pending further review. The committee approved SB 876 as amended to Judiciary, again leaving the roll open briefly before finalizing the vote.
The committee also took up a consent item, SB 536 by Senator Archuleta, which was approved unanimously to Appropriations. Other bills listed at the start of the hearing, SB 555 and SB 795, were pulled at the request of the authors and were not heard.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 9th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Six Companies emerged from a tradition of mutual aid. And health care access.
- The Six Companies emerged from a tradition of mutual aid during a time when Chinese immigrants faced
- And to his students, he would declare every day, 'Hey, beautiful people,' because he ensured that they
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing the League of Women Voters of San Francisco Youth Council, the Jane Center of Northern California, a departing UC Sacramento intern, and members of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association/Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The chamber then moved to the Daily File, where most items were passed and retained on file, and AB 1044 was moved to the inactive file at the author’s request.
The main floor action was on ACR 91, authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which recognized June 2025 as Portuguese Heritage Month, June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and April 18 as the Day of the Azores. Supportive remarks highlighted the long history and contributions of Portuguese Americans in California, especially in agriculture, business, public service, and culture, and Assembly Member Macedo spoke as a co-author and second-generation Portuguese American. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. Macedo also shared Portuguese sweet bread with members, and Aguiar-Curry introduced Portuguese dignitaries and community leaders in the chamber.
The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Members honored Phil Jerizzo, Dr. Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr., and Elizabeth Starr, describing their public service, mentorship, community leadership, and family legacies. The Assembly then announced upcoming session dates and adjourned until Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Painfully and personally witnessed over the past few years, natural disasters, public health emergencies
- The measure also modernizes the budget emergencies process by allowing the Governor's May Revise to serve
- as a declaration of fiscal emergency when circumstances warrant, providing a more practical and responsive
- And now, assuming there is no emergency or... Can I pause for one minute just to clarify?
- By suspending the budget, adding the emergency ordinance to the budget, we did not do the deposit of
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight heard ACA 20, the Safe for California Futures Act, a constitutional amendment to strengthen the state’s Budget Stabilization Account (rainy day fund). The authors, Assembly Members Gabriel and Valencia, said the measure would raise the reserve cap from 10% to 20% of General Fund revenues, change how reserve deposits are treated under the Gann limit so deposits would not count against the spending cap until withdrawn, and update eligible debt repayments to include items such as budget loans, Proposition 98 settle-up obligations, and unemployment insurance debt. They emphasized that the proposal was intended to protect schools and core public services and to help California better withstand revenue volatility and future downturns.
Committee discussion focused heavily on the technical effects of the measure, especially its interaction with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit. LAO and Department of Finance staff explained that Prop. 98 funding would not be changed directly, that the reserve deposits would be treated as exclusions from the appropriations limit, and that withdrawals would count when spent. Members asked about current reserve levels, mandatory deposits, and whether the measure would create more room for discretionary spending; supporters argued it would simply allow the state to save more in good years, while one member expressed concern that it could function as a slush fund and expand spending opportunities. Several members cited recent budget volatility, record revenues, and the need for stronger reserves, while others stressed that the measure should be understood as a future-oriented savings reform rather than a response to this year’s budget choices.
Public testimony was uniformly supportive. California Forward, Elevate California, and the California Chamber of Commerce all backed the proposal, with the Chamber noting support for the policy and highlighting the importance of addressing unemployment insurance debt for small businesses. The chair concluded by thanking the authors, staff, and witnesses, and said ACA 20 was expected to move to the Assembly floor the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they told to get an emergency room? Are they even seen by a doctor and consulted by a doctor?
- I have many years of experience in the emergency room. In, uh, in addressing these issues.
- We're able to feel safer about potential obstetrical emergencies.
- She scheduled an emergency D&C abortion care the next day on July 3rd.
- And 30 minutes later she ended up in the emergency room.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The flies would emerge inside the box and crawl out. We've advanced technology.
- Wildfire emergency plans. Develop a screwworm emergency plan.
- And in response to emergency situations, TCEQ further accelerates the process. Thank you.
- The project was in emergency situations, and now they're wanting 30 to 50 million gallons.
- declaration?
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- What is the Commission doing to help counties with transferring inmates declared incompetent to stand
- situation are those are those muds post to contract out those emergency services or just is the.
- County responsible for emergencies.
- You guys use or see a lot of emergency service districts as far as the emergency side of it because outside
- So we got nothing but mud bores and HOAs and... emergency services districts and special purpose all
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- The board initially filed an emergency The board initially filed an emergency regulation<00:04:27.320
- deep concerns about this emergency deep concerns about this emergency regulation<00:16:08.000>
- The emergency regulation as amended.
- by KBOE with the proposed emergency by KBOE with the proposed emergency regulation. regulation.
- find the emergency regulation deficient. find the emergency regulation deficient.
Summary:
The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection.
Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection.
Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/30/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- To get emergency use this was a law.
- It's not an emergent thing, um, as is the case with Narcan.
- >
sufficiently emergency services are sufficiently emergency services are sufficiently complex - We're amending the subcommittee and that emergency medical services board.
- anything else, I am going to um declare anything else, I am going to um declare us<02:17:43.040>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/17/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor Nome declared a state of emergency over this because of the spread again in California of 700
- Governor Nome declared a state of emergency over this because of the spread again in California of 700
- Governor Nome declared a state of emergency over this because of the spread again in California of 700
- As I said, Governor Nome declared a state of emergency over this because of the spread again in California
- so I've looked at our state emergency so I've looked at our state emergency account<00:35:58.079
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a national emergency.
- It's a national emergency.
- :41:43.920>
dished <00:41:44.240>out emergency spending bills have dished out emergency - misuse of emergency spending.
- to... this gross misuse of emergency spending. this gross misuse of emergency spending.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 14 (1-27-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Quorum is declared. The Senate is authorized and prepared to do business.
- Senate Bill 181, an act relating to schools and declaring an emergency. Senator Tichenor.
- Real medical emergencies really are matters of life and death.
- case of a real medical emergency. case of a real medical emergency.
- 04.320>
are Real medical emergencies really are Real medical emergencies really are matters<00
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, followed by the pledge, roll call, and a quorum declaration. The chamber approved the prior journal, received new bill and resolution introductions, and heard a House message that House Bill 312 had passed the House and was sent over for concurrence. The Senate also recessed briefly for committee meetings, then received committee reports referring several bills and resolutions to standing committees and placing Senate Joint Resolution 23 on the regular orders for January 28, 2026.
The main floor action was on Senate Bill 17, relating to the Kentucky Court-appointed Special Advocate Network. The Senate adopted a committee substitute that updated CASA statutes, including reducing the minimum board size from 15 to 12, narrowing a volunteer/employment restriction to Department of Community Based Services employees, removing outdated references to the National CASA Association while retaining compliance with national standards through the Kentucky CASA Network, and updating the state association’s name. The bill passed 33-0, and a title amendment was adopted without objection.
The Senate also considered Senate Bill 181, an emergency bill relating to schools and traceable communications. The chamber adopted a committee substitute and two floor amendments: one requiring parent notification after investigations involving alleged unauthorized electronic communication by a student, and another adding limited exemptions for communications involving school resource officers and directors of pupil personnel when certain school officials are included. Supporters said the changes were intended to refine implementation while preserving the bill’s original student-protection purpose. The bill then passed unanimously, 33-0.
In addition, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 36 recognizing January 25-31, 2026 as Physician Anesthesiologist Week, with remarks highlighting the specialty’s contributions to anesthesia, airway management, patient safety, ICU care, pain management, and major surgeries. The Senate also heard announcements thanking road crews, first responders, and utility workers for winter storm response, and members made several co-sponsorship requests and announcements, including notice of Kentucky Audiologist Association advocacy day and a committee cancellation.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, we maintained our increased funding to the emergency account and maintained increased funding
- <00:10:22.160>
account <00:10:22.720>and <00:10:23.040>maintained A emergency - account and maintained A emergency account and maintained increased<00:10:24.079>
funding <00: - ID emerging se grants underrepresent<01:49:54.320>
culture <01:49:54.800>studies <01:49 - <02:16:07.199>
of 250th anniversary of the Declaration of 250th anniversary of the Declaration
AZ
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/10/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:15:35.480>
So, Congress or a legitimate emergency. - So, Congress or a legitimate emergency.
- An emergency room nurse who lost his colleague, Gabe Harvey, and suffered serious brain trauma.
- An<01:13:32.840>
emergency <01:13:33.440>room <01:13:33.880>nurse <01:13:34.280>< - <01:42:54.520>
of you wrote the Declaration of you wrote the Declaration of Independence<01
Keywords:
medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud, payment withholding, withheld payments, program integrity, public funds, state agency, program participant, credible allegation of fraud, administrative reconsideration, contested case, chapter 14, data practices, confidential data, protected nonpublic data, anti-fraud
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from March 5 by voice vote and welcomed new member Representative Van Binsbergen. It then took up House File 2354, which Chair Liebling moved to re-refer to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Representative Norris presented the bill as an updated version of the Medical Assistance Protection Act, aimed at strengthening the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, closing loopholes, equalizing fraud penalties, and increasing penalties for large-scale Medicaid fraud. Attorney General Ellison said the bill would add 18 specialized staff to the unit, moving it from 32 to 50 positions, and argued the federal-state matching structure makes the Attorney General’s office the proper home for the funding because the unit is dedicated to Medicaid fraud work.
Nick Wonka, director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, explained the bill’s provisions affecting committee jurisdiction: expanded subpoena authority to obtain financial account contents in provider-fraud investigations, conforming legal representation language to preserve the unit’s authority, venue changes to allow charging in counties where parts of the offense occurred, and a restitution change to let courts order restitution for related conduct in the same scheme. He said the subpoena change would speed investigations and align the Attorney General’s authority with other agencies, and that the restitution change would help recover more fraudulently obtained Medicaid funds.
No public testimony was offered. Members questioned why the funding should go to the Attorney General’s office rather than the BCA, whether the new records authority was federally required, how the venue language would work across state lines, and whether the added FTEs indicated the fraud problem was larger than expected. Ellison and Wonka responded that the federal grant requires the work to stay within the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, that the unit’s investigators are specialized and work with, but separate from, law enforcement, and that the venue provision applies only within Minnesota while out-of-state matters would be referred to the appropriate authorities. The amendment that had been posted was withdrawn and not offered.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
- I'm the Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
- In emergency services, I'm sorry, seven state urban search and rescue teams and four EMAC, or Emergency
- I believe that that particular disaster had 45 counties declared.
- I know that we do not have it at the division of emergency management.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard two hurricane-recovery presentations focused on Florida’s response and long-term recovery efforts. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reviewed response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including meals, water, sheltering, search and rescue deployments, power restoration, debris removal, flood-control efforts, and generator distribution. He also described ongoing public assistance and mitigation funding, the state’s FROC system for standardizing and speeding reimbursement documentation, and the Elevate Florida residential mitigation program, which will use about $400 million to elevate or reconstruct eligible flood-insurance properties and may expand to county-run programs. Senators asked about manufactured homes, school shelter hardening, mobile home tie-downs, reimbursement for USAR teams, debris hauling, regional sheltering, and FEMA review delays; Guthrie said the state is trying to move recovery faster and more proactively, while acknowledging some limits and federal bottlenecks.
The committee then heard from Justin Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce, on HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery programs. He explained that Commerce administers long-term recovery funds through its Office of Long-Term Resiliency for housing, infrastructure, and economic development, with funds used as a last resort after FEMA and insurance. Domer outlined the process for the most recent $925 million allocation covering multiple disasters, including Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, Broward flooding, and North Florida tornadoes, and said the state currently manages about $3.4 billion in DR funds, rising to over $4 billion with the new allocation. He highlighted completed and ongoing housing programs for Hurricane Irma, Michael, and Ian, plus workforce recovery programs and subrecipient infrastructure grants. Senators asked about Broward and Fort Lauderdale funding, homeowner turnaround times, and mobile home eligibility; Domer said Broward and Fort Lauderdale will have separate HUD-directed programs, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In some counties, such as Orange County, Behavioral health emergencies like mobile crisis teams.
- It requires the creation of a disaster response plan, doubles penalties during declared emergencies for
- While technology has emerged... ...and comments that are not person-based.
- California already houses men and women's prisons based on self-declared gender identity.
- She suffered medical emergencies.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system.
SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record.
The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Equipment or the training to administer life-saving care in an emergency.
- AB 310 will require youth sports organizations to have a written emergency response plan that includes
- the location of the AED and outlines the standard procedures in the event of a cardiac emergency.
- I know that you guys finally emerged from 1988 to the COVID year, and you claim a World Series victory
- In solidarity, several Orthodox rabbis urged their congregations not to buy non-union grapes, declaring
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode.
On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- He quickly emerged as a trusted leader and earned the respect of his colleagues.
- So through the resurrection, we declare victory. Through the empty tomb, you've given us life.
- Through the resurrection, we declare victory. Through the empty tomb, you've given us life.
- <02:29:44.160>
exit discovered that the rear emergency exit discovered that the rear emergency - ,<03:23:52.399>
"Why rolled away and the angel declared, "Why rolled away and the angel declared
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Management Agency no-rise, no-impact declaration requirements under certain circumstances.
- <01:02:37.400>
Management <01:02:37.839>agency from Federal Emergency Management agency - from Federal Emergency Management agency no<01:02:38.599>
rise <01:02:39.000>no <01:02: - 39.200>
impact <01:02:39.559>declaration no rise no impact declaration no rise no impact - HRS adds the promotion of Emergency HRS adds the promotion of Emergency Management<01:37:19.760>
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later.
The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.