Transcript Highlights:

• Cities and emergency services districts, ESDs can also adopt their own fire codes to enforce within their
• Also, the substitute authorizes an emergency services district that has adopted a fire code and that
• House Bill 1701 will allow counties and emergency services districts to work together on fire code enforcement
• services.
• We just finished the 5th fire station, but it was a resolution we needed to build 5 fire stations in

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• </c> wanted to thank you for your service wanted to thank you for your service thank<00:14:45.720><c>
• </c> Walker I serve as a Wildland Fire Walker I serve as a Wildland Fire Protection<00:18:18.960><c>
• 50.200><c> to</c> its Wildland fire agency in regards to its Wildland fire agency in regards to part<
• the state's fire code.
• fire code at this point?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures before taking up decision-making. Senate Bill 1381, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, received support from the Department of Defense and other testifiers and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 422, relating to education and high school diplomas for veterans, also drew support from the Department of Education, the Military Affairs Council, and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 414, relating to restoring access to disaster-affected areas in Lahaina, was discussed with testimony from HHFDC and others; members agreed to amend the bill to refer to the Department of Transportation as the acquiring agency, and the measure was recommended to pass with amendments. The committee then considered Senate Bill 223, relating to fire prevention. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the bill but recommended changes to make the wildland-urban interface code a matter for the State Fire Council/State Fire Marshal rather than statute, and noted it lacked authority to mandate fuel reduction work on lands outside its control. Members also discussed community fuel reduction funding, with DLNR indicating that $10 million would be an effective amount and describing current funding for equipment, outreach, and positions. The chair proposed amendments to make fuel reduction on non-set-aside lands permissive rather than mandatory, to allow the State Fire Council to amend the state fire code to include easement holders, and to note a defective date and the funding request in the committee report. The bill was recommended to pass with amendments, with one member voting with reservations. In a later decision-making session, the committee considered Senate Bill 1379, relating to emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers, and Senate Bill 371, relating to property damage of critical infrastructure facilities. For SB 1379, the chair proposed an HD1 incorporating the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management and county emergency management in site-selection criteria, adding geographic resilience considerations, changing the defective date, and noting $10.8 million for site design plus $1.2 million for contract support; the bill passed with amendments, with reservations from some members over county input and funding. For SB 371, the chair amended the bill to remove recklessly/negligently causing damage and require intentional conduct throughout, while leaving other issues for Judiciary review; the bill passed with amendments, with at least one member voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• service.
• for the fire service and the public.
• Our second goal is enforcement of statewide fire service standards. Within paid fire departments.
• ISAC stands for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, which means when somebody comes
• , police, fire, uh, sheriff's office, uh, the utility services, the infrastructure services like drainage

Transcript Highlights:

• to volunteer fire protection associations, to other fire protection districts, to fire departments,
• to volunteer fire protection associations, no problem, to other fire protection districts, to fire departments
• , to eligible don't. to other fire protection districts to fire departments to eligible donees for the
• instance a Red Cross is a public service corporation.
• And then the debt service levy, or the debt service floor for school districts, currently set at 275,

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reimbursements for pharmacist services. reimbursements for pharmacist services.
• ,</c> crash site, put out massive fires, crash site, put out massive fires, search<00:18:29.520><c> for
• Department and the Louisville Airport Authority Fire Department, fire departments from Shively, Anchorage
• </c> put out the fires. put out the fires. search<00:19:20.880><c> for</c><00:19:21.280><c> survivors
• Medical services and care were provided by emergency medical services crews from Louisville Metro, Anchorage

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:55 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 11:09 Motion to Act on HR 21 15:13 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:52 ConC and Rules Report 29:29 Adjournment 31:04, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• service.
• Our second goal is enforcement of statewide fire service standards. within paid fire departments.
• IFSAC stands for the International Fire Service Association.
• Fire watch and different elevated fire threats.
• For instance, like public safety services, police, fire, sheriff's office. office, the utility services

Keywords: 1184, house, all

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• </c> services and task masters. services and task masters.
• With just one fire, it burned fires.
• </c> describe prescribed fires. End quote. describe prescribed fires. End quote.
• </c> Research and Preventive Services Act. Research and Preventive Services Act.
• </c> and Preventive Services Act. and Preventive Services Act.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and fires in general.
• So that puts them right in the... areas that are most vulnerable to fires and post-fire flooding.
• It's a technical service provider.
• And the Black Fire.
• Even a fire comes, it's gone.

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• I also serve to lead the state recovery and mitigation missions across all of these fires in a post-fire
• Immediately after the fire, actually, they were still fighting the fire.
• if but when the next fire occurs.
• That fire was massive.
• Don't wait for a fire or flood.

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• It's a continuum of care and continuum of service. services that, you know, as noted in Senator Blumenthal's
• that's eligible for Vet Center services.
• And you have 2,500 or so already fired, another 83,000 to be fired.
• How many of those veterans are connecting in VA for VA services or in the community for community services
• services as health care would require?

Keywords: veterans, mental health, suicide prevention, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, HOPE Act, BRAVE Act, Every State Counts for Vets Mental Health Act, advocacy, legislation, mental health resources

Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Contrast this with the communities impacted by the Camp Fire in 2018.
• Some of our actions are related specifically to the two fires that we have had in L.A.
• They don't apply to other fires. We have the airport fire down in, which is closer to our district.
• And so as we have more and more of these fires statewide... Yeah.
• Obed Franco here on behalf of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Districts Association

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Public Service Commission's largest expenditure category is personnel services, which is made up
• Since the first of the year, we've had 113 fires, which is about 15% of our normal number of fires.
• We had a number of fires simultaneously.
• So we get fire assistance grants.
• I appreciate your service.

Summary: The committee first heard the House Fiscal Division’s FY 2027 budget presentations for the State Treasury, Public Service Commission, Department of Civil Service, and Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Treasury’s recommended budget was about $15 million with 74 positions, funded largely by self-generated revenue. Treasury staff highlighted strong investment returns, record unclaimed property recoveries, a new ACH option to speed and reduce the cost of payments, a School Transparency portal that helped uncover questionable school spending, and a new online portal that has sped up processing of cooperative endeavor agreements and related payments. Members praised the transparency work and faster payments, and asked about bond ratings, CEA oversight, and the public accessibility of the transparency site. The Public Service Commission’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $11.5 million, entirely self-generated, with most spending on personnel; commissioners said salary and market adjustments were needed to address heavy attorney and auditor turnover. Civil Service’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $28.7 million, with major funding from interagency transfers and general fund, and officials explained recent pay-plan and special entrance rate changes intended to improve recruitment and retention across state agencies. Members asked how those compensation changes were developed and whether market studies supported them. The Agriculture and Forestry budget was presented at $91.4 million, with major funding from statutory dedications, general fund, and federal dollars, and the commissioner described severe pressure on farmers from low commodity prices, drought, freezes, wildfires, storm damage, and labor shortages. The Agriculture and Forestry discussion was the longest and most detailed. The commissioner said the state is working to expand markets, reduce costs, and help farmers through federal assistance, while also seeking more equipment and fuel for wildfire response after a severe fire weekend and ongoing drought conditions. Members raised concerns about storm-damaged timber, soil and water conservation funding, and the loss of federal dollars that depend on local technicians. The commissioner explained the wildfire suppression subfund, the role of severance taxes, and the limits of current firefighting equipment and staffing. He also discussed the seafood sector, especially shrimp and crawfish, saying imported seafood, currency changes, tariffs, and H-2B worker shortages are hurting Louisiana producers and processors. He said the department is testing imported seafood for antibiotics, wants more authority to hold contaminated product, and is pursuing legislation to support seafood promotion and testing. Members also asked about wood chips, rail transport, timber severance reporting, and incentives for wood pellet use, and the commissioner said the department is exploring new markets, including overseas buyers for wood and agricultural products. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, agency testimony, and member questions and comments. The tone throughout was supportive of the agencies’ work, with repeated praise for Treasury’s transparency efforts, Civil Service’s compensation reforms, and Agriculture and Forestry’s advocacy for farmers, foresters, and seafood producers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of the Florida Forest Service and the Florida Forest Services Division under the Florida
• Over 1.0, 2 million dollars was allocated for fire management.
• This function is you is used for fire lines prep in conducting prescribed fire across the state park
• They're also an calculated benefits and ecosystem services.
• And we do partner with the Forest Service on offer hunting on quite a few forest service lands as well

Transcript Highlights:

• Fire Protection Association.
• Fire and smoke dampers are devices that are part of a building's passive fire protection strategy.
• They are installed where mechanical ductwork penetrates fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers
• , smoke control systems, structural fire protection systems, egress, sprinklers, you name it, fire alarm
• fire inspector programs.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their contributions to the public service, science, and...
• The first firefighters on the scene reported the fire at 10 acres.
• My colleague will talk to us about those who were tragically lost in the Eaton Fire.
• Myva Fredley, 86, was another family pillar who was lost to the Eaton Fire.
• and the Palisades fires, in our hearts and in our prayers.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, and took up motions to remove several measures from the inactive file, including S.J.R. 9, SB 626, and SCR 89. The main item on the floor was SCR 106 by Senator Choi, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day and highlighted the history and contributions of Korean Americans in California and nationwide. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, citing Korean American business, civic, cultural, military, and community contributions, as well as local Korean American communities and landmarks across their districts. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. After passage, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests in the chamber and invited members to a reception. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including upcoming meetings of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Senate Human Services Committee. Members also requested that SB 626 be returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials. Senators Umberg, Allen, Pérez, and Menjivar honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, respectively. The memorials recounted the lives and community service of the deceased and emphasized ongoing grief, recovery, and support for affected families and communities. The Senate announced it would recess until the next scheduled floor session on Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Forest Service.
• Forest Service.
• I'm the county fire warden and a fire chief out of Big Horn County.
• </c><00:34:04.240><c> small</c> fire end of it trying to keep fire small fire end of it trying to keep
• He said he is the Washakie County fire warden and the Worland fire chief.

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill requiring the state fire marshal to develop fire prevention response and recovery measures for
• Goods and services will decrease from 180 days to 90 days, reconstructive services will decrease from
• The 2021 Dixie fire It covered five counties and was the second largest fire in state history, burning
• fires moving into one.
• Many fires have been exempted in the past the gaps in these fires that have not happened to almost all

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Garzon, for your service. Thank you very much, Dr. Garzon, for your service.
• Garson, thank you so much for your service, your continued service, and after today continuing your service
• service.
• In the Los Angeles fires, Mr.
• So we've seen more fires and larger fires in general. We evacuated the town of Paradise.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules convened with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair and membership appointments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 Senate holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from Hernando Garzon, M.D., nominated as Chief Medical Officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Senators asked about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, local flexibility in statewide standards, ambulance patient offload regulations, stakeholder engagement, disaster response, rural access, and alternatives to transporting 9-1-1 callers to emergency departments. Garzon emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local EMS agencies, collaboration with hospitals and providers, and the use of community paramedicine, telehealth, and pre-positioned resources in disasters. Public commenters and members supported his confirmation, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for referral to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. She described her tribal background, prior state, county, tribal, and nonprofit experience, and her focus on serving communities facing health disparities. Senators questioned her about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, balances equity work amid political opposition to DEI language, and tailors technical assistance to rural and tribal communities. Weldon pointed to work on tribal consultation, behavioral health, youth mental health, the California Reducing Disparities Project, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, housing and climate-related supports, and community advisory boards. Numerous public witnesses, including tribal and health equity advocates, spoke in strong support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• services are moving to... ...delivery mechanisms for software services, and those software services
• As you all know, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades alone destroyed or damaged
• As you all know, the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades alone destroyed or damaged
• And thank you for your service. We don't. ago, but good to see you and thank you for your service.
• So what we've been asked by the survivor groups in this fire and in past fires is, can't there be some

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are having to close or bring down a couple of our fire companies, or basically our fire stations.
• And I know that we've had a fire on JBLM last year.
• We appreciate, again, your service.
• So that is. that service free of charge to our veterans and active duty service members.
• Well, thank you for your service too.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.