Transcript Highlights:

• Moving forward, I will go into our heating oil insurance program.
• So this is grandma's house that had an old heating oil tank that had a release, and PLEA had $60,000
• So when we ended the treaties with the private insurers, we lost the treaty for the home heating oil.
• We directly oversee the consultants in both the UST assurance program as well as the home heating oil
• And then we have a heating oil account as well. PLEA has grown. This is PLEA at 40 staff.

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eastern Kentucky University reported various asset preservation project revisions for additional heating
• and cooling system maintenance and replacement, aging heating, cooling, and ventilation, and water storage
• preservation project revisions for preservation project revisions for additional<00:03:14.920> heating
• and cooling system additional heating and cooling system maintenance<00:03:16.440> and<00:03:
• cooling and ventilation and heating cooling and ventilation and water<00:03:20.599> storage<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the January minutes and then received several informational reports on school district tax levies, revenue bonds, lease advertisements, and previously rejected lease transactions. Members were told that one rejected lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Hardin County would be canceled and rebid, while a Perry County lease modification for the Energy and Environment Cabinet would proceed. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority also submitted its quarterly capital projects report, and Eastern Kentucky University reported revisions to asset preservation projects. Janice Thomas, Deputy State Budget Director, presented four capital project action items. These included a Kentucky State University Betty White Building renovation funded by USDA grant money, a Department of Education state schools dormitory and cottage renovation appropriation increase because bids exceeded estimates, a restricted-funds scope increase for the Elizabethtown CTC science building expansion, and a pool project report for the Department of Corrections’ KCIW kitchen drain line repair and replacement. Representative Petrie asked about how often the statutory authority for midstream project increases is used and whether bids are typically competitive; Thomas said the increases are used often when bids come in above estimates and that bids are generally competitive, though construction costs have been difficult to gauge. The committee unanimously approved the first three action items, and the KCIW project was reported with no action required. H. Sandy Williams of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and one emergency grant. The items included loans for Frankfort’s East Frankfort Interceptor wet weather facility project, Sturgis wastewater improvements, Scottsville inflow and infiltration work, Morganfield wastewater treatment plant planning and design, Western Pulaski County Water District transmission improvements, and Springfield water system planning and replacement work, plus an emergency Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville following a sewer treatment plant failure and local emergency declarations. After no questions, the committee unanimously approved the seven KIA transactions. Chelsea Couch then presented a Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for $38.4 million to finance a multifamily rental project in Jefferson County; members asked how the committee participates and were told it was a conduit issuance rather than state debt. The committee approved that item. Finally, the committee heard an informational Turnpike Authority refunding issuance of about $53 million for present value savings, then approved four SFCC debt issues for Henderson, Pulaski, Scott, and Trimble counties to finance school renovations and construction. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and location.

Transcript Highlights:

• Down to heat, some of those, I know I had a question earlier about that.
• Have the heating systems been working properly?
• We hit with the air and the heating as well.
• the turnaround time is relatively fast, and we have awareness now of any system, whether it be AC or heat
• Whether it be AC or heat that is down.

Summary: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with Vice Chair Smith presiding in Chair Martin’s excused absence. After opening remarks from several senators, the committee heard a presentation from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on the state’s incentivized prisons program and related population-management efforts. Dixon said the department now operates eight incentivized prisons, which use enhanced privileges and programming for well-behaved inmates, and reported major reductions in disciplinary reports, staff assaults, inmate-on-inmate assaults, and uses of force compared with average institutions. He also described administrative management units for more disruptive inmates, short-sentence correctional institutions for those with less than a year to serve, and a reentry strategy that places inmates closer to home within 18 months of release. Dixon said Florida’s recidivism rate has fallen to about 21 percent, among the lowest in the nation, and emphasized that staffing, programming, and facility repairs remain ongoing needs. Committee members asked about access to education and workforce training, staffing levels, contraband, technology upgrades, heating and air-conditioning maintenance, and whether incentivized prisons could be expanded. Dixon said educational access is improving but remains limited by eligibility and staffing, that the incentivized facilities are at capacity, and that expansion depends on adding more administrative management unit beds. He also said the department is increasing use of technology, improving maintenance oversight, and continuing efforts to reduce contraband and improve staff recruitment and retention. Several senators praised the department’s work and urged more funding for prison infrastructure and officer pay. Public testimony largely supported the incentivized prisons model while calling for more seats, better staffing, and broader reforms. Family members of incarcerated people said the facilities were safer, more stable, and better for rehabilitation, though they asked for more programming, better treatment by staff, and clearer access to education and release-related opportunities. A Florida PBA representative emphasized that programs can only succeed with safe staffing levels and better pay and retention for correctional officers. No formal committee vote or bill action was taken, and the meeting ended after public testimony and closing remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was that the bill was being moved forward as written because when PFAS is heated, the transfer
• The transfer to food is greater when it is heated, and the danger is greater.
• The sponsor explained that the bill is moving ahead as written because when PFAS is heated, the transfer
• When it is heated, the transfer to food is greater, and the danger is greater.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Environmental Conservation Committee, chaired by Senator Pete Harckham, met with a quorum and took up a 19-bill agenda, largely consisting of repassed environmental measures. Bills discussed included standards for ambient lead in soil, restrictions on false recyclability claims and plastic labeling, environmental restoration projects, commercial fishing and marine licenses, bans on unencapsulated foam flotation on docks and floating structures, indirect source review for warehouse operations, nuisance wildlife operator disclosure requirements, waterfront revitalization for Doodle Town Brook, a ban on fuel oil grade No. 4, renewable energy development rights on reforestation areas, fee exemptions for veterans and active-duty service members, a ban on mercury-added lamps, designation of water development representatives, bans on cleaning products containing triclosan or triclocarban, a composting symbol, bans on paper receipts for certain purchases, climate corporate data accountability, PFAS product restrictions, and prohibitions on tampering with emissions control devices. Members raised several policy concerns during the meeting. Senator Palumbo questioned the PFAS bill’s inclusion of cookware and suggested an incremental approach, while the sponsor defended keeping cookware in the bill because heating PFAS can increase exposure through food and inhalation. On the renewable energy/reforestation bill, Senator Stec noted implementation concerns about allowing solar development in reforestation areas, and Senator May responded that the bill is intended mainly to facilitate transmission lines across state forest lands. There were also questions about the climate corporate data accountability bill’s scope, including revenue thresholds, overlap with existing DEC greenhouse gas regulations, and the source of fee revenue, with staff explaining it would apply to large companies doing business in New York and use registration fees to cover program costs. Most bills were advanced either to the calendar or to finance. Bills including the lead standards, marine license changes, foam flotation ban, mercury lamp ban, water development representatives, composting symbol, and emissions tampering restrictions were advanced to the calendar. Several measures, including the recyclability labeling bill, environmental restoration projects, warehouse indirect source review, veterans’ fee exemption, and climate corporate data accountability bill, were referred to finance. The paper receipt bill was advanced to commerce, and the committee concluded after voting to move the final bills, including the PFAS restrictions and emissions tampering measure, with technical date fixes noted for the climate accountability and PFAS bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• excessive executive pay, explicitly stating that affordability is a PUC priority, prevent power and heat
• excessive executive pay, explicitly stating that affordability is a PUC priority, prevent power and heat
• excessive executive pay, explicitly stating that affordability is a PUC priority, prevent power and heat
• excessive executive pay, explicitly stating that affordability is a PUC priority, prevent power and heat
• Explicitly stating that affordability is a PUC priority, prevent power and heat shutoffs by supporting

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press event outlining an affordability agenda focused on housing, child care, health care, groceries, energy, and taxes. Speakers argued that Minnesota families are being squeezed by rising costs and income inequality, and said the caucus would pursue policies aimed at lowering everyday expenses and shifting more costs onto corporations and wealthy residents. Representative Bierman said health care costs are pushing people to skip care and called for system reforms, including moving toward a more universal model and reducing the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Representative Kotiza-Wazhushk said the caucus is pushing for universal or low-cost child care, expanded pre-K and community-based care, and a bill to stop grocery surveillance price gouging. Representative Acomb and other energy leaders said the House DFL wants to lower utility bills through more energy assistance, weatherization, renewable energy support, limits on utility cost recovery for lobbying and executive pay, and stronger PUC authority to prevent shutoffs and limit rate increases. Representative Agbaje described housing as unaffordable for many renters and homeowners, cited a shortage of housing units, and said the caucus supports restricting private equity and corporate purchases of single-family homes. Leader Stevenson framed the agenda as a response to a budget picture that he said reflects gains for corporations and wealthy Minnesotans, and he criticized federal tax policy and Medicaid cuts. In response to questions about cost, he said several proposals would not require state spending, while others could be funded by looking at new revenue and at those who benefited most from recent tax changes. The event also included a detailed explanation of the grocery surveillance pricing proposal, which would restrict the use of personal data and AI to set individualized prices and limit rapid electronic shelf price changes. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• [music] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Thank you. [music] I wonder. Heat. Heat.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the January 28, 2026 journal, and received routine Senate Services reports on printed and enrolled measures. Committee reports were read, including Agriculture and Natural Resources recommending Senate Bill 10 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation and consent-calendar placement, and Senate Joint Resolution 1 for final action by the Senate. The chamber also received a reappointment report for two members of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. Senate Joint Resolution 006, concerning support for Coloradans navigating the U.S. immigration system and transparency in federal enforcement, was introduced and then laid over until Monday, February 2, 2026, on motion of the Majority Leader. The Senate also heard a tribute recognizing Rockmount Ranchwear Manufacturing Company for its 80th anniversary and legacy in Colorado, including remarks about its history, cultural influence, and family leadership, followed by applause and recognition of company representatives. Additional floor recognitions highlighted University Prep's Arapahoe Street campus, the Colorado Forest Health Council, and visiting students from Samberg Elementary and Littleton Public Schools. Announcements covered upcoming committee hearings, a legislative reception at the Buckhorn Exchange, and a Carter Science and Technology Policy Program breakfast event. The Senate then adjourned on motion until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency requires that some see plans to submit performance measures including heat as an adult.
• So as I mentioned before, one of our main sources of measuring performance are the heat U.S. measures
• But just to show you comprehensively what the heat is measures are intended to to look at in terms of
• Specific measures for these LTC measures are included in heat U.S..
• As a result, Ncqa has retired at the annual dental visit measures from heat U.S..

Transcript Highlights:

• Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. Happy<00:03:41.120> birthday.
• Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the ocean century as we warm the air the ocean absorbs<00:21:08.840> that<00:21:09.520> heat
• <00:21:29.120> created<00:21:29.559> by heat 90% of the excess heat created by heat
• 90% of the excess heat created by greenhouse<00:21:30.600> gases<00:21:31.600> uh<00:21
• is it's really hard and where the heat is it's really hard to<01:10:22.360> have<01:10:22.679
• It's really just drilling to see if there's heat. So it's exploratory.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's new uses for electricity like heat pumps and electric vehicles.
• That is driven mostly by places that still heat with fuel oil or propane.
• Those are far and away the most expensive ways to heat your home.
• Residential rates heat your house.
• <01:26:26.480> to heating, cooling and water heating to heating, cooling and water heating

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue extends far beyond heated The issue extends far beyond heated seats<04:11:18.960> or
• But if I have a heated seat or a safety feature... saying is I have a heated seat.
• bought had heated seats. bought had heated seats.
• Because something about that does feel different to me if I have a heated steering wheel and a heated
• Because something about that does feel different to me if I have a heated steering wheel and a heated

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are probably some of the best at managing heat stress, which is no surprise to anyone living in Arizona
• And the issue with heat exposure is that it's much like fatigue. trained workforce to do.
• We are probably some of the best at managing heat stress, which is no sort of, protect people along the
• And the issue with heat exposure is that it's much like fatigue.
• And the issue with heat exposure is that it's much like fatigue.

Bills: SB1046

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would bar critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and cut off state, local, or federal infrastructure funding for violators. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill responds to real national-security risks from China, citing examples such as Huawei, Hikvision, and other foreign-linked technology concerns, and saying states can act where federal efforts are incomplete or slow. Members raised questions about cost, timing, and whether the bill duplicates federal action; Macklin said the bill targets public procurement and that state action remains appropriate. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation. The committee next received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role as an innovation hub. He described university work on automation, microgrids, critical mineral recovery, tailings remediation, workforce training, and heat-stress protection, and said Arizona can help de-risk new mining technologies through research partnerships, training networks, and policy support. Members asked about microgrids, federal and state law changes, tariffs, workforce decline, AI, and how the Legislature could help; Luxbacher emphasized the need for coordinated training pipelines, incubators for mining startups, and support for pilot projects and processing capacity. Jeremiah Pate, founder and CTO of Lunisand, then presented on subsurface imaging technology using georadiotomography. He said the system can image deep underground from airborne platforms, helping locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and hidden defense-related threats more quickly than traditional methods. Members asked about archaeological uses, mineral identification, water detection, whether similar companies exist, and defense applications. Pate said the technology is still developing but is unique in its field-practical airborne capability. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to reporting requirements for natural gas pipeline projects, creating the Alaska Affordable Heating
• There's a new heating fuel assistance fund established in the Senate version that creates a new fund
• setting aside 20% of the state's royalty gas revenue from the project to help lower heating costs in
• relating to reporting requirements for natural gas pipeline projects; creating the Alaska Affordable Heating

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Applause] Heat. Goers. Goers. Goers. [Applause] Heat.<00:01:54.159> Heat.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• heat pumps.
• Um and this is for heating heat pumps.
• heating on our transformers. heating on our transformers.
• pretty heated. pretty heated. >> Thank<04:26:36.080> you.
• We're having this heat.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• know, this acts as an insurance policy basically to help maintain grid reliability during extreme heat
• This VPP was dispatched for 26 event hours over 16 days across three major heat waves in 2024, so it
• We want to have incremental reliability assets that are held and used for those extreme West-wide heat
• We had a very high heat wave in '21, and actually... In 2020, we had a very high heat wave in '21.
• events, particularly during the 2022 extreme heat event.

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're basically using a closed-loop system to provide the heating of the material, and that's called
• There's mechanisms whereby the heat reservoir could act as a cooling process.
• saw some wells that basically are on the downside of production of hydrocarbons, but because of the heat
• that is there, they're looking at possibly utilizing them for a secondary operation of thermal heat
• To be there to withdraw the heat, I would imagine. Okay.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , cooling, and water heating to multiple buildings through a shared thermal loop.
• , cooling, and water heating to multiple buildings through a shared thermal loop.
• , cooling, and water heating to multiple buildings through a shared thermal loop.
• pumps, electric heat pumps, in a dual fuel configuration with natural gas furnaces.
• how to use uh um heat pumps, electric heat<00:51:44.000> pumps<00:51:44.640> in<00:51:44.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know all of you have heard about the summer heat wave a lot, but I think it's just worth reiterating
• again: on June 24th, during this big heat wave, behind-the-meter solar saved New England ratepayers
• I know all of you have heard about the summer heat wave a lot, but I think it's just worth reiterating
• again on June 24th during this big heat wave behind the meter solar save New England ratepayers over
• We've heard already today about the heat waves this summer and the events in June, where solar really

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on ways Massachusetts can accelerate solar deployment, lower costs, and preserve reliability as electricity demand rises and federal support for solar and other renewables changes. Chair Creem opened by emphasizing solar’s role in meeting climate mandates and peak demand, citing June heat-wave data showing behind-the-meter solar reduced wholesale prices and saved ratepayers money. Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney of DOER said Massachusetts has grown from 3 MW of solar in 2008 to 3.5 GW today, highlighted SMART 3.0 as a flexible, evergreen incentive program, and said DOER is working on updated rates, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, net crediting, and a petition to the DPU to speed implementation. She also said Massachusetts joined the lawsuit over canceled federal Solar for All funding. Committee members and witnesses discussed several policy changes to speed projects before federal tax credits expire, including automated permitting, remote inspections, faster interconnection, and changes to caps on municipal and regional solar development. Senator Barrett pressed Mahoney on whether the 10 MW municipal cap and regional caps should be lifted, and on whether the state should increase its solar tax credit to offset the loss of the federal residential credit. Mahoney said the municipal cap should be revisited and that interconnection cost allocation and other market issues need to be worked out before lifting broader caps. She also said DOER is open to automated permitting and is already developing a permitting portal under the 2024 climate law. Industry and advocacy witnesses largely supported streamlining measures. Sunrun’s Bronte Payne urged removal of a proposed requirement that all net-metered facilities enroll in SMART, and recommended automated permitting, remote inspections, flexible interconnection, better hosting-capacity information, consumer protections, and continued support for Connected Solutions and virtual power plants. Permit Power’s Hannah Bernbaum and Solar App’s Matthew McAllister argued that smart permitting and remote inspections can significantly reduce soft costs and delays, with McAllister saying Solar App now operates in over 320 jurisdictions and saves about three weeks on average. They said remote inspections are already common and can be done safely with photos, video, and qualified third parties. Community solar and clean energy advocates, including CCSA’s Kate Daniel and Vote Solar’s Lindsay Griffin, supported a 10 GW solar target by 2035, a higher refundable state tax credit for low-income households, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, and preserving the option to build outside SMART so projects can retain renewable energy certificates. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members requested follow-up materials and draft language from witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• the temperature being really, really high one day, exacerbated by climate change, could be extreme heat
• I mean, I understand that people may, you know, find conditions unlivable because of extreme heat, but
• I'm not aware of anyone losing their home because of extreme heat.
• to mitigate um you know you can maybe if it's a if it's a if it's a bill somebody can't afford the heat
• We heard the extreme heat issue, you know, et cetera.

Summary: The committee first took up a consent calendar of multiple bills, moving them forward mostly to Appropriations, with AB 1531 sent to Insurance. It then heard AB 645, requiring emergency medical dispatch training for public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls. Supporters said standardized dispatcher training would improve CPR and other pre-arrival instructions, especially in rural areas with long response times; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations. AB 716, on statewide hydrogen fire safety standards and a State Fire Marshal hydrogen expert, also drew support and was sent to Utilities and Energy. AB 783, aimed at lowering disaster rebuilding costs by allowing state contracting for construction materials in declared disaster areas, was supported by housing and building groups and moved to Appropriations. AB 591, creating a public works mutual aid plan for disasters, and AB 1200, expanding disaster preparedness through tabletop exercises, a State Lifelines Council, and CERT training, both received supportive testimony and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 300, which would require regular updates to fire hazard severity zone maps; witnesses from fire agencies and cities supported moving the review schedule to every five years, and the bill was sent to Appropriations as amended. AB 986 would add landslides and climate-change-exacerbated conditions to the definition of state and local emergencies; supporters from Rancho Palos Verdes and the League of California Cities described severe land movement and major costs, while members raised concerns about overbroad emergency declarations. The bill nonetheless advanced to Appropriations. AB 478, requiring local emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures and longer holding periods for rescued animals, was supported by the author, a mayor, and animal advocacy groups; members suggested revisiting the 90-day reclamation period and transfer rules, but the bill moved to Appropriations. Later, AB 598 proposed school mapping technology for K-12 campuses so first responders can access accurate layouts during emergencies. The sponsor and dispatch representatives said the maps could reduce response times and improve coordination, while committee members asked about costs, vendor neutrality, rural school funding, and coordination with the 911 Advisory Board; the bill was moved to Appropriations with members noting possible follow-up amendments. Throughout the meeting, several votes were left open for later addition, and the committee eventually recorded additional aye votes and one no vote on AB 783 and a not-voting position on AB 986 before adjourning.