Video & Transcript Research : 'preparedness'
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TX
Bills:
SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB 2, SB 3, SB 5, SB 9, SB 10, SB 14, SB 16, SB 18, SB 34, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 4, SB1, SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB4
Keywords:
flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products
TX
Bills:
SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB 2, SB 3, SB 4, SB 5, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 9, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 14, SB 15, SB 16, SB 17, SB 18, SB 34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB34
Keywords:
flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- An act to amend the Insurance Law in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness.
- An act to amend the Insurance Law in relation to homeowner natural disaster preparedness, home safety
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met on February 9, 2026, with several members present and voting sheets used to constitute a quorum. The committee considered a nine-bill agenda covering a range of insurance-related issues, including risk retention groups and commuter vans, prescription drug supply chain transparency and PBM regulation, diabetes and pre-diabetes screening coverage, prescription drug rebates passed through at point of sale, state assistance for local fire code enforcement, independent adjuster licensing, homeowner natural disaster preparedness courses, and insurance reimbursement for vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccination reimbursement.
Most of the bills were moved without substantive debate and were reported from committee, with Senator Helming frequently recorded as “without rec.” Senate Print 3212, relating to state assistance for local enforcement of fire prevention and building codes, was moved but referred to the Finance Committee rather than reported. Senate Print 5049, sponsored by Senator Bailey, was described as broadly supported by industry and the Department of Financial Services and was reported. The vaccination reimbursement bills, Senate Print 5852 and Senate Print 334, were also reported, as were the remaining measures on the agenda.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I say all of this to illustrate that climate preparedness is not something to be thinking about in the
- I say all of this to illustrate that climate preparedness is not something to be thinking about in the
- I say all of this to illustrate that climate preparedness is not something to be thinking about in the
- Every dollar invested in climate resilience and preparedness saves $13 in damage costs and economic savings
- Every dollar invested in climate resilience and preparedness saves $13 in damage costs and economic savings
Summary:
The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing.
The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings.
The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream.
The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention Jun 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have, similar to what was said earlier, we had always focused also on seismic preparedness prior to
- We run three programs: the Roadmap to Preparedness, Roadmap to Recovery, and Advocacy and Action.
- Go to end at a preparedness fair. So they're sort of hurting people right down.
- But today I'm putting a hat on top of my hat, which is disaster preparedness.
- And as we continue to invest in wildfire prevention and preparedness, we encourage policymakers to support
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- So, similar to our current municipal vulnerability preparedness program, it would be similar as well:
- urge this committee and the legislature to increase authorization for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
- We also encourage the committee to increase the authorization for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
- environmental protection, but also for supporting housing, economic development, and emergency preparedness
- environmental protection, but also for supporting housing, economic development, and emergency preparedness
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record.
Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language.
Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- apprehension of criminals, uh, Defense of the state and nation, including terrorism response, emergency preparedness
- Our preparedness efforts include supporting local jurisdictions' needs for planning and training and
- Keith, you're, you're uh Testifying on behalf of Texas military preparedness. That's correct, sir.
- I'm the executive director of the Governor's Military Preparedness Commission.
- The TMPC, which is the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, was established by the legislature in
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- health care, issues regarding mental health, behavioral health, infectious diseases, emergency preparedness
- , substance use disorders, environmental health, and environmental health, diseases, emergency preparedness
- of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, and Karen Moleski, the Director of the Office of Preparedness
- These include a laser focus on health equity, centering racial equity, a commitment to emergency preparedness
- Our fourth initiative focuses on strengthening our emergency preparedness capabilities and fostering
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities.
Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts.
Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon.
Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- under the purview of preempted by OSHA and local what works at regulation regarding hurricane preparedness
- including but not limited to existing statute. >> Local work site regulation regarding hurricane preparedness
- when a storm is named in bearing down who from the state approves or says that their hurricane preparedness
- Because I want to ask the next question, which is do all tower crane operator submit up a hurricane preparedness
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 7th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 165 by Senator Grayson, relative to California Wildfire Preparedness Week
- Wildfire preparedness is especially important in the East Bay Area, which is among the most wildfire-prone
- of us to act, and SCR 165 provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about wildfire preparedness
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We know these preparedness programs.
- The need to have funding to rely on to build resilience and preparedness within their communities.
- preparedness within their communities. preparedness within their communities.
- <00:58:25.280>
and <00:58:25.599>response <00:58:26.079>and uh preparedness - and response and uh preparedness and response and recovery<00:58:27.119>
funds <00:58:27.440>
Bills:
HF3556
Summary:
The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony.
Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota.
Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH/PBS Joint Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 8:50 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- uh this is Emer emergency preparedness uh this is the<01:09:32.600>
uh <01:09:32.719>Bill< - She says this preparedness can reduce anxiety and the risk of injury or death in the case of a natural
- So we're trying to magnify the messaging of preparedness and always trying to be proactive in that sense
- Our responsibility is across the state, so we're trying to magnify the messaging of preparedness and
- we're wai for emergency preparedness we're wai for some<01:33:24.440>
information <01:33:25.040
Summary:
At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote.
The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments.
The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments.
Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding will come to order.
- The House Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding will come to order.
- Let me speak briefly about how Kerr County has come into our emergency preparedness.
- Our preparedness paid off.
- of preparedness, empowering individuals to be more aware of risk.
Summary:
The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements.
Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- events, support local economies, and serve as critical sites for emergency response and disaster preparedness
- Unfortunately, fairs are facing... ...and disaster preparedness.
Summary:
The committee opened with routine announcements, including hearing logistics, public comment instructions, and a brief “fun fact” about National Pecan Month and Ag Day. After establishing a quorum, the committee took up a consent calendar of four bills—AB 2423, AB 2743, AB 2778, and AB 2779—which were approved unanimously.
The main item heard was AB 1711 by Assembly Member Conley, which would require more timely distribution of state funds for fairs and fairgrounds and expand allowable uses for those funds. The author and the Western Fairs Association argued that fairs are important for agricultural education, local economies, cultural events, and emergency response, and that delayed funding leads to deferred maintenance and higher costs. Several committee members spoke in strong support, noting the importance of county fairs in their districts and their role as community hubs and emergency shelters.
There was no opposition testimony. The committee voted AB 1711 out on a due pass motion to the Appropriations Committee, and the bill ultimately passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 31st, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- 2 3 Senate Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, come to order. Clerk, call the roll.
- The House Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness Submitting to come to order, clerk, call the roll
- We had no idea. to elevate the preparedness posture with the information we had at the time.
- Our preparedness paid off.
- For counties to be able to promote preparedness.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 11th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- does, members, and the bill that you've co-sponsored with me, is it brings common-sense emergency preparedness
- We're going to require emergency preparedness licenses of our summer camps.
- can get the certification, you can get their license that they have met and got the emergency preparedness
- 35:18.320>
got <00:35:18.560>the <00:35:18.720>emergency <00:35:19.200>preparedness - met and got the emergency preparedness met and got the emergency preparedness license<00:35:20.320
Keywords:
business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
Transcript Highlights:
- directors, which was the ALR Commission recommendation number four, and two, to bolster emergency preparedness
- Directors, which was the ALR Commission recommendation number four, and two, to bolster emergency preparedness
- and safety by reviewing to bolster emergency preparedness and safety by reviewing ALR building classification
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on two assisted living bills, Senate 3057 and House 5376, which would create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund to support certification staffing, compliance reviews, complaint investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, appeals, and oversight. Testimony from MassALA, AARP, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman generally supported the bills and the dedicated funding stream, but MassALA urged amendments to expand career pathways for staff through certified medication aides and to add guardrails on the use of fines as a funding source. The Ombudsman supported the fund and emphasized the need for additional staffing to better serve the state’s assisted living residents. Committee members asked for draft amendment language, and the chairs indicated they were open to further discussion, especially on fines and CMA language.
The committee then heard testimony on Senate 3056 and House 5243 regarding medication administration in rest homes. Providers, including the Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes, LeadingAge Massachusetts, and several rest home operators, opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would eliminate the long-standing “responsible person” model and move rest homes toward the Medication Administration Program (MAP). Witnesses said the current model has been used for decades, is tailored to rest homes, and is essential to affordability, staffing stability, and resident continuity of care; they warned that replacing it with MAP or nurse-only administration would raise costs, worsen workforce shortages, and could force closures or resident displacement. They asked the committee to support legislation preserving responsible persons’ authority to administer medications while improving training and oversight.
Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works day to day, whether other states use similar systems, and whether data exist comparing medication error rates under MAP and the current model. The chairs said they were still reviewing building-code-related recommendations raised in the assisted living discussion and noted that some issues might be better addressed through a task force. The hearing concluded after testimony and questions, and the committee voted to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Aug 15th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- One is just ensure that our businesses have more preparedness.
- program where your insurance rates go down if you demonstrate that you have been through disaster preparedness
- mentioned some ideas of like grants and and I really like your idea of the incentive programs for preparedness
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a proposal related to implementing SB 313 in the Center for Preparedness and Response.
- lessons learned from the 2025 shutdown is that we have to continue to work on strengthening our preparedness
- College of Emergency Physicians, and we're in support of the budget request under the Center for Preparedness
- College of Emergency Physicians, and we're in support for the budget request under the Center for Preparedness
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislature should be laser-focused on flood relief, disaster recovery, and disaster preparedness
- And so what we... really should be prioritizing is disaster preparedness and relief and thinking about
- , Chairman, first of all, thank you for all the work that you're doing with regard to disaster preparedness
- entire state of Texas, and having that level of flexibility for when we have to deal with emergency preparedness
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit, school assessment