Video & Transcript Research : 'building code'
Page 185 of 500
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- I struggle to think of one person in my building who didn't work themselves to the bone in the name of
- Their building assignment each year, or sometimes in the middle of the year, is up to the caprices of
- There's actually a provision in the school code that would allow administrators, if they are changed
- By putting this legislation into the public school code, we are involving the Department of Education
- House Bill 2529 builds on that success.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a student advocate and family members connected to a resolution on scoliosis awareness. The chamber first took up committee reports from Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Tourism and Recreation and Economic Development, and later Appropriations, Rules, Commerce, and Environmental and Natural Resource Protection, agreeing to the reported bills and resolutions. House Resolution 531, designating June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month, was adopted 201-1 after remarks describing the condition and the advocacy of a young constituent. The House also adopted resolutions designating Diaper Need Awareness Week, directing a study on PANS/PANDAS, recognizing 717 Day, Little League World Series Week, and commemorating America 250 in Pennsylvania, with broad bipartisan support.
The House then considered several bills on final passage. House Bill 2146, updating the Sunshine Act’s 24-hour agenda notice rule after a court ruling, and Senate Bills 130, 511, 971, 972, 1181, and 1235 were agreed to. House Bill 1239, limiting HOA restrictions on rooftop solar, drew multiple amendments; some were withdrawn, and others failed on tied votes, after debate over HOA governance, native plants, and net metering. House Bill 2219, on license plates and transportation provisions, had an amendment agreed to removing indemnification language for elected officials at special events, and then passed as amended. House Bill 2558, banning non-compete agreements for broadcast workers, saw an amendment to preserve limited non-competes fail, and the bill passed. House Bill 2359, prohibiting government NDAs related to data centers, passed 171-31 after extensive debate over transparency and local control.
The chamber also passed House Bill 2455, granting Pittsburgh school administrators collective bargaining rights, despite objections that existing appeal protections already exist; it passed 106-96. House Bill 2460, creating hunting and trapping education provisions, passed 180-22 after debate over whether it duplicated existing law and imposed a mandate. House Bill 2499, expanding the State Workers’ Insurance Fund’s equity investment authority, passed 173-29. House Bill 2529, scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance, passed 198-4 amid testimony about overdose risks and concerns about criminalization. Senate Bill 604, joining the Counseling Compact, passed 188-14, and Senate Bill 1259, clarifying parole record privilege and expanding notice to denied parole applicants, passed unanimously 202-0. The House then made referrals and committee assignments, signed the two Senate bills for presentation to the Governor, and adjourned until July 1, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- product, that it is not subject to the regulatory requirements or consumer protections of the insurance code
- health care sharing are not engaging in the business of insurance and not subject to the insurance code
- Like here, they build a separate entrance and walled off.
- health care sharing are not engaging in the business of insurance and not subject to the insurance code
- Like here, they build a separate entrance and walled off.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part; supporters said it would expand provider options amid a shortage of certified programs, while opponents raised concerns about government speech and mixing religion with court-ordered programming. After debate, the bill was reported favorably 7-2. The committee also considered CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction preventing licensed insurance agents from marketing or selling health care sharing ministries; supporters framed it as restoring choice and free speech, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, commissions, and lack of insurance protections. It was reported favorably 8-2.
The committee next approved CS/SB 502, via a strike-all amendment, to give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in state juvenile court rather than federal court; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously. CS/SB 52 also passed unanimously after testimony from church leaders and security personnel supporting an exemption from Class D/G licensing for unpaid armed security volunteers at places of worship. Supporters said the bill would clarify legal gray areas and help churches afford security, while members noted the broader concern that houses of worship need armed protection at all.
Finally, the committee reported favorably SB 840, which revises last year’s emergency/local planning law by narrowing its application after storms from 100 miles to 50 miles of the storm track and exempting certain water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; local government representatives supported the clarification, and the bill passed 9-0. CS/SB 758, as amended, updated the membership of the Justice Administration Commission to better reflect the entities it oversees, and it also passed 9-0. The meeting ended with a recorded affirmative vote from Senator DeSigley on SB 624.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-EIG Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we see the importance of this as a building block to restoring public trust in government.
- block to restoring of this as a building block to restoring public<00:02:22.080>
trust <00:02: - Uh, but the bigger issue is we are concerned about having notice of what buildings or properties are
- <00:06:58.400>
or <00:06:59.360>properties <00:07:00.000>are what buildings - <01:34:40.800>
So, code address more serious things.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- back to another guy who had helped build back to another guy who had helped build the<00:22:58.320
- Throughout the code, to simplify it.
- Um, because it's a, they're building out the system.
- Uh, we did some at our other buildings.
- Uh the issue with the other buildings.
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Office of Capital Post Conviction. Director Chrissy Noble described the office’s work representing death-row clients in state postconviction, federal habeas, clemency, and related matters, and said the Legislature has historically funded the office with enough flexibility to handle unpredictable cases. She highlighted four pending actual-innocence cases, including matters involving false forensics and a shaken-baby syndrome challenge, and noted that such cases often require multiple experts. She also cited a recent example where the office was appointed to a case shortly before an execution date was set, and said flexible spending authority allowed the office to secure experts and file on time. The office asked to retain any remaining special-fund cash balance into FY26 and said it had not requested additional salary funding for FY26 because the increase was already handled through flexibility; members praised the office’s work and no vote was taken.
The committee then heard from the Ethics Commission. Staff explained requests for salary realignment, additional funding for a part-time hearing officer who handles public records and open meetings cases, and a small amount for fuel/food that was described as a system-related placeholder. The commission said it had a backlog because complaints have become more numerous and complex, and that more funding would allow the hearing officer to process more cases. Members also discussed a prior $10,000 system request that had lapsed and was later found to have been underestimated; the commission said the earlier figure came from an initial quote and the later $25,000 estimate reflected the actual cost. The chairman and members commended the commission’s work, and no formal action was taken.
Finally, the Administrative Office of Courts presented its budget requests. The office outlined a deficit appropriation request tied to county-funded court reporter increases, funding for two newly appointed judges, special-judge appointment costs, and death benefits for a court administrator in Warren County. The discussion then focused on judicial salaries, with the office noting Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally in trial and Supreme Court judge pay, though a cost-of-living adjustment would place the state around 27th. The office said its request follows State Personnel Board recommendations and that it is also seeking a possible increase in filing fees to support the Judicial Operations Fund, which helps cover salary costs not paid from general funds. Members discussed redistricting, special appointments, and the possibility of using fee revenue rather than general funds to support future increases; no vote was taken.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill models federal law and then builds upon it. It does not force divestment.
- Construction costs have surged, building codes have evolved, and the gap between policy limits and actual
- rebuilding costs... ...surged, building codes have evolved, and the gap between policy limits and actual
- ESOPs help working people build wealth by owning a share in the company that they help to build.
- I'm building ownership through our ESOP.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Juvenile Justice Oversight Council (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And also, costs were encouraged to bring it up to current life safety building codes, current fire safety
- codes, and all those things.
- <01:03:08.319>
codes <01:03:08.960>uh current life safety building codes uh current - life safety building codes uh current<01:03:09.440>
fire <01:03:09.760>safety <01:03:10.079 - >
codes current fire safety codes current fire safety codes >> and<01:03:11.040>all<
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:03
Roll Call: 00:00:09
Agency Updates: 00:01:44
Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36
Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends.
The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input.
The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is impossible to build when the electric capacity doesn't exist. So, for those reasons, Mr.
- AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BUILD WHEN THE ELECTRIC CAPACITY DOESN'T EXIST. SO, FOR THOSE REASON, Mr.
- that would increase the housing capacity of that building.”
- If you want to make housing more inexpensive, you could use the National standard for the building code
- You could repeal the All Electric Buildings Act.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff.
The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective.
The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- mission to the university that she loves so much helped her overcome these obstacles and helped her build
- We couldn't have two early childhood providers in the same building.
- We've been working to build out that system and start producing research over the last few years.
- Each plan shall provide that a locked door shall not obstruct egress or code.
- Previously, it was only in the Children's Code.
Bills:
SR119, SCR65, HCR47, HB196, HB218, HB256, HB325, HB352, HB434, HB448, HB476, HB608, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB749, HB818, HB1059, HB1112, HB1242, HB1249
Keywords:
SR119, Senate Resolution 119, D-D Breaux, Sara Breaux, LSU gymnastics, LSU Gymnastics Training Center, LSU Board of Supervisors, facility naming, honorary resolution, public buildings and grounds, women's athletics, Title IX, college gymnastics, SEC gymnastics, Louisiana State University, Tiger Athletic Foundation, women in sports, coach recognition, sports legend, campus naming
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with four members present and took up a long agenda of education-related bills. Early items included SCR 65, which would create a K-12 student success task force to study statewide career and academic pathway advising; the committee adopted a substantive amendment adding designees and then reported the resolution favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SCR 119, honoring Coach D.D. Breaux, after brief remarks about her LSU gymnastics legacy and the request that LSU study naming its gymnastics training facility in her honor.
Several bills affecting school operations and student support were heard and reported favorably, including HB 434 on probationary school bus driver employment and superintendent authority over dismissal; HB 484 expanding scholarship benefits for children and spouses of fallen or disabled firefighters and police officers; HB 749 and HB 1059 on savings accounts and TOPS math eligibility alignment; HB 218 adding food insecurity questions to student questionnaires, which was amended and reported favorably; HB 325 expanding TOPS Tech eligibility through dual enrollment and part-time use; HB 476 requiring Safe Haven law postings in middle and high school restrooms; HB 1249 clarifying access to school-based health centers, with an amendment adopted; HB 1242 allowing more than one early learning center license at the same location under certain circumstances; HB 632 improving data protections and functionality for LA First; and HB 352 on behavioral health services for public school students, which was amended to address IEP and dispute-process concerns before being reported favorably.
Two bills drew extended debate over transparency, privacy, and school autonomy. HB 608 would create confidentiality for intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing documents; LSU representatives argued the bill was needed to protect student-athletes and competitive information, while PAR and the Louisiana Press Association opposed it as an improper secrecy carve-out for state-generated revenue. Despite the opposition, the committee reported HB 608 favorably. HB 1112, which would exempt BESE-approved non-public pre-K programs from certain licensure and safety requirements and adjust related definitions, was amended and then heard with testimony from the Pelican Institute in support, arguing it corrects overreach from prior law and protects private school autonomy and parental choice.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 9th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is about building a foundation, the first step in a long effort.
- Service paraprofessionals from the Health and Safety Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code
- It has been said that organized labor controls this building.
- They are going to abide by building trust in their community.
- Code Section 1325 and 26 state what is the law of the land.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for John Burton, and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural motions. Members approved a rule suspension to allow floor amendments on SB 271 and SB 67, and several committee notices and bill referrals were handled. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading file, with many bills passed and a number of items temporarily passed or retained on file.
Among the major measures approved were bills on civil rights and public safety (SB 477, SB 19, SB 36, SB 571, SB 580), health care and coverage (SB 257 on pregnancy as a qualifying life event, SB 530 on Medi-Cal access standards, SB 660 on health data exchange, SB 754 on menstrual product contaminant disclosure), housing and disaster recovery (SB 610, SB 655), transportation and climate (SB 533 on EV charging payments, SB 30 on diesel locomotives, SB 71 on CEQA exemptions for transit, SB 263 on tariff impacts), and natural resources/energy (SB 283 on battery storage safety, SB 88 on biomass emissions, SB 427 extending the Habitat Conservation Fund). The Assembly also passed urgency measures including SB 864 on tribal gaming compacts, SB 663 on wildfire-related property tax relief, SB 471 expanding DDS ombudsman authority, and SB 497 on privacy protections for legally protected health services.
Several bills drew notable debate. SB 41 on pharmacy benefit managers saw opposition over concerns about moving ahead before broader PBM data and licensing reforms take effect, but it still passed. AB 1340, a concurrence item on gig worker collective bargaining rights, prompted extended debate over labor rights, consumer costs, and union influence. Other concurrence items included AB 671 on restaurant permitting, which passed without opposition. The Assembly also took up SB 640 on direct admission to CSU, SB 702 on demographic reporting for appointees, SB 710 preserving a solar property tax exclusion, and SB 793 on counterfeit lighter safety, all of which passed. The session ended with the Assembly continuing through the file, including concurrence votes and additional bill actions, with most measures approved by substantial margins.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/11/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, in the early 1920s there was a federal movement to, uh, create a code of ethics for judges to
- That started in 1920 when the ABA, I think 1923, when the ABA enacted a code of conduct.
- So the Minnesota Supreme Court has promulgated the Code of Judicial Conduct.
- Code sets out the purpose of um judicial Code sets out the purpose of um judicial discipline<00:08:23.080
- If there's a concern that the judge violated the code, there are different levels of discipline.
Summary:
The Judiciary and Civil Law Committee met to hear an informational presentation from the Board of Judicial Standards. After brief member and staff introductions and a review of committee rules, the board’s executive secretary, Sarah Bas, and Mary Pat Maher explained the board’s history, mission, and operations. They described the board as an independent state agency that handles complaints about judicial misconduct and disability, issues advisory opinions, and educates judges on ethics. The presentation covered the board’s composition, complaint intake and screening process, and the levels of discipline available, ranging from summary dismissal and letters of caution to private admonitions, deferred disposition agreements, public reprimands, and formal complaints that can lead to Supreme Court review.
Members asked about the board’s budget, public access to discipline records, confidentiality of complaints, and how the board balances accountability with protecting public confidence in the judiciary. The board said public discipline is posted on its website, while private admonitions, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and letters of caution remain confidential. It also said judges generally are told who complained so they can respond, though the board can withhold the source for good cause. Questions also focused on whether attorneys are underreporting misconduct, how many complaints are nuisance complaints, and whether the online complaint system changed the types of complaints received; the board said nuisance complaints make up more than half, the complaint types have not changed much, and it does not have data comparing complaint sources to outcomes. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Angel Christina Kosovo Building.
- >
building <00:16:08.880>for Building. - While naming a building for Building.
- apartment buildings. I yield back. apartment buildings. I yield back.
- To the building of this nation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And you'll see on each of these products, there's a QR code.
- And the QR code... Works on this one. This is legit. This is Madison.
- I think if I hit the QR code, I’d find out more information.
- Code, that gets destroyed as it happened in my shop.
- Want to be able to scan a QR code.
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (3-10-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this is an effort to try to build on your work, Madam Chair, and make it the more transparent, more
- <00:02:50.920>
on So, this is an effort to try to build on So, this is an effort to try to - build on your<00:02:51.200>
work, <00:02:51.440>Madam <00:02:51.680>Chair, <00:02 - So, this is an opportunity<00:18:47.640>
to <00:18:47.840>build <00:18:48.200>on - to build on that industry, and<00:18:49.600>
I <00:18:49.640>hope <00:18:49.840>we<
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/10/2026)
Municipal and County Government
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- traffic code. traffic code.
- that have changed in our traffic code that have changed in our traffic code and<00:30:43.080>
- have in Central Oahu that could build have in Central Oahu that could build for<00:33:29.760>
- Department of Education building Department of Education building improvements,<00:52:59.200>
- It builds a monitoring infrastructure.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary Feb 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- But we've just asked for that build out to happen.
- We're buildings next to each other.
- So, the building that we were looking at building was going to cost a minimum of 28 million, probably
- to purchase, is a 78,000 square foot building.
- Both could build right there.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Aug 11th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's actual tax code, so...
- What makes sense, where to build out and create those lab spaces.
- We couldn't give them the building; it would have to be the state that would own the building.
- Do anything we want to build this space in Sakura? We want to build this space in.
- And so it would be in Albuquerque if we start building right now.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/06/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- for code.
- for code.
- You wouldn't be the first person I think that what I'm saying is that code for code is one standard.
- I think that what I'm saying is that code for code is one standard.
- <01:53:07.880>
for that what I'm saying is that code for that what I'm saying is that code
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 01-31-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- building out building out the plant building out building out the plant because<00:15:57.000>
we <00:21:34.320>any done so allowed to um build any done so allowed to um build any extension - <00:41:18.200>
out um and this can also help to build out um and this can also help to build - sustainable infrastructure zoning codes sustainable infrastructure zoning codes for<00:41:55.000
- the thing was Rising that the buildings the thing was Rising that the buildings was<00:43:29.720
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1232, which would create a three-year wastewater technology testing pilot program at the University of Hawaiʻi Water Resources Research Center and coordinate testing with state and county agencies. The Department of Health, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and University of Hawaiʻi representatives supported the bill, saying it would help certify new wastewater technologies, lower costs for cesspool conversions, and provide data to the Department of Health. Testifiers said the prior testing effort ended after the departure of Dr. Roger Babcock, and that the new program would use National Sanitation Foundation standards, graduate students, and local wastewater facilities such as Wahiawa. Committee members asked about the $750,000 total cost, the scope of existing research, prior test sites, and whether the program would be tied to individuals or a permanent program. One member raised concerns about the fairness and data basis for sewer conversion decisions in local communities, and the University said it would follow national standards and share results openly.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 686, relating to a short-term management initiative for coconut rhinoceros beetle response and related appropriations. The Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaiʻi testified in support, while a county representative and other advocates urged broader statewide coverage, including Kauaʻi, and asked that appropriated funds be usable on any island. Testimony emphasized the need for immediate action, outreach, tree-trimmer training, canopy treatments, K-9 inspections, container fumigation, and biocontrol research. A member summarized the bill’s funding components, including amounts for training, residential palm treatments, response teams, inspections, fumigation, and research, and noted the importance of directing money toward on-the-ground response. Committee questions focused on how much funding remained available, how the agencies would coordinate with DOA, whether the department was prepared to manage all the bill’s functions, and how infestations were being communicated to the public.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 657, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology’s Center for Climate Resilient Development. The Department of Land and Natural Resources testified in strong support, and the Department of Health also supported the measure, noting that it relies on the center’s data to inform decisions and recommendations on projects. The discussion on this item was brief in the portion provided, with no vote or final action shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 7th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- We must continue to innovate, leverage new technologies, and build further capabilities.
- We used to have whole cities burner down because building codes allowed cities to burning on and on and
- I mean buildings would be built right next to each other so that when Mrs.
- It's not a practical solution for us to build a hydrant system of that magnitude.
- We're not talking about building the Taj Mahal.