Video & Transcript Research : 'FEMA'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 17th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, when FEMA was first created, and as it moves through its processes, many of the responses that you
- Whenever we are having to deal with FEMA, and I've had so many people... talk to me about this, dealing
- with FEMA, they're afraid to, Madam Chair.
- If they do go in for a FEMA claim, they have to follow the guidelines and do what FEMA tells them they
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (6-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We do anticipate that there will be a gap between what the insurance coverage will be and what FEMA will
- Chairman, you'd mentioned you'd been working, hopefully, to utilize some FEMA funding.
- um working uh hopefully to um utilize um working uh hopefully to um utilize some<00:20:40.559>
FEMA - 43.120>
Um <00:20:43.520>where <00:20:43.760>are <00:20:44.000>you some FEMA - Um where are you some FEMA uh funding.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:01
Recognition of New Members: 00:01:17
Disaster Response: 00:01:41
Pretrial Discussion: 00:31:25, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 7, 2024 meeting, and then heard an update on disaster response and courthouse recovery efforts after the April flooding. Representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Franklin County Circuit and District Court Clerk’s office, and the Franklin Circuit Court described damage in Perry, Hardin, and especially Franklin counties. Perry County had limited roof and water infiltration issues with no operational impact. Hardin County’s justice center basement took about 18 inches of water, affecting court records and mechanical/electrical equipment, and court operations were briefly suspended. Franklin County’s courthouse was far more severely damaged, with about four feet of water on the first floor, forcing relocation of court operations to temporary sites, including AOC space and the regional jail for custody proceedings.
Witnesses said damaged files from Hardin and Franklin counties were removed, sent to an out-of-state vendor for drying and remediation, and would be returned or destroyed as appropriate. They estimated combined costs for file restoration, building repair, and remediation at about $11 million, with insurance through KCOJ/KO expected to cover only part of the losses and FEMA reimbursement still pending a federal disaster declaration. They also said the Franklin County courthouse’s first floor remains gutted, electrical panels and HVAC systems need major replacement, and the second and third floors may be used temporarily once power and data are restored. Members asked about roof damage in Hardin County, the status of FEMA applications, digitization of court records, and whether Senate Bill 25 restricted funds could be used to cover the funding gap; staff said the funds cannot be spent without General Assembly authorization.
The committee also discussed broader record-retention and e-filing issues, with members noting the limits of paper filing and the need for better digitization as a backup in emergencies. AOC staff said they are working with the Supreme Court and state law librarian on what records can be digitized and how long hard copies must still be retained. After the disaster-response presentation, the committee moved on to a separate informational presentation on pre-trial services, with introductions from the executive officer of pre-trial services, the president of the Kentucky District Judges Association, a circuit judge, and the manager of pre-trial services, who began explaining how the pre-trial system works for newer committee members.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm urging FEMA and the administration to move...
- I'm urging FEMA<02:12:02.880>
and <02:12:03.040>the <02:12:03.280>administration - <02:12:03.760>
to <02:12:04.000>move FEMA and the administration to move quickly. - This flooding only underscores how important it is to fully fund FEMA and to make sure that FEMA continues
- <07:26:33.760>
and important it is to fully fund FEMA and important it is to fully fund FEMA
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (4-15-26)
Appropriations & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- school to replace Robinson, which was destroyed by flooding and this interacts with certain expected FEMA
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- three or four other legislators to come to see about me to help me navigate a process of working with FEMA
- help me navigate a process of working help me navigate a process of working with<01:07:08.320>
FEMA - c> navigate<01:07:10.040>
the <01:07:10.160>process <01:07:10.800>of with FEMA - to navigate the process of with FEMA to navigate the process of trying<01:07:11.320>
to <01:07
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Second, we have applied for a FEMA grant through MDEQ to basically study the spillway gates to see what
- have applied<00:19:40.880>
for <00:19:41.120>a <00:19:41.600>a <00:19:41.760>FEMA - <00:19:42.240>
grant <00:19:42.640>through <00:19:42.960>MDEQ applied for a a FEMA - grant through MDEQ applied for a a FEMA grant through MDEQ to<00:19:44.720>
basically <00:19:45.360
Summary:
The committee heard an update from the Mississippi State Port Authority at the Port of Gulfport on operations, finances, and recent developments. The port emphasized that it is an enterprise agency that does not seek state general fund support, and reported a regional economic impact of $3.8 billion, about $62 million in state and local taxes, and thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The witness highlighted growth in refrigerated cargo, especially efforts to bring more Mississippi poultry through Gulfport, along with continued container traffic and intermodal work.
Several major investments and new business lines were discussed. Ports America is required under its lease to invest $43 million, and the port recently received a fourth crane, a $20 million investment that allows two vessels to be worked simultaneously. The port also announced American Cruise Lines stops in Gulfport, which is expected to bring high-end cruise passengers spending time and money locally. Additional updates included growth in technology and blue economy activity at the Roger F. Wicker Center, NOAA’s autonomous vessel operations center, Oceanero’s workforce expansion, and military moves that generated about 70,000 man-hours of local labor.
Committee members asked about the FY27 budget, travel, and capital outlay requests. The port said the travel increase was for flexibility and that it spends conservatively, and explained that the larger capital figures reflect a strategic plan and potential private-sector and grant-funded projects rather than expected annual spending. The FY27 request was described as a slight decrease from the prior year, with the main salary increase tied to PERS and health insurance costs, and no special appropriations language was requested. Members also discussed the effort to regain chicken exports through Gulfport, including plans for a future freezer warehouse and the impact of the Kansas City Southern railroad merger, which the port said has had some hiccups but may help in the long run.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- whether he agreed or didn't with pronouncements of somebody in the administration that we should close FEMA
- that we somebody in the administration that we should<00:34:30.800>
close <00:34:31.119>FEMA - he<00:34:32.240>
agreed <00:34:32.560>and <00:34:32.720>the should close FEMA - and he agreed and the should close FEMA and he agreed and the next<00:34:32.960>
day <00:34:33.119
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii.
Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements.
Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Feb 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Supplemental Grant Program, which provides additional financial assistance to those who max out their FEMA
- Broadly speaking, we know mass care and shelter services are generally eligible for FEMA reimbursement
- Countless disasters are not federally declared, and therefore we are ineligible for FEMA reimbursement
- provide flexible supports for county mass care and sheltering and tangible supports for survivors where FEMA
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- proposal affect homestead property owners who went through the hazard mitigation grant program that FEMA
- So to be clear, just because a property owner went through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program that FEMA
- funded and got FEMA funding, that does not preclude... ...them from being qualified under the joint
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- As a recently minted homeowner in Provincetown, a town that's located largely in a FEMA floodplain with
- The Cape and Islands are home to thousands of properties in FEMA-designated flood zones, and most lenders
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on affordable housing insurance, homeowners insurance practices, climate resilience, and consumer protections after property losses. Senators and representatives testified in support of a resolve to create a commission on affordable housing insurance (S. 768/H. 1279), arguing that rising premiums and deductibles are threatening the viability of affordable housing properties and new development. Supporters also backed bills to establish private flood insurance standards (S. 719), create climate-resilient home retrofit grants (S. 720), expand the MVP climate resilience program (H. 1310/S. 686), and protect urban trees and limit insurer-driven tree removals (H. 1316). Several lawmakers and advocates said these measures would help reduce risk, preserve insurability, and address the effects of increasingly severe storms and flooding.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing insurer use of aerial imagery (H. 1242/H. 2142) and notice periods for nonrenewals or repairs (H. 4042 and related measures). Supporters said insurers should be allowed to use drones and satellite images but with stronger guardrails, including current photos, disclosure of risk factors, an appeals process, and time to cure defects. They argued that homeowners are sometimes blindsided by nonrenewals based on inaccurate aerial photos or given too little time to make repairs. Opponents from the insurance industry said aerial imagery is already regulated by the Division of Insurance, that additional statutory requirements could create confusion and litigation, and that existing notice rules already provide 45 days for nonrenewals and 60-day limits on cancellations. Industry witnesses also warned that some proposed timelines conflict with current law and could restrict useful underwriting tools.
Another major topic was H. 1077, which would restrict solicitation by restoration companies and public adjusters at fire scenes. A homeowner described being approached immediately after a house fire by restoration and public-adjuster representatives and said the experience was intrusive and overwhelming; supporters said homeowners need time and space to make informed decisions after a disaster. Public adjusters and restoration contractors opposed the bill, saying they provide needed guidance, emergency mitigation, and claims assistance when homeowners are under stress, and that some existing protections already allow consumers to cancel contracts. The hearing ended after all listed witnesses testified, and the committee voted to close the hearing; no bill dispositions were taken during the session.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of the budget includes authority for the Division of Emergency Management to continue to administer FEMA
- of the budget includes authority for the Division of Emergency Management to continue to administer FEMA
Summary:
The Senate began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into floor consideration of the 2026-2027 budget. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented Senate Bill 2500, describing a $115 billion budget that reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental and agricultural programs. Highlights included increased funding for school scholarships and safety, workforce and university programs, Medicaid and child welfare, corrections operations, affordable housing, rural communities, Everglades and water quality projects, and infrastructure.
Members then asked detailed questions about several budget items. Senators sought clarification on the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries, charter school capital outlay funding, EASE grants, New College funding, DOC inmate counts and reimbursement, lottery staffing, concealed weapons licensing positions, election security funding, iBudget waiver support, ADAP funding, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, and scholarship and enrollment supplements in K-12 education. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected technical shifts or right-sizing, that some funds were being moved below the line for better tracking, and that several items—such as ADAP and corrections operations—would likely remain conference issues with the House.
After questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the budget and implementing measures and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles to prepare for conference. The chamber passed the budget-related bills and several conforming measures, including bills on retirement, fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, court trust funds, judgeships, and K-12 and higher education conforming changes. Votes on the major bills were overwhelmingly unanimous or near-unanimous, and the Senate repeatedly voted to accede to the House’s request for conference on the substituted bills.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 12th, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you aware of any federal agencies that use your records, for instance, like FEMA or anyone else that
- For instance, like FEMA or anyone else that would use the assessor tax roll?
Keywords:
tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land
Summary:
The committee began with member, staff, and page introductions, then heard reminders about public testimony limits. It first considered House Bill 2016, which would eliminate late-filing penalties when a tax return shows zero tax due. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent unnecessary fines on small businesses and individuals with no liability, while staff noted any fiscal impact would likely be minimal. The bill passed on an 8-1 vote, with one member opposing it on the grounds that current waiver procedures already exist and the change could weaken compliance incentives.
The committee then took up House Bill 2104, which would bar county assessors from reclassifying agricultural property for four years after an owner prevails on appeal, unless there is a change in use, ownership, or parcel configuration. The sponsor and agricultural groups said the measure would reduce repetitive annual appeals and provide stability for ranchers and farmers, especially in urbanizing areas and in places affected by fallowing. County assessors opposed the bill, arguing that their offices are better qualified than the State Board of Equalization, that the bill could allow inaccurate classifications to persist, and that it relies too heavily on owners to report changes. After extensive testimony from the Maricopa County Assessor and the State Board of Equalization executive director, the committee approved the bill 5-4.
Next, House Bill 2105 was heard. It would require advance notice of certain property inspections and provide inspection reports to property owners. The sponsor said the goal was to give owners a chance to be present for inspections and to receive the reasons for any denial of agricultural status. Assessors opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate and said they already communicate with owners through mail, door hangers, and other methods, but that a standardized report form does not currently exist. Supporters from the farm and ranch community said the bill would improve transparency and help avoid disputes. The committee passed the bill 5-4.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2289, which updates truth-in-taxation and election pamphlet language to reflect higher residential property values, including a new $400,000 example. The sponsor and the Arizona Tax Research Association said the changes would make taxpayer notices more accurate and noted the bill was similar to one that had previously advanced, but without a provision that contributed to a veto. No vote was taken on this bill in the portion provided.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 18th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- storms, which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #23
Transcript Highlights:
- I know this isn’t in New Orleans or anything, but let’s say we had a situation where we had a FEMA application
Summary:
The caucus reviewed several bills on its calendar, mostly focused on Senate amendments and whether sponsors intended to concur. HB 2114 would alter Motorcycle Safety Fund distributions and motorcycle registration rules, including a Senate change requiring at least one registered owner to be licensed in Arizona; the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2729 would continue several boards and agencies, including the Board of Nursing, Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, Board of Physician Assistance, Department of Economic Security, and Board of Pharmacy; the sponsor also intended to concur.
Members discussed two agriculture property inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105. HB 2104 would change rules for agricultural property classification and inspections, while HB 2105 would add notice and reporting requirements for inspections; both had Senate amendments that changed inspection timing and exemptions. Some members raised concerns about county assessors’ workload, opposition from county organizations, and possible inequities and insurance or disaster-related consequences for agricultural property owners.
HB 2477, the Arizona Education Savings Plan bill, drew the most discussion. The Senate amendment combined the 529-related provisions with several treasurer-related restrictions and investment rules, and members questioned the policy implications of allowing 529 funds to roll into Roth IRAs. HB 4117 would create or expand criminal penalties for interfering with religious worship, and some members expressed concern about civil liberties and equality issues, while the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2311 would require AI service disclosures to minors and, after substantial Senate amendments, to all account holders in some cases; members asked about effects on schools and government systems, and some noted concerns about the expanded scope and AG enforcement limits.
The caucus also heard SCR 1004, which would prohibit photo enforcement traffic programs after December 31 subject to voter approval, though existing programs could continue under certain conditions; law enforcement concerns were noted. SB 1110 would establish a home confinement and electronic monitoring program in the Department of Corrections. SB 1618 would revise the Military Affairs Commission’s membership and duties, but one member objected to adding defense-industry representation and warned about military-industrial-complex influence. The meeting ended with the chair noting that only the bills that had gone through rules were on the agenda and adjourned the caucus.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , Assemblymember Irwin, Councilmember Park, the mayor's office, leaders from the Army Corps, LAPD, FEMA
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, referred AB 1457 to Rules, and moved SB 1241 and SB 1422 to the inactive file. The chamber then took up two gubernatorial appointments: Tanya Pacheco Werner to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board and Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines to the California Transportation Commission. Both nominees were presented by Senator Grove, noted as having been approved unanimously by the Rules Committee, and both were confirmed by floor vote, 34-0 and 36-0 respectively.
Senator Becker then presented SR 104, which recognizes healthy aging and longevity research as a public health and economic priority and encourages prevention, early intervention, and collaboration on aging-related research and innovation. Senator Weber Pierson spoke in strong support, emphasizing aging as a major risk factor for chronic disease, health inequities affecting communities of color, and the need for more diverse research participation. The resolution was adopted on a 35-0 vote.
The Senate also heard remarks introducing guests from USC, UC Berkeley, the Buck Institute, the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, Retro Biosciences, California Chronic Care Coalition, LeadingAge California, and AgingBio, in connection with the healthy aging resolution. Committee announcements followed, and members then offered adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Vane of Pacific Palisades and David Sandell, an educator and former Air National Guard member. The session concluded after those memorials, with the Senate set to reconvene on June 11, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 17 Mar 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- north gallery, we We have members of your Oklahoma Task Force One, which is an urban search and rescue FEMA
Bills:
HB3522, HB4300, HB4359, HB4363, HB3467, HB2987, HB3076, HB4427, HB3026, HB3288, HB3315, HB3711, HB3885
Keywords:
alcoholic beverages, ABLE Commission, licensing, regulation, annual reporting, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 18th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 27, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- recommending $500,000 as requested so staff has the ability to respond to emergency events where there is no FEMA
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to consider its recommended fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and a conforming committee bill. Chair Shove presented an $18.5 billion TED budget, describing it as about 8.5% below the prior year’s TED budget and emphasizing recurring savings, reductions to vacant positions over 90 days old, and a focus on core agency needs. He highlighted funding for economic development, Visit Florida, Space Florida, affordable housing programs, military affairs, libraries, cultural and historic preservation grants, emergency management, and a $14.1 billion transportation work program.
The committee then took up PCB TED 2501, which changes documentary stamp tax distributions by redirecting certain revenues to general revenue. The bill would reinstate the general revenue service charge on the supplemental housing-related dock stamp revenue, eliminating a recurring $150 million source for the State Housing Trust Fund, and would also redirect about $466 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund to general revenue. Chair Shove said the measure has no net zero fiscal impact on state revenues and does not alter the longstanding standard dock stamp funding for affordable housing or eliminate FDOT programs, arguing the bill preserves flexibility for future legislatures.
Public testimony was split. Representatives from the Florida Transportation Builders Association and the Florida Public Transportation Association warned that the transportation trust fund reduction would significantly affect FDOT’s five-year work program, especially the Strategic Intermodal System, and could reduce planned capacity improvements and transit funding. Several members also raised concerns about the housing-related changes, arguing the bill undercuts commitments made through the Live Local framework and could weaken affordable housing efforts. In closing, Chair Shove defended the bill as a necessary tightening of recurring spending and said existing affordable housing and transportation programs would still be funded through other appropriations. The committee approved PCB TED 2501 on a 10-2 vote and reported it favorably before adjourning.