Video & Transcript Research : 'disaster declaration'

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US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will mourn, but we will never forget. administration declaring a disaster administration declaring
  • we've probably had seven u disaster we've probably had seven u disaster declarations<08:06:58.718
  • disaster declaration was ready.
  • 44.398> declaration<08:19:45.120> and<08:19:45.280> then prior to a disaster declaration
  • when the disaster declaration was ready. when the disaster declaration was ready.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • There has been an ongoing pattern of natural disasters, and we've had five additional FEMA declarations
  • This year, we've had three natural disasters, three disaster declarations, that came this year in our
  • At one point this year, we had 18 counties of our 37 that were in a natural disaster declaration.
  • learn how to help um disaster survivors. learn how to help um disaster survivors.
  • specified grant for disaster recovery. specified grant for disaster recovery.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 23rd, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • including public assistance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a federally declared
  • natural disaster requiring reimbursement contracts.
  • natural disaster requiring reimbursement contracts.
  • Providing for enforcement of the terms of the loan contracts, creating the Natural Disaster Revolving
  • Fund. making an appropriation, declaring an emergency.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Insurance Committee Jun 24th, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • It requires the creation of a disaster recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for
  • It requires the creation of a disaster recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for
  • It requires the creation of a disaster recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for
  • California is experiencing disasters of a scale...
  • California is experiencing disasters of a scale. And all stakeholders.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Together we agreed to the disaster declaration, which went into effect verbally, and I signed when I
  • After I was signed into the declaration, disaster. We went over to the EOC.
  • I declared a disaster at 9 AM. office about that, talked to Chief Kidd, talked to TDEM, It's that TDEM
  • So what happens if it would be the gap, To, you know, file the disaster declaration and took steps to
  • When event results in a disaster declaration by local officials, the governor.
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 43 (3-10-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:14:12.120> an regulated substances and declaring an regulated substances and declaring
  • House Bill 619 declaring an emergency.
  • Declaring an emergency.
  • <00:16:41.920> an to county roads and declaring an to county roads and declaring an emergency
  • pollution and declaring an emergency. pollution and declaring an emergency.
Keywords: 958, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • During all state-declared disasters, the Cal OES Office of Private Sector and NGO Coordination remains
  • Families don't stop needing help when federal disaster declarations expire, yet the structures designed
  • this current disaster?
  • And that's what I always encourage legislators to do during disasters because we have lots of disasters
  • It was a massive disaster, destroyed a whole town, and that was not a federal disaster.
Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 20, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • THE CHAIR DECLARES THE HOUSE IN RECESS UNTIL 2 P.M. today.
  • Pursuant to clause 12(a) of Rule One, the Chair declares ...
  • That matters for rural communities, it matters for disaster zones.
  • Capitol is about two and a half miles away from the disaster site.
  • WERE WATCHING THE DISASTER AS IT UNFOLDED, BECAUSE THEY'RE ALREADY HELICOPTERS FLYING OVER DISASTER SITES
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Finance Jan 26th, 2026 at 02:04 pm

Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are operating in an environment of persistent disasters.
  • that's necessary to help the communities pull out of this disaster.
  • water systems failing, those sorts of disasters.
  • In the last four years, we've obtained four disasters.
  • Chair, Senator Brown, I believe that's all disaster money.
Keywords: 996, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • 192 closes a gap in our state statute by making emergency licensure automatic when the governor declares
  • the governor declares an emergency. the governor declares an emergency.
  • um potential emergencies and disasters um potential emergencies and disasters [laughter] [laughter
  • that was hitting that was a disaster that was hitting that area<00:15:04.320> to<00:15:04.560
  • prepare for major disasters of the type prepare for major disasters of the type that<00:25:49.760>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committees heard testimony on several public safety and emergency-related measures. SB 3192, on emergency healthcare license waivers, drew support from nursing and healthcare advocates who said automatic emergency licensure during a governor-declared emergency would help avoid delays in bringing qualified clinicians to disaster areas, citing the Lahaina wildfire response. The committee reported 13 supportive testimonies, none in opposition, and one comment. It later recommended passage of SB 3192 with technical non-substantive amendments and a defective effective date, and the recommendation was adopted by vote. SB 2121, requiring ASL interpretation and visible picture-in-picture display during official emergency announcements, received supportive testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters. DAP demonstrated why captions alone are not sufficient and why an interpreter on screen improves effective communication. Broadcasters supported the bill’s intent but raised practical concerns about implementation and staffing, suggesting amendments. SB 3239, which would appropriate funds to HMA for bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency, was supported by legal aid and immigrant-rights advocates who emphasized the need for language access during disasters and noted the large LEP population in Hawaii. After discussion, the chair proposed folding the sign-language and multilingual access concepts into SB 21109, a broader emergency preparedness communications bill, and the committee deferred SB 2121 and SB 3239. The committee also heard SB 2645 on fire prevention and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire marshal supported the bill’s provisions to modernize the office, create cross-certified assistant fire marshals, shift inspections to a risk-based schedule, establish the state fire code as the baseline, and create a special fund, but DLNR opposed the section changing the marshal selection process from a council-based appointment to gubernatorial appointment. The chair ultimately recommended passage of the proposed SD2 with blank appropriation amounts and committee-report concerns, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then passed SB 21109 with amendments, incorporating the deferred sign-language and language-access ideas into the broader emergency communications framework. It also later took up measures from the prior day’s agenda, passing SB 2882, SB 3191, and SB 2339 with amendments, including changes to the state buildings, water safety/drowning prevention, and building code council measures.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We may not have any uh may not be a declared disaster, but uh we still have call outs for folks to get
  • Outside of uh disaster talking about.
  • > still be a declared disaster, but uh we still be a declared disaster, but uh we still have<00
  • We've had seven declared disasters with both FEMA and FHWA.
  • They were declared on the FEMA side.
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • disaster may be transferred to a comparable property located within the same county that's acquired
  • or newly constructed within five years after the disaster as a replacement. ...within five years after
  • the disaster as a replacement property.
  • SB 1053 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors of any county affected by a disaster declared by the
  • . ...to the same property affected by the disaster.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • disaster may be transferred to a comparable property located within the same county that's acquired
  • or newly constructed within five years after the disaster as a replacement. ...within five years after
  • the disaster as a replacement property.
  • SB 1053 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors of any county affected by a disaster declared by the
  • SB 420 clarifies existing law to declare that a property is not considered exempt when any part of it
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense. The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • SGR 40 requires the governor to call a special session if a disaster emergency exceeds 30 days, or 90
  • The governor, the legislature, the Supreme Court following certain disasters.
  • Current state. statute allows the legislature to declare an end to any emergency or disaster, but that
  • However, it allows the targeted suspension to assist displaced voters during declared disasters such
  • I have with the bill it's a 30-day disaster declaration and in sections 3 and in sections 11 business
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I declare the bill to be advanced.
  • I declare the bill to be advanced.
  • I declare the bill to be advanced.
  • I declare the same to have passed.
  • I declare the bill to be advanced.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I declare the same to have passed.
  • I declare the same to have passed as an emergency. Madam, we thank you, Mr. President. I yield.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • As well as our state constitution and our state declaration of independence.
  • Currently, this letter, along with our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, is under the care
  • be appropriate to bring the Travis letter and the Constitution to Congress. institution and our Declaration