Video & Transcript : 'fire services' :
Page 216 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Ways and Means Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They're the tax commissioner, or your tax assessor for a public service utility.
- More students, more homes to, you know, fire ratings, all of those things. Right. So.
- More homes, you know, fire ratings, all of those things.
- Fire district, and I’m the fire chief, and the citizens vote for 10 mills.
- So I turn in my budget as the fire chief to Ms.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on March 26 and first reported favorably HB 287, which renews the Louisiana Tax Commission’s authority to levy certain fees used to fund its operations. The author and Tax Commission representatives said the fee supports the commission’s appeals and assessment work and is not a new charge. The committee then adopted a technical amendment and reported HB 553 favorably as amended; that bill expands the Assessor Certification Program Committee from 5 to 11 members and adjusts education and recertification requirements for assessors.
The committee then took up HB 412, a constitutional amendment on property assessment and reappraisal. After an amendment in concept was adopted to remove the bill’s proposed 30-year homestead exemption, members questioned the remaining provisions, which would tie annual assessment growth to CPI and move the reassessment cycle from four years to five. The author, assessors, and local government representatives debated whether the proposal would create predictable tax growth or instead leave many properties assessed below market value and shift burdens to businesses and local services. The author ultimately voluntarily deferred HB 412 and its companion HB 340 for further work.
Members next heard HB 514 and HB 961, both senior-property-tax measures, but both were voluntarily deferred after brief discussion and technical amendments. HB 514 would have created an optional additional homestead exemption for certain homeowners age 65 and older, phased in over time and tied to income and a surviving-spouse provision; HB 961 would have extended related eligibility to certain trusts. The committee also deferred HB 515, 543, and 540 to future meetings.
Finally, the committee favorably reported HB 521 and HB 570, both dealing with millage and reassessment rules. Supporters, including local government and industry groups, argued the bills would give taxing authorities more flexibility to avoid being forced to levy the maximum millage simply to preserve future authority. Assessors and local officials explained current reassessment and roll-forward rules, while the author said the bills would reduce pressure to overtax residents and businesses. HB 521 was reported favorably, and HB 570 was reported favorably as amended after adoption of a six-part amendment set, mostly technical changes.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 32 Mar 31st, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- credit allocations, and whereas through collaboration among organizations, finance professionals, service
- Washington High School Hornets, and service veteran with the 82nd Airborne. airborne.
Bills:
HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948
Keywords:
Oklahoma, House Resolution, HR1041, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, Department of Energy, DOE, advanced nuclear, nuclear energy, small modular reactors, SMRs, microreactors, energy innovation, advanced energy, energy security, economic development, job creation, workforce training, research and development, nuclear supply chain, clean energy
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 32 Mar 31st, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- credit allocations; and whereas through collaboration among organizations, finance professionals, service
- credit allocations, and whereas through collaboration among organizations, finance professionals, service
- Washington High School, Go Hornets, and a service veteran with the 82nd Airborne.
Bills:
HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948
Keywords:
Oklahoma, House Resolution, HR1041, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, Department of Energy, DOE, advanced nuclear, nuclear energy, small modular reactors, SMRs, microreactors, energy innovation, advanced energy, energy security, economic development, job creation, workforce training, research and development, nuclear supply chain, clean energy
Summary:
The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine business including second-reading referrals and committee reassignments. Senate Bill 1627 and Senate Bill 625 were withdrawn from their prior committees and assigned to Rules. The chamber also recognized Dr. James David Campbell as Doctor of the Day and Courtney Copen as Nurse of the Day.
Members held several floor presentations honoring the Choctaw High School drama team for winning the 2025 OSSAA 6A-1 one-act play state championship and related speech and debate honors, and the Arapaho-Butler Lady Indians for winning the 2025 Class A fast-pitch softball state championship. A proclamation was read designating March 31, 2026, as Affordable Housing Day, highlighting Oklahoma’s housing shortage and the economic impact of the state’s affordable housing tax credit program.
The House adopted House Resolution 1041, which supports designation of a nuclear lifecycle innovation campus in Oklahoma, after Representative Archer explained the measure and requested unanimous consent. During announcements, members noted Transgender Day of Visibility, committee meeting changes, a rural caucus meeting, a public health meeting, and a Capitol devotion. The House then adjourned without objection until Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 31 Mar 30th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He's retired from the US Air Force with more than 26 years of... ...service to our nation, beginning
- After military service, Chief Kulla continued to serve others.
- Chief, we'd like to thank you for your service and your continued commitment to the people of Oklahoma
- And whereas Chiefulla's many awards and honors include the Meritorious Service Medal with five devices
- And whereas following his retirement, Chief Kula continued his service to his community and country as
Bills:
HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948
Keywords:
Oklahoma, House Resolution, HR1041, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, Department of Energy, DOE, advanced nuclear, nuclear energy, small modular reactors, SMRs, microreactors, energy innovation, advanced energy, energy security, economic development, job creation, workforce training, research and development, nuclear supply chain, clean energy
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Very grateful for their service to the state with that. May I ask that the citation be read?
- Thank you for your service. Mr. Leader, thank you, Mr. President.
- Health and Human Services will meet immediately after session as soon as we get a quorum.
Bills:
SB2065, SB1641, SB1642, SB1589, SB1597, SB1216, SB2173, SB2028, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB2014, SB1805, SB2044, SB1836, SB1380, SB2179, SB1436, SB1558, SB933, SB1651, SB1328, SB1572, SB1966, SB175, SB1475, SB1950, SB2049, SB2052
Keywords:
pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, business entities, limited liability company, LLC, foreign LLC, domestic LLC, limited partnership, foreign limited partnership, registered agent, Secretary of State, annual certificate, good standing, certificate of authority, designated office, email address, electronic mail
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 2nd, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Very grateful for their service to the state. With that, may I ask that the citation be read?
- Health and Human Services will meet immediately after session as soon as we get a quorum.
Bills:
SB2065, SB1641, SB1642, SB1589, SB1597, SB1216, SB2173, SB2028, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB2014, SB1805, SB2044, SB1836, SB1380, SB2179, SB1436, SB1558, SB933, SB1651, SB1328, SB1572, SB1966, SB175, SB1475, SB1950, SB2049, SB2052
Keywords:
pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, business entities, limited liability company, LLC, foreign LLC, domestic LLC, limited partnership, foreign limited partnership, registered agent, Secretary of State, annual certificate, good standing, certificate of authority, designated office, email address, electronic mail
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Doctor and Psychologist of the Day. The chamber also presented a citation to Oklahoma Task Force One’s K-9 search and rescue unit, with remarks praising its in-state and out-of-state disaster response work and professionalism. Several gallery introductions followed, including a student shadowing Senator Mann and the Crooked Oak Hispanic Student Association.
The Senate then considered several bills. SB 2065, as amended, renamed the measure the Lucille Morehouse Pollinator Act and updated state insect/pollinator designations; it passed 48-0. SB 1641 required business entities to provide an email address on incorporation filings for electronic notice of annual reports; it passed 48-0. SB 1642 allowed physicians to make prescriptions in divided quantities, with discussion focused on opioid prescribing and post-surgical treatment; it passed 48-0. SB 1589 increased penalties for sweepstakes violations and expanded the law to target illegal online gambling operations; it passed 48-0.
SB 1597 removed the requirement that the State CASA Association follow specific national standards while keeping local training and background-check requirements. Debate centered on whether removing national standards would reduce DEI-related training; Senator Boren opposed the bill on that basis, while the author argued it preserved Oklahoma flexibility. The bill passed 41-7. SB 1216 broadened judicial discretion for drug court eligibility for some offenders with prior domestic violence-related charges, and senators questioned whether the language was clear enough and whether it could affect eligibility rules; the author said the intent was to expand discretion, not change DV accountability. It passed 44-4.
At the end of the session, the Senate voted to reject House amendments to SB 893 and request conference committee consideration. Announcements were made about committee meetings, a women’s caucus lunch, and an Irish Caucus gathering. The Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting date.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- maintained and strengthened its reputation as a reliable world-class exporter of the finest goods and services
- , underscoring the resilience of services, underscoring the resilience of Alabama's economy; Whereas
- to meet international consumer demands, exports of goods and services from Alabama were shipped to 211
- billion and primary metals at $2.2 billion; Whereas there is a worldwide demand for quality goods and services
Bills:
SJR 3, SB 5, SJR 36, SJR 3, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 5, SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842, SB 971, SB 790, SB 767, SB 480, SB 1066, SR 44, SR 135, SR 171, SR 180, SR 185, SR 187, SR 188, SR 191, SR 197, SR 198, SR 199, SR 200
Keywords:
dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- A SERVICE.
- WE NEED TO KNOW IF THE SERVICE IS BEING PROVIDED WELL, WHICH MEANS WE NEED TO HAVE NEW AND INNOVATIVE
- NOW, I RESPECT AND APPRECIATE THOSE WHO DEDICATE THEIR CAREERS TO PUBLIC SERVICE.
- FLORIDA WILL BE A HUB FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, SERVICES, AND BEST PRACTICES.
- WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE. GIVE THEM A HAND.
Bills:
SJR3, SB5, SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842, SB971, SB790, SB767, SB480, SB1066, SR44, SR135, SR171, SR180, SR185, SR187, SR188, SR191, SR197, SR198, SR199, SR200
Keywords:
dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , road maintenance, and emergency services. services.
- city services.
- As you mentioned my firm is Texas City Services.
- TD Ameritrade does not provide taxable services.
- It'll go to South Lake. security services, pest control services, all types of landscaping, all types
Keywords:
sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , or no service at all.
- One of the main services that they cannot provide is fire flow for the fire hydrants for a subdivision
- One of the main services that they cannot provide is fire flow for the fire hydrants for a subdivision
- But if it's one that you're going to put service on, how fast does that service come online?”
- for service?
Bills:
SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623
Keywords:
Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs heard several water-related bills, with testimony focused on drinking water quality, groundwater contamination notice, flood infrastructure funding, water rights conservation, and utility service areas. SB 1662 would limit TCEQ’s advance notice to public water systems to no more than 24 hours before testing after a consumer complaint, to reduce the chance of temporary treatment affecting results. SB 1663 would allow TCEQ to notify private well owners, groundwater conservation districts, and nearby residents by direct means about known groundwater contamination, rather than relying mainly on first-class mail and annual reporting. SB 2124 would move the deadline for publishing the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee’s annual report from April 1 to June 1. Witnesses on the first two bills described long-running water quality problems and delayed notice in their communities and supported the measures. No opposition was recorded, and each bill was left pending for a later vote.
The committee also heard SB 1967, which would expand eligibility for Flood Infrastructure Fund financing to multipurpose projects that both reduce flooding and create water supply. Senator Hinojosa and Hidalgo County representatives described the Delta Reclamation Project as a shovel-ready example that would capture flood and drainage water, treat it, and produce new potable supply while also providing detention and flood mitigation. A Sierra Club witness also supported the bill, saying such projects could help manage floodwaters and reduce polluted discharges to bays and estuaries. The bill was left pending.
A lengthy and divided discussion followed on SB 1413, which would expand the streamlined expedited release process for landowners seeking removal from a water or sewer CCN in additional counties. Senator Nichols said the bill was a property-rights measure aimed at legacy monopolies and bad actors who use CCNs to hold landowners hostage, while supporters described cases where developers could not get timely service, including fire flow, or were asked to fund infrastructure without reasonable recoupment. Opponents from rural water corporations and utility associations argued the bill would undermine investment in water infrastructure, strand debt, and weaken the return on planned expansion. PUC and TCEQ resource witnesses explained that compensation is handled case by case through appraisal and can include stranded costs, planning, design, construction, and some legal fees, but members noted the statute is unclear and discussed possible committee substitute language. Public testimony was closed with the bill left pending.
Later, SB 1624 would allow the Texas Water Trust within the Texas Water Bank to hold donated water rights for conservation purposes and protect them from use-it-or-lose-it cancellation, and SB 863 would address Edwards Aquifer utilities that straddle the aquifer boundary by allowing them to continue using Edwards water within their certificated areas under specified conditions. Both bills were laid out, received no public opposition in the hearing, and were left pending.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
State Bond Commission May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Tammany Parish Fire Protection District Number 13 for not exceeding $1.9 million in limited tax revenue
- Proceeds will be used to purchase fire equipment.
- Tammany Parish Fire Protection District Number 3 for not exceeding $3 million in limited tax bonds.
- That will provide approximately $1.42 million in debt service savings for the benefit of the Greater
- The average annual debt service on those GO bonds is about $27.5 million.
Summary:
The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved.
The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved.
The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1738, Coconino County Juvenile Services appropriation.
- SB 1775, in-may telephone system service contracts. SB 1776, traditional healing services access.
- SB 1776, traditional healing services access.
- Arizona State Senate legislative proclamation and commendation for outstanding service.
- But I want to thank you for the invaluable service that you provide for our community.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Patrick Kennedy, Palm Beach Fire Department, a proponent. Chair: You are recognized.
- Rescue to plan and deliver the level of service our citizens have become accustomed to receiving.
- Gerwig: The improvements that are required to add a fire station in Palm Beach County are significant
- Gerwig: us all on board, but without it there is a concern that levels of service would be affected.
- I know both of you have had extensive service at Rep.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Skip Baker for an incredible 70 years of service to the Jese Township Volunteer Fire Department.
- He served as fire police, EMT, and the fire warden for 25 years.
- and the National mass firings at Noah and the National Weather<00:32:34.799><c> Service,</c><00:32:35.440
- </c> more was retired fire chief Dale Coglin. more was retired fire chief Dale Coglin.
- </c> service to this country. service to this country.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jul 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- were at risk of extreme wildfires, and over 80% of new properties built were in high or very high fire
- I also like to mention joining me today is Tony Signorelli, deputy commissioner for consumer services
- Access to clear point-in-time data on reinsurance and catastrophe modeling related to all fire rates
- Tony Signorelli, Deputy Commissioner, Consumer Services, Department of Insurance. That's correct.
- Good morning, Maria Kalina, here on behalf of the California Collaborative for Long-Term Services and
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met to hear several bills related to insurance coverage, wildfire risk, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. SB 8 by Senator Ashby would extend workers’ compensation and disability protections to Sacramento County park rangers, with testimony emphasizing that they perform law-enforcement-like duties and should receive the same protections as comparable officers. SB 429 by Senator Cortese would create a public wildfire catastrophe model and related wildfire safety program, with support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates who said public access to modeling data would improve transparency and help evaluate private insurance risk models.
The committee also heard SB 525 by Senator Jones, which would require the FAIR Plan to offer coverage options for manufactured and mobile home owners, including replacement cost coverage. Supporters said the bill would help lower-income residents obtain meaningful insurance protection, while no opposition testified. SB 495 by Senator Allen, as amended, would require insurers to provide a larger contents-coverage advance after a total loss during a declared emergency without requiring an immediate itemized inventory, extend proof-of-loss deadlines, and require insurers to provide catastrophe modeling and reinsurance data to the Department of Insurance. Several insurers withdrew opposition after amendments, and the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the measure.
SB 590 by Senator Durazo would expand paid family leave to cover care for designated persons or chosen family members, with strong support from AARP, labor, civil rights, caregiving, and health organizations, and testimony from a parent describing the need to care for a non-legal family member during surgery recovery. The committee also took up consent items SB 230 and SB 854. After roll calls, SB 8, SB 429, SB 495, SB 525, and SB 590 all received do-pass votes, with SB 429 sent to the Committee on Emergency Management, SB 495 to Judiciary, and SB 525 and SB 590 to Appropriations. The consent calendar bills were also approved, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- When we go into fires, we use very similar equipment to scuba diving.
- Fire and water are both equally fatal if your equipment and training are not adequate.
- I think about how much training I had before I was able to go into a fire.
- When we go into fires, we use very similar equipment to scuba diving.
- I think about how much training I had before I was able to go into a fire.
Keywords:
commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ahead of the fires in Los Angeles, we all experienced this phenomenon particularly pointedly, as the
- about access to coverage, both in the wake of the fires as they're rebuilding and also just whether
- I'm a fire survivor.
- I lost my home in the fire.
- Fourteen major fires swept through the region, with the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/24/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:16:26.480><c> chief</c> and I'm the city of Duth uh fire chief and I'm the city of Duth uh fire
- </c> the farmer, they could be servicing the farmer, they could be servicing acres<00:46:21.520><c> in
- This bill also deals with batteries, which have caused fires.
- If you go to any kind caused uh fires.
- fires and also<01:13:33.520><c> invest</c><01:13:33.840><c> in</c><01:13:34.080><c> fire</c><01:13:34.320
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-GVO, PSM Public Hearings 01-31-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> comproller State depart Services comproller State depart Services stand<00:03:28.840><c> okay</c
- The County of Kauai Fire Department, written in support.
- Alomodin, Director for the Office of Veteran Services.
- </c><00:16:49.279><c> um</c> director for office veteran services um director for office veteran services
- SB 609, relating to the Office of Veteran Services.
Summary:
The joint Senate Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Government Operations met on January 31, 2025, to hear several bills related to disaster resilience, the National Guard, veteran services, and memorials. SB 111 on hurricane-resistant criteria drew support from HEMA and DAGS, with one witness suggesting tighter language on funding timing, wind-speed standards, and bathroom access. SB 239 on disaster preparedness, requiring new public buildings and schools to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and serve as shelters, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which said its facilities should be able to withstand such storms but shelter capacity would be limited. SB 998, creating a Hawaii First Responders Memorial study and consultant appropriation, drew support from state and local officials and one written opposition.
During the first decision-making segment, the committees adopted amendments to SB 111, including changing the effective date language to July 1, 2026. For SB 239, the committees agreed to amendments removing correctional facilities from the shelter requirement, changing “public buildings” to “state buildings,” retaining the January 1, 2026 construction date, and accepting DAGS language. SB 998 was advanced as introduced. Government Operations lacked quorum and said it would formally vote later, but Public Safety and Military Affairs took action on the measures before it.
A second Public Safety and Military Affairs hearing later considered SB 1381, SB 1382, SB 1379, SB 609, and SB 1377. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Defense, HEMA, the Office of Veteran Services, veterans groups, and others backed the National Guard, emergency preparedness, veteran services, and veteran cemetery measures, while one witness opposed SB 1379. Members asked why SB 1382 needed statutory changes, and the Adjutant General explained it was to better protect National Guard members during law-enforcement support duties. The committee then passed SB 1381 with technical amendments, SB 1382 as is, SB 1379 with technical amendments, SB 609 with amendments including deleting appropriations and changing the effective date to July 1, 2077, and SB 1377 with technical amendments.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- , employment, and emergency services.
- They also provide the service in that community. Everybody provides a service, but we don't.
- If we are directly supporting an internet service provider to provide service on a nation, Pueblo, or
- But then do they, if you're going to get service, does the person that's requesting service have to get
- There's already fires." "And there's already fires." Okay.
Keywords:
telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent