Video & Transcript : 'natural disaster' :

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • The management of green waste is a natural process that we go through with natural composting process
  • </c> heat the natural way. heat the natural way.
  • </c> Through natural management practices. It has a defective effective date.
  • One is a sense of mālama towards our natural resources.
  • </c> sense of kana towards our natural sense of kana towards our natural resources.<00:48:40.559><c>
Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Cap Committee Meeting - 2025-04-24

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lots of natural resource enhancements with it too. So, it's multi-purpose, and that was by design.
  • As I have mentioned, this area provides public access to natural spaces, including wetlands and forested
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 4/24/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:57:14.799><c> Lots</c><00:57:15.119><c> of</c><00:57:15.599><c> natural</c> some water in it.
  • Lots of natural some water in it.
  • Lots of natural resource<00:57:16.559><c> enhancements</c><00:57:17.119><c> with</c><00:57:17.359><c>
  • As I have mentioned, this area provides public access to natural spaces, including wetlands and forested
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House State Government Committee Mar 4th, 2026

State Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, this one still has the punitive nature, the 25% penalty. >> So the 25% is only if the school doesn't
Bills: SB271 , HB511 , SB271 , HB511
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HWN-WLA, HWN DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2026

Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Resources to develop and and Natural Resources to develop and implement<00:09:59.279><c> policy</c><
  • Testifying first is the Department of Land and Natural Resources. >> Thank you.
  • </c> at a time when Hawaii's natural at a time when Hawaii's natural resources<00:55:00.160><c> were<
  • </c><00:58:15.839><c> resources</c> um the board of land natural resources um the board of land natural
  • </c><01:30:51.440><c> resources</c> board of land and natural resources board of land and natural resources
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 02-10-2026

Judiciary

Committee: Senate Judiciary
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Education Jan 28th, 2026 at 09:05 am

Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and we're here to serve the state of New Mexico to provide the best data and information on our natural
  • resources and natural hazards within the state.
  • you can see on... ...the left diagram is a map from the OCD Department in the Energy, Minerals and Natural
Bills: SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 29th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The time-intensive nature of pro se litigation, litigation that requires translation, the litigation
  • The de novo nature of our appellate court has to be acknowledged.
  • They're not all that sophisticated in nature. And they're scalable based on the size.
  • They're not all that sophisticated in nature, and they're scalable based on the size and the complexity
  • themselves, and then if they don't do that, maybe you can entertain bringing back a bill that is local in nature
Committee: House Judiciary
Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 29th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The time-intensive nature of pro se litigation, litigation that requires translation, the litigation
  • The time-intensive nature of pro-say litigation, litigation that requires translation, the litigation
  • The de novo nature of our appellate court has to be acknowledged.
  • instance, our local rule addresses issues when there is a violation of screenshots and things of that nature
  • for, I want to say punishment, but that's not the word, penalties, sanctions, and things of that nature
Committee: House Judiciary
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • order that would have otherwise been extended to somebody for even a stalking or harassing type of nature
  • existing resources, you currently can conduct tabletop exercises when you deal with hurricanes and natural
  • disasters because I've been there.
  • And that would increase the likelihood of some fraudulent sales and things of that nature. to answer
  • in dressing rooms, gymnasium dressing rooms, store dressing rooms, bathrooms, and places of that nature
Bills: HB33 , HB45 , HB48 , HB1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , SB2969 , HB45 , HB48
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • non-substantive changes to the bill, including a more comprehensive caption to better describe the nature
  • , so To answer your question, Chairman Dutton, they don't choose to be small, but that's just the nature
  • So depending on where we have, you know, the basic allotment and things of that nature, it would be It
  • before, we might have a lesson on how to come to the Capitol, how to sign up, and things of that nature
  • I'm here to testify and urge the committee to vote against SB 13 due to the nature of the well-intended
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Tue Mar 24, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, first to testify on natural gas.
  • But as you importing liquid natural gas.
  • Um it's really liquid natural gas.
  • Um disaster related related situations.
  • So natural resources, and climate goals.
Bills: SB3253 , SB3154 , SB3254
Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Insurance REVISED: Link Added Feb 17th, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • conversations that I've had with members on the committee, I think, judging by questions, things of that nature
  • So would you maybe be willing to start going to NCOIL or something of that nature? Thank you, Mr.
  • The federal court process is a disaster. I agree with you 100%.
Committee: House Insurance
Summary: The committee heard a series of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on homeowners insurance rates, transparency, and regulatory oversight. House Bill 3696, a proposed rate-approval style measure for homeowners insurance, drew extensive questioning about whether it would actually lower premiums, its comparison to Texas, the role of the Insurance Department and Attorney General, and possible effects on carriers and agents. The author said the bill was intended to increase transparency and consumer protections, acknowledged it was a work in progress, and agreed to strike the title and keep working with the committee. The bill ultimately passed the committee on a recorded vote. The committee also advanced House Bill 3259, which would prohibit certain health care contract clauses such as all-or-nothing, anti-steering, gag, and most-favored-nation provisions; House Bill 4294, a follow-up to Dylan’s Law dealing with epilepsy-related insurance coverage and neurostimulator devices; and House Bill 4488, which would let the Insurance Commissioner appoint an impartial umpire when a body shop and insurer cannot agree on a loss value. House Bill 3646, a broad and still-developing insurance bill involving rate review, litigation, venue, AI use, and Attorney General involvement, generated substantial concern from members about workability, litigation, and agent exposure. Its author said it was not final, but the committee voted it down. Later, the committee passed House Bill 3048, a cleanup measure for surplus lines licensing laws; House Bill 3780, requiring an independent actuary review as a transparency measure; House Bill 3781, changing the timing from use-and-file to file-and-use with a 60-day review period while the author said he did not want rate approval; House Bill 3802, delaying rate adjustments after a spouse’s death until renewal; House Bill 3818, creating a home and auto savings account framework intended to help policyholders raise deductibles and lower premiums; and House Bill 2929, which limits how far back insurers may look at homeowners and auto claims for underwriting purposes. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition after brief questioning.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 1st, 2025

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Flick facilities can choose any reliable option that meets their needs such as natural gas which runs
  • During recent disasters, we saw firsthand how power outages again put people's lives at risk.
  • We use natural gas microgrids that can compete with diesel back up for speed to power in terms of the
  • Because of course in the bill it gives you multiple options, so it's not just a natural gas generator
  • and not just for the coastal area, we have disasters across the state.