Video & Transcript Research : 'disaster declaration'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- teachers union, and that's because we tried to promise things without paying for them, and that is a disaster
- teachers union, and that's because we tried to promise things without paying for them, and that is a disaster
- them and<00:39:43.680>
that <00:39:43.920>is <00:39:44.000>a <00:39:44.240>disaster - when<00:39:44.960>
it <00:39:45.119>comes <00:39:45.280>to and that is a disaster - when it comes to and that is a disaster when it comes to pensions.<00:39:46.320>
So, <00:39:46.560
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for conversation about what kinds of policies we could expect in the event of emergencies and for disaster
- for conversation about what kinds of policies we could expect in the event of emergencies and for disaster
- for conversation about what kinds of policies we could expect in the event of emergencies and for disaster
- emergencies<03:12:20.160>
and <03:12:20.359>and <03:12:20.479>for <03:12:20.840>disaster - emergencies and and for disaster emergencies and and for disaster protections protections protections
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services.
Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations.
The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Farewells - 05/18/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the last 250 years, that document, our Constitution, our Declaration, our Minnesota State Constitution
- that document, our<01:10:24.120>
Constitution, <01:10:25.080>our <01:10:25.200>Declaration - ,<01:10:25.960>
our our Constitution, our Declaration, our our Constitution, our Declaration - I gave out copies of the Declaration in the pants on all your desks a couple days ago, and you may have
- <01:11:16.680>
in I gave out copies of the Declaration in I gave out copies of the Declaration
Summary:
The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues.
Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country.
Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- He said something that would cause a further doubling would be a disaster, to put it bluntly.
- <01:33:18.639>
Uh <01:33:20.080>to uh a disaster to put it bluntly. - Uh to uh a disaster to put it bluntly.
- Um, and I'm just not a chicken little type of person that's going to be such a disaster.
- As I say, going to be such a disaster.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I rise to present ACR 139, declaring March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, initially without a quorum, and the clerk called the roll until a quorum was present. The body then proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent motions, including re-referrals of AB 1878, AB 2089, and AB 1660 to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including the 2025 Central East High School football team, Morgan Hill leadership students, Southlands Christian fourth graders, and journalist Juan Esparza Loera, whom members praised for decades of reporting in the Central Valley.
On the floor file, ACR 139 was presented to designate March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Supporters described the health and safety risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and emphasized the value of screening and treatment; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were recorded. AB 1656, a human-trafficking victim protection bill, was also taken up and passed 58-0 after testimony that it would expand “good cause” for trial continuances to better protect survivors and preserve continuity of counsel. The chamber also adopted the consent calendar, including AB 1583 and SCR 11, by 63-0 votes.
The session concluded with adjournments in memory for Salinda Gonzalez, a Yurok community advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and Sandy Steers, a Big Bear conservationist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Members highlighted Gonzalez’s work supporting Native communities and Steers’ decades of wildlife advocacy and public education. The Assembly then announced its next meeting for Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m., including the Women of the Year ceremony, and adjourned.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- that are mostly technical in nature, but also make a clarification about community association declarations
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Public Safety REVISION 3: HB2977 - Added | HB3305 - Removed Feb 18th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- All present, would you declare the vote?
Keywords:
animal abuse, offender registry, public safety, animal welfare, criminal justice, Oklahoma legislation, local law enforcement, Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund, grants, state funding, law enforcement technology, cyber crime, fraud prevention, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, insurance fee, digital forensics, investigative support, revolving fund, prisons, corrections
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- And some of you have received an example of this, as well as a letter declaring this to be official somewhere
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 2005, which would designate an official state tartan. Senator Blackwell, the bill’s author, explained that the measure would codify an existing state tartan first adopted by resolution in 2006, designed by Karen Green, and already registered with the Scottish registry of tartans. He said the bill mainly formalizes what is already in place, with the only substantive update being a thread-count change, and noted that he had an order form available for anyone interested in purchasing the tartan.
During questions, Senator Simmons asked about the shade of green used in the tartan, and Blackwell responded that the bill specifies Pantone 1960 forest green. He also described the tartan’s colors as symbolizing Mississippi features such as the pines and the Gulf, and clarified that this was a Mississippi tartan rather than the same material as his personal Irish tartan. He compared it to other state symbols and said several states have similar designations tied to Celtic heritage.
Blackwell said he had a support letter from the Highlands and Islands Association of Celtic Gatherings. When the committee moved toward action, a non-member attempted to make a motion and was corrected; Senator Simmons then was recognized for a motion, though the transcript cuts off before the final disposition is shown.
AZ
MO
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Mississippi, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have also declared Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
Bills:
HCR7
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Administration met with six members present and took up several commemorative and code-revision measures, along with one hospice/palliative care resolution. Senator Hall presented HB 2703, designating July as American Patriotism Month, and HCR 7, designating September 29 as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day; both drew no public testimony and were reported favorably. Senator Kolkhorst presented HB 1615, a non-substantive Texas Legislative Council recodification bill relating to water and wastewater special districts, which was also reported favorably. Senator Parker presented HCR 86 recognizing Denton’s “31 Days of Denton Halloween,” and Senator Johnson presented HB 1620, another non-substantive code update; both were left pending at first and later reported favorably. Senator Johnson also presented SB 644, creating Hospice and Palliative Care Day on the second Saturday in October, which was left pending and later reported favorably.
The committee also heard HCR 75, HCR 93, HCR 126, and HCR 92. HCR 75 concerned a local designation tied to marina/guide services and was left pending initially, then later reported favorably. HCR 93 would renew Nacogdoches as the Garden Capital of Texas, HCR 126 would designate Corrigan as the Timber Products Capital of Texas, and HCR 92 would designate the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day; all were heard without public opposition and later reported favorably. Several members emphasized the historical, cultural, or economic significance of the local designations, while the code-update bills were described as non-substantive recodifications prepared by the Texas Legislative Council.
After taking up pending business, the committee voted to report the measures favorably, with most also recommended for the May 14, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. The committee certified the local and uncontested calendar list for that date, with some items removed because they had already passed earlier in the day or had other issues. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Declaring void unlawful discriminatory restrictive covenants, requiring the removal of unlawful restrictive
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/24/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Earlier this week, the Judiciary weighed in and declared that there would be a fiscal cost to the courts
- Earlier this week, the Judiciary weighed in and declared that there would be a fiscal cost to the courts
- ><01:53:16.760>
to for those who don't own firearms to for those who don't own firearms to declare - :17.640>
not <01:53:18.280>uh <01:53:18.400>possess <01:53:18.760>any declare - that they do not uh possess any declare that they do not uh possess any firearms<01:53:19.440>
and
Keywords:
submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Our county delegations have made no such declarations, and the presence of a detention facility within
- Our county delegations have made no such declarations, and the presence of a detention facility within
- Our county delegations have made no such declarations, and the presence of a detention facility within
- Our county delegations have made no such declarations, and the presence of a detention facility within
- Our county delegations have made no such declarations, and the presence of a detention facility within
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/13/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont is a disaster compared to New Hampshire.
- , 14 years ago, we got away from a fee schedule that was being proposed, which would have been a disaster
- Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont is a disaster compared to New Hampshire.
- , Vermont is a disaster compared to New<04:23:21.680>
Hampshire. - We allowed for negotiations to disaster.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- buildings or businesses, access to employment, or entry to public accommodations, even in the event of a declared
- Article 2 of our 1780 Declaration of Rights states, no subject shall be restrained in liberty for worshipping
- His ministry was a bold declaration that no one should be excluded or marginalized.
- Article 2 from the Declaration of Rights in the Massachusetts Constitution specifically states, no subject
- The provision is as follows: if there's an emergency or an epidemic of a disease declared by the Department
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions.
H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services budget bill aimed at 'restoring trust' passes House 5/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State of Minnesota, Schumacher moves that the rule therein be suspended and an urgency be declared
- Thank you. >> Seeing no further discussion on the motion to declare an urgency, all those in favor, please
- the >> Seeing no further discussion on the motion<00:01:12.320>
to <00:01:12.479>declare - an<00:01:12.960>
urgency, <00:01:13.280>all <00:01:13.439>those motion to declare - an urgency, all those motion to declare an urgency, all those in<00:01:13.760>
favor, <00:01:14.080
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 4476, described as the human services program integrity package, and first adopted a motion declaring urgency so the bill could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language, followed by a technical A7 amendment clarifying that prepayment review would apply to all fee-for-service systems.
Members then debated the A5 amendment, which would have removed a sunset on the periodic data matching reporting requirement tied to eligibility checks for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. Supporters argued the report is essential for fraud prevention, accountability, and ensuring only eligible recipients receive benefits, citing missed or delayed reports and claiming the process can save the state money. Opponents said the report had been received, that federal HR1 changes would require different data-matching procedures, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, the A5 amendment failed, 63-67.
The House next debated the A6 amendment, which would require DHS reporting on homelessness programs, including outcomes, costs, and participant movement, and would allow recoupment of funds if reporting was not provided. Supporters said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness without clear results and needs better data to guide policy; opponents said homelessness reporting and stakeholder work are already underway and objected to the amendment’s approach. Debate continued with questions about the amendment’s details and stakeholder consultation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on A6.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that is why we were here declaring with urgency.
- And so that is why we were here declaring with urgency.
- were<00:38:07.920>
here And so that is why we were here And so that is why we were here declaring - <00:38:10.000>
Let's <00:38:10.240>do <00:38:10.480>what declaring with urgency - Let's do what declaring with urgency.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- primarily involves working closely with insurance companies to liquidate vehicles that have been declared
- So, instead, we're going to have it read as a declaration signed electronically without a notary.
- c> have it read have it read um<01:47:33.000>
or <01:47:33.200>a <01:47:33.240>declaration - <01:47:33.880>
signed um or a declaration signed um or a declaration signed electronically
Keywords:
renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support.
The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDT-GVO, EDT-WLA, EDT DEFER, EDT-EDU DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- The department may declare up to two census tracts in the State that contain an innovation enterprise
- I will be declaring a conflict for this measure because my husband is an engineer for one of the contractors
- Uh<01:36:21.199>
I <01:36:21.440>will <01:36:21.600>be <01:36:21.760>declaring - Uh I will be declaring on um this bill.
- Uh I will be declaring a<01:36:22.400>
conflict <01:36:22.960>for <01:36:23.840>um
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language.
The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.