Transcript Highlights:

• One quick question: with the flooding that occurred, you know, a year, less than a year ago, I guess,
• the town of Miami, the City of Globe, and Gila County over $100 million worth of damage through the flood
• One quick question with the flooding that occurred, you know, a year, less than a year ago, I guess.
• system, that the two systems that came ...worth of damage through the flood system.
• However, in this particular case, because of the floods, it contaminated some of the soil.

Bills: HB2029 , HB2096 , HB2116

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, cesspool remediation, cesspool replacement, forgivable principal, forgivable loan, wifa, water infrastructure finance authority, clean water revolving fund, drinking water revolving fund, wastewater infrastructure, on-site wastewater system, septic system, groundwater protection, public health, nonpoint source pollution, county water projects

Transcript Highlights:

• They have served more than 19 million hours responding to wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and the...
• ...hours responding to wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• , restoring parks and trails, protecting our watersheds, helping communities prepare for wildfire, flood
• Chris Thayer for appointment as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
• Chris Thayer for appointment as director for the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They didn't have the authority to flood other people's land, so they bought that land.
• And when that happens, those fences will create a huge safety hazard for those wanting to recreate on
• Now, the flip side of this is we're in flash flood alley.
• So the flood out there, so it's going to come back, it's just a matter of when.
• Be, uh, underwater and a great hazard to the, uh, to those that are out there, uh, boating.

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We've worked with the Division of Forestry to try to reduce that hazard, that fire hazard.
• </c><02:26:04.160><c> If</c> reduce that hazard, that fire hazard.
• If reduce that hazard, that fire hazard.
• </c><02:43:32.960><c> and</c> going to be less of a fire hazard and going to be less of a fire hazard
• </c><02:46:31.279><c> now</c> if there's more of a fire hazard now if there's more of a fire hazard now

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those areas was improving transparency for consumers regarding wildfire hazard and risk, with
• This bill improves consumer transparency related to wildfire hazards and risks and helps consumers make
• climate-resilient infrastructure upgrades across Washington to make communities safer from fires, floods
• Last month's historic flooding and the fires last summer are only the most recent example of the incredibly
• support SB 5928 and hope similar mechanisms can be adopted for other extreme weather events like flooding

Bills: SB5928

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This language previously read, 'shall transfer the balance from the hazardous waste emergency fund.'
• This language previously read, 'shall transfer the balance from the hazardous waste emergency fund.'
• So the hazardous waste emergency fund, I imagine it's a dedicated fund.
• What's the source there, and is this an allowable use to transfer from hazardous waste to solid waste
• I will follow up with the committee with the statutory references, as well as what goes into the Hazardous

Summary: The committee received a general fund “green sheet” update from budget analyst Noah Peterson, who reviewed recent changes to the FY 2026 and FY 2027 balances, including large population-adjustment supplementals for Medicaid and Corrections and other committee actions. He also highlighted several policy bills with fiscal impacts, including county jail per diem changes, a state police-related bill, and a health and welfare board/position bill. Janet Jessup then walked the committee through several budget housekeeping items and supplemental/maintenance adjustments, beginning with the Department of Environmental Quality and a solid waste regulatory program change tied to House Bill 555. The committee approved multiple motions, including adding 4 FTP to DEQ and adopting revised language for a hazardous waste fund transfer; a FY 2026 Soil and Water Conservation Commission supplemental for the CREP program; and a major two-step reorganization moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission from Agriculture to Water Resources. The committee also approved the related FY 2027 reductions and additions for the commission and Water Resources, including CREP funding and a one-time restoration of a rescission to preserve stream-gauging and water monitoring services. Members discussed whether those restorations should be one-time or ongoing, with some favoring one-time adjustments to preserve budget flexibility and others warning about agency stability. The committee then handled the consolidation of the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a new Office of Species, Mineral, and Energy Coordination. It approved a reduction for the Office of Species Conservation and a reduction for OEMR, then considered competing motions for the new combined office. After extended debate over the appropriate number of FTP reductions and the importance of nuclear and mining coordination, the committee rejected a substitute motion and then rejected the original motion as well, leaving the new office budget unresolved. Finally, the committee approved the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses request for replacement vehicles and IT hardware, and adjourned with notice of upcoming budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state briefed our committee, the Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Committee, that these are other
• So I think the environmental hazards of this material got exacerbated.
• Environmental hazards of this material got exacerbated once it got mined and brought to the surface,
• So I think the environmental hazards of this material got exacerbated.
• Environmental hazards of this material got exacerbated once it got mined and brought to the surface,

Bills: SB66 , SB79 , SB108

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• projects within the State Plan of Flood Control, which is the area for which the state has liability
• This is in the Flood Control Subventions Program, where the state legislature identifies projects in
• We, I believe, have identified about 260 to 265 of those as extremely high hazard.
• plans, through our work with local flood control districts and many other partners.
• This includes the Montecito flooding that occurred after the Santa Barbara fires in the 2000s.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requires considerable repairs to fix issues such as flooding in the basements of several cottages
• This flooding has posted. with substance use disorders and youth who sexually harm.
• This flooding has posted. Fix issues such as flooding in the basements of several cottages.
• This flooding has posed safety risks to youth and staff during severe weather and creates the risk of
• Sidewalks on campus are badly cracked, with steep grades and abrupt drops that pose safety hazards.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee held an invited-testimony hearing on LR 425, which examines the Whitehall campus in Lincoln and possible long-term options for youth currently served there. Chair Brian Hardin explained that Whitehall houses two separate programs for adolescent males: a substance use program and a youth-who-sexually-harm program. Testimony from DHHS officials described Whitehall as a Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides about 40 hours of weekly programming, family involvement, school services, and community reintegration activities. Officials said the department is evaluating whether the programs should remain at Whitehall or move to another state-owned facility, with Hastings described as the department’s preferred alternative because it is more residential in design than a youth rehabilitation treatment center (YRTC).

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requires considerable repairs to fix issues such as flooding in the basements of several cottages
• This flooding has posed... Dr. Janicek, now it's your turn.
• This flooding has posted. Fix issues such as flooding in the basements of several cottages.
• This flooding has posed a safety risk to youth and staff during severe weather and creates the risk of
• Sidewalks on campus are badly cracked, with steep grades and abrupt drops that pose safety hazards.

Committee: Unicameral Health and Human Services

Keywords: 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that hazard preparedness plans in some counties have inaccurate data showing zero deaths, and
• These include heatwaves, wildfires, poor air quality, severe storms, flooding, water contamination, water
• Fire and floods highlight this need.
• Flood events, same thing.
• Climate change exists, and we've got health impacts that come from that due to floods, fires, and extreme

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Assistant Director for Hazard Mitigation at Cal OES.
• Fire hazard severity zones are absolutely a component.
• Honestly, in other FEMA programs, where you look at other hazards, that's not a problem.
• You don't have a whole neighborhood getting bought out after a huge flood disaster.
• Scale for decades in other hazards, and now we're getting there with wildfires as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• marine life, enhance water quality, attract tourism, and serve as natural barriers against storms and flooding
• Healthy coral reefs play a crucial part in mitigating damage from natural disasters like floods, hurricanes
• Agency's essential role in disaster response, providing crucial technical and financial support for hazard
• Technical and financial support for hazard mitigation, as evidenced by successful initiatives in Puerto
• Then we had this major flood, and the river's never been the same since.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably. The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• marine life, enhance water quality, attract tourism, and serve as natural barriers against storms and flooding
• Healthy coral reefs play a crucial part in mitigating damage from natural disasters like floods, hurricanes
• Agency's essential role in disaster response, providing crucial technical and financial support for hazard
• Technical and financial support for hazard mitigation, as evidenced by successful initiatives in Puerto
• Then we had this major flood, and the river's never been the same since.

Bills: S0912 , S1196 , S1422 , S1510 , S7034

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• SJR 174, THIS GOES ALONG WITH SENATE BILL 176 ELEVATION A FLOOD PRONE PROPERTIES IMPLEMENTING BILL, SENATE
• THE VALUE OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHEN A PROPERTY OWNER ELEVATES TO MITIGATE FLOOD
• PROPERTY MUST BE IN AN AREA WHERE REASON THE PROPERTY WOULD BE NECESSARY TO COMPLY WITH FEMA NATURAL FLOOD
• FIND CHANGE TO THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM PROVISIONS AND ADJUST AGENCY MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATURAL
• HAZARD WORKSHOP, LAOS RESIDENT BUSINESS OWNER TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION ITEM ILLEGALLY ENACTS BURDENSOME

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And she used that word intense as we have worked to repair our roadways from the flood events of 2022
• We're all, you know, well aware of those flood events.
• Uh we Somerset just had the Duke's Hazard car jump over the fountain square.
• Uh we Somerset just had the Duke's Hazard car jump over the fountain square.
• </c> Somerset just had u the Duke's hazard Somerset just had u the Duke's hazard car<00:16:00.399><c>

Keywords: 0:00:15 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:01:15 Maintenance Update 0:21:07 Approval of Minutes 0:21:32 Regional Offices 0:43:47 SHIFT Scoring 1:04:24 Local Assistance Road Program 1:16:41 Adjournment, 958, all

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.

Bills: HB158 , HB714 , HB 1198 , HB1630 , HB1998 , HB3509 , HB3788 , HB3875 , HB3948 , HB3977 , HB4097 , HB4313 , HB4314 , HB4317 , HB158

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• We see this from wildfires to floods, to other things.
• wastewater impact fees, and then it goes on to say that if it diminishes... for stormwater, drainage, or flood
• significantly reducing the 59 percent of potable water. ...currently used for irrigation and mitigating flood

Bills: HB158 , HB714 , HB 1198 , HB1630 , HB1998 , HB3509 , HB3788 , HB3875 , HB3948 , HB3977 , HB4097 , HB4313 , HB4314 , HB4317 , HB158

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of us got lots of calls from constituents about flooding.

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of us had got lots of calls from constituents about flooding.
• 10.400><c> from</c><00:53:10.559><c> constituents</c><00:53:11.160><c> about</c><00:53:11.480><c> flooding
• </c> calls from constituents about flooding calls from constituents about flooding we<00:53:12.599><c
• That work was severely delayed by the spring flooding.
• c><00:55:03.599><c> spring</c> delayed by the spring the spring delayed by the spring the spring flooding

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes