Video & Transcript Research : 'disaster response'

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 11th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • House proceedings under those rules the chair is responsible for preserving order in decorum during committee
  • question are actually an observation on the question about the prior the public school school's responsibility
  • That, to me, says that our most urgent response ought to be... be to fix public schools.
  • Happens like, is there transportation for those kids to go, if it's a disaster?
Bills: HB3, HB3
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 11th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under those rules, the chair is responsible for preserving order and decorum. during committee meetings
  • . responsibility for that.
  • Is it fiscally responsible? It's not that the people are not going to want it.
  • This isn't responsible, and it's not fair.
  • We had personal accountability and responsibility.
Bills: HB3, HB3
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I look forward to your questions and the opportunity and responsibility of leading this country in the
  • Thank you for that because I wouldn't have guessed that that was going to be your response.
  • You know, we always work with the committee to be responsive to your requests.
  • That really is left to those who have responsibility over trade.
  • Chair Powell, you have 45 days from that day to submit your response to questions for the record.
Bills: SB257
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under those rules, the chair is responsible for preserving.
  • The purpose of this bill is simply to make sure that the responsible employer is notified so they have
  • There can't be an overlap in responsibilities unless a request is made.
  • There was an overlap in responsibility.
  • We're trying to be creative and responsive in a way, and I think we're doing that with this bill.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The response was consistent: our customers. Thank you, Mr.
  • The events of the last few years have brought to light. the inadequacies in the disaster and emergency
  • Okay, so he called and we declared a disaster or emergency.
  • The SB provides a distinction between disasters and emergencies.
  • Some of the utilities are responsible for building this needed infrastructure.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • responsibility when they're available. responsibility when they're available.
  • and made it a Adult Client Services Branch responsibility.
  • and made it a Adult Client Services Branch responsibility.
  • So what is your response to that?
  • Because it seems your response to that?
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded. House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CAA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Culture & Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • can build a solid foundation and a good program for maintenance, which I think is one of the responsibilities
  • can build a solid foundation and a good program for maintenance, which I think is one of the responsibilities
  • can build a solid foundation and a good program for maintenance, which I think is one of the responsibilities
  • can build a solid foundation and a good program for maintenance, which I think is one of the responsibilities
  • can build a solid foundation and a good program for maintenance, which I think is one of the responsibilities
Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 19th, 2025

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • .is in terms of its application within the schools, and that is to have a mobile emergency rapid response
  • the... ...policy on the use and equipping the designated employees with a mobile emergency rapid response
  • Active shooters is something that's very important for the rapid response there, but even other incidents
  • that I would like to see in place to allow the would like to see in place to allow the most rapid response
  • often stretched thin; they're dealing with attendance and reporting issues along with other responsibilities
Bills: HB205, HB226, HB234
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • To put that in perspective, 20 million spread over a decade is a fiscally responsible sum in our state
  • security challenges, international business, and emerging technologies. it will do so with a modest responsible
  • So they would be responsible for.
  • with them but what you're what you're advocating for is an additional person on campus with the responsibility
Bills: HB232
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • To put that in perspective, 20 million spread over a decade is a fiscally responsible sum in our state
  • And it will do so with a modest responsible state investment, after which the school stands on its own
  • So they would be responsible for if this were a set, if this were a, a drama or something, the, the electricians
  • Person on campus with the responsibility of making, making sure that they were aware that financial aid
Bills: HB232
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • ma'am in In no regards, this is about personal accountability and personal responsibility.
  • I believe it, I believe it's the responsibility. of the student each time that they're renewing their
  • Jason urges this committee, and I back him up 100%, to support fiscal responsibility and protect the
  • Is ultimately responsible for verifying that information and then I think if it's the institution who
  • is responsible for.
Bills: HB232
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • Impervious cover limits are disaster preparedness. They are flood mitigation.
  • This bill creates a disaster relief and prevention matching... Governor-declared disasters.
  • to prevent or lessen the effects of future disasters.
  • Laura Presley, representing Texas Disaster Relief Transparency Group.
  • Laura Presley, representing Texas Disaster Relief Transparency Group.
Summary: The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending. The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms. The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Aug 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Accountable to the voters to be responsible for the start of this disaster.
  • If you're not in the flood plan, the state doesn't have any resources for you outside of disaster response
  • Disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Members, there is an amendment.
  • Please substitute Senate Bill 1 relating to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
  • It ensures that the resources... ...available to support ongoing disaster response and recovery because
Bills: SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3, SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are essential components of the state's disaster response network during hurricanes, wildfires,
  • This measure reflects a fiscally responsible partnership model.
  • This bill Hawaii from natural disasters.
  • components of the state's disaster components of the state's disaster response<00:33:02.480>
  • reflects a fiscally responsible reflects a fiscally responsible partnership<00:33:16.799> model
Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Feb 10th, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll take the financial responsibility and the time to get the testing lab that's accredited." "...to
  • We'll take the financial responsibility to it and the time to get the testing lab that's accredited.
  • We'll take the financial responsibility to it and the time to get the testing lab that's accredited to
  • strengthen customer engagement, and to enhance the role of the commission at the state emergency response
  • Kindbridge Research Institute is the vendor who is now responsible for our compulsive gambling program
Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably. The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Responsibilities that had previously been handled on site by someone familiar with the court's caseload
  • Is it responsible to do so without standards, timelines, or a restoration process?
  • Chair, Representative Powell, that Supreme Court is responsive.
  • So it's the Supreme Court's response to complaints from others involved in the justice system that has
  • Chair, Representative Powell, that Supreme Court is responsive.
Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which updates military leave protections for state and non-state employees by aligning statutory language with how service members’ orders are described. Representative Pena said the change was intended to remove confusion without affecting benefits, and members noted it would help protect employees called to training, deployment, or state active duty. The bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill addressing administrative control of justice courts and due process for elected justices of the peace when state or county entities take action affecting their statutory authority. Supporters, including two Pima County justices of the peace, described administrative orders that transferred control of their courts without notice, findings, or a meaningful chance to respond, and argued the bill would require notice, a hearing, written findings, and review before such changes. The Arizona Supreme Court’s government affairs director opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing the state constitution gives the Chief Justice administrative supervision over all courts and that the legislature cannot impose those procedures by statute. After a lengthy and at times contentious exchange over constitutional authority and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to give HB 2976 a due pass recommendation. After a recess, the committee considered HB 2406, which requires the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study how aware veterans are of available state, local, and federal benefits and to report recommendations for improving awareness. Testimony in support emphasized that many veterans do not know the full range of benefits available to them and suggested surveys, outreach, and other low-cost methods to gather information. Some members questioned whether a study was necessary or how it would be conducted, but several said they would support it for now; the bill received a due pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance hearings to ask whether a defendant is a veteran and, if so, to consider referral to veterans’ treatment or diversion programs. Supporters said the bill would help identify eligible veterans early in the process and connect them to services, while one member raised Fifth Amendment concerns about asking the question before counsel is present. The sponsor and testifier agreed to work on an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The committee moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation, with members indicating support pending that amendment.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Workforce Apr 15th, 2025

S/C on Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • needed investment dollars to rural communities where the private sector shoulders all of the responsibility
  • , hurricanes in South Texas, or tornadoes in East Texas, Texas is not immune from facing natural disasters
  • When disaster strikes, especially in rural Texas, it's our responsibility to respond effectively.
  • Only when the president, governor, or local officials declare a disaster.
  • Disaster.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • Laura Presley, registered on behalf of the Texas Disaster Relief Transparency Group.
  • Local authorities are responsible for taking action based on these identifications.
  • It is in every disaster. It is in every situation that we face; it's 24 hours a day.
  • or lessen the effects of future disasters.
  • Disaster Relief Transparency Group. Green Building Council for the bill. Thank you.