Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas legislature established the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund to help communities plan, design
• . and build flood control and mitigation projects.
• However, current statutes does not put recognize multi-purpose projects that provide both flood control
• What Senate Bill 1937 does, it ensures the multipurpose flood mitigation projects which address flooding
• and create a new water supply eligible for funding. under the flood infrastructure fund.

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emergency managers play a key role in recovery, mitigation, and preparedness.
• In regards to mitigation, natural hazard mitigation saves, on average, an average of $6 for every $1
• spent on federal mitigation grants.
• To be eligible for these funds, emergency managers must update their local multi-hazard mitigation plan
• Should this funding initiative be approved, it would be used, in my case, for planning and mitigation

Bills: HF1354, HF1901, HF2124, HF2130, HF2260, HF2099, HF104, HF134, HF1769

Keywords: public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, but you're already doing some mitigation, right, right now?
• They're flooding the river on weekends when people want to enjoy it.
• mitigation.
• It establishes a grant program for drainage system maintenance and flood mitigation measures in residential
• Okay, uh, HB 1359, relating to flood mitigation.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:19.680> plan decision on the Wildfire mitigation plan decision on the Wildfire mitigation
• Sharky stood on the banks of a flooded detention pond and watched a younger friend struggling.
• Sharky stood on the banks of a flooded detention pond and watched a younger friend struggling.
• Sharky stood on the banks of a flooded detention pond and watched a younger friend struggling.
• Sea level rise floods more than most people realize.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are also an innovator and educator for flood control and habitat improvement projects.
• They are also an innovator and educator for flood control and habitat improvement projects.
• Raquel Ayala, with REID Government Relations, on behalf of the California Central Valley Flood Control
• affordable housing projects, projects to adapt to climate change, transit-related projects, fire hazard mitigation
• Raquel Ayala, with REID Government Relations, on behalf of the California Central Valley Flood Control

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 26 and heard four bills, beginning as a subcommittee until quorum was established. The chair opened with housekeeping rules, including that testimony would be in person only and that disruptive conduct would not be tolerated. AB 59 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry was heard first; it would remove the sunset on Reclamation District 108’s authority to participate in hydropower projects. The author, Colusa County representatives, and water district officials said the change would support long-term financing, lower energy costs, and help the district continue water stewardship. No opposition was presented, and the bill was later reported out 7-0. AB 417 by Assembly Member Carrillo was then presented as a measure to streamline and clarify laws governing enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) and community revitalization and investment authorities (CRIAs). Supporters, including the sponsor and planning, city, and flood control representatives, said the bill would improve local governments’ ability to fund affordable housing, climate adaptation, transit, fire mitigation, and other infrastructure without raising taxes. One opponent objected to the CRIA provisions, arguing that CRIAs retain eminent domain authority and asked for an amendment to remove that authority. The bill was passed after quorum was established, with the chair noting it would improve functionality while preserving transparency and public participation. AB 533 by Assembly Member Flora reauthorized health care districts that own or operate hospitals or clinics to use the design-build process for construction projects after the prior authority sunset on January 1, 2025. The author and supporters from the Association of California Health Care Districts, the Design-Build Institute of America, and engineering and hospital groups said the measure would restore a useful financing and construction tool without changing public contracting requirements. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee also approved AB 1030 on the consent calendar, and after roll calls on the remaining items, all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• While rodent and pest mitigation are important for public health and sanitation, wildlife are not the
• To mitigate the risks of these toxins, Senate 644 and the House companion bill would end the registration
• While rodent and pest mitigation are important for public health and sanitation, wildlife, are not the
• To mitigate the risks of these toxins, Senate 644 and the House Companion Bill would end the registration
• Thank you. in public health emergencies with the sanitation on mitigation efforts would be nux thank

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills focused on pesticides, pollinators, rodenticides, mosquito control, invasive species, and local authority over pesticide regulation. Chair Becca Rausch set strict two-minute testimony limits due to the very large number of speakers. Early testimony from Senator Moore and Representative Hawkins strongly supported a bill to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, citing harms to wildlife, pets, and public health, and noting that California has already adopted a similar model. Testimony also supported a Lowell home rule petition to allow the city to prohibit or restrict these rodenticides, with local officials describing documented raptor poisonings and municipal efforts to phase out use on city property. A major portion of the hearing focused on pollinator protection and neonicotinoid-treated seeds. Witnesses from environmental groups, conservation organizations, academics, and beekeepers argued that neonics harm bees and other beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and provide little or no economic benefit in most corn and soybean fields. Several speakers pointed to New York, Vermont, and Quebec as models for restricting treated seeds, and one panel cited research showing only a small percentage of fields benefit economically from the treatments. Support was also voiced for a bill establishing an ecologically based mosquito management program, with advocates criticizing aerial and truck spraying and urging non-chemical, locally tailored approaches. Other testimony supported bills to reform the pesticide board and pesticide regulation process, to give vulnerable municipalities more local control over pesticide use, to protect schoolchildren from pesticides on school grounds, and to respond to invasive species through a centralized state office, coordinator, strategic plan, and trust fund. Many speakers, including representatives from Mass Audubon, MSPCA, the Xerces Society, the Sierra Club, watershed groups, and local wildlife rehabilitators, described impacts on hawks, owls, pets, fish, and broader ecosystems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and committee members generally asked few questions, with the hearing remaining in testimony mode throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• and mitigating the tax impact<00:20:40.600> on<00:20:40.799> Plymouth<00:20:41.200>
• In the 12-plus years that I've been in the Senate, I think that field has flooded at least two, maybe
• Due to the flooding, our community and our district is ready to relocate those fields to higher ground
• uh and the flooding that ensued from<00:41:13.440> that<00:41:13.680> heavy<00:41:14.200
• <00:43:09.760> you very well um due to the flooding you very well um due to the flooding you

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The City of Harris County all the way down to the Panhandle, because instead of focusing on flood mitigation
• At a time when the legislative work of the state should be about adequate flood relief and disaster mitigation
• Just three weeks ago, floods killed 135 Texans.
• When disasters like winter storm Yuri or the recent floods hit... ...that we support each other.
• What had been tested before, during Hurricane Harvey, neighborhoods across Fort Bend flooded.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we looking at also flood mitigation, capturing that, making it potable water?
• I have is, how do we stop flooding cities?
• So 38 projects that create supply and stop flooding, that's a win-win.
• It's about four billion dollars a year between water and flood infrastructure.
• And we're talking about putting flood in there, you know, plus, plus, plus.

Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:38.240> impact<00:15:38.560> of um to medicate mitigate impact of um to medicate
• mitigate impact of special<00:15:39.120> education<00:15:39.680> costs<00:15:40.000>
• There’s not going to be a flood. The first priority is the free and reduced lunch students.
• Going to be a flood. The first priority is the free and reduced lunch students.
• <00:59:40.119> with profile that it won't be flooded with profile that it won't be flooded

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas faces increasingly complex water challenges from prolonged droughts to sudden destructive flooding
• . flooding, as we saw a few weeks ago in the Rio Grande Valley.
• The recent Rio Grande Valley floods, which displaced many families and businesses and overwhelmed local
• A lot of this data, if there's a flood, they already tell us how destructive the flooding was.
• You already have that data when whenever there's a flooding or whenever there's a drought, you have that

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• President, the Lake Houston area has been the victim of several flooding incidents, most notably during
• A key flood mitigation strategy to blunt the effects of flooding in the area is dredging while the community
• lakes and rivers, especially from the San Jacinto River Basin, to increase capacity of water during flood
• It would be an important tool for the area communities to reduce their flood risk and provide long-term
• It gives the region an innovative and forward-thinking solution to flood mitigation, if I may say so

Bills: HB4, HB20, HB40, HB46, HB101, HB112, HB117, HB121, HB127, HB146, HB150, HB186, HB229, HB426, HB521, HB541, HB549, HB632, HB713, HB796, HB1052, HB1106, HB1135, HB1234, HB1306, HB1403, HB1523, HB1532, HB1690, HB1960, HB2035, HB2217, HB2399, HB2488, HB2517, HB2594, HB2655, HB2686, HB2731, HB2757, HB2820, HB2963, HB3005, HB3053, HB3073, HB3225, HB3320, HB3333, HB3336, HB3441, HB3483, HB3516, HB3520, HB3697, HB3748, HB3793, HB3848, HB4099, HB4134, HB4144, HB4158, HB4233, HB4236, HB4285, HB4350, HB4359, HB4464, HB4580, HB4690, HB4730, HB4848, HB4904, HB4995, HB5196, HB5294, HB5381, HB5435, HB5437, HB5509, HB5606, HB5646, HB5658, HB5661, HB5663, HB5666, HB5672, HCR40, HCR59, SB867, SB2919, SJR5, SJR27, SB4, SB6, SB7, SB9, SB13, SB15, SB23, SB27, SB30, SB40, SB57, SB66, SB140, SB268, SB293, SB331, SB413, SB447, SB457, SB467, SB506, SB510, SB512, SB571, SB650, SB763, SB777, SB785, SB800, SB850, SB863, SB865, SB973, SB974, SB1191, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1494, SB1522, SB1540, SB1567, SB1579, SB1580, SB1610, SB1660, SB1723, SB1760, SB1838, SB1923, SB1946, SB1957, SB1964, SB2018, SB2024, SB2121, SB2167, SB2217, SB2221, SB2321, SB2337, SB2368, SB2373, SB2407, SB2431, SB2477, SB2587, SB2615, SB2753, SB2807, SB2900, SB2965, SB2972, SB2986, SB3039, SB3047, SB3059, SB3070, SB1, SB17, SB21, SB260, SB379, SB509, SB1198, SB1405, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, SB2601, SB2778, HB300, HB2011, HB2525, HB5246, HB100, HB101, HB119, HB227, HB252, HB322, HB346, HB654, HB705, HB718, HB721, HB824, HB1094, HB1234, HB1306, HB1506, HB1523, HB1629, HB1690, HB1868, HB1960, HB1973, HB2012, HB2035, HB2037, HB2078, HB2128, HB2213, HB2240, HB2348, HB2520, HB2598, HB2686, HB2694, HB2820, HB3005, HB3057, HB3092, HB3112, HB3171, HB3181, HB3185, HB3333, HB3388, HB3516, HB3546, HB3619, HB3623, HB3629, HB3642, HB3686, HB3697, HB3749, HB3793, HB3812, HB3815, HB3848, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4157, HB4158, HB4170, HB4202, HB4211, HB4214, HB4233, HB4285, HB4350, HB4361, HB4463, HB4464, HB4466, HB4559, HB4630, HB4748, HB4765, HB4848, HB4894, HB4904, HB4995, HB5093, HB5196, HB5320, HB5437, HB5624, HB5650, HB5651, HB5652, HB5654, HB5655, HB5656, HB5658, HB5661, HB5662, HB5664, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5672, HB5674, HB5677, HB5679, HB5682, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694, HB5695, HB5698, HB5699, HCR46, HCR76, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HB748, HB5652, HB3395, HB180, HB1306, HB5650, HB4894, HB1629, HB5698, HB3171, HB2694, HB5664, HB4690, HB4464, HB3623, HB2520, HB2213, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB3619, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB2035, HB721, HB346, HB5695, HB5694, HB5674, HB3185, HB2348, HB1135, HB101, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5658, HB4144, HB3642, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB4158, HB4630, HB1523, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB2820, HB186, HB119, HB4466, HB4170, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4285, HB4463, HB4995, HB5624, HB1449, HB2598, HB3629, HB4361, HB824, HB1868, HB4848, HB40, HB117, HB3686, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB718, HB4904, HB4202, HB4765, HB4559, HB4350, HB4214, HB3388, HB3112, HB5196, HB3516, HB3092, HB4233, HB1094, HB2037, HB3005, HB3848, HB121, HB3336, HB5294, HB5646, HB4236, HB1052, HB5509, HB5435, HB3520, HB3320, HB2517, HB2488, HB5663, HB2731, HB3073, HB2655, HB2399, HB541, HB4099, HB111, HB1532, HB3483, HB2963, HB4580, HB3748, HB713, HB632, HB426, HB4730, HB127, HB5690, HB5689, HB5655, HB3385, HB2757, HB4359, HB5381, HB20, HB123, HB549, HB5606, HB2217, HB2594, HB796, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59, HCR76, HCR81, HCR46, HCR111, HCR83, HCR84, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB40, HB117, HB121, HB426, HB541, HB713, HB1052, HB1532, HB2217, HB2488, HB2517, HB2655, HB2757, HB2963, HB3073, HB3697, HB4099, HB4144, HB4158, HB4236, HB4285, HB4848, HB5435, HB5437, HB5509, HB5646, HB5666, HB14, HB1240, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, SR559, SR587, SR614, SCR53, SJR59, SB10, SB22, SB25, SB34, SB36, SB38, SB261, SB777, SB924, SB1188, SB1318, SB1333, SB1398, SB1448, SB1621, SB1862, SB2405, SB2406, SB8, SB12, SB37, SB441, SB1566, SB2878, HB300, HB2011, HB5246, HB101, HB119, HB227, HB252, HB346, HB654, HB718, HB721, HB824, HB1306, HB1629, HB1868, HB1960, HB1973, HB2012, HB2035, HB2037, HB2213, HB2348, HB2520, HB2598, HB2686, HB2694, HB2820, HB3005, HB3092, HB3112, HB3185, HB3333, HB3388, HB3516, HB3546, HB3619, HB3623, HB3629, HB3642, HB3686, HB3815, HB3848, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4170, HB4202, HB4214, HB4350, HB4361, HB4463, HB4464, HB4466, HB4559, HB4630, HB4765, HB4894, HB4904, HB4995, HB5196, HB5320, HB5624, HB5650, HB5651, HB5652, HB5654, HB5655, HB5656, HB5658, HB5661, HB5662, HB5664, HB5665, HB5670, HB5672, HB5674, HB5677, HB5679, HB5682, HB5695, HB5698, HCR46, HCR76, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HB1094, HB3171, HB3793, HB4233, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• vehicles. elevated efforts to address flooding in elevated efforts to address flooding in the<00:18:
• That's 1 foot over 147 acres. is to fund a flood hazard mitigation is to fund a flood hazard mitigation
• This creates flood water situation.
• <00:20:23.919> locations connectivity of the flooding locations connectivity of the flooding
• The ask that you please support House File 204, fund the I-35W corridor flood mitigation project

Bills: HF333, HF2712, HF1064, HF1069, HF1113, HF2207, HF204, HF2867, HF2924, HF746, HF1530, HF2587, HF1078

Keywords: HF333, Duluth, Lot D, redevelopment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds, public infrastructure, seawall repair, utility connections, demolition, debris removal, transportation improvements, site preparation, soil correction, economic development, DEED, capital appropriation, general obligation bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• Implement strategies to mitigate Implement strategies to mitigate potential<00:05:24.520> negative
• The only work that we are doing on climate mitigation, not adaptation, but climate mitigation, is, uh
• The only work that we are doing on climate mitigation, not adaptation, but climate mitigation, is, uh
• The only work that we are doing on climate mitigation, not adaptation, but climate mitigation, is, uh
• due to flooding um coastal flooding<05:05:05.958> impact<05:05:06.440> to<05:05:07.160

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• flows and tsunamis floods lava flows and wildfires<00:22:22.480> um<00:22:23.480> we<00
• <00:22:38.000> them and we appreciate you mitigating them and we appreciate you mitigating
• Okay, we just filed a huge application to do a lot more work to mitigate wildfire safety.
• Okay, we just filed a huge application to do a lot more work to mitigate wildfire safety.
• They could request it with their wildfire mitigation plan. Thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended. A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 86th Legislature established the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund to help communities plan, design
• , and build flood control and mitigation projects.
• Multipurpose projects that provide both flood control and water supply benefits, despite the benefit
• What Senate Bill 1967 does is ensure the multipurpose flood mitigation projects which address flooding
• supply are eligible for funding under the flood infrastructure fund.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, received a House message that H.B. 422 had passed the House, and heard gubernatorial nominations for the Council on Sex Offender Treatment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups and adopted a resolution designating June 20, 2025, as Texas Nuclear Legislative Day. Members then considered and passed several bills and resolutions, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. SB 311 passed to final passage on the Texas Supreme Court’s writ power. SB 883, on off-label prescription access for COVID-19 treatment, passed to engrossment. SB 1706, creating an Open Meetings Act exception for certain defense, military, and aerospace deliberations, passed despite concerns from Sen. Eckhardt that the bill’s use of “deliberate” could weaken open-government protections. CS SB 1677, directing a study on diabetes-related amputations, passed with support from Sen. Menendez. SB 1967 expanded flood infrastructure fund eligibility to certain multipurpose projects, and SB 1255, a cleanup bill on mold assessor and remediator regulation, passed unanimously. The Senate also approved CS SJR 40 and CS SB 871, which would change emergency and disaster law to require legislative involvement after prolonged or widespread emergencies and to limit gubernatorial suspension powers, with Sen. Eckhardt questioning whether the bill could slow urgent business closures during a disaster. Additional measures passed included SB 1426 transferring management of the First Capital State Historic Site to the Texas Historical Commission, SB 249 requiring TxDOT to fund memorial markers for fallen peace officers, SB 1592 centralizing collection of hotel occupancy taxes from accommodation intermediaries, SB 1271 allowing concurrent jurisdiction on military installations for certain juvenile matters, SB 745 creating a higher penalty for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, SB 365 shortening the academic fresh start waiting period at public colleges, and SB 1171 adjusting compensation and standards for certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department inspector general employees. CS SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, passed after questions about its relationship to federal homeland security and its focus on border security and critical infrastructure. The latter part of the session focused heavily on CS SB 38, a major eviction and squatter-related bill. Sen. Bettencourt described widespread squatter cases and argued the bill, with a Moody amendment, would clarify notice and eviction procedures while balancing property-owner and tenant rights. Sen. West said he supported addressing squatters but worried the broader eviction changes could harm vulnerable renters, especially single mothers, and said he would vote present not voting. The discussion continued with additional testimony from Sen. Kolkhorst about the need for a balanced eviction process.

Transcript Highlights:

• eligible, eligible to receive funding from the water fund to allow transfers to the water, uh, to the flood
• From the Texas Water Fund, um, as we know, the first state flood plan was issued not too long ago and
• it outlined $54.5 billion in flood infrastructure needs.
• So the first is the addition of the flood infrastructure fund to the statute.
• Obviously it's good to be funding projects that mitigate flooding, but under that program, nature-based

Bills: SB 7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally the state board works to ensure that to that the state flood control structures are in good
• , water planning, and wildlife habitat mitigation.
• Major program administered by the agency is the flood control dam program, which is separated into two
• Texas relies on the 2038 flood control dams to protect lives and property. scattered across the state
• cases kind of just look like... like terrain features now, but nonetheless are managing water and flood

Bills: HB294, HB405, HB519, HB294

Keywords: food production, property owners' association, home gardening, cottage food, urban agriculture, livestock, community standards, renewable energy, ethanol, biodiesel, incentives, agriculture, grants, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties

Transcript Highlights:

• The source of flooding lies beyond our city limits.
• This bill proposes a $20 million investment toward flood mitigation at the source of the problem, which
• In March 2020, on March 23, we had our last flood incident.
• In March 2020, March 23, we had our last flood incident.
• For those of you that don't know, when the floods were happening, we were under drought and flood protocols

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several natural resources and water-related bills. SB 224 by Senator Hurtado would require the Department of Water Resources to implement audit recommendations, improve climate-informed water supply forecasting, and provide annual updates to the Legislature; supporters emphasized the need for better transparency and more accurate water planning, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 556, also by Senator Hurtado, would fund floodplain restoration in the Tulare Basin to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat and other community benefits; local officials and conservation groups supported it, some initial concerns about Proposition 4 were resolved, and the bill passed as amended. SB 630 by Senator Allen would streamline State Parks and other state real property acquisitions by raising review thresholds and reducing duplicative approvals; conservation groups and park advocates supported the measure, while some members raised oversight and fiscal concerns, and it passed as amended. SB 718 by Senator Allen would reduce hunting and fishing license costs for low-income Californians, framed as helping subsistence users and disabled veterans and seniors, and it passed as amended. The committee also approved SB 427 by Senator Blakespear, which extends the sunset of the Habitat Conservation Fund from 2030 to 2035. Supporters said the fund has protected more than 1.2 million acres, leverages other funding, and supports habitat, recreation, and climate resilience; members highlighted its importance for areas like the Salton Sea and the need to protect the funding stream from future sweeps. SB 586 by Senator Jones, an e-moto off-highway vehicle bill, was taken up with little discussion and passed as amended. SB 639 by Senator Ashby would extend the deadline for Sacramento-area flood protection projects in the Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas from 2025 to 2030 to allow completion of remaining work and avoid delays to infill housing; city, county, and flood agency representatives supported it, and it passed as amended. Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly emphasized water reliability, flood protection, conservation funding, and reducing bureaucratic delays. Several bills drew broad support from local governments, water agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations, and multiple members requested to be added as coauthors. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, generally with amendments and with some items left open for add-on votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's mechanically treated over 10,000 acres for big game habitat and wildfire mitigation.
• Um, fire mitigation of juniper on 1,371 acres in Harding County and San Miguel County.
• So it happens because you had a flood or a fire, and the feds come in and say, OK, we need to bring money
• problem that we're having in the North, and, and not a lot of you know this, but, um, we had a huge flood
• , but it was about 15,000 acres, and then one night, 8 inches of rain fell in an hour and it just flooded