Transcript Highlights:

• TDEM coordinates the efforts of other state agencies to, in emergency planning and disaster response
• In the 2425 biennium, TDEM received $2.7 billion in response to disasters and emergencies from different
• You can see that amount broken up into COVID-19 response, ongoing hurricane response, and other disaster
• From north to south and from east to west, TES provides training, technical assistance and disaster response
• The emergency response landscape is constantly evolving, and Disaster City must also evolve to prepare

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE ARE SPECIFICALLY THE WHITE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS THAT PROVIDE FOR THE RAPID RESPONSE TO THE DISASTER
• WE DID NOT HAVE THEM TYPED AS PART OF OUR NORMAL RESPONSE TEAMS.
• RESPONSES.
• RESPONSE, INTERNATIONALLY, NATIONALLY, STATEWIDE.
• THAT DOWNTIME IS A REAL KILLER DURING EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

Transcript Highlights:

• to emergencies and national disasters.
• I'm going to move from the State Emergency Response Team now to talk about a lot of disasters.
• We've got a lot of open disasters. ...team now to talk about a lot of disasters.
• In recovery, our State Emergency Response Team is, as I said, handling a lot of disasters.
• For the second disaster in a row now, we created a volunteer village in Sarasota County. ...disaster

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ARE A HUGE PLAYER IN OUR DISASTER RECOVERY RESPONSE.
• OUR MANTRA, WHAT WE EMBRACE IS THAT FUNDING AND DISASTER RESPONSE IS FEDERALLY FUNDED, STAGE-MANAGED
• GUTHRIE WERE HERE BECAUSE FLORIDA PRIDES ITSELF IN LEADING THE NATION ON DISASTER RESPONSE RECOVERY,
• THE FOUR PILLARS, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE RECOVERY AND MITIGATION.
• RESPONSE NEEDED, RECOVERY LOOKS AT FROM WHEREVER RESPONSE ENDS TO THAT 3 TO 5 YEAR WINDOW, WE'RE TALKING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when the emergency response programs were activated, was a part of the state's response to help local
• WERE WATCHING THE DISASTER AS IT UNFOLDED, BECAUSE THEY'RE ALREADY HELICOPTERS FLYING OVER DISASTER SITES
• This is really a federal responsibility.
• The response from almost the first instant was amazing.
• THE RESPONSE FROM ALMOST THE FIRST INSTANT WAS AMAZING.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE INCLUDED SOME OF WHAT YOU SEE INCLUDING HUMAN SERVICES WITH HOT MEALS, COLD MEALS
• SO IT WAS WIND DRIVEN. 200 VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE AND DISASTER RESPONDED.
• ALL OF THIS CULMINATES THIS ACCUMULATES IN DISASTER READINESS PREPAREDNESS.
• >> YES, THAT IS PROBABLY OUR MOST COMPLICATED PROBLEM IN A DISASTER.
• WE WILL VISIT ALL 47 OF OUR ELIGIBLE COUNTIES WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• response emergency operations account.
• Response Emergency Operations Account funding mechanism.
• So, this is a small package in the context of our larger disaster response that's already in law.
• kinds of disasters.
• We need to monitor and regulate rental markets post-disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will empower the Attorney General to bring fossil fuel companies responsible for climate disasters
• We support a responsible transition to a renewable energy future.
• SB 982 is not legally defensible or economically responsible.
• Is "connected to a climate disaster" defined here?
• Is "connected to a climate disaster" defined here? No.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 24-25 biennium, TDEM received $2.7 billion in response to disasters.
• You can see that amount broken up into COVID-19 response, ongoing hurricane response, and other disaster
• Okay, so when we give you these numbers, the state is responsible for the total cost of the disaster
• Our collaboration with TDEM is crucial to ensure there's a comprehensive response to disasters.
• We have set up a network that allows us to mobilize quickly in response to disasters.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• us to be regionally responsive.
• Secondly, an overview of disaster programs, then the status of the disaster recovery, and finally, I'll
• Those are the major disasters.
• It was the federal government's responsibility for this disaster.
• In terms of partnerships on disaster recovery, these partnerships build on those disaster programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will empower the Attorney General to bring fossil fuel companies responsible for climate disasters
• We support a responsible transition to a renewable energy future.
• But we aren't here today to talk about a responsible energy policy.
• SB 982 is not legally defensible or economically responsible.
• Is 'connected to a climate disaster' defined here? No.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the Department of Insurance stronger enforcement tools when insurers fail to implement corrective actions identified in market conduct or financial examinations. Supporters said the bill would close gaps that allow repeated violations, improve solvency oversight, and protect policyholders; opponents argued CDI already has broad authority and raised concerns about duplicative penalties, due process, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed amendments to limit the bill to legal violations rather than recommendations, apply penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarify accounting language. The committee voted to send SB 1209 to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call after a roll vote that included one no vote from Senator Niello. The committee also considered SB 1301, which would require more detailed non-renewal notices for residential property insurance, give policyholders time and information to address correctable issues, and restrict certain non-renewal reasons such as claims below deductible or not covered by the policy. Support came from homeowners, fire survivors, and consumer groups who said notices are often vague and leave families unable to keep coverage; insurers opposed the bill, warning that California’s notice period is already among the longest in the country and that the bill could worsen availability and add burdensome reporting requirements. The author said he was willing to reduce the notice period from 180 days to about three months and work on a mitigation-based process. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the item placed on call. SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez would tighten regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing the Department of Insurance to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, adding conduct restrictions, and requiring continuous liability coverage and proper appointment notices. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the bill addresses serious misconduct and loopholes that have led to unsafe conduct and weak oversight. Bail industry representatives and crime victims’ advocates opposed the measure, arguing that the required insurance coverage is unavailable or unlawful as written, that the bill would be hard to comply with, and that it could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. The committee moved SB 1026 to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would authorize the Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies to recover costs tied to climate disasters and insurance losses, with supporters framing it as a way to shift some climate-related costs away from policyholders and taxpayers. The author said amendments would remove retroactivity and delay liability until 2032, while supporters from flood and wildfire survivor groups and climate organizations said the bill would help fund recovery and stabilize insurance costs. Opponents from industry and building trades argued the bill was legally vulnerable, would create a de facto tax or liability scheme, and could harm jobs, energy production, and affordability. Testimony on SB 982 was extensive, but the transcript ends before any committee vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• disasters across the state.
• are using in response to natural are using in response to natural disasters<00:03:56.319> across
• <00:04:19.040> What one of these natural disasters. What one of these natural disasters.
• Uh, you all have been very<00:08:35.680> responsible, very responsible, very responsible, uh,<
• their fiscal responsibilities. their fiscal responsibilities.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its second meeting of the 2026 session and considered two bills. After opening formalities, roll call, prayer, and the pledge, the committee heard Senate Bill 84, which would provide five additional emergency response trailers for county coroners, one for each of the state’s 10 districts. The sponsor and coroners testified that the trailers would improve response times and equipment availability during natural disasters and mass fatality incidents, citing recent floods, tornadoes, snow and ice events, and the need for standby power and other equipment. Members praised the coroners’ work, discussed funding concerns, and noted the bill’s relatively small cost and one-time funding structure tied to FEMA reimbursement for replacement equipment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 102, which would adjust the Kentucky State Police Trooper R program by resetting the five-year eligibility window from a trooper’s last day of service rather than the original retirement date. The sponsor and supporters said the change would help retain experienced retired troopers to fill staffing gaps without creating new retirement obligations or lowering standards. Members asked about ongoing certification and retirement-system impacts; testimony indicated Trooper R officers must maintain required law-enforcement certification, but no additional retirement contributions are made for them. Some members raised concerns about pension-system effects and compared the issue to shortages in other law-enforcement fields, while others strongly supported the bill as a practical staffing tool. Both bills received favorable committee action. Senate Bill 84 was approved by roll call and passed with favorable expression, and Senate Bill 102 likewise passed with favorable expression after a roll-call vote, with members generally expressing support for the underlying public-safety goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• And disaster recovery.
• Disaster response, recovery, and hazard mitigation are new additions to the funding source that were
• Those two areas, the planning applications and disaster response recovery, are kind of just...
• I think my response to that same question is, you know, disaster response recovery and hazard mitigation
• Madam Chair, Senator Thornton, also, if I may, for the more acute problems of disaster response, the

Transcript Highlights:

• . disasters. disasters.
• . disasters. disasters.
• response. Next slide, please. response. Next slide, please.
• and after response.
• , and as we're doing the we do a response, and as we're doing the response, response, response, our<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process. Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 904 builds upon the broad and coordinated agency response efforts demonstrated in the L.A.
• state of emergency wildfire disasters.
• Disaster sites are very dangerous.
• SB 883 is a common-sense bill in response to the GKN Aerospace manufacturing incident.
• SB 883 is a common-sense bill in response to the GKN Aerospace manufacturing incident.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m Senior Policy Counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending.
• Nobody wins from a foreclosure on a disaster-damaged, uninhabitable house.
• lot during that disaster in my neck of the woods.
• Those are still obligations that folks in the disaster zone still need to pay.
• I do appreciate the responses to some of the questions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 904 builds upon the broad and coordinated agency response efforts demonstrated in the L.A.
• state of emergency wildfire disasters.
• Protecting consumers following wildfire, any declared disaster, is a top priority for CSLB.
• SB 883 is a common-sense bill in response to the GKN Aerospace manufacturing incident.
• SB 883 is a common-sense bill in response to the GKN Aerospace manufacturing incident.

Summary: The Assembly Emergency Management Committee met late in the evening and first approved a consent calendar containing SB 837, SB 894, SB 973, and SB 1079, sending those bills to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 904, which would codify coordinated state response and permitting review efforts for wildfire recovery, and SB 1263, which would limit post-disaster debris removal work to properly licensed contractors with required hazardous-materials training. Both bills drew support from the authors and industry/public-safety witnesses, with SB 1263 also drawing an opposed-unless-amended position from contractors who said they were working toward agreement on final language. Both measures passed to Appropriations on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee next heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, which would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for interstate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific safety standards. The author and supporters from building trades and pipe trades argued the bill would provide clear safety rules before hydrogen infrastructure expands, while one industry witness said the correct agency had been identified but that some concerns remained. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations, with Assemblymember DeMaio voting no. Finally, the committee considered SB 883, which would impose additional oversight on facilities storing methyl methacrylate and other reactive chemicals after a recent Orange County evacuation tied to a potential explosion risk. Supporters, including community, environmental, and public-health groups, said the bill would improve transparency, emergency planning, and safety protections near homes and schools. Chemical and manufacturing groups opposed the bill in its current form, citing undefined terms, concerns about mandated cooling systems, and possible conflicts with existing regulatory frameworks, but said they were willing to continue working on the measure. The bill passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials on a 4-2 vote, with Assemblymembers Hadwick and DeMaio voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• to emergencies and national disasters.
• I'm going to move from the State Emergency Response Team now to talk about a lot of disasters.
• We've got a lot of open disasters.
• Our State Emergency Response Team is, as I said, handling a lot of disasters.
• It's the homeowner's responsibility to do that.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s outreach, benefits assistance, and state veterans nursing homes. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the decline in World War II and Vietnam-era veterans, and the increase in post-9/11 veterans moving to the state. Hartzell discussed the state veterans nursing home system, including a new Collier County facility that will include skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day health care, and outpatient therapy, and he said the department is also studying future adult day health care expansion and possible additional homes in underserved areas. He also reported on the dental program funded by the Legislature, saying 245 veterans were served in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with 1,631 procedures completed and more than $525,000 in savings, and he credited the added state veterans service officer positions with helping connect more veterans to benefits. Hartzell also noted a 13% year-over-year reduction in homeless veterans, emphasized mental health outreach through SaveFLVets.org and the Overwatch program, and announced a new deputy executive director, retired Colonel D.J. Reyes. Members asked about the need for additional veterans homes in South Florida, the criteria used to site new homes, the homeless veteran reduction, and whether adult day health care could be added at existing facilities. Hartzell explained that federal criteria focus on the availability of private skilled nursing beds for veterans 65 and older, and that adult day health care is state-funded and being studied for broader deployment. He also said the department tracks where homeless veterans are concentrated and works with local partners and organizations like Tunnels to Towers to provide housing and services that reduce recidivism. The committee also discussed Florida’s national reputation for veteran support, including Veterans Month and the state’s culture of veteran awareness. The committee then received a presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and technology systems. Guthrie described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale, and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, which is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026 and will significantly expand capacity and hardening. He reviewed recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Nicole, and others, including sheltering, travel trailers, debris removal, and FEMA reimbursement totals. Guthrie said Florida removed more than 31.6 million cubic yards of debris from Helene and Milton in 90 days on a 24/7 basis, and he described Elevate Florida, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC), the DEMES platform, and WebEOC as tools to streamline recovery, mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination. Members asked about flood-response resources for cities, the state’s use of pumps and mutual aid, and lessons learned from inland flooding after Milton. Guthrie said local governments should first use county and city mutual aid, then request state assistance when needed, and he encouraged more partnerships for staging and maintaining flood equipment. He also said future flood mitigation must address outdated development patterns, watershed flow, and the need for better drainage planning, while continuing temporary fixes and homeowner assistance programs. The committee ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was, 'No, that's right.'
• municipality in the face of a disaster municipality in the face of a disaster to<00:52:02.799>
• circumstances of such natural disasters circumstances of such natural disasters and<01:20:19.159
• We talked about that in disaster.
• We talked about that in disaster.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• KHS is Kentucky's only organization serving as a hub for animal disaster response.
• dedicated space to respond to disasters dedicated space to respond to disasters and<00:10:48.399
• response team or just providing advice. response team or just providing advice.
• So, that that is a natural disasters.
• Like you said, I'd like this to be an official disaster response program that we know and can count on

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Kentucky Humane Society 00:01:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Alyssa Gray, president and CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society, on the organization’s statewide animal welfare work and its request for a $5 million matching contribution from the General Assembly for a new Kentucky Animal and Community Campus in Louisville. Gray said KHS, an independent nonprofit founded in 1884, serves cats, dogs, and horses, reaches 96 counties, provides shelter relief, spay-neuter services, low-cost veterinary care, and disaster response, and has supported communities during recent tornadoes and floods. She described the new campus as a hub for disaster housing, shelter transfers, veterinary training, and expanded services to reduce overpopulation and relieve pressure on county shelters and local governments. Members asked about the campus’s location, staffing, veterinary student involvement, and the scope of KHS’s services. Gray said the new site would be next to KHS’s current spay-neuter clinic on Preston Highway, that the facility would include shelter medicine, high-volume spay-neuter, and a low-cost clinic, and that it could host veterinary students and interns for hands-on training. She also explained that KHS works with county officials and shelters to move animals during crises or cruelty cases, can connect counties with partner organizations when KHS is full, and provides mobile clinic services and occasional grant support for rural shelters. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed how KHS could fit into disaster recovery planning. One member suggested the organization could be folded into long-term recovery efforts because of its role in post-disaster animal care. The presenter said KHS wants to be a formal disaster response resource and already works with the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and other partners. No vote on the funding request was taken during the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the committee noted it still lacked a quorum, so approval of the minutes was postponed to the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for October 15. The meeting then adjourned.