Transcript Highlights:

• To mitigate these issues, the KSFB police were formed in 2019.
• National Guard has responded to eight federal disaster declarations since 2020, including COVID, floods
• /c><00:10:46.960> the during the COVID and 100% for the during the COVID and 100% for the flooding
• all<00:10:48.040> the<00:10:48.160> expenditures<00:10:48.720> that flooding
• for all the expenditures that flooding for all the expenditures that we<00:10:49.440> applied

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum and took up three bills. House Bill 297, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would make Kentucky State Fair Board police explicitly eligible for inclusion in the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund and related certification provisions. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to correct a technical gap, noting the officers are already POPS-certified and that Louisville Metro Police Department would provide annual training. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. House Bill 364, sponsored by Rep. Steve Bratcher, would provide hazardous duty pay for Kentucky National Guard members called to state active duty for natural disasters or emergencies, limited to the first 72 hours of a declaration. Supporters described the risks faced during the initial response period and said the measure recognizes the time and family sacrifices of part-time Guard members. In response to a question, the sponsor said the fiscal note was undetermined because disaster frequency cannot be predicted, but noted federal reimbursement has covered Guard emergency expenditures in past events. The committee passed the bill favorably. House Bill 436, sponsored by Rep. Wesley, addressed mental health for first responders and was described as a request from search and rescue personnel. The sponsor said the measure had passed the House unanimously in a prior session. Guests from the Kentucky Fire Commission and Kentucky Professional Firefighters were introduced, and the committee reported the bill favorably without opposition. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional presence and votes, the chair announced Military Kids Day on February 19, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• To continue efforts to mitigate damages from pests, disease, and natural disasters.
• Everglades restoration, prioritize clean water, conserve natural resources and habitat, and invest in flood
• Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection continues to invest in improvements to coastal and inland flooding
• Look, the environmental challenges in our state are growing, from rising seas to inland and coastal flooding

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to hear member-led presentations on agency budget requests after prior meetings with the agencies. Representative Barnaby summarized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ fiscal year 2025-26 request, highlighting major funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Florida Forest Service wildfire and land management needs, citrus disease and research efforts, a new Conner Complex facility and lab, agricultural water and BMP projects, agricultural law enforcement staffing and equipment, maintenance and vehicle needs, and federal grant-related spending. No vote was taken on the department’s request during the meeting. Representative Bartleman presented the Department of Environmental Protection request and said the subcommittee supported it fully. The request emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality grants, springs, harmful algal bloom and red tide response, alternate water supplies, resilience and flood prevention, beach and coral reef restoration, land acquisition and state parks, and cleanup of petroleum, dry cleaning, and hazardous waste sites. Representative Alvarez asked DEP to provide a list of the most contaminated lakes, along with estimated costs, so the committee could prioritize cleanup efforts. Representative Black summarized the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission request, which included additional law enforcement funding in high-demand areas, oyster and reef restoration, habitat restoration, heavy equipment for land management and prescribed burning, a water survival training center, and red snapper data research. Representative Salzman then presented the Department of Citrus request, describing a lean agency budget focused on operations, PALM readiness, marketing and consumer awareness, greening-resistant plant material, and building repairs; the workgroup recommended fully funding the request. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair and staff for the more member-driven budget process, and the subcommittee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, cottonwoods live and die based on flooding.
• And so as we and die based on flooding.
• <00:21:22.000> and<00:21:22.240> out<00:21:22.400> of don't have the flooding
• and out of don't have the flooding and out of bankank<00:21:22.960> events,<00:21:24.000>
• <00:45:44.480> for<00:45:44.720> cheap about doing fire mitigation for cheap about

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We passed out House Bill 1 and the other disaster and flood camp-related bills.
• I also have to sit on the select committee that has evaluated the flood disaster.
• I would imagine there could be a flood after two days in the two-day camp and kids die.
• God knows about that flood. He wasn't off doing something else. God sent that flood.
• Chandler, take the chance of flooding, and you do something about flooding.

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code

Bills: HCR66, HB387, HB617, HB797, HB950, HB975, HB1186, HB1222, HB1223, HB1228, HB1256

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.

Bills: HR9, HB709, HB1011, HB1057, HB1186, HB1245, HB1247, SB49, SB425, SB479

Keywords: human rights, individual liberties, Magna Carta, constitutionalism, free speech, Uniform Construction Code, building code, construction code, inspector licensing, building inspectors, plans examiners, public inspector, private inspector, private inspector company, building official, code enforcement, Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, state fire marshal, International Building Code, International Residential Code

Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4

Keywords: school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments, through-year assessment, diagnostic reports, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plans

Summary: The Senate briefly convened and received a message from the House stating that the House was taking a vote. No bills, motions, or substantive policy matters were discussed in the exchange. Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate then adjourned until 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, on July 4th, the devastating floods swept through our communities, leaving loss, grief,
• Systems and other preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas, to strengthen emergency
• communications and other response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that there are people who have died all throughout this state in a horrible flood, and that’s
• The flood relief, the disaster preparedness, the things that impacted Senator Flores' district so much

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and then also other mitigation Um and then also other mitigation resiliency<00:54:28.480>
• <00:56:02.600> of National Flood Insurance Program of National Flood Insurance Program of
• They're replacing culverts along the coast that are now getting flooded in the high tide flooding.
• <00:57:45.000> Um flooded in the high tide flooding.
• Um flooded in the high tide flooding.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because again, some of our records in Las Vegas have been damaged by floods, fires, and stuff like that
• Being able to have an emergency shelter for those people because of the flooding and the Calf Canyon
• think that our participation in, and this is something that's a little controversial, our work to mitigate
• My goal is to get a Superfund within the federal government to help mitigate and clean that up before
• people that can do the work, we're now dealing with the continuous further destruction from all the floods

Transcript Highlights:

• In nearly every single case, we've been flooding out homes and property.
• If we don't stay on top of it, we will flood folks. So yeah, that's the deal with it.
• oversized load struck the bridge, and another project just south of Roswell, where we had a large flood
• will entail is our drainage bureau actually working With a consultant as far as designing those mitigations
• Chair, Representative Borrego, the bridge has been alluded to; a consultant is doing our mitigation work

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as making sure the for flood as well as making sure the aqueducts<00:24:14.720> are<00
• Electric utilities are deemed ineligible for reimbursement for permanent work and mitigation efforts
• The current law prevents FEMA from reimbursing utilities for hazard mitigation as they make temporary
• as they make temporary mitigation as they make temporary disaster<04:58:13.760> repairs<04:58
• activities as part of Hazard mitigation activities as part of power<04:59:25.200> restoration

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, it enabled construction of the Amistad and Falcon Reservoirs. along the Rio Grande for flood
• Once complete the region would benefit from over 12,000 acre feet of new water supplies a year and flood
• mitigation from sister detention ponds that are being proposed.
• Instead of just front loading the cost of delivering the water 20 years out, we'll help mitigate some

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we have been hit recently with a flood, Madam Chair and Madam President, and we got our yearly
• Then the floods hit.
• To do things that they need to do before fires, after fires, to recover, to mitigate what is happening
• I don't know that if I'm mitigating it fully, but I just wanted to let you know that that is the role
• We've heard about flooding in Roswell and the fires in Ruidoso.

Transcript Highlights:

• just last weekend, we're housing over 17 rooms with first responders and displaced people from the floods
• just last weekend, we're housing over 17 rooms with first responders and displaced people from the floods
• was used to repair bunkers and mitigate was used to repair bunkers and mitigate many<00:21:21.120
• Yeah, in some respects, but again, when we have a natural disaster, a flood, and all these things, so
• Yeah, in some respects, but again, when we have a natural disaster, a flood, and all these things, so

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy and Environmental Protection met at 9:00 a.m., approved the June 3 minutes, and heard a presentation from the Department of Parks and the Finance Cabinet on Kentucky State Parks capital projects. Commissioner Mark Keelin and Scott Baker described the scope of the state parks system, the ongoing coordination with DECA/Finance Cabinet, and the status of projects funded through House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. They said 36 of 44 state parks have received renovations or upgrades, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, and outlined work on campgrounds, utilities, wastewater systems, broadband, building systems, safety upgrades, ADA improvements, pools, golf courses, marinas, and lodge accommodations. The presenters highlighted several completed or active projects, including campground upgrades at Carter Caves, Ken Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home; utility and grid-resilience work at parks such as Kentucky Dam Village and Kincaid Lake; wastewater projects at parks including E.P. Tom Sawyer, Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, and Blue Licks Battlefield; and building and hospitality renovations at parks such as Lake Barkley, Baron River, and Cumberland Falls. They also noted completed playground upgrades, lock system replacements, beach refurbishment, and golf course improvements, and said the parks system is managing additional internal projects beyond those discussed. The department emphasized that parks often serve as sheltering locations during disasters and that infrastructure replacement is a high priority. Scott Baker then explained DECA’s role in managing the Commonwealth’s capital construction program, saying it oversees about 1,300 active projects across 28 cabinets and agencies, including 149 parks projects. He described DECA’s team-based approach, with dedicated project managers and field staff assigned to parks, and said monthly status meetings and more frequent check-ins are used to keep projects moving. In response to committee questions, Keelin and Baker said projects are assigned to DECA based mainly on the need for architectural or engineering services, while smaller or less complex work can be handled in-house by parks staff or the P11 construction crew. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Salt cedar contributes to channel narrowing and increased flood frequency in a similar way that Cane
• Authority redirect large nuisance bird populations from the Riverwalk sidewalk, which has helped mitigate
• Are just a group of tools in a larger toolbox of pest control opportunities for bird mitigation.
• Without volume and adequate risk mitigation tools, gins, warehouses, and other related businesses are
• Unpredictable weather, we went from being in a drought to everything being flooded right now.

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479, HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Full-time or seasonal, in order to be prepared for hazard mitigation in the event of natural disasters
• Take, for example, a few weeks ago when there was some flooding—some flash flooding in Española.
• It wasn't probably more than 15 or 20 minutes from the start of the flooding before the fire department
• And any other mitigation work that they need.
• With climate change, these extreme fires and floods are not going to stop.

Transcript Highlights:

• U.S. population, and their waste is stored in open-air lagoons that can overflow during storms and flood
• ... ...and their waste is stored in open-air lagoons that can overflow during storms and flood local
• remarks today will be framed by two distinct but overlapping themes: how alternative proteins might mitigate
• Alternative proteins have the potential to mitigate these threats.
• The efficacy of this mitigation depends on the pace and extent of alternative protein development and

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• million for the natural disaster revolving loan fund to help our communities recover from fires and floods
• the interim: really monitoring this and coming up with strategies to prioritize and find ways to mitigate
• Chairman, that includes the fare as well as mitigation activities. $10 million.
• Yes, these are part of the department's new Medicaid waiver, and a mitigation strategy is to not build
• Those are the guys that go out during the floods and the fires, and they're the first ones there.