Video & Transcript Research : 'rebuilder'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 18, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Almost everyone who is lifting their home to rebuild has to increase their footprint.
- Almost everyone who is lifting their home to rebuild has to increase their footprint.
- And so my question is: if someone is rebuilding a home, and...
- And so my question is: if someone is rebuilding a home, and it was a two-bedroom home, and they expand
- Initially, I felt very strongly that folks that are just trying to rebuild their home shouldn't have
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard and acted on several bills related to wetlands, emergency management, fishing licenses, disaster recovery, the Florida Keys, brownfields, wastewater treatment, and spring protection. HB 1175 on mitigation banking drew the most discussion, with supporters saying it would create more predictable release of mitigation credits and help address shortages, while opponents warned it could weaken watershed-based wetland protection and allow credits to be used farther from the impact site. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment making the changes prospective after July 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 12-3 vote.
The committee also considered HB 1535, a broad emergency management strike-all that would expand local storm-preparedness information, debris removal coordination, shelter planning, permitting procedures after storms, limits on post-storm fee increases and moratoria, and changes to election procedures after disasters. Members raised questions about FEMA coordination, shelter standards, impact fees, and the 100-mile post-storm land-use restrictions. After adopting the strike-all, the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute on a 17-0 vote. HB 673, which would extend the same fishing-license convenience to freshwater guides that saltwater captains already have, and HB 705, which extends a public-records exemption for disaster recovery assistance applicants, were both reported favorably without amendment.
Later, the committee approved HB 995 for the Florida Keys, which combines affordable-housing incentives, a Habitat for Humanity bond exemption, an extension of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and a modest increase in hurricane evacuation time to allow additional residential permits; it was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. HB 733 on brownfields received a technical strike-all and was also reported favorably. HB 645 creating a general permit for distributed wastewater treatment systems passed unanimously, and HB 691 on a reclaimed-water project tied to Outstanding Florida Springs passed 16-1 after concerns were raised about cost, water quality, and whether the bill could broaden the intent of existing spring-protection law. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jul 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- At United Policyholders, we work with families every day who are trying to rebuild after disasters, and
- We work with families every day who are trying to rebuild after disasters, and we know the struggles
- wildfire and other disasters, United Policyholders works closely with survivors who are trying to rebuild
- Rebuilding after a total loss is overwhelming.
- Rebuilding after a total loss is overwhelming.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met to hear several bills related to insurance coverage, wildfire risk, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. SB 8 by Senator Ashby would extend workers’ compensation and disability protections to Sacramento County park rangers, with testimony emphasizing that they perform law-enforcement-like duties and should receive the same protections as comparable officers. SB 429 by Senator Cortese would create a public wildfire catastrophe model and related wildfire safety program, with support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates who said public access to modeling data would improve transparency and help evaluate private insurance risk models.
The committee also heard SB 525 by Senator Jones, which would require the FAIR Plan to offer coverage options for manufactured and mobile home owners, including replacement cost coverage. Supporters said the bill would help lower-income residents obtain meaningful insurance protection, while no opposition testified. SB 495 by Senator Allen, as amended, would require insurers to provide a larger contents-coverage advance after a total loss during a declared emergency without requiring an immediate itemized inventory, extend proof-of-loss deadlines, and require insurers to provide catastrophe modeling and reinsurance data to the Department of Insurance. Several insurers withdrew opposition after amendments, and the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the measure.
SB 590 by Senator Durazo would expand paid family leave to cover care for designated persons or chosen family members, with strong support from AARP, labor, civil rights, caregiving, and health organizations, and testimony from a parent describing the need to care for a non-legal family member during surgery recovery. The committee also took up consent items SB 230 and SB 854. After roll calls, SB 8, SB 429, SB 495, SB 525, and SB 590 all received do-pass votes, with SB 429 sent to the Committee on Emergency Management, SB 495 to Judiciary, and SB 525 and SB 590 to Appropriations. The consent calendar bills were also approved, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
The Senate's Historic Co-Presiding Officers / Minnesota's Housing Needs / Students at the Capitol Jan 26th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this new arrangement in the Senate, that we're going to get some of that back and we're going to rebuild
- some of the trust that was lost last year, rebuild some of those bridges that were torn down.
- >
some <00:12:43.320>of was lost last year uh rebuild some of was lost last year uh rebuild - <00:13:56.880>
that responsibility to help rebuild that responsibility to help rebuild that - A lot of trust was lost, and it's important that we try to rebuild that trust. only the Senate and and
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- They rebuild a couple years later, it happens again, they rebuild.
- A couple years later, it happens again, they rebuild, and now we have certain neighborhoods where the
- FEMA only does a minimal amount for rebuilding.
- A says 50% if you're rebuilding in the same floodplain, but 100% if you build higher.
- A says 50% if you're rebuilding in the same floodplain, but 100% if you build higher.
Keywords:
HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired
Summary:
The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending.
The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms.
The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- up to 110 percent or more would not affect their property tax base. ...suggesting that rebuilding up
- owners and prevent the unintended consequences of reassessment for those who are simply trying to rebuild
- Among this chaos, local and state agencies understandably moved quickly to allow families to rebuild
- issuing emergency permits to reconstruct up to 110 percent of the original structure size. ...to rebuild
- So even if homeowners are just rebuilding their home as directed by local officials, they may face a
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with members explaining that measures with significant fiscal impacts would be held for suspense or taken up later. AB 761 would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than needing approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would preserve transit funding for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while an opponent argued it would make it easier to raise a regressive tax. The bill was voted out 5-2 after being called for absent members. AB 1253, which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction beyond substantial equivalence, drew support from the Los Angeles County Assessor and the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8, dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration of hemp cannabinoids into the cannabis supply chain and tax system, drew strong support from cannabis operators and labor groups and opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates concerned about supply, tax revenue, and voter intent; it was also sent to suspense.
The committee then heard AB 1138, a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program. Supporters, including entertainment unions, workers, studios, and local officials, said the bill would help keep production and jobs in California amid competition from other states and countries; opponents criticized it as picking winners and losers and argued broader business costs were the real problem. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 829, which would create a California Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program to support research and services, received unanimous support from advocates and was approved 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 would exempt rental income from nonprofit home-sharing programs for low-income homeowners from state income tax and protect participants’ eligibility for certain benefits; supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address housing shortages, and the bill was sent to suspense after members asked for clarification on the fiscal estimate.
The committee also heard AB 376, which would exempt wildfire settlement payments from state income tax for certain disaster survivors; supporters from rural counties said the money is meant to help victims rebuild and should not be taxed, and the bill was referred to suspense. Finally, AB 480 would allow developers using low-income housing tax credits to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after an award, with supporters saying it would maximize private investment and stretch housing dollars further; it too was sent to suspense. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance policy goals with fiscal impacts, and several bills were held or referred to suspense rather than voted out immediately.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are a lot of things that keep a family, a business, from rebuilding, most of them... ...that keep
- a family or a business from rebuilding.
- We have a number of representatives here who have communities that have not been able to rebuild, and
- it's been the failure of government in many cases that have kept them from rebuilding.
- But they're resilient; they're going to rebuild. So it's not lost. We have to get it right.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and handled a number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for adjournments in memory and guest introductions, rescinding prior action on SB 493, and re-referring several Senate bills to different committees. Members also recognized guests on the floor, including family members, interns, firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team, which was honored for its historic championship season.
The main floor action was on AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage and set clearer insurance claim practices. Supporters said the bill would help wildfire survivors return home safely and urged science-based standards and a rebuttable presumption that contamination after a wildfire was caused by the fire; opponents warned the bill could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed on a 54-6 vote, including the urgency clause.
Members also adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with remarks praising her role in advancing gender equality and equal rights. The resolution was adopted after 65 co-authors were added and then approved by voice vote. The consent calendar, including SJR 11, was adopted 71-0.
A large portion of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory, including tributes to Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel. The Assembly also honored departing Member James Gallagher, who gave extended farewell remarks before leaving for Congress. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are a lot of things that keep a family, a business, from rebuilding.
- Most of them... ...that keep a family, a business, from rebuilding.
- We have a number of representatives here who have communities that have not been able to rebuild, and
- it's been the failure of government in many cases that has kept them from rebuilding.
- But they're resilient; they're going to rebuild. So it's not lost. We have to get it right.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled several procedural motions, including re-referrals of a few Senate bills and permission for members to make special introductions and adjournment remarks. Members then offered a series of guest introductions recognizing family members, interns, first responders from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team for its historic championship season.
The chamber also held a lengthy tribute to Assembly Member James Gallagher as he prepared to depart for the U.S. House of Representatives. Colleagues praised his leadership, convictions, and relationships across the aisle, and Gallagher thanked his family, staff, and colleagues while reflecting on his service and the importance of minority voices, stewardship, and the legislative branch. The Assembly later adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, after supportive remarks highlighting her legacy on gender equality and equal rights.
On the floor file, AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, was debated at length. Supporters said it would create statewide standards for smoke-damage inspection, testing, remediation, and insurance claims handling after wildfires; opponents warned it could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed with 54 ayes and 6 noes on both the urgency and the measure. The Assembly also adopted the consent calendar and then spent the remainder of the session on adjournments in memory for Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel, honoring their community service and legacies before adjourning until June 11 at 9 a.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-GVO, WAM-WLA Informational Briefings 01-13-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're not going to rebuild all of it.
- We're only going to rebuild some of it. >> The rebuilding of the library in Lahaina.
- <00:21:20.840>
to <00:21:20.920>rebuild <00:21:21.240>some rebuild We're only - going to rebuild some rebuild We're only going to rebuild some of<00:21:21.600>
it. - rebuild the school. rebuild the school.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- They rebuild a couple of years later, it happens again, they rebuild, and now we have certain neighborhoods
- A says 50% if you're rebuilding in the same floodplain, but 100% if you're rebuilding in the same floodplain
- Smart, because they're going to have to rebuild.
- But instead of telling people, like, well, you can't rebuild; we're not going to give you anything if
- I want to point out that the value here is not only rebuilding but also the flood mitigation part.
Keywords:
HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's bills are proposed to make it easier, faster, and less expensive to rebuild in response to a
- And while AB 306 will provide relief to people rebuilding homes and apartment buildings as a result of
- Rebuilding homes and apartment buildings as a result of these devastating wildfires, it will also provide
- Now, when they're looking to rebuild, some of them didn't have insurance.
- People needed to rebuild their homes, right?
Summary:
The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government.
AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We all have a responsibility to rebuild and return with intention.
- We all have a responsibility to<00:01:41.680>
rebuild <00:01:42.000>and <00:01:42.240> <00:01:43.360>As to rebuild and return with intention. - As to rebuild and return with intention.
- As Lahina rebuilds, we relationships.
Keywords:
government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community.
Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important.
After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Jan 21, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ohana we found in each other the faith, the hope, and the strength we needed to keep going and to rebuild
- <00:17:15.720>
so needed to keep going and to rebuild so needed to keep going and to rebuild - But it requires these resources as Maui continues to rebuild.
- right now until we can fully rebuild right now until we can fully rebuild lahina<00:44:47.319>
- We've been united and we're determined to support our Maui ohana and help them rebuild.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- because using the term elevate is good, but it also includes if the house was destroyed and you're rebuilding
- structure, which is incredibly expensive, or they'll have to essentially knock the house down and rebuild
- Could you explain to me why you would want to limit a rebuild to 2,000 square feet if the original property
- Why would it not be in the public interest to rebuild 2,200 square feet? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- We're trying to encourage folks to elevate their current structure, and if they have to rebuild, to rebuild
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met and first considered CS for SB 1290, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency package. The bill would align Florida law with IFTA and federal motor carrier rules, raise the crash-reporting damage threshold from $500 to $2,000, define “economically disadvantaged area,” update registration and email-notice procedures, and revise the definition of tank vehicles. An amendment was adopted to allow nonprofits to perform VIN inspections under an MOU and to create a DV-embossed specialty plate option for eligible disabled veterans. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 1292, which exempts certain email addresses collected by DHSMV for notification purposes from public records disclosure.
The committee also considered two flood-resiliency measures by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley. SJR 174 would amend the Florida Constitution to allow the Legislature to exclude from assessed value improvements made to mitigate flood damage, with the proposed amendment to appear on the 2026 ballot. SB 176 provided the implementing details, including eligibility tied to flood-risk areas or prior flood damage, square-footage limits for rebuilt or elevated homesteads, and documentation requirements for property appraisers. Members asked about how rebuilding and square-footage caps would work, and the sponsor explained the intent was to encourage elevation and resiliency without allowing major expansion. A technical amendment was adopted to SB 176, and both measures were reported favorably.
After the bills, staff director Azar Khan gave a brief presentation on the latest General Revenue conference results, noting collections were running ahead of forecast and explaining the main forecast adjustments, including increases in sales tax and investment earnings and a reduction in corporate income tax projections. No questions were raised on the presentation. The committee then noted that additional bills were still moving through earlier committees, invited members to follow up with staff, and adjourned without any recorded votes beyond the committee actions on the bills and amendments.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is really just about bringing people home faster and letting them rebuild.
- Recovery is not just about rebuilding structures.
- Recovery is not just about rebuilding structures.
- This task force gives us our best shot at ensuring rebuilding efforts are streamlined, cost-effective
- We passed some legislation in '22 to allow for pre-approved plans on the rebuild there.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 249, which would require youth-specific coordinated entry assessments for homeless services. The author and supporters from Larkin Street Youth Services and the California Coalition for Youth argued that current vulnerability tools are adult-focused and can disadvantage young people; the bill was described as a developmentally appropriate fix to better connect youth to housing and prevention services. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0 to Human Services.
Members then heard AB 239 and AB 1206. AB 239 would create a state-led disaster housing task force, a state disaster housing coordinator, and regular legislative reporting to speed recovery after disasters; it passed 7-0 to Emergency Management. AB 1206 would let local agencies pre-approve plans for single-family and small multifamily homes of up to 10 units to reduce permitting delays and costs; the League of California Cities opposed it unless amended, citing local variation and staffing concerns, but the author and supporters said it would preserve local control and help speed housing production. The bill passed 9-0 to Local Government.
The committee also took up AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s home purchase assistance funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. Supporters framed it as reparative justice and a way to address longstanding racial disparities in homeownership, while Pacific Legal Foundation argued it likely violated constitutional limits on race-based government action and urged a race-neutral approach. After discussion about reparations criteria and the bill’s intent, it passed 6-0 to Judiciary. The consent calendar, including AB 480, AB 726, and AB 1154, was approved 8-0.
Later, AB 282 was heard to allow housing providers to prefer applicants who participate in rental assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, despite existing source-of-income discrimination law. Supporters said it would help voucher holders find units and improve affordable housing operations; no opposition testified, and the bill passed 6-1 to Judiciary. AB 1229 followed, restructuring the adult reentry grant program to focus on permanent housing for people leaving prison by moving administration to HCD and using regional administrators; supporters emphasized the link between housing stability and reduced recidivism, and the bill passed 7-0 to Public Safety. The committee then approved AB 670, which would let local governments count preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element goals and require better demolition reporting, and AB 750, which would strengthen oversight and reporting for homeless shelters after a prior reporting law saw very low compliance. AB 670 passed 8-0 to Local Government, and AB 750 was presented with testimony from a shelter resident describing abuse and lack of accountability in shelters.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine insurance markets and the role of mitigation policies. May 1st, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It's knowing that if the unthinkable happens, they'll have the support they need to rebuild their lives
- These tariffs will make just about everything needed to rebuild and repair houses more expensive.
- The Trump administration is breaking the federal government's commitment to help families rebuild after
- We need to apply the tools we know work to both new construction and rebuilds.
- Doesn't this also affect the rebuilding costs if a home were to be destroyed?
Keywords:
homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions
Summary:
The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and rebuild. and rebuild.
- We can never have another tragedy like the one they rebuild their homes permanently. they rebuild their
- <00:50:58.079>
And <00:50:58.319>just time to rebuild their lives. - And just time to rebuild their lives.
- We'll rebuild it in a way that honors place and history and community, like we always try to do.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- our contingency reserves the rebuild our contingency reserves the impacts<01:14:24.159>
were < - Health Trust is a process for rebuilding Health Trust is a process for rebuilding Capital<01:23:
- those reserves the relationship rebuild those reserves the relationship of<01:35:12.480>
a <01 - plan uh as was mentioned earlier rebuild plan uh as was mentioned earlier to<01:52:44.000>
get - charge solely uh for the capital rebuild charge solely uh for the capital rebuild so<01:53:01.560
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Helping families, non-profits, and local governments rebuild faster and more affordably.
- The aftermath of these disasters place immense pressure on affected communities to rebuild quickly and
- However, rebuilding efforts are often delayed due to high costs of construction and limited access to
- AB 783 will help reduce the financial barriers to rebuilding, helping families to return to their homes
- Supporting this bill is a critical step in strengthening California's ability to rebuild communities
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The current cost estimate to rebuild Altadena’s infrastructure is north of $2 billion.
- includes the like-for-like rebuild of what was lost or damaged.
- We are doing everything that you are doing in your lives, and in addition, we are rebuilding.
- That requires my... ...flourish, we must help residents rebuild their homes and return.
- are able to rebuild ADUs so that they can move into ADUs while they are waiting for the full rebuild
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The current cost estimate to rebuild Altadena's infrastructure is north of $2 billion.
- includes the like-for-like rebuild of what was lost or damaged.
- And in addition, we are rebuilding. We are remediating. We're fighting with insurance companies.
- That requires my... ...flourish, we must help residents rebuild their homes and return.
- are able to rebuild ADUs so that they can move into ADUs while they are waiting for the full rebuild
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration.
The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended.
SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold.
The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.