Video & Transcript : 'federally declared natural disaster' :
Page 40 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The first is in response to a natural disaster.
- So if there's been a natural disaster declaration statewide by the Governor, that qualifies, and the
- The federal policy changes.
- Sisney, around paying down the federal debt for the UI Fund.
- Sysney around paying down the federal debt for the UI Fund.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on proposals to reform California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or rainy day fund, ahead of the May Revision. Members and witnesses reviewed how Proposition 2 (2014) changed reserve rules, including mandatory deposits, a 10% cap on the fund, and limits tied to the Governor’s declaration of a budget emergency. LAO staff explained that California’s revenues are highly volatile, that current reserve rules are complicated by interactions with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit, and that under current law reserves would cover only about one-third of funding shortfalls in a benchmark scenario over 50 years.
The LAO presented its report recommending a larger reserve target, including raising the cap to 50% by 2055 and pairing that with either broader, more flexible deposit rules or a simpler approach that deposits all excess capital gains. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exempt BSA deposits from the state appropriations limit, while Assembly Member Valencia presented ACA 1, which would make similar changes and was described as an evolving proposal. Testimony generally supported saving more during boom years, but differed on how much to hardwire into the Constitution versus leave flexible, and on whether to broaden the deposit formulas beyond capital gains.
Public witnesses and committee members raised additional issues, including whether reserve reforms should also address debt repayment, the treatment of unemployment insurance fund debt, and whether the Gann limit should be adjusted to better allow reserve growth. Supporters argued that stronger reserves would protect Californians from cuts during downturns and help the state weather volatility and federal funding threats. Some advocates warned that reforms should not come at the expense of current public needs, while taxpayer representatives cautioned against turning the BSA into a pass-through account that weakens constitutional spending limits. The hearing ended without a vote, with the committee chair noting the complexity of the issue and adjourning after public comment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- this federal government... ...tax dollars to the federal government than any other state by far, and
- or disasters in general that are paid for pursuant to DRIOA or the Governor's disaster...
- Paid for as pursuant to DRIOA or the Governor's disaster declaration would come out of the SFEU, so I
- federal tax credits for housing.
- sources or is backed by federal dollars?
Committee:
House Budget
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 27th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- The threat of natural disasters increases as our... ...natural disaster resiliency.
- The threat of natural disasters increases as our climate continues to change.
- Unfortunately, wildfire is not the only natural disaster that threatens our state.
- California is facing the risk and reality of more frequent and severe natural disasters, including wildfires
- California is facing the risk and reality of more frequent and severe natural disasters, including wildfires
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:34.399><c> changed</c> months later Mother Nature changed months later Mother Nature changed
- </c> needed efficiency to the federal needed efficiency to the federal government<00:49:04.200><c> and
- </c> dictator Nicolas Maduro boldly declared dictator Nicolas Maduro boldly declared his<00:57:44.400
- declaration.
- </c><04:06:27.960><c> Disaster</c> recipients of Federal Disaster recipients of Federal Disaster Assistance
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By State Affairs Committee, Natural Resources and the Disaster Subcommittee, Representative Mooney and
- By State Affairs Committee, Natural Resources and the Disaster Subcommittee, Representative Connerly
- disasters.
- Thank you. ...natural disasters. Thank you. Representative Overdorf, you are recognized to close.
- He's a naturalized citizen.
Summary:
The House met with a quorum present, heard prayers and ceremonial remarks, and then took up a series of returning messages from the Senate. The first major item was CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification. Members explained that the House concurred in a Senate amendment that restored teacher certificate language, kept computer science and AI-related content in the bill, and delayed implementation to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The House adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 105-0.
The House also considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity. Members adopted a House amendment allowing local governments to buy into the cyber grant program even if they do not receive a grant, adding a five-year sunset and reporting provisions. The House then concurred in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration from a university to the Florida Digital Service, and passed the bill 104-1.
Several other returning messages were rejected or sent back to the Senate. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, as well as CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel. The most contentious debate came on CS/CS/HB 1471, which concerns systems of law and terrorist organizations; the Senate amendment defined “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and retained references to Sharia law. Opponents argued the bill was overbroad, lacked due process and evidentiary standards, and threatened First Amendment rights, while supporters said it targeted conduct, not speech, and protected against terrorist support. The House adopted the amendment and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which made a technical conforming change to align with HB 1471; debate focused on transparency and due process concerns.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now in emergency response or emergency declarations regarding animal disease.
- Federal employees? Yes, sir, they are federal employees. Boy, beans and bacon. Yes, sir. All right.
- Instances for natural disasters and things like that.
- That deer was marked with natural hair dyes so it could be identified after treatment.
- And now the federal government has formally recognized the urgency by declaring an emergency and authorizing
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 28 (2-17-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There being 35 members present, quorum's declared, Senate's authorized and prepared to do business.
- </c> trust fund, and declaring an emergency. trust fund, and declaring an emergency.
- ><c> Energy,</c><00:48:02.480><c> Senate</c> To Natural Resources and Energy, Senate To Natural Resources
- Natural Resources will be meeting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in room 129 in the Annex.
- </c><01:00:12.080><c> Natural</c> communicate with the body. Natural communicate with the body.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mayhew clarified that he was asking whether locals can use federal dollars to match federal
- dollars, such as using part of one federal grant to match another federal grant.
- We see a fair amount of federal lapse, and I’m asking if you could expand a little bit more on the federal
- they are still waiting on many of the national declared disasters from last year.
- Carver said they are still waiting to see whether they will receive funds for the national declared disasters
Committee:
House Budget
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Sep 9th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The emergency project had to stem from a certified disaster declared by the governor in the last three
- An emergency as a result of a natural disaster declared such by the governor. Declared a disaster.
- Under the state, the SWEDPA programs consist of federal dollars.
- We are ultimately trying to fund with the federal dollars.
- private capital for every federal dollar.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 3rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- California's first governor stood before the first legislature in the state of California and declared
- That infamous declaration paved the way for destruction and persecution of tribal communities across
- These amendments were technical and clarifying in nature.
- Assembly Joint Resolution 27 by Assembly Member Harabedian and others relative to federal disaster aid
- Rabbis declared boycotted grapes non-kosher and lobbied in Sacramento.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American prayer/song and a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, then proceeded through a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor ceremonies. Members also recognized Assemblymember Ward’s birthday and welcomed several guests, including family members, business and community leaders, firefighters, and students.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Native American Day ceremony and adoption of ACR 208 by Assemblymember Ramos, which recognized California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the need to tell California’s history honestly. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were added, followed by a ceremonial honoring of tribal elders and leaders.
The Assembly also adopted several other resolutions and concurred in Senate amendments on multiple bills. These included ACR 126 designating the Captain Vida Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 requiring disclosure of AI use in bar exam development, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 protecting local officials taking parental leave. Later, ACR 213 designated September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, HR 102 recognized Filipino American History Month, and ACR 230 proclaimed California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighters Memorial Day; all were adopted with broad support and many coauthors. The Senate file also began with SCR 136 on coastal protection and SJR 12 opposing offshore drilling, with debate reflecting strong environmental opposition and a dissenting view that the resolution was too absolute and could raise energy costs.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Feb 17th, 2026
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- declared disaster.
- And remember, this is just for federally declared disasters for the state's 12.5 percent.
- Obviously, we could never really predict what federal disasters could happen, but when we went back years
- So when you litigate and it goes to judgment, it's going to be a federal, it's going to be the federal
- I declare the same to have passed.
Committee:
Senate Local and County Government
Summary:
The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance, liability, bail, and jail operations. Senate Bill 1288, by Senator Gillespie, would require the state and political subdivisions to equally share FEMA-related matching costs for federally declared disasters; supporters said it would codify long-standing practice and provide certainty for local governments, with an estimated fiscal impact of just under $4.9 million. After questions about future appropriations and delayed reimbursements, the bill advanced on a 9-0 vote.
Senate Bill 2019, by Senator Logan, would create a political subdivision liability insurance guarantee program and fund to help local governments and shared insurance pools manage large federal civil rights judgments. Members questioned the bill’s scope and whether it applied to catastrophic events or civil rights cases; the author said it was intended to spread the burden of large judgments over time and reduce pressure on property taxpayers. The committee adopted a title-off motion and advanced the bill 7-2.
Chair Hamilton presented Senate Bills 1705, 1878, and 2118. SB 1705 would bar nonprofits from bailing people out of jail if they receive public funds, with supporters citing public safety and opponents raising concerns about impacts on nonprofit and church-based assistance; it passed 7-2. SB 1878 would establish a uniform bail schedule, limit personal recognizance release for certain repeat or higher-risk offenders, and require court approval to lower certain bonds; it also passed 7-2. SB 2118 would clarify how county sheriffs may use commissary funds for jail-related purposes such as training, equipment, inmate care, and operations; it passed 7-2. The committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><05:52:02.200><c> disasters</c><05:52:03.200><c> and</c> Wars natural disasters and Wars natural
- c> that</c><07:33:51.318><c> is</c> Federal money Federal research that is Federal money Federal research
- government that so many other regions have received unconditionally after natural disasters.
- government that so many other regions have received unconditionally after natural disasters.
- government that so many other regions have received unconditionally after natural disasters.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal law.
- So we're going to have federal troops breaking federal law.
- But yes, if our federal government breaks federal law, our local law enforcement can't enforce federal
- In federal law.
- , it would bar federal agents from enforcing federal laws.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day.
After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session.
During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> talk about limited federal government. talk about limited federal government.
- disasters.
- </c><08:15:32.958><c> Republicans</c> during natural disasters.
- Republicans during natural disasters.
- That's the disaster.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Staff, declare the vote. We'll declare your bill to have passed.
- Declare the vote. We'll declare your bill to pass and recommend it for the next committee.
- The federal court process is a disaster. I agree with you 100%.
- Declare the vote. Thank you. Declare the vote. Seven aye, one nay.
- Staff, close the vote and declare the vote. Staff, close the vote and declare the vote.
Bills:
HB3048 , HB3259 , HB3646 , HB3696 , HB3780 , HB3781 , HB3802 , HB3818 , HB4294 , HB4488 , HB2929
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The committee heard a series of insurance-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on homeowners insurance rates, transparency, and regulatory oversight. House Bill 3696, a proposed rate-approval style measure for homeowners insurance, drew extensive questioning about whether it would actually lower premiums, its comparison to Texas, the role of the Insurance Department and Attorney General, and possible effects on carriers and agents. The author said the bill was intended to increase transparency and consumer protections, acknowledged it was a work in progress, and agreed to strike the title and keep working with the committee. The bill ultimately passed the committee on a recorded vote.
The committee also advanced House Bill 3259, which would prohibit certain health care contract clauses such as all-or-nothing, anti-steering, gag, and most-favored-nation provisions; House Bill 4294, a follow-up to Dylan’s Law dealing with epilepsy-related insurance coverage and neurostimulator devices; and House Bill 4488, which would let the Insurance Commissioner appoint an impartial umpire when a body shop and insurer cannot agree on a loss value. House Bill 3646, a broad and still-developing insurance bill involving rate review, litigation, venue, AI use, and Attorney General involvement, generated substantial concern from members about workability, litigation, and agent exposure. Its author said it was not final, but the committee voted it down.
Later, the committee passed House Bill 3048, a cleanup measure for surplus lines licensing laws; House Bill 3780, requiring an independent actuary review as a transparency measure; House Bill 3781, changing the timing from use-and-file to file-and-use with a 60-day review period while the author said he did not want rate approval; House Bill 3802, delaying rate adjustments after a spouse’s death until renewal; House Bill 3818, creating a home and auto savings account framework intended to help policyholders raise deductibles and lower premiums; and House Bill 2929, which limits how far back insurers may look at homeowners and auto claims for underwriting purposes. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition after brief questioning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 597 will cap public adjuster fees at 15% of the insurance payout in cases of declared disasters, strengthen
- As state leaders, we are at the front lines when disaster strikes.
- Californians turn to us for some... ...we are at the front lines when disaster strikes.
- Mother Nature is not allowing us to wait another 30 years. Sorry. Yeah.
- Mother Nature is not allowing us to wait another 30 years. Sorry. Yeah.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 597, a bill to strengthen consumer protections for disaster survivors who use public adjusters. The author and the Department of Insurance said the measure would cap public adjuster fees at 15% for claims tied to declared disasters, require clearer contracts, prohibit solicitation during emergency conditions, and allow consumers to rescind contracts that were solicited during prohibited periods. Insurance industry groups supported the bill, while public adjuster representatives opposed it as written but said they were willing to work on revisions. The committee approved the bill and re-referred it to Appropriations; the roll call was ultimately recorded as 16-0.
The committee then held its fourth oversight hearing on the Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy, with Commissioner Ricardo Lara giving an extensive update on wildfire-related market reforms and consumer protections. He said the recent Southern California wildfires had not derailed the strategy and described actions including advance claim payments, a one-year moratorium on residential non-renewals in affected areas, a new fraud strike team, smoke-damage claim guidance, additional living expense protections, and a consumer claims tracker. He reported more than $12.1 billion in claims paid, over 37,000 claims filed, and more than 7,000 survivors assisted directly. He also discussed related bills and reforms, including AB 597, SB 495, SB 547, SB 429, SB 616, AB 888, and AB 2026.
Members questioned the commissioner about the Fair Plan’s growing exposure, the $1 billion assessment, rate increases, non-renewals, underinsurance, and whether the reforms would actually stabilize the market. Lara said the assessment was already approved, that policyholders would not be hit with one large bill because insurers have two years to recover costs, and that the department was pushing insurers to use catastrophe modeling and reinsurance tools in exchange for commitments to write more policies in wildfire-distressed areas. He said the department expects to see market stabilization by 2026, though he emphasized the timeline depends on insurer participation, implementation of the new regulations, and future disaster activity. Members generally expressed support for the goals of the strategy while pressing for clearer expectations for consumers and faster action on mitigation and market reform.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- They protect consumers during wildfires, earthquakes, floods, pandemics, and other natural disasters.
- the disaster.
- In the wake of such a natural disaster, families often face immense pressure to sell.
- to the performance of those federal duties.
- Federal duties.
Committee:
House Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 5th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we're going to declare two things. One, it's a new season, and it's a new day.
- And also, we're going to declare that this is the best day of our lives.
- What all of this context shows is the historic nature of this moment, and Senator Limón's ascendance
- The federal administration is not smiling on California. In fact, it's cutting needed programs.
- Governor Gavin Newsom, thank you for your leadership through countless storms, wildfires, natural disasters
Summary:
The California State Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore, described throughout the event as the first Latina to hold the post and only the second woman to lead the chamber. The session opened with acknowledgments of statewide officials, tribal leaders, members of Congress, former legislative leaders, and other guests, followed by a quorum call, suspension of Senate Rule 55 to allow guests and media on the floor, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement honoring the Miwok, Nisenan, Patwin, and Southern Maidu peoples.
The ceremony included musical performances by Mariachi Bonitas and the Sacramento Women’s Choir/Genesis Church, after which several senators delivered remarks praising Limón’s leadership, coalition-building, work on education, labor, child care, wildfire response, and her role as a trailblazer for women and Latinas in California politics. Speakers also referenced the state’s fiscal challenges, federal policy concerns, and the importance of inclusive leadership. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, and Limón was formally introduced as President Pro Tempore.
In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor Mike McGuire, Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and her colleagues, family, and supporters. She emphasized her immigrant family background, the importance of education, child care, consumer protection, labor rights, and support for working families, and said California must continue to protect immigrants and expand opportunity. The Senate then announced a reception in the Capitol Rotunda and adjourned/recessed until January 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Aug 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- State's preparation for and ability to recover from flooding and other natural disasters.
- Disaster, the county's already declared in disaster by the governor, and then additional funding for
- Senate Bill 1, SB 1, is the Natural Disaster Omnibus Bill.
- natural disaster loan recovery programs for macro businesses and small businesses.
- You know, it seems like when you have a natural disaster, the first 48 hours are chaos, and so you do
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Rick Owens with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
- The Federation again strongly supports this legislation.
- Again, Rick Owens, Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
- Bernard and had worked on disaster declaration efforts after a spillway opening contaminated oyster leases
- declaration when Washington didn't want to do it.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of coastal, seafood, wildlife, and environmental measures. House Bill 851 by Rep. Ilg, which adds intentional mass balloon releases to the gross intentional littering statute, drew support from agriculture, wildlife, and environmental groups because of impacts on livestock, wildlife, power lines, and waterways; members clarified it targets organized intentional releases, not accidental releases by children, and it was reported favorably. House Bill 652 by Rep. Broe adding a non-voting Department of Agriculture appointee to the Oyster Task Force was also reported favorably, as were House Bills 349 and 588 by Rep. Domain to expand the imported seafood safety fund’s uses and add oyster, crab, and finfish representation to the Seafood Safety Task Force. House Bill 721 by Rep. Kerner setting a 5:30 a.m. shrimp trawling start time in certain bays, House Bill 857 clarifying labeling rules for commingled imported and domestic seafood, House Bill 669 expanding state property use for Grand Isle oyster research, and House Bill 889 creating bulk tagging for oysters were each supported by industry and agency witnesses and reported favorably. House Bill 688 by Rep. Ogeron adding Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish was backed by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and fishing guides and was also reported favorably.
The committee spent significant time on House Bill 653 by Rep. Beham, which would require one of two United Commercial Fishermen appointees to the Oyster Task Force to be a St. Bernard Parish resident. Rep. Beham argued the parish deserves a guaranteed voice because of oyster industry impacts from freshwater intrusion and the BP spill, while opponents including the Oyster Task Force chairman said the parish-specific requirement would make vacancies harder to fill and should be worked out through the task force or by amending another bill. After debate, an amendment was adopted, but the bill itself ultimately received a favorable report. Testimony throughout the meeting emphasized the economic and cultural importance of Louisiana seafood, the need to combat imported seafood fraud, and the role of oyster cultivation and shrimping in coastal communities.
House Resolution 20 by Rep. McCormick, urging the Department of Conservation and Energy to study industrial water use from Caddo Lake, prompted a broader discussion about data centers and water withdrawals. Department witness Monique Edwards explained current state limits on regulating surface water withdrawals and said more authority may be needed for comprehensive water management; committee members asked for a future departmental presentation on data center water use. The resolution was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Sawyer moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.