Video & Transcript Research : 'flash flood'

Page 60 of 186
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Four - Monday, April 20

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As mentioned, my area is one of the main areas that's affected by flooding.
  • Yes, it's a park tax, but we are trying to protect residential and commercial areas from flooding.
  • Flooding is not going away.
  • for stormwater management, like buying land for greenways or building infrastructure that stops flooding
  • for stormwater management, like buying land for greenways or building infrastructure that stops flooding
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 53rd day by a 123-0 roll call. The chamber received Senate messages on Senate Substitutes for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, and committee reports recommending passage of several bills and resolutions, including HB 2180, HB 1870, HB 2596, HB 1866, HB 2852, HB 2855, HB 2536, and HJR 115. Members then took up a series of Senate amendments and conference motions. HB 2180, dealing with notice procedures for blind pension recipients and electronic notification options, was adopted and finally passed 147-1 and then 148-1. HB 1870, updating bankruptcy exemptions and garnishment procedures, was adopted and finally passed 141-9 and 142-8. HB 2596, concerning multiple employer self-insured health plans, was sent to conference after the House refused the Senate substitute. HB 1866, addressing peace officer licensing and school protection officers, had Senate amendments concurred in 149-1 and was finally passed 148-1. The House also passed HJR 115, a proposed constitutional amendment to extend property tax and homestead exemptions to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses, after extensive debate over fiscal impacts and fairness; it passed 152-0. Later, HB 1736, allowing park sales tax funds to be used for stormwater management and related park improvements, passed 100-52. HB 1887 and related bills on artificial intelligence and transparency passed 145-3, HB 2855 on workers’ compensation fund rate changes passed 152-1, HB 1906 on tax payment schedules for certain township collectors passed 152-1, HB 2297 on fence responsibilities passed 116-35, HB 2142 on the Missouri Film Program passed 93-54, HB 3004 on hardwood industry labeling/truth-in-advertising passed 143-6, and HB 2151 raising income thresholds for a workforce-development program passed 116-32. The chamber also debated and passed HB 2536, which defines male and female by biological sex for certain government-owned or managed multi-occupancy spaces and creates enforcement provisions; it passed 101-48 after strong opposition centered on privacy, discrimination, and enforcement concerns. Finally, the House began perfection work on a substitute for HB 3068 and HB 3049, adopting several amendments, including technical corrections and language changes tied to plumbing and inspection provisions, before the transcript ended mid-consideration.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 2, 2025 - 04:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • opportunities to actually assist homeowners with the efforts they undertake to mitigate the risk of flood
  • assessed values related to changes or improvements made to mitigate the property's susceptibility to flood
  • They also help to reduce flooding, keeping our communities safer.
  • And the natural flood mitigation they provide is cheaper than engineered stormwater projects.
  • of this, more impervious surfaces and lack of wetlands can contribute to poor water quality and flooding
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (04/16/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know that some individuals are concerned about a flood of frivolous litigation.
  • And if in fact the flood already exists, then what difference does this make?
  • <00:46:46.000> of<00:46:46.800> new going to have a flood of new going to have a flood
  • And if in fact the flood already that.
  • <00:52:17.520> of<00:52:18.240> claims might say a flood of claims might say a flood
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 20, 2026 - 10:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Flooding areas? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Are you speaking about the retaining walls in the bill?
  • No, ma'am, when you say flood protection walls, are you viewing that as a?
  • And this appears to be what, just literally a flood protection wall? You're right, yes.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Tue Mar 11, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 29

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Their efforts help prevent erosion and flooding, preserve our unique biodiversity, and ensure that future
  • Their efforts help prevent erosion and flooding, preserve our unique biodiversity, and ensure that future
  • Their efforts help prevent erosion and flooding, preserve our unique biodiversity, and ensure that future
Keywords: 910, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Mar 3rd, 2025

Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Californians with an essential financial tool to prepare for climate-driven disasters including wildfires, floods
  • Additionally, California holds two-thirds of the nation's earthquake risk, while at the same time Flooding
  • There are more than seven million residents in flood risk zones.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Budget Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:15 am

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • Why do you want something separate for your electronics in the case of a flood or that it gets wet?
  • So we had folks with basements that were flooded and they had lots of damage.
  • How do you know that you need flood insurance if you don't live in a floodplain?
  • Any place it rains, you are subject to flood.
  • to drive that point across to consumers: your homeowners policy does not cover flood.
Keywords: 959, house, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, January 16, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • when a Train high winds and flooding when a Train derailed<00:17:02.319> in<00:17:02.560>
  • The Democrats often talk about the war on women, but they couldn’t care less about a flood of sexual
  • , what are you doing in the flood zone?
  • anybody after a hurricane after a flood anybody after a hurricane after a flood what<03:07:29.640
  • <03:07:30.479> zone what are you doing in the flood zone what are you doing in the flood zone
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/03/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • , to issue a license If the director determines that, one, the proposed operation will not cause flooding
  • suspension criteria, ensuring cloud seeding does not occur under unsafe conditions, such as when flooding
  • risks are present. ...under unsafe conditions, such as when flooding conditions or flooding risks are
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jul 16th, 2025

JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the case of high flooding risk, platforms for the infrastructure; in the case of wildfire risk, expanding
  • mean, more precipitation falling as rain increases the, you know, the risk or the hazard risk of flooding
  • Impacts such as flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires pose a threat not just to our homes and our communities
  • Examples include extreme rain and flooding, like in 2021, that damaged substations and caused outages
Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025

Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:
  • The 2018 codes implement improvements to buildings, making them more resistant to hurricanes, floods,
  • You also know that the state of Texas, through the state flood plan that was released by the Water Development
  • Go to more modern codes because the 2018 codes and above have requirements for flooding and hurricanes
  • building codes in the state of Texas, we ensure that our homes and buildings will withstand hurricanes, floods
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I've coordinated responses to floods, fires, earthquakes, heat waves, tornadoes, hurricanes, and a pandemic
  • From the Kern County floods to the Santa Rosa to the Paradise fires, to respond to them is critical during
  • From the Kern County floods to the Santa Rosa to the Paradise Fires, And time again, from the Kern County
  • floods to the Santa Rosa to the Paradise fires, in each of these disasters, older adults and people
Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 22, established a quorum, and adopted its 2023-24 committee rules. The hearing then considered five bills focused on aging, long-term care, immigrant seniors, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. AB 450 would create a task force to study the needs of undocumented Californians age 55 and older; supporters from CHIRLA and other advocates described barriers to housing, health care, retirement, and digital access, while members raised questions about eligibility and process. The bill was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. AB 508 would require residential care facilities for the elderly to disclose staffing information upon request at admission and when rates increase. The author and supporters argued that staffing levels are closely tied to quality of care and that families need transparency to make informed choices; a witness described her father’s death in an understaffed facility. Assisted living industry representatives opposed the bill as burdensome but said they were continuing discussions with the author. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1476 would allow senior congregate meal programs to continue offering to-go meals, a practice expanded during the pandemic. Supporters said the option improved access for homebound and food-insecure seniors and helped bring people into senior centers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1068 would create a working group on evacuation and sheltering needs for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care during disasters, and AB 1069 would ensure area agencies on aging and aging/disability resource programs have access to emergency shelters to provide services. Both measures drew broad support from aging, disability, and advocacy groups, with testimony citing recent fires and evacuations, and both were approved and re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. The committee also left rolls open for additional members to add votes before adjournment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • We're talking about some of those individuals that served during the floods of Eastern Kentucky, the
  • individuals that served during the<00:08:28.120> uh<00:08:28.560> the<00:08:28.680> floods
  • /c><00:08:29.280> of<00:08:29.560> Eastern<00:08:29.919> Kentucky the uh the floods
  • of Eastern Kentucky the uh the floods of Eastern Kentucky we're<00:08:31.080> talking<00:08:31.280
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members, announced a 24-hour rule for committee amendments, and reviewed basic meeting procedures. After roll call confirmed a quorum, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The chair also recognized Representative Thomas for his service to the committee and presented remarks of appreciation as he moved into other duties. The committee then considered House Bill 191, which would extend burial eligibility in Kentucky state veterans cemeteries to certain National Guard and Reserve members who were honorably discharged but never activated under Title 10. Testimony from Rep. Aaron Thompson and KDVA officials explained that the bill aligns with the federal Burial Guard Reserve Act of 2022 and would cover some long-serving Guard and Reserve members, including those who served during disasters such as the Eastern Kentucky floods and western Kentucky tornadoes. Members voiced support, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after adoption of a title amendment. Next, the committee took up House Bill 152, which would create a supplemental Medicaid payment program for public EMS agencies through voluntary intergovernmental transfers, with no general fund dollars used. Rep. Michael Meredith and EMS chiefs testified that the measure would help public agencies recover more of the cost of Medicaid transports; one example cited was a local agency that could increase reimbursement substantially under the program. In response to questions, witnesses said the existing program for public and private agencies is mandatory, while this bill creates an additional voluntary enhancement for public agencies only, and that the program could be affected if Medicaid match rates change. The committee approved the bill with a favorable recommendation and a title amendment. The meeting ended with announcements about Military Kids Day on February 25 and a Kentucky National Guard Association reception and dinner on February 15, followed by adjournment.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Transportation (02/11/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have had a discussion with an officer in another state, and I've had one state police officer flash
  • I have had a discussion with an officer in another state, and I've had one state police officer flash
  • State um and I've had one state police State um and I've had one state police officer<00:29:02.000> flash
  • 03.000> at<00:29:03.159> me<00:29:03.600> just<00:29:03.760> to officer flash
  • his lights at me just to officer flash his lights at me just to indicate<00:29:04.519> that<00
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Transportation (02/11/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • that he had had a discussion with an officer in another state and that one state police officer had flashed
  • that he had had a discussion with an officer in another state and that one state police officer had flashed
  • that he had had a discussion with an officer in another state and that one state police officer had flashed
  • I have had a discussion with an officer in another state, and I've had one state police officer flash
  • I have had a discussion with an officer in another state, and I've had one state police officer flash
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-15 - 10:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this city understands floods. And we all should understand floods.
  • And this city understands floods. And we all should understand floods.
  • And this city is part of the flood. And this city understands<00:55:42.280> floods.
  • understands floods. understands floods.
  • <00:55:47.680> that<00:55:47.840> we're flood that we're flood that we're within<00:55:
Keywords: 927, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 20th, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • comes in short, intense storm events, and our current system is not designed to capture those big floods
  • During floods, we need the ability to divert water to recharge to protect our communities from extreme
  • flooding.
  • With me today, I have Kristen Sicki from the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
  • Second, the bill redefines flood flows in an overly broad way that would allow diversions of flows to
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting, codify existing CEQA exemptions for recharge diversions, and help California capture flood flows for storage in aquifers. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it or sought amendments, warning about CEQA, streambed, Delta, and tribal-resource concerns. The bill was held open pending a quorum. Members then heard AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy use and related information to the Energy Commission and local agencies. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and support grid planning. Data center industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while several environmental and local-government groups supported or supported if amended. The bill was left with a due-pass recommendation once a quorum was present. The committee also took up AB 2245 on producer responsibility for vehicle lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental protections in overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation/VMT analysis, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects, and AB 2433 on density bonus housing incentives. Each bill drew a mix of support from sponsors, local agencies, labor, housing, or environmental justice groups and opposition or concerns from business, local government, or conservation organizations. Several measures were amended in committee, and multiple bills were reported out on due-pass or due-pass-as-amended votes, with some roll calls left open for absent members.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • comes in short, intense storm events, and our current system is not designed to capture those big floods
  • During floods, we need the ability to divert water to recharge to protect our communities from extreme
  • flooding.
  • With me today, I have Kristen Sicki from the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
  • Second, the bill redefines flood flows in an overly broad way that would allow diversions of flows to
Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point. The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established. Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • receive financial assistance and accommodations such as a life gear coach and a phone signal that flashes
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Jun 8th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • You have a school bus that has its sign out, flashing lights.
Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard an informational hearing on California’s newly finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with DMV and CHP officials describing the updated framework and committee members pressing them on safety, enforcement, and first-responder impacts. DMV said the rules, effective April 28, 2026, expand reporting, create a phased permitting system from testing to deployment, add requirements for safety cases, remote operations, and first-responder coordination, and open a path for heavy-duty AV testing and deployment while still prohibiting oversized loads and hazardous materials. CHP said it worked with DMV on enforcement tools, first-responder interaction plans, and training local agencies on the new notice of noncompliance process. Members asked about crash data, immobilizations, freeway and construction-zone safety, weigh-station enforcement, and whether foreign licenses can qualify for remote assistants or drivers; DMV and CHP said the rules are intended to keep AVs accountable and that heavy-duty AVs will be held to the same roadway standards as human-driven commercial vehicles. A second panel focused on data collection and enforcement. Consumer attorneys argued the prior rules were too limited because DMV stopped collecting meaningful data once AVs moved from testing to deployment, making it difficult for the public and litigants to understand incidents; they supported the new regulations but urged that the collected information be made public. The industry association said California now has the nation’s most robust AV oversight, with monthly or quarterly reporting of collisions, system failures, immobilizations, harsh braking, vehicle miles traveled, and notices of noncompliance, plus broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. In response to questions, the industry said it generally supports the new framework, believes the regulations are clear, and does not favor full federal preemption of state AV rules, though it wants federal standards for design, construction, and performance. A third panel addressed first-responder interaction and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described repeated AV interference with emergency scenes and said AVs have generated hundreds of “sleeper calls,” where passengers fall asleep and trigger 911 responses; the department said these incidents consume significant staff time and it wants better protocols to reduce unnecessary dispatches. Waymo said it has trained thousands of public-safety personnel, maintains a 24/7 emergency line, uses geofencing/avoid-the-area messages, and can allow first responders to manually override or move vehicles when needed. Committee members asked about sleeper-call prevention, remote assistant licensing and drug testing, communication redundancies during outages, and how manual overrides work for vehicles without traditional controls; Waymo said it is collaborating with responders and that its vehicles are designed to reach a safe stop if connectivity is lost. The final panel began with testimony on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. A transportation researcher said freight is essential to California’s economy and that heavy-duty AVs pose distinct safety risks because of their weight, stopping distance, and the potentially severe consequences of crashes or immobilizations on highways. He said the new regulations are important because they create a regulated pathway for heavy-duty AV deployment, require a safety case, set mileage thresholds, and add reporting categories that can serve as leading safety indicators. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, with additional testimony expected from labor and industry witnesses on heavy-duty AV deployment.