Transcript Highlights:

• what's going on in the context, and decide whether or not to do it. or not that was anti-Semitic in nature

Bills: SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think those things are there, and something, frankly, to the cross-system nature of it.
• Moving on to issue number eight, disaster response. Directors, kick us off.
• We have, you know, California has a disaster guide. California has a bunch of resources.
• And then finally, in disaster response, we've been highlighting that there is a major disaster waiting
• I want to share that the disaster is over, but the recovery is not.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do Indian self-determination contracts, Public Law 93-638, for both forestry and natural resources
• disaster.
• We do fire hardening and things of that nature where we're making... We have a thinning process.
• This land is not in its natural state anymore, and we need something to jump, jump.
• Okay, it's good for the environment, low impact on our natural resources.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water, I see every day how critical it is to
• And, with all due respect to my friend, the co-author, the former Secretary of Natural Resources, and
• And I think they are misrepresented because they step up after disasters and approve things.
• That is within, and after disasters and approve things. That is within their ethic.
• Jackie and Shadow and their eaglets, and to connect people with nature.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• possibly through law enforcement training with Washington State Patrol, possibly something of that nature
• I'm an Evergreen College graduate student and lobbyist fellow representing The Nature Conservancy in
• The core of The Nature Conservancy's mission and philosophy is the idea that people and nature can and
• The extreme heat events are disasters, the same way a hurricane or an earthquake is a disaster.
• But heat pumps by their very nature are much less energy intensive.

Summary: The House Local Government Committee held public hearings on four bills. HB 2174 would allow counties, cities, towns, or the Department of Transportation to designate accident risk zones on roads with repeated crashes, hold a public hearing, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, and use half of traffic fine revenue for safety improvements. The sponsor and local officials from Pasco and Colotis described serious crashes and fatalities on U.S. 12 and U.S. 395 and said the bill could provide a temporary safety tool while long-term fixes are pursued. Testifiers generally supported the concept but raised concerns about liability, implementation, youth penalties, and possible targeted enforcement, especially for motorcyclists; several suggested amendments and the committee discussed possible alignment with safe system practices. HB 2267 would direct the Department of Commerce to create a model urban forest management ordinance, update it every 10 years, provide guidance on tree retention and mitigation, and create a grant program for local governments that adopt or substantially adopt the model. Supporters from Washington Conservation Action, The Nature Conservancy, FutureWise, and the Puget Sound Partnership said trees are important for stormwater, heat reduction, air quality, public health, and climate resilience, and argued the bill could help balance housing growth with canopy protection. Opposition from the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Master Builders Association focused on the grant condition tied to adoption of the model ordinance, concerns that the bill would effectively mandate local policy, and worries that prioritizing tree retention could constrain housing production and increase legal risk. HB 2183 would require counties planning under the Growth Management Act to adopt extreme heat response plans by July 1, 2027, covering immediate response, long-term mitigation, protection of high-risk populations, tribal coordination, and public education. The sponsor and physicians from Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility cited the 2021 heat dome as a deadly disaster that overwhelmed emergency services and killed many people in their homes, arguing counties need coordinated planning for future heat events. Local public health officials supported the goal but asked for amendments to reduce duplication with existing emergency and mitigation plans and to clarify leadership roles; L&I requested that the bill reference existing worker-protection rules for outdoor workers. HB 1529 would let counties perform city roadway striping and paving work without counting it against city public works limits or bidding thresholds, if the county can do the work more cheaply or no bids are received. Supporters from Pasco and the Association of Counties said it would help cities use existing county equipment and crews more efficiently, while contractors and labor groups opposed it, warning about reduced competition, quality and oversight concerns, and the loss of prevailing-wage and small-business opportunities. No votes were taken on any of the bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• disaster money.
• Page 140, this is $830 million of federal disaster funding.
• There are, I think, a significant number of open disasters still, I think about 51 open disasters.
• But this is where we would receive those federal disaster funds.
• Louis tornado disaster relief.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Markey-Mason, with the Natural Resources Defense Council, in support. Thanks so much.
• Following a major disaster, communities like... same period in 2024.
• This is a disaster for the Tulare Cemetery District.
• Isabella Bobadilla with Nature Conservancy. Isabella Bobadilla with the Nature Conservancy.
• Hazard, flood risk, natural resources and farmland.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment set has been posted online and placed in your folders, and this amendment is technical in nature
• It says it has been posted online and placed in your folders, and this amendment is technical in nature
• And as far as post-disaster, this conversation, most of the post-disaster questions are going to come
• Amendment number one is technical in nature. I mean, I’m not...
• Amendment number one is technical in nature.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's, of course, to deter further actions of similar nature.
• There's so many qualifications to get a disaster.
• and other large disasters like that.
• and other large disasters like that.
• and other large disasters like that.

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> like</c><01:09:59.480><c> that</c> natural disasters or something like that natural disasters or something
• and other natural disasters, and that the $300 million in public safety aid that came through the tax
• and other natural disasters, and that the $300 million in public safety aid that came through the tax
• and other natural disasters, and that the $300 million in public safety aid that came through the tax
• disasters that helped other natural disasters that helped throughout<01:14:40.639><c> this</c><01:14

Bills: HF25 , HF4

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief

Transcript Highlights:

• No matter who you voted for, we are Arizonans and Americans who deserve help when disaster strikes.
• to grow our economy, or who say we must sacrifice our farms, jobs, and businesses to protect our natural
• to grow our economy, or who say we must sacrifice our farms, jobs, and businesses to protect our natural
• disasters.
• Yes, we have stunning natural beauty, the most stunning of all 50 states.

Summary: The transcript is the opening joint session of the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Second Regular Session, featuring remarks from House and Senate leaders and Governor Katie Hobbs. House and Senate leaders emphasized a Republican governing agenda focused on affordability, public safety, parental rights, tax cuts, election integrity, school choice, and holding government accountable, while also highlighting cooperation on water policy and border security reimbursement. Senate President Warren Petersen said the legislature would pursue a major tax cut, send an election integrity measure to voters, defend women’s sports and school choice, and continue negotiations on Colorado River guidelines. Governor Hobbs framed her agenda around the “Arizona Promise,” stressing affordability, public safety, water security, housing, and economic opportunity. She highlighted prior-year accomplishments including job growth, medical debt relief, lower costs for child care and housing, public safety investments, and major business recruitment. She called for an immediate middle-class tax cut, more efficient government spending, and new initiatives including a Colorado River Protection Fund, elimination of the data center tax exemption, a housing acceleration fund, and an Arizona Affordability Fund financed in part by a nightly fee on short-term rentals. Hobbs also announced a new active management area for La Paz County to address groundwater depletion, defended her administration’s water and housing policies, and urged renewed funding for public schools while criticizing the ESA program for lack of accountability. She called for bipartisan action on disaster relief after floods in Globe and Miami, and condemned political violence. No legislative votes were taken; the joint session concluded with the governor’s address and the session was dissolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports are not academic in nature; it's not a report for a drawer.
• It had a disaster component where it was also a reserve of money that would count towards what they had
• in reserve in case of a natural disaster.
• having money aside while still having it available for emergencies, such as an economic downturn or a natural
• disaster.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And it sounds like you've succeeded in that, but at some point, given the nature of what Texas deals
• with regarding natural disasters, if you ever find yourself in a circumstance where it's mission first
• So I think first and foremost, as we learn in every one of these... ...natural disaster tragedies, the
• , where instead of taking care of these issues... on the front end, we've waited until after the disaster

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Sam Wade, Vice President of Public Policy with the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition.
• I'll be speaking on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• Mark East Mason, Natural Resources Defense Council, support and concept. Thank you.
• Markese-Mason, Natural Resources Defense Council, support and concept. Thank you.
• Just a complete disaster, and it went on for days and days.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• In recent years, natural disasters and catastrophic weather events, floods, storms, and other severe
• </c><00:10:01.440><c> growth</c> So, as part of our natural growth So, as part of our natural growth
• But we understand that's the nature of that business.
• But we understand that's the nature of that business.
• It was 50% until about 2018. enhanced um through this disaster relief enhanced um through this disaster

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:13 Kentucky Small Business Update 00:01:50 Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit Program Update 00:14:16 State of the Tourism Industry 00:38:03, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August minutes, then moved to an update from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on small business conditions. Chamber representatives John Hughes and Amit Patel said Kentucky has benefited from pro-growth policies such as lower income taxes, regulatory modernization, and workforce development, but they emphasized ongoing challenges including workforce shortages, child care access, housing availability, rising insurance costs, and inflation. Patel, speaking as a hotel operator, said recruiting and retaining staff has become difficult and that his company is considering child care stipends and other benefits to help employees. Members asked about child care benefits, community involvement, and health care costs; Patel said the business is discussing additional support for employees and noted that health care costs have tripled over three years. The chamber said it will prioritize child care and housing policy in the upcoming session. The committee then received an update from the Cabinet for Economic Development on the Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit program from David Brock of KY Innovation and Matt Wingate. Brock outlined the state’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including innovation hubs, SBIR/STTR matching funds, the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, SSBCI, and STEP, and said these programs have helped create jobs, raise capital, and support exports. He explained that the angel tax credit is intended to encourage private investment in innovative Kentucky small businesses with high growth potential. The credit is generally 25% of investment in non-enhanced counties and 40% in enhanced counties, with annual and per-investor caps and eligibility rules for both businesses and investors. Brock reported that 317 businesses have been certified, 117 have received at least one investment, 445 investors have made 750 investments, $57.2 million has been invested, $19 million in credits has been awarded, and 373 new jobs have been reported since 2021. Committee members asked about the relationship between the program’s industry verticals and university research, the difference between enhanced and non-enhanced counties, and where investments are occurring geographically. Cabinet staff said the verticals align with the original Innovation Act framework, and that enhanced counties are defined by statute, including distressed and disaster-impacted areas. They said most investments and credits have been in non-enhanced counties, though some examples were cited in Bath County and Auburn. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I yield back. disaster Aid without conditions because disaster Aid without conditions
• </c> along the Gold River Parkways nature along the Gold River Parkways nature trails<00:22:20.679><c
• </c><04:24:24.680><c> of</c> and shocking Public Safety disaster of and shocking Public Safety disaster
• Disasters affect Democrats and Republicans, and every social and economic group.
• Disasters affect Democrats and Republicans, and every social and economic group.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like you to think particularly about in the aftermath of a natural disaster, a flood, or a bad
• disaster would be prohibited, if you can imagine that.
• disaster would be prohibited, if you can imagine that.
• disaster would be prohibited, if you can imagine that.
• disasters in the state of Washington.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, a bill modernizing and strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, volunteers, youth cadets, and related law enforcement roles. Members first considered a striking amendment and then a series of floor amendments, with debate repeatedly focusing on sheriffs as elected constitutional officers, the scope of state authority over local law enforcement, and whether the bill would create unfunded mandates or practical problems for counties. Supporters of the bill and many amendments argued for clarifying language, local flexibility, and state payment for new requirements; opponents generally warned the bill would weaken elected sheriffs, impose costs on counties, or overreach into local control. Amendment 2343, which would have added intent language emphasizing that sheriffs are directly accountable to the electorate, was debated at length and defeated on a roll call vote, 41 yeas to 56 nays. Amendment 2373, shifting background-check costs to the state through the Washington State Patrol, was also defeated, 44 yeas to 53 nays. Amendment 2374, narrowing provisions affecting private security and specially commissioned officers, failed 41 to 56. Amendment 2369, clarifying rules for volunteers and youth cadets, failed 41 to 56. Amendment 2371, limiting surveillance-related provisions to situations requiring a warrant, failed 42 to 55. Amendment 2372, clarifying that only non-public information would be restricted from disclosure, also failed 41 to 56. Later, Amendment 2370, which would have aligned the bill’s definition of volunteer law enforcement officers with existing statute, was defeated 42 to 55. Finally, Amendment 2352, which would have exempted current sheriffs from the bill’s new decertification rules, was debated as a protection against changing the rules midstream but was opposed on the grounds that the bill already grandfathered in the one sheriff who did not meet the new experience requirement; the amendment’s vote was not completed in the excerpt provided. The transcript also begins with the Speaker signing several bills, including Substitute House Bill 1570 and Substitute Senate Bill 6248.

Transcript Highlights:

• $20 million of this fund, given that disaster relief has emerged as a major financial exposure for the
• $20 million. more reoccurring revenue stream for the disaster relief and resiliency fund and dedicate
• $20 million of this fund given that the disaster relief has emerged as a major financial exposure for
• We recognize that the operating budget, because of its nature, tends to lean more towards education.
• We do larger reports that are more comprehensive in nature.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs and testimony from Governor Healey and Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. The chairs emphasized fiscal caution amid choppy revenue growth, rising health care and education costs, and federal uncertainty, while the governor framed House 2 as a $62.8 billion budget that grows spending by about 1% without new taxes or fees and aims to protect core services while advancing affordability. The administration said the budget uses efficiencies, program integrity, and Fair Share surtax revenue to support education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety, and it also filed a supplemental Fair Share bill using surplus FY25 funds. Much of the questioning focused on the federal “OB3” tax law and the administration’s separate proposal to delay or phase in certain corporate tax changes, especially research and experimental deductions, to avoid in-year budget shocks. Members also pressed the administration on Fair Share allocations, with the governor and secretary explaining that operating-budget surtax spending is weighted more toward education while supplemental spending is more transportation-focused, and that combined spending is roughly balanced overall. The administration highlighted Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, rural school aid, local aid, child care, the MBTA deficit, regional transit authorities, and a new HHS transportation line item as part of the broader transportation strategy. Several members raised concerns about Chapter 70 equity, rural districts, municipal overrides, out-migration, housing affordability, public housing repairs, and the MBTA Communities Act. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion on school funding formulas, PILOT, and municipal aid, and stressed housing production, energy affordability, and workforce development as key responses to out-migration. On energy, the governor defended an all-of-the-above approach, including renewables, gas, and exploration of nuclear, while saying she would continue pushing utilities and regulators to reduce ratepayer costs. The governor also said fire safety grants would not be withheld for noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act, and members discussed public safety, housing, and local grant impacts in that context. Other topics included the Bright Act and higher education capital investments, with the administration saying it is preparing to support campus infrastructure across the public higher education system and that the bill is intended to strengthen Massachusetts’ competitiveness and retain graduates. Members also questioned cuts to the PCA program and EAEDC, and the governor responded that the state’s PCA program remains strong but is under pressure from large federal health care reductions. No votes were taken; the session was a hearing on the governor’s budget proposal and related policy bills, with the administration taking questions and offering explanations of its recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rising seas, diminishing coral reefs, and increasingly frequent natural disasters remind us daily of
• </c><01:10:53.719><c> which</c> emergencies um and and disasters which emergencies um and and disasters
• So hopefully, and this year, sadly, the natural disasters, fires, floods, and other climate shocks are
• c> and</c><01:37:42.400><c> other</c> natural disasters fires floods and other natural disasters fires
• </c> really focus on invest in our natural really focus on invest in our natural and<01:37:54.480><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When they apply to FEMA, and the FEMA money has to match, it has to come back to the natural disaster
• And it was a disaster loan that got sent.

Committee: Senate Senate Committees' Committee

Summary: The committee met to consider germane-status recommendations for several bills, including Senate Bills 213 and 215. Staff explained that SB 213 would index the gas tax, weight distance tax, and special fuel excise tax to the consumer price index, which they viewed as policy rather than germane. Members discussed whether the bill would generate revenue and whether it related to prior legislation on the same subject. The committee then voted without objection to deem SB 213 germane. Discussion of SB 215 focused on a proposal affecting disaster-related loans and interest earned on those funds. Staff said the bill would require any interest or other revenue generated from loans to governmental entities for wildfire or other disaster recovery to be returned to the fund. Members raised concerns about how the measure would affect existing projects and funds already being used in places such as Mora, Ruidoso, and Las Vegas, and noted it could be a significant policy change. There was also discussion that any message on the bill could allow further review and possible guardrails, including making the change prospective rather than retroactive. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved germane status for SBs 210, 211, 212, 214, 216, and 217 without objection, while SB 213 had already been separately approved as germane. The committee then adjourned.