Transcript Highlights:

• protection protection is<00:33:44.559><c> if</c><00:33:44.960><c> this</c><00:33:45.200><c> is</c><00
• </c><00:51:55.839><c> for</c> the public utilities commission for the public utilities commission for
• c><05:10:23.360><c> utilities</c> both the commission and utilities both the commission and utilities
• </c> supply chain costs, environmental supply chain costs, environmental degradation,<06:13:19.600><c
• <06:14:51.600><c> environmentally</c><06:14:52.718><c> damaging</c> environmental environmentally damaging

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Bills: SB893

Committees: House Rules , House Conference Committee on Health and Human Services Oversight

Keywords: foreign land ownership, military protection, critical infrastructure, whistleblower rewards, state security

Transcript Highlights:

• District and its coastal protection projects.
• And that may mean I need to bring the Railroad Commission.
• Natalie Dubiel, attorney for the Railroad Commission. Operations for the Railroad Commission.
• Who at the Railroad Commission called you?
• He notified the operator and the Railroad Commission.

Bills: SB410 , SB795 , SB2510 , SB728 , SB2689 , HB143 , HB143

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• the Industrial Commission.
• And what if I sold it to an environmental group that stopped natural gas?
• the environmental surveys, because the environmental ones are also on specific timelines based on the
• That's the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• The PSC and the counties, their charter rightfully is to protect environmental and human health.

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is recommended by the Commission on Ethics in consultation with the Attorney General.
• Perry Stillman, Florida Commission on Ethics, waving in support. Thank you.
• The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules governing nature-based methods
• Steve Schell, the Environmental Defense Fund, Waves in Support.
• Steve Schell, the Environmental Defense Fund, waves in support.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 108 on administrative procedures. That bill, as amended, would require agencies to review all rules on a five-year cycle, submit regulatory plans and annual reports, publish intended agency action within 90 days of new rulemaking authority, improve public access to incorporated materials, and streamline rule publication and correction procedures. After brief testimony from the Florida Bar’s Administrative Law Section and support from Americans for Prosperity and the James Madison Institute, the committee adopted two amendments and reported CS for SB 108 favorably. The committee then approved several other measures, including the Senate veterans package (CS for CS for SB 116), which made technical changes and was supported by veterans and advocacy groups; SB 118 on presidential libraries, which preempts local barriers while preserving state and federal law and building codes; CS for SB 126 allowing mail distribution of prescription hearing aids after a Florida-licensed professional examination; CS for SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” making it a third-degree felony to abandon restrained animals during declared disasters; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice expansion for complex cardiac conditions; SM 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure; CS for SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process to remove unauthorized persons from commercial property; CS for SB 348 on ethics, addressing false military rank claims and delinquent ethics fines; SB 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day; CS for SB 160 expanding CPA licensure pathways and clarifying administrative outsourcing; and CS for SB 50 promoting nature-based coastal resilience measures. Most of these bills received supportive testimony and were reported favorably. The committee also considered and reported favorably the annual reviser bills SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42, which adopt the 2025 Florida Statutes, conform statutory names, remove expired provisions, and clean up obsolete language and cross-references. Throughout the meeting, members asked questions on a few bills, but no roll-call votes were recorded as opposed; each measure was approved and reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested that a few missed affirmative votes be recorded, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also serve on the New Mexico Acequia Commission.
• The Commission agreed and adopted NMED's proposals.
• Since then, The Commission agreed and adopted NMED's proposals.
• Madam Chair, members of the Commission, my name is Ellen Casey.
• And the Water Quality Control Commission has already spoken. ...Control Commission, and the Water Quality

Bills: HM45 , HB276 , HB300

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 45, which asked the Water Quality Control Commission to promptly hear a petition seeking consideration of the beneficial reuse of treated produced water. The sponsor and supporters argued that produced water could help conserve freshwater, support agriculture and rural communities, and potentially aid compact obligations with Texas and industrial users. The committee also heard extensive opposition from acequia leaders, environmental groups, and residents who said the science is not yet sufficient, the water contains unknown or proprietary contaminants, and the memorial could pressure regulators or shift pollution burdens to other communities. After questions focused on the meaning of a memorial, the status of the petition, and the role of the Produced Water Research Consortium, a motion to table HM 45 passed, with members explaining they wanted the petition in hand before acting. The committee then took up House Bill 276, which appropriates $3.3 million to NMSU for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to support celebration of the 400-year anniversary of winemaking in New Mexico. Supporters described the bill as a statewide agritourism and economic development effort tied to New Mexico’s long wine history, with marketing, signage, and tourism promotion intended to benefit wineries across the state. Members asked about the funding source, the anniversary date, and whether the effort would include wineries outside the south; the sponsor said the campaign would highlight wineries statewide. The committee voted do pass on HB 276. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 300, which would appropriate funds for the care and management of free-roaming horses and related domestic horse management, with an emphasis on tribal and local herd-control efforts using fertility control and trained community members. Supporters said the program would help address overpopulation, grazing impacts, and roadway safety, while opponents questioned relocation plans and whether the money should be spread across more counties. The sponsor and expert witness said trained personnel were already in place and the funds would support implementation. After discussion, the committee voted do pass on HB 300. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again Saturday to hear House Bill 207.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a dedicated email
• And 32 other states by adding the component of these Department of Environmental Protection Department
• I mean, the environmental protection sort of have a guide as to what is fact and what is fiction.
• >> Yes, you may come as a Chair Department of Environmental Protection takes in the complaints.
• I will ask the Department of Environmental Protection how they are going to. >> Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oklahoma homeowners pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the nation, and this is protections
• I believe that that provision is what has led to the lack of protections for the consumer.
• In Oklahoma, my policy, you know, has hail, and, you know, there's fire protection.
• I believe this bill here and what we're attempting to do, I think it's consumer protections.
• I think it's consumer protections. It's simply just transparency.

Bills: HB3048 , HB3259 , HB3646 , HB3696 , HB3780 , HB3781 , HB3802 , HB3818 , HB4294 , HB4488 , HB2929

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: insurance, nonadmitted insurers, surplus lines, insurance regulation, Oklahoma, health insurance, contracting entities, medical providers, enrollment, beneficiary rights, property and casualty, rates, filing, Insurance Commissioner, regulation, property, regulations, actuary, rate filing, independent review

Transcript Highlights:

• We think it's a common-sense taxpayer protection for Arizona's two largest cities.
• SB 1745 arguably doesn't go far enough in protecting local taxpayers, because...
• important part of protecting our children.
• Education is an incredibly important part of protecting our children. Question? Thank you.
• My name is Adrian Johnson, representing Arizona Women of Action, dedicated to protecting children.

Bills: SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1435 , SB1567 , SB1571 , SB1686 , SB1745 , SCR1024 , SCR1025 , HB2671 , HB2676 , HCR2044

Committees: Senate Government , Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference

Keywords: county boundaries, Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, Yavapai, Yuma, La Paz, local governance, Arizona Revised Statutes, Maricopa county, county division, new counties, intergovernmental agreements, special election, shared use agreements, education, explicit material, parental consent, student protection, library access

Transcript Highlights:

• First reading of bills: HB 2141, Environmental Community; Natural Resources, Energy, and Water.
• hairstyles, 2745 Industrial Commission, 2745 trade office study committee, 2748 Oil and Gas Commission
• , 2750 Arizona water, 2752 commission authority, 2755 state land use. 2750 Arizona boat snowboard, 2752
• commission authority, 2755 state land use, 2756 utilities, 2757 value La Paz, 2759 appropriation rule
• transportation police, Mississippi appropriating ADOT, 2761 inter-natural tree Commission, 2774 Mellick

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused. The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures. During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Budget Subcommittee 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy will come to order.
• protection, and energy.
• Natural Resources Agency and Environmental Protection Agency.
• This does not mean sacrificing environmental review or environmental protection.
• And that is why it's so important to protect wildlife, because protecting wildlife protects us.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through the work of the Grid Security Commission, a statewide plan for all hazards resilience to protecting
• Lastly, require the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, and the Railroad Commission to oversee the implementation
• The Commission has a variety of different individuals, including the Railroad Commission, ERCOT, of course
• We cannot protect against every threat.
• Why aren't we protecting our grid? We are protecting.

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got over 8,400 miles of coastline to protect. Our reefs are definitely a part of that.
• We set up the Biscayne Bay Commission not too long ago.
• And so on the note of Osborne Reef, we're going to take up Tab 4, the Department of Environmental Protection
• Protection presentation on biosolids and you are right there Thank you, Chair, members.
• It not just scientifically and environmentally, but logistically.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects. The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis. Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to come to you, Representative Hochman Vigil, for HB 96, Space Commission Working Group.
• The New Mexico Space Commission... would function as a semi-private, semi-public committee to help assist
• The creation of a working group to eventually create the commission, I think, would be an incredible
• EIB has authority, as passed through the PFAS Protection Act, to label any and all products it deems
• necessary, and that's the proposal before the Environmental Improvement Board right now.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal, Senator, thank you for the question, is not to override local environmental protections or
• statewide environmental protections.
• a nonprofit organization working to support conservation commissions so that they can protect their
• We serve 217 conservation commissions here in the state, and commissions are charged with protecting
• We serve 217 conservation commissions here in the state, and commissions are charged with protecting

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• But the FCC has been doing nothing to protect us in the last four years.
• Especially our children from this new environmental illness.
• This is about the Environmental Protection Agency... ...these things hurt us and our children.
• This is about the Environmental Protection Agency failing to fulfill its duty to follow the law.
• Look at this from an environmental perspective.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do share some of the concerns from some of our environmental organizations.
• I do share some of the concerns from some of our environmental organizations.
• And so, you know, I really appreciate the comments made by the environmental community.
• Marissa Hagerman for Vote Solar and Environmental Voters, in strong support.
• Creating an exemption weakens those protections. Interconnection is not a barrier.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 438 by Senator Fesi, Greater Lafourche Support Commission, per diem for commission members
• Senate Bill 438 by Center Facey, Greater LaFouge Support Commission, per diem for commission members,
• The Department of Environmental Quality is budgeted at $157.9 million.
• management and protection organizations, the TEMPO application.
• management and protection organizations, the TEMPO application.

Bills: HR159 , HR160 , HR161 , HR162 , HR163 , HR164 , HCR60 , HCR61 , HCR62 , HCR63 , HCR64 , HR153 , HR154 , HR155 , HR156 , HR157 , HR158 , HCR57 , HCR58 , HCR59 , SB124 , SB399 , SB441 , SB447 , SB460 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB175 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB628 , HB786 , HB909 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1052 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1154 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1231 , HB1241 , SB244 , HB1 , HB2 , HB3 , HB312 , HB313 , HB383 , HB314 , HCR3 , HB983 , HB1126 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB345 , HB366 , HB446 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB151 , HB180 , HB192 , HB193 , HB310 , HB635 , HB690 , HB961 , HB1003 , HB1146 , HB864 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB615 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1236

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and received Senate messages, including several Senate bills and resolutions that were referred or laid over. The chamber also adopted a series of House resolutions honoring local organizations, commemorations, and community events, and referred one resolution on climate action to Natural Resources. Several Senate bills were read and referred to the appropriate committees, including measures on peer review confidentiality, higher education research security, pre-K program standards, police civil service, and a memorial highway designation. The main floor business was the budget. The House considered House Bill 1, the general appropriations bill, in Committee of the Whole and reviewed major funding levels and committee changes across state government. The bill included significant funding for early childhood education, higher education, TOPS, health care, corrections, public safety, transportation, and other agencies, along with adjustments tied to LASERS debt payoff, Medicaid, MFP, and various one-time or recurring items. Members heard brief questions on higher education funding and DOTD road needs, but no amendments were offered on the floor during the schedule-by-schedule review. HB 1 was reported from Committee of the Whole with amendments and then finally passed by a vote of 104 yeas. The House then took up House Bills 2 and 3, the capital outlay bill and the omnibus bond authorization act, both of which were explained as the financing measures for the capital program. HB 2 emphasized limited member project funding, reallocation of dormant projects, and bundling of projects to move them forward more efficiently; HB 3 authorized the bond sales needed to fund HB 2. Both bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The chamber also passed supplemental and fiscal bills including HB 312, HB 313, HB 383, HB 314, HCR 3, HB 983, and HB 1126, covering supplemental appropriations, treasury fund transfers, ancillary funds, hospital assessments, judiciary funding, and legislative expenses. The meeting ended with personal privileges, staff recognition, announcements, and adjournment to Monday at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Environmental Assistance Program at Ecology.
• In our Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at Ecology.
• SEPA's original protections are now seldom invoked.
• We don't use it very often to enforce environmental protections because our local regulations provide
• So one of the other things that it commissioned was a grant program.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and recent permitting reforms affecting local governments. Department of Ecology staff explained SEPA’s purpose, the review process, exemptions, planned actions, and recent housing-related changes, including transit-oriented development exemptions and SEPA appeals protections for certain local ordinances. Members asked about repeated SEPA reviews, cultural and historic resource review, and how SEPA interacts with NEPA. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections said recent SEPA exemptions have reduced the number of reviews for residential projects and supported more housing permitting, and the city is considering raising exemption thresholds further. The State Building Code Council provided an update on code adoption timelines and implementation of legislative housing measures. Council staff said the 2024 code cycle is delayed administratively, with final adoption moved to May 15, 2026 and implementation targeted for May 1, 2027 unless legislative or administrative changes allow the current November 1, 2026 implementation date to remain. They also reported progress on code updates for single-stair buildings, multiplex housing, dwelling unit size, and temporary emergency shelter standards, with draft language underway. The committee then reviewed recent permitting legislation and implementation. Commerce staff summarized bills from 2023 and 2025 that set permit processing deadlines, limited pre-application requirements, restricted design review to clear and objective standards, changed historic designation rules, and expanded middle housing, ADU, lot split, passive house, self-certification, transit-oriented development, and parking-related requirements. Commerce also described its studies, guidance, grants, and reporting work under SB 5290, noting that 2024 data showed mixed performance and that local governments need better checklists, digital tools, staff training, and clear application standards. Issaquah and Kitsap County described local efforts to streamline permitting through code updates, pre-application meetings, software improvements, and a 2x6 review process, while also warning that staffing shortages, complex site conditions, coordination with state agencies, and reporting burdens continue to slow permits. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, we have concerns with the liability protections in the bill.
• Two, we have concerns with the liability protections in the bill.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Emergency Management met to consider a large slate of bills, first approving a consent calendar that included measures on emergency management and related topics, with several bills moved on a due pass basis to Appropriations or other policy committees. The committee then heard AB 2013, which would require community water systems to report on wildfire-related preparedness measures such as tank levels, backup generators, and pump hardening. The author argued the bill would provide needed transparency after repeated wildfire water failures, while water agency and municipal utility representatives opposed it, saying it would create new standards, liability concerns, and duplicative reporting. The bill was ultimately passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members voting aye and one member not voting. The committee also approved AB 2385, which would authorize local governments to create local reconstruction agencies for disaster recovery planning and rebuilding; supporters from the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles fire recovery community said it would help communities plan before disasters and speed recovery. AB 2492, concerning public safety coordination for major sporting events like the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics, was supported by the California Travel Association and passed to Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism. AB 2370, which clarifies Cal OES authority over statewide public safety communications systems, was supported by operating engineers and passed to Utilities and Energy. AB 2475, dealing with after-action report timelines and local reporting requirements, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee passed AB 2543, which addresses emergency preparedness for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and AB 2411, which would create a temporary process for in-state and out-of-state law enforcement to supplement security during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The most debated measure after AB 2013 was AB 2405, which would require law enforcement to transport patients to the nearest appropriate emergency department and report transport patterns. The author and Martin Luther King Community Hospital described severe overcrowding and frequent long-distance drop-offs, while some members raised concerns about rural impacts, exigent circumstances, and added reporting burdens. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to the Committee on Public Safety. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes from absent members on several items before adjourning.