Transcript Highlights:

• Establish a dedicated hazard mitigation fund aligned with local hazard mitigation plans.
• My last question, currently the hazard mitigation maps, the plans rather, are required to be updated
• So the map that I gave y'all is what...
• These maps allow precision flood forecast based on both upstream These maps allow precision flood forecast
• Statewide flood inundation mapping.

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, second question, on page six, your map, you have a map that shows all the settlement areas
• Chairman, Representative Sarao, we can pursue claims for any hazardous releases of hazardous substances
• that are defined by EPA as hazardous.
• Is it a, uh, a release of a hazardous substance?
• Um, that's a radiation map. They're highly contaminated.

Transcript Highlights:

• You might have a map in front of you that shows that there are 28 other You might have a map in front
• I know some of the programs that they're worried about this affecting, like household hazardous waste
• We manage our household hazardous waste program that serves 32 cities, collects over a million pounds
• of hazardous materials per year from going into the landfills, and responsibly processes those.
• And the hazardous household waste program will significantly be impacted by this.

Summary: The committee met to hear Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Brown described a constituent’s experience with contamination near an old landfill in Franklin County and said the bill was intended to give the Department of Natural Resources clearer authority to investigate and remediate such sites, create a funding stream by redirecting 10% of solid waste tipping fees, establish an interim committee for further study, and tighten seller disclosure requirements for properties with abandoned landfills. He argued the state has 29 such sites, that the issue has been ignored for decades, and that environmental studies are the necessary first step before cleanup and possible grant applications. Support came from University of Missouri engineering dean Marisa Grosoccoe, who said the bill would provide the regulatory framework and stable funding needed to move forward, noting that even about $1 million annually would likely fund only a few studies per year but would reduce uncertainty and help identify cleanup costs and future land use options. She emphasized that studies can unlock additional funding and eventual redevelopment benefits. In opposition, Solid Waste Advisory Board chair Chris Bussin and Mark Solid Waste District program manager Diana Bryant argued the districts already perform important recycling and household hazardous waste work, that the proposed diversion of tipping fees would significantly reduce local program funding, and that DNR already has authority to address landfill issues. They also questioned the accuracy of the abandoned landfill list and warned that cuts could harm existing services. A county commissioner testifying for information purposes echoed concerns about impacts on small communities and local grant-funded recycling programs. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm talking about the surveys to understand any sort of hazards to navigation and safety for paddlers
• We can't prevent every hazard. I mean, life is inherently unpredictable.
• The buildings, structures, and grounds shall not present a fire, health, or safety hazard.
• In our FEMA maps, we have special flood hazard areas.
• OK, so my question would be more from an aerial map.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen this map before, and it continues to come to local governments, city councils, where they
• that would be affected, and the maps would... ...city of Pasadena, they would have their own map and
• And the maps would obviously align with the original maps in SB 79.
• So all of those hazards can be mitigated.
• Some cities require the first planning, the tentative map, and then parcel map.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 1892 on HOA/Davis-Stirling Act cleanup provisions. The author and sponsor said the bill would clarify HOA responsibilities for utility service repairs in common areas, align election notice timelines, and require electronic voting ballots to be sent at least 30 days before an election. No opposition was presented, and the bill was set aside to be taken up later when a quorum was available. The committee then heard AB 1708, which would revise the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program to give smaller cities a clearer role in regional homelessness planning and access to funding. Mayors and city representatives from Bellflower, Paramount, and other cities testified that smaller jurisdictions are spending significant local funds on shelters and services but lack direct access to HHAP dollars. Some larger-city and housing advocates opposed or were opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could add administrative burden, but committee members broadly supported the goal of including smaller cities in regional responses. Members also heard AB 2058 on factory-built housing, AB 2576 on historic-resource protections under SB 79, AB 1751 on missing-middle townhomes, AB 1924 on homelessness prevention, AB 2626 on waiving certain monitoring fees for at-risk affordable housing developments, and AB 2089 on welfare-exemption and recertification procedures for affordable housing. Testimony generally emphasized reducing duplicative local permitting for factory-built housing, protecting state and national historic resources while still allowing housing near transit, expanding ministerial approval for townhomes, creating a statewide homelessness-prevention strategy with accountability measures, giving HCD flexibility to waive fees to preserve financially stressed affordable housing, and streamlining property-tax exemption recertification. Several bills were voted out of committee, including AB 1751 and AB 2626, both passing on 8-0 and 7-0 votes respectively, while other measures were discussed with motions pending or held open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• A previous report through 2015 identified 352 pollutants, 61 of which were designated as acutely hazardous
• , hazardous, or priority pollutants and other programs.
• career EHS professional, and a certified hazardous material manager emeritus.
• This is a map, and this is in your handout.
• You're gonna take that to basically a hazardous... Waste facility that deals with that.

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on page one, you'll see a map in the center there.
• And both present some hazards that we should be aware of.
• The map to the right is kind of the epicenters of earthquakes.
• So as you can see on... ...the left diagram is a map from the OCD Department in the Energy, Minerals
• So that map on the right kind of shows where we will be distributing those new networks or those new

Bills: SB64, SB19, SB44, SB83

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we know, you know, if SB 79 passed, we could actually look at a map of where it would apply?
• that would be affected, and the maps would... ...the City of Pasadena, they would have their own map
• And the maps would obviously align with the original maps in SB 79.
• So all of those hazards can be mitigated.
• Some cities require the first planning, the tentative map, and then parcel map.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Bills: SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB17, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB2, SB5, SB10

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings

Bills: SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, SB 1, HB4, HB4, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SB2, SB5

Keywords: school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments, through-year assessment, diagnostic reports, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plans

Bills: SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, SB 1, HB4, HB4, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SB2, SB5

Keywords: school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments, through-year assessment, diagnostic reports, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plans

Transcript Highlights:

• the Family Treatment Court Program, the Department of Emergency Management for Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard
• Genesis is a software service tool that streamlines and accelerates evacuation zone mapping and public
• Genesis is a software service tool that streamlines and accelerates evacuation zone mapping and public
• I look at the maps here.
• To pilot a new approach to mapping probable wetlands in the Willamette Valley.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 305, Arambula, Air District Permit Mapping, holding committee.
• committee AB 846 Connolly incidental take for wildfire preparedness do pass is amended to strike mapping
• AB 598 Gibson school mapping data grants due pass out on an a-roll call.
• AB 998, Hadwick, Household Hazardous Waste, do pass as amended to strike. 9 related to the consolidation
• AB 1148, Sharp Collins, hazardous chemicals in food packaging. Do pass out on a B roll call.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill presents a road map for how we can figure out where the the worst problems are and how we
• There's 3 parts to the road map.
• or a hazard to public safety was the chairman to interfere with another vessel that, quote, right there
• clears restricting our morning options creates unsafe conditions to the vessel and crew reviewing a map
• Many also carry hazardous materials such as fuel and oil stored in making this bill regulates thought

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1041 expands access instead of limiting eligibility to certain fire hazard areas.
• So the state has done ember maps, fire ember maps that show areas that are particularly prone.
• Areas, especially in high fire hazard zones.
• Hazard and will be available for local governments.
• water supply verification before any project over 500 units can record a final map.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You live near one of the most hazardous places in the country but EPA will let it sit there for years
• Gomez leads the GAO's work on environmental protection, including hazardous waste... cleanups, toxic
• There's a limited number of hazardous waste disposal sites. So you don't have this great selection.
• I mean, trust me, to get a record permit for a hazardous waste disposal facility is a rigorous process
• In many instances, the preferred solution would require digging up hazardous waste rock and transporting

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll show you a map in a second.
• We have hazardous materials.
• We have hazardous materials.
• We have hazardous materials.
• This waste remains hazardous.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• interim session regarding um emergency response trailers for our county corners and aligning their map
• of emergency services with the EMS map uh services map for the state.
• <00:19:42.880><c> them</c><00:19:43.039><c> because</c><00:19:44.000><c> um</c><00:19:44.320><c> hazardous
• </c> hires them because um hazardous hires them because um hazardous hazardous<00:19:45.600><c> duty<
• duty retirement is about 35% hazardous duty retirement is about 35% of<00:19:48.960><c> pay.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got New Mexico Tech that's been doing the mapping project to map where all of our water is, all
• Uh, they'll go hand in hand to map them.
• When they map that water, we'll know where the water exists.
• you know, there's some of this stuff is hazardous materials.
• They're already mapped in some areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• The map here shows a lot of red.
• So this map on the page here is from the federal government.
• So what happens here: a wildland fire starts, a pin drops on a map.
• My name is Robin Fenning, and I'm the State Hazard Mitigation Officer and Assistant Director for Hazard
• Because a lot of work has been done in a lot of the other hazard spaces.

Summary: The hearing focused on California wildfire resilience, with the first panel discussing statewide funding, policy, and strategic priorities, and the second panel shifting to home hardening and defensible space. The LAO outlined the state’s wildfire risk, the large increase in resilience spending in recent years, and the fact that most funding has been one-time rather than ongoing. Testimony emphasized that wildfire risk varies greatly by region, that the state must balance response spending with prevention, and that success should be measured more carefully than by acres treated alone. Witnesses also noted the importance of local, federal, utility, and Proposition 4 funding sources, as well as the need for long-term maintenance and strategic prioritization rather than scattered projects. Cal Fire leadership and other witnesses stressed that California’s wildfire problem is not uniform: forested areas, chaparral, and wildland-urban interface communities require different strategies. In Northern California and forested watersheds, speakers emphasized fuels reduction, prescribed and cultural burning, strategic fuel breaks, watershed protection, and maintaining forest health. In Southern California, testimony focused on wind-driven fires, ember intrusion, ignition prevention along roads and power lines, and the limits of large-scale vegetation clearing. Several witnesses argued that the state should invest where it can leverage local and regional partnerships, support capacity-building programs like Regional Forest and Fire Capacity, and improve data systems to track treatment effectiveness and project outcomes. Members repeatedly pressed witnesses on how to prioritize limited funds, asking what should be done more of, less of, and first. The chair argued that protecting homes and communities through hardening and defensible space should be a major priority, especially near structures, while also acknowledging the need for broader landscape work and watershed protection. There was discussion of incentives such as insurance discounts, property tax treatment, and community certification for hardened homes, along with the need for multiple payers rather than relying on the state alone. Cal Fire reported new and expanding data tools, including treatment trackers, defensible space inspection dashboards, and a fuels treatment effectiveness program that evaluates whether nearby treatments affected wildfire behavior. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only.