Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'FEMA'
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TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- marker="181" data-time="1080"> that I believe Camp Mystic actually applied for a map amendment with FEMA
- and received a carve-out from the FEMA flood maps.
- For the reason that, you know, FEMA, as weak as their maps can be, still has an underwriting obligation
- The FEMA exemption part—we offered some suggestions, but I think your approach is even better to say
- it doesn't matter if you got the FEMA exemptions.
Keywords:
SB1, youth camp safety, flooding, testimony, reforms, emergency plans, Camp Mystic, fatalities
Summary:
The meeting focused on discussion around SB1, addressing safety reforms in youth camps in light of a tragic flooding incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including family members of the victims, who shared heartfelt stories and the urgent need for reforms to ensure that such a tragedy would not happen again. The testimonies highlighted the importance of establishing better safety measures, including evacuation plans and compliance with new safety regulations. Senator Perry emphasized that the bill aims to create objective standards that protect children attending camps, prompting a strong emotional response from attendees as they reflected on the lives lost during the flash floods.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Session (Part I)Opening Day of the 89th Legislature, First Called Session Jul 21st, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 306"> Which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, redistricting, Texas Senate, congressional districts, public input, legislative procedures, redistricting, Senate procedures, congressional districts, public input, legislative transparency, redistricting, Senate rules, congressional districts, public hearings, committee procedures
Summary:
The meeting of the 89th Legislature featured discussions primarily centered around several key bills, including SB648 concerning protections against title theft and deed fraud, SB1253 which addresses impact fees for builders incorporating water conservation measures, and SB2878 related to the administration of the judicial department. The session began with a prayer acknowledging the devastating floods that affected Central Texas, followed by a message from Governor Greg Abbott calling for the special session. Members engaged in robust debates on the importance of the proposed legislations, particularly focusing on community recovery efforts following recent natural disasters. Public testimonies were elicited, highlighting the varied perspectives on the bills under discussion and underscoring the significance of legislative action in response to constituents' needs.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Aug 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll also be able to log FEMA hours, so if you're having
- 17,000 volunteers show up, the hours they put in count towards credit to pull more FEMA dollars into
- Through FEMA, ultimately, there are monies that do go to individual assistance that can help.
- To your point, Senator Perry, FEMA does not do long-term permanent housing.
- We can no longer continue to wait on FEMA for our maps.
Keywords:
disaster response, Senate Bill 1, Senate Bill 2, flood management, water conservation, public safety, training and education, emergency management
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several critical bills related to disaster response and water conservation. Senate Bill 1, the Natural Disaster Omnibus Bill, was extensively discussed, with testimonies reflecting on recent flooding incidents in Texas. Senator Perry emphasized the need for policy solutions to prevent future tragedies following historic flooding that resulted in significant loss of life. The committee adopted the committee substitutes for both SB1 and SB13 without objection, highlighting the broad support for these initiatives aimed at water conservation and improved emergency response protocols. Additionally, members expressed the importance of training and educating officials involved in disaster management to ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Intergovernmental Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am
House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If the FEMA match restrictions...
- So tying it to just those FEMA-related expenses rather than some sort of mechanism that allows...
- The president appointed a FEMA review council.
- Debris removal is a great example because FEMA is a reimbursement program.
- And with regards to the FEMA role, this is a concern for both the state and local governments because
Keywords:
fiscal responsibility, local government spending, House Bill 46, House Bill 73, public safety, infrastructure, taxpayer concerns, cost inflation, community services
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility in local governments, particularly the implications of House Bills 46 and 73. Proponents argued that these bills would help limit unnecessary spending and ensure that expenditures are tied to inflation and population growth, addressing taxpayer concerns about rising local budgets. However, numerous city officials and representatives from various organizations voiced strong opposition, claiming that these measures would hinder essential services and infrastructure improvements, particularly in rapidly growing areas. Current spending practices were deemed inadequate for meeting the demands of public safety and community services, especially in light of increased costs in areas like public water systems and emergency response. The meeting was characterized by passionate debate, as stakeholders lined up to express their views both for and against the proposed legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- What happens in a loss is either FEMA might pay for that, which is a toss-up.
- marker="289" data-time="1728"> If you have a catastrophe, the state will pay off a lot faster than FEMA
Bills:
SB2920, SB2929, SB2398, SB865, SB401, SB2619, SB2927, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1635, SB1581, SB2008
Keywords:
steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators
Summary:
The meeting focused on advancing several significant pieces of legislation, particularly those pertaining to education and school finance. Notable discussions included the adoption of committee substitutes for various Senate Bills, such as SB2392, which introduced new reporting requirements for educators regarding misconduct cases. The committee also addressed SB1635, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of high coastal insurance costs on school districts, which included provisions for credits against required recapture payments. Senator Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of responding to the challenges faced by local districts, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure fair funding in coastal areas.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate SessionOpening Day of the 89th Legislature, Second Called Session Aug 15th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ...including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA
Bills:
SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34
Keywords:
flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, disaster preparedness, local government, safety measures, flood management, outdoor warning sirens, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, flood management, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance
Summary:
This meeting of the Texas Senate during the second called special session focused on a variety of pressing legislative issues. Notably, the session included discussions on multiple Senate Bills including SB2, concerning disaster preparedness measures, and SB3, which aimed to improve early warning systems in flood-prone areas. The Governor's announcement to convene the special session triggered robust debates, particularly regarding the incorporation of stricter regulations on hemp products and funding allocation for disaster relief. The members of the Senate participated actively, with motions proposed for immediate hearings on several bills following their introduction, emphasizing the urgency of the issues at hand. The dynamics were marked by a sense of collaboration among members while grappling with complex topics affecting their constituents.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Sep 3rd, 2025 at 06:09 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal process determined by FEMA of what actually is
- LOMA, which is a federal option under the FEMA mandate, allows you to apply for a waiver to leave out
- marker="1774" data-time="10638">Striking the language from the proposal, the bill attempts to undermine FEMA
- Management Agency (FEMA) to exempt several of the cabins
- One, it will allow for funding for the FEMA match from the July 4th floods, where we as a state said
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, education reform, high-stakes testing, accountability, disaster funding, stakeholder engagement, local control
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding several bills, including HB8, which faced significant scrutiny for its approach to educational assessments and accountability. Representative Garcia Hernandez voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the bill's reliance on high-stakes testing and the lack of meaningful stakeholder engagement, particularly from educators and parents. She urged the committee to pause the bill for further consideration, advocating for a more inclusive reform process. The discussion highlighted a growing concern over the implications of school testing standards and the balance of state versus local control in education. Chairman Bonin presented a conference committee report for SB5 related to disaster funding, underscoring its significance for future preparedness and local government support following recent flooding events. The bill was adopted without significant contention, reflecting bipartisan agreement on its importance.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and my question on this, just general interest really, does water include flood that was paid out by FEMA
- and claims in FEMA?
Summary:
The meeting involved extensive discussions on various topics, although specific bills or motions were not highlighted. The members engaged in a dialogue surrounding the financial aspects of policies under review, particularly referencing rate components and reserves. Questions were raised regarding the allocation of premiums and the implications for future budgets, but no concrete resolutions were made. The Chair, after guiding the discussion, indicated the conclusion of the agenda and called for any additional business before moving to adjourn.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 26th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And we applied for a FEMA grant and it paid every single
- The $100,000 that y'all spent, did you recoup it through FEMA?
- That's FEMA.
Bills:
SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034
Keywords:
data privacy, consumer rights, technology, business regulation, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, nursing facilities, assisted living, resident safety, power outage, voting by mail, assisted living, nursing facilities, legal guardian, electoral process, foster care, medical consent, out-of-network, healthcare access, Medicaid
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services addressed several significant pieces of legislation focused primarily on health and welfare issues in Texas. One of the central topics was SB1233, which aims to provide perinatal palliative care information to families receiving diagnoses of life-threatening conditions. Testimonies highlighted the importance of immediate access to support resources, as speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the emotional and medical implications of these diagnoses. Additionally, SB1368 was discussed, focusing on emergency preparedness within assisted living and nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for actionable contingency plans to protect vulnerable residents during power outages and emergencies. The committee explored how to ensure compliance with new standards while considering the realities faced by these facilities, especially in determining the appropriate levels of emergency power backup requirements.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 18th, 2025 at 12:08 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- storms which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA
Keywords:
disaster preparedness, youth camp safety, flood response, public safety, emergency communications, abortion legislation
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed a range of legislation aimed at addressing public safety and emergency preparedness, particularly focusing on the aftermath of recent storms in Texas. A noteworthy aspect of the discussions involved several bills related to youth camp safety, disaster preparedness, and the establishment of emergency communication systems. Members actively debated the merits of various proposals, with particular attention on HB80, which addresses abortion-related liabilities, indicating a contentious atmosphere surrounding personal rights and public health issues. Testimonies from public witnesses reinforced the urgency of implementing stronger flood response measures and safeguarding vulnerable populations during emergencies.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- local officials, we do not need to wait for an election year to hear if we're on the wrong path for FEMA
- ...that's validated and empirically derived by FEMA and NIST
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
Senate Bill 9, property tax, voter-approved tax rate, local government, public safety, infrastructure, tax relief, public testimony
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met to discuss the implications of Senate Bill 9, which focuses on property tax appraisal reforms. The bill's primary goal is to lower the voter-approved tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%. During the meeting, various stakeholders provided testimony, highlighting concerns about the potential impact of the cap on local governments, especially in rapidly growing areas. Senators engaged in extensive discussions about the balancing act between tax relief and the need for robust public services, emphasizing the need for local flexibility to meet constituents' needs. The bill faced opposition from local officials who argued that the cap could hinder essential services like police and fire departments, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- We apply every year for a federal grant through FEMA.
Our 2025 award from FEMA was $29 million, plus the
- dollars a year from the state legislature, and then we also apply every year for a federal grant through FEMA
- from FEMA was $29 million plus the $1 million.
Summary:
The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on reviewing various bills, with robust conversations surrounding fiscal allocations for upcoming bienniums. Notably, discussions centered around SB22, which relates to salary assistance grants for law enforcement agencies, indicated strong support, with members expressing a consensus on the importance of enhancing financial resources for police departments across Texas. Additionally, the committee examined HB1, which proposed increases to funding to improve tax collection efficiencies and recruitment of professionals in critical roles. The meeting witnessed input from various stakeholders and representatives emphasizing the significance of these initiatives for state operations and public safety.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- data-time="10026"> Control over firearms is important to me, and it is essential that we have a strong FEMA
- We need to strengthen FEMA. These are concerns of Central Texas.
- FEMA, education, the environment, and being fiscally responsible
Keywords:
redistricting, gerrymandering, fair representation, public testimony, Congressional districts, disaster recovery, climate crisis
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting was convened to discuss the redistricting process in light of ongoing concerns over gerrymandering and the potential impact on fair representation, particularly for communities of color in Texas. Chair Phil King welcomed committee members and emphasized the importance of public participation. Throughout the meeting, numerous witnesses provided testimony, raising urgent issues regarding how proposed changes to congressional districts would affect the political landscape, local representation, and disaster response efforts in the wake of recent events. Many speakers highlighted a sense of urgency, as they felt that the focus on redistricting was a diversion from pressing matters such as disaster recovery and climate response.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- B managed to get to the flood-torn area a full three days before FEMA showed up.
With FEMA eliminated, Texans foraged for food and
- data-time="12564"> Just a reminder, this request comes from an administration which failed to send FEMA
Keywords:
redistricting, congressional districts, DOJ letter, voter suppression, gerrymandering, public testimony, community representation
Summary:
The Senate special committee convened to address issues related to congressional redistricting, particularly focusing on the implications of a recent DOJ letter concerning majority-minority districts. Various senators expressed strong concerns about the motivations behind the proposed redistricting efforts, asserting that they may infringe on the rights of black and brown communities across Texas. Numerous members of the public provided passionate testimony, voicing their fears over potential voter suppression and gerrymandering, while others pushed for greater representation of underrepresented communities in the redistricting process. The committee aims to gather this public input as part of its overall redistricting considerations during the special session.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Local Government (Part I) May 26th, 2025
Senate Local Government Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- aggregate, the dredged material itself, coming out of the basin that would already be approved by FEMA
Keywords:
Lake Houston, dredging, maintenance district, flood control, environment, public works, industrial development, county development districts, bonds, economic incentives, sales tax, human trafficking, hotel regulation, occupancy certificate, municipal authority, law enforcement, human trafficking, municipal powers, House Bill 5509, due process
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government convened to discuss various important bills, primarily focusing on housing and local governance issues. Significant discussions included House Bill 5509, aimed at enhancing municipal powers against human trafficking by allowing the suspension of hotel occupancy certificates when crimes are suspected. The committee thoroughly reviewed the proposed committee substitutes for several bills, stressing stakeholder input and the importance of due process in legislative changes. Additionally, public testimony highlighted community support for the new amendments designed to ensure safety and welfare, particularly concerning vulnerable populations. House Bill 5663, addressing vital infrastructure needs and associated funding, also received a favorable recommendation from the committee, advancing its path through legislative scrutiny.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The uncle helped with those repairs, but there were long fights with FEMA in getting aid for the items
- I know in order for us to get FEMA relief in our community, we Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331
Keywords:
Lower Neches Valley Authority, board removal, training requirements, public testimony, complaints resolution, Sabine River Authority, board of directors, complaints, Texas Sunset Act, government oversight, ethics training, flood control, Harris County, governance, eminent domain, bonds, environmental improvements, water assistance, financial grants, Texas Water Development Board
Summary:
The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Finance May 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- rural communities are devastated, many times they are not eligible for federal assistance through FEMA
Keywords:
Senate Committee, Supplemental Budget, House Bill 500, Infrastructure, Disaster Recovery, Bipartisan Support, Cybersecurity, Legislation, Public Testimony, Rural Communities
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee featured extensive discussions surrounding several important bills, notably House Bills 500, 4486, and 3010. Chair Huffman presented HB500, a supplemental budget addressing vital state services, in which $2.5 billion was allocated for water infrastructure projects. The committee approved the bill unanimously, showcasing bipartisan support for its critical provisions including enhancements to Texas's cybersecurity and disaster response capabilities. Discussions also revolved around HB4486, which was substituted and subsequently reported back to the full Senate, indicating ongoing legislative refinement and collaboration among members. Additionally, HB3010, aimed at facilitating disaster recovery for rural infrastructure, was brought forward by Senator Nichols, emphasizing the state's commitment to assisting communities impacted by natural calamities.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Land & Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
According to a study done by FEMA, every dollar spent
Bills:
HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673
Keywords:
solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, solar energy, building codes, residential construction, interconnection, municipal regulations, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability
Summary:
The meeting of the committee involved in-depth discussions on various bills aimed at addressing community needs and rights pertaining to land use and environmental management. Notably, House Bill 2011 proposed a framework for original property owners to repurchase their land under specific conditions when property taxes are not paid by the acquiring entity. Representative Bell articulated concerns regarding the rights of owners affected by eminent domain, engaging with public testimony on the bill's implications. House Bill 5380, presented by Representative Wally, focused on improving access to parkland and green spaces in unincorporated areas, allowing counties to set criteria for parkland dedication, which sparked debates about urban versus rural development considerations and community planning.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You'll have to use FEMA A and then part of B schedules if you're a taxing jurisdiction to use the disaster
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, property tax, homestead exemptions, Senate Bill 9, legislation, tax relief, committee discussions
Summary:
During this committee meeting, significant attention was directed towards property tax relief and reform, notably through discussions led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the upcoming options for homestead exemptions that would be voted on in November. The committee also reviewed a series of bills, including Senate Bill 9, which was presented as a committee substitute. There was a strong emphasis on how the legislation aims to streamline tax guidelines for local government expenditures while balancing taxpayer relief against budgetary constraints. The meeting was characterized by a collaborative atmosphere where committee members shared insights and feedback on the various bills under consideration.
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