Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles'

Page 11 of 63
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They want busloads of students coming to experience those places and learn more about Texas history,
  • the state of Texas.
  • Texas needs a wildlife corridor action plan for the safety of both Texans and wildlife in Texas.
  • That prompted the Texas Department of Transportation to work with Texas Parks and Wildlife as well as
  • injuries and dozens of deaths every year in Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee centered on several important bills primarily aimed at enhancing Texas's wildlife management and cultural initiatives. One of the standout discussions was around HB5259, which advocates for the development of a wildlife corridor action plan by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill aims to address the high number of animal-vehicle collisions in Texas, proposing to set up designated areas to connect wildlife populations and habitats. Witnesses, including wildlife conservationists, testified in support of this bill, stressing its potential to significantly reduce accidents and protect endangered species like ocelots. The committee also deliberated on multiple Senate Bills aimed at streamlining hunting licenses and supporting state historical initiatives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • of Accounting program at the University of Houston and current chair of the Texas Society of CPAs.
  • With hundreds of people moving to Texas daily and many businesses relocating to Texas, the need for CPAs
  • and implementing standards and rules specific for the state of Texas regarding insurance products?
  • This is who runs Texas, and the motto of my organization...
  • I'm the Director of the Field Inspections Division for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Summary: The committee meeting included extensive discussions on a variety of bills, predominantly focusing on cleanup legislation aimed at aligning Texas laws with current practices and standards within various professional fields. Notable bills discussed included SB703, which addressed licensing consequences for massage establishments to close loopholes in existing law, and SB764, which related to improving procedures for electrician's licensing appeals. Several members expressed support for these measures, highlighting their importance in maintaining professional integrity and public safety. Public testimonies were received, offering insights and support from professionals in the fields impacted by these legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mark McGurk of the University of Texas at El Paso, and you’re here on the bill, is that correct?
  • Texas and serve the great state of Texas.
  • , our sister institutions Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas.
  • We're losing hospitals in rural Texas and even some urban parts of Texas, and it's not due to the lack
  • Our Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharpe have made it very clear...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills including HB271, HB3326, HB4066, and HB2853. Notably, Representative Tenderholt raised concerns about the substantial increase in student fees proposed in HB2853, emphasizing that the increase could impact low-income students disproportionately. Discussions also revolved around the administrative corrections needed for HB271, where it was confirmed that the committee substitute was adopted before reporting favorably. The atmosphere of the meeting was engaged, with various representatives expressing their views and offering insights into the implications of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Feb 13th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Brittany Sharkey, and I serve as the Executive Director of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical
  • ...abolished the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas and
  • My name is Frank Denton, and I'm proud to say that I am the chairman of the Texas State Board of Plumbing
  • I'm here to testify about the waste, fraud, and abuse of the Texas Medical Board.
  • I'm here in support of the appropriations request and exceptional items for the Texas Board of Veterinary
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting covered significant budget recommendations for the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Texas Funeral Service Commission, focusing on their proposed changes and the implications of the funding adjustments. Blake Paul from TDLR presented a comprehensive overview including a $23.1 million net decrease in their budget and a significant push for anti-trafficking efforts, which received positive feedback. Additionally, discussions on the whole body donation program highlighted increased funding to facilitate its transition following the recent legislative changes. The committee members engaged actively, debating the sufficiency of the proposed budgets and their impact on ongoing initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Administration Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It recognizes the state's economic vitality and the contributions of the ranchers, farmers, and chefs
  • marker="22" data-time="126"> the significance of the Texas cattle industry and its role in shaping the
  • policy to protect the health and well-being of Texans.
  • The Texas Strip steak urges the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote it as a key component of Texas's
  • supporting local producers and preserving the unique flavors of Texas.
Bills: SCR4, SCR18, SCR31, SCR43, SCR46
Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration convened to discuss SCR46, a resolution aimed at renaming the 'New York Strip Steak' to 'Texas Strip Steak' in tribute to Texas's significant agricultural heritage. Senator Sparks presented the resolution, emphasizing Texas's position as the number one beef cattle producer in the United States. The discussion highlighted the importance of the beef industry in Texas, with an emphasis on the economic contributions and cultural significance of ranchers and farmers in shaping local cuisine. The meeting also allowed for public testimony, which indicated strong community interest in the matter.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the state of Texas.
  • of and preyed upon.
  • in the state of Texas would be deaf or hard of hearing.
  • And so people kind of shut down, and the deaf and hard-of-hearing community stay at home or they stay
  • of public policy in Texas, with Texas CASA, and you're for the bill?
Summary: The committee meeting focused on three significant bills: HB1151, HB1155, and HB1041. A notable discussion arose surrounding HB1151, which aims to protect parental rights regarding medical decisions for children, especially in foster care settings. Supporters highlighted concerns about coercive practices by Child Protective Services that could label parents as neglectful for refusing certain medical treatments. Several witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for parents to retain autonomy over their children's medical care. There was also a compelling narrative shared regarding a family's struggle with the complexities of health decisions under CPS supervision, further underscoring the importance of this legislation. The committee also reviewed HB1155, aimed at providing temporary financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families who have completed their service plans for the reunification of children removed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. The sentiment in favor of this bill echoed the challenges faced by families trying to navigate the system while meeting their basic needs. Furthermore, HB1041 was discussed, which seeks to prevent non-family caregivers from being named beneficiaries on life insurance policies of individuals under their care, highlighting a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the Texas Council of Community Centers and Test Fund.
  • My name is Michael Clark, and I'm the Deputy Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Arc of Texas
  • The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans
  • And in a state the size of Texas, there are plenty of...
  • The Legislative Budget Board and the Texas Legislative Council have removed Section 5 of the introduced
Summary: The committee meeting featured a comprehensive discussion primarily focused on HB1188, which seeks to establish an early connection for families of children diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities to local IDD authorities. Multiple testimonies highlighted the urgent need for such a system, emphasizing how it could transform the experience of families by providing critical information and resources at the moment of diagnosis rather than at a later age. Representative Emanuel passionately presented the bill, underlining its potential to make a significant positive impact in the lives of families across Texas. Additionally, there were discussions regarding other bills related to education and child services, including HB123 and HB2310, with emphasis on the importance of early intervention and support for young children with disabilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • on behalf of yourself and Texas track owners, is that correct?
  • The Chair calls Courtney Miller on behalf of yourself and Texas track owners.
  • "> Like Emil, I am part of the coalition of track owners across the state of Texas and support House
  • I've got you here on behalf of yourself and the Texas Notary Training Forum.
  • My name is Ann Baddour, I'm with Texas Appleseed, and I am expressing a lot of concerns and opposition
Summary: During this meeting of the legislative committee, significant discussions took place regarding various bills, including those focused on judge and courthouse security, construction defect lawsuits, and carbon capture legislation. A notable highlight was the presentation of HB4502, where representatives expressed urgency to address concerns surrounding harassment of judges and court staff, citing incidents that had raised alarms about their safety. The proposed changes aim to enhance the judicial security framework and rectify loopholes that currently hinder effective legal recourse for court personnel. Several witnesses provided testimony both in support and in opposition to the discussed bills, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and concerns surrounding each piece of legislation. Another key discussion involved HB2790, which aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for carbon capture and storage, addressing the balance between promoting technological advancement and protecting property rights. Stakeholders, including landowners and industry representatives, presented contrasting views on the implications of the bill, highlighting the ongoing debate about environmental responsibilities versus economic development needs. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending, showcasing the committee's commitment to thorough deliberation and stakeholder engagement in legislative processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County and Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • for the sake of Texas, the law, and integrity.
  • that the future of Texas with HB5580 will be dire and perilous.
  • My name is Sarah Cruz, and I am here on behalf of the ACLU of Texas to oppose HB5580.
  • My name is Glenn Hammer and I serve as President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
  • of state funds for a terrific Texas Space Commission and a whole bunch of other activities so that Texas
Summary: The meeting revolved around the discussions of several key bills, particularly focusing on HB5580, which mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Many witnesses, including community organizers and legal advocates, voiced strong opposition to this bill, claiming it would perpetuate racial profiling, undermine community trust in law enforcement, and create a climate of fear among immigrant families. Testimonies highlighted that such legislation often leads to decreased reporting of crimes and increased tensions between law enforcement and the community. Controversy brewed over claims that the bill would divert resources from pressing local safety needs to federal immigration priorities, which many argue should not be the responsibility of local agencies. The chair expressed appreciation for the input but left HB5580 pending, indicating further deliberation is needed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement for Prism Health North Texas, and I'm
  • Council of Child Welfare Boards and self-testifying for the bill.
  • and families of Texas.
  • And we show you registered as George Ford, representing the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards and
  • The Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards is made up of representatives across the state.
Summary: The meeting was productive, primarily focusing on the discussions surrounding several key bills, notably HB2012, HB3174, and HB5580. The bills addressed significant issues like public health, immigration enforcement, and developmental initiatives. Notably, HB3174 aims to combat the spread of blood-borne diseases through syringe exchange programs in specific counties, with robust support from public health officials. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of perspectives on the efficacy and implications of these bills, particularly regarding how they would impact public safety and health in Texas. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on law enforcement and the appropriateness of mandating immigration mechanisms in local jails under HB5580, generating passionate discussions among committee members and public testimonies alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As many of you know, men and women of color, and women in uniform
  • I'm the President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
  • We're the Texas State Chamber, and I'm testifying in strong support of SB 2255.
  • I believe this is for a very deserving part of the Texas and American community, which is armed service
  • of Texas.
Bills: HB102, HB300, SB2255
Summary: The meeting centered around various legislative bills, notably focusing on HB102, HB300, and SB2255. Senator Sparks presented SB2255, aimed at easing occupational licensing for military spouses and veterans, eliminating bureaucratic delays that hinder their employment opportunities after relocation. Key testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the importance of this bill, emphasizing how it could alleviate the economic burden faced by military families when transitioning to new roles. The updates on HB300 aimed at revitalizing the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program underscored efforts to modernize assistance for military students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and governing boards being absent from important meetings.
  • a governing board of an institution of higher education...
  • must attend, and I think I'm kind of nice about this, 75% of
  • of the state, our president pro tempore is the acting governor for the state of Texas.
  • our universities, maintain Texas' competitive edge in research and innovation, and safeguard.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, particularly Senate Bill 1741, which aims to tackle espionage and intellectual property theft within Texas public institutions of higher education. Senator Parker took the floor to present the bill, highlighting its importance in safeguarding the state’s educational institutions from foreign threats. The conversation around this bill was substantive, with public testimonies being invited to gather a range of opinions on the proposed regulations. Another critical aspect discussed was Senate Bill 724, which addresses the attendance of governing board members in person during meetings, a vital issue raised post-COVID due to a lack of quorum in past gatherings. The committee's chair, Senator Kolkhorst, emphasized the necessity for physical presence to maintain the integrity of board meetings and deliberations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're testifying on behalf of Texas Education 911 and yourself, and you're for the bill.
  • In 2022 and 2024, the Republican Party of Texas made the repeal of these affirmative defenses a legislative
  • My name is Vanessa Savage, and I serve as the president of Protecting Texas Children.
  • I'm the Executive Director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association (TSSA).
  • And I will also point out there is no fiscal impact to the state of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of bills with robust discussions centering around House Bill 267, which aims to limit the exhibition of harmful content to minors. Representative Patterson emphasized the importance of narrowing the affirmative defenses allowed for educators regarding such material, advocating for the protection of children from exposure to objectionable content at schools. His testimony sparked considerations about existing legal loopholes and heightened concerns over child sexualization in educational settings. The bill was left pending for further discussion. Additionally, significant support was noted for House Bill 1640, which seeks to improve transparency in the rooftop solar industry by requiring the Public Utility Commission to guide consumers in understanding solar installations better.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you think of a tongue and groove kind of wood floor type situation where they snap together on the
  • This would only apply to the installation of the materials and would ensure electricians would need to
  • "council" with "advisory board" and establishing a uniform framework on how these boards are created
  • The bill gives the commission clear authority to set board size and appoint members.
  • It also standardizes terms of service at six years and aligns responsibilities.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed several notable pieces of legislation, focusing particularly on SB650, which requires electronically readable information for verifying purchasers' ages in alcohol sales. The bill was substituted and subsequently reported favorably with unanimous support. Another key piece of legislation was SB1376, aimed at enhancing code enforcement by allowing trainees to operate unsupervised in towns lacking registered officers, crucial for effective zoning and sanitation enforcement. Following discussions, the committee agreed to leave SB1346 related to lottery regulations pending as further considerations were necessary. The meeting concluded with a collective acknowledgment of the importance of these bills in addressing both public safety and regulatory clarity in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In order to prevent such breaches of trust, safeguard and protect the interests of Texas citizens, and
  • It needs to be part of the mix, right? And I'm all about the state of Texas leading in this.
  • A nuclear Texas is a benefit to all of Texas, and I urge you to support this bill.
  • I'm the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, and we are in strong support of HB 14
  • hope that Texas gets on board and becomes a leader in...
Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Act that apply to our Board of Regents and other state agency boards.
  • After the Board of Regents overruled the faculty at Texas A&M University, the Board of Regents
  • By outside influence, they mean the Board of Regents and appointed by the Governor of Texas and this
  • the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.
  • I'm also a resident of Texas and a proud father of a one-year-old.
Summary: The meeting convened with significant discussions centered around higher education legislation in Texas, particularly focusing on research security and curriculum governance. Senator Brian Hughes introduced SB1273, which aims to establish a Higher Education Research Security Council to bolster security practices against potential espionage while promoting collaboration among Texas Tier 1 research institutions. Witness testimony included insights from Dr. Kevin Gamache of Texas A&M University, who underscored the importance of safeguarding academic resources to maintain Texas’s leadership in research. The committee unanimously adopted a substitute for the bill which elevated its scope to include private institutions as well, reflecting a broader approach to research security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • emotional welfare of children, adults, and communities across Texas, and this applies regardless of where
  • And this line of cases in Texas and the Supreme Court is increasingly adding to constitutional protections
  • My name is Amber, and I'm the Director of Outreach for Street Grace, Texas.
  • I thank you for your time and service to the state of Texas.
  • on behalf of the Texas Family Law Foundation and in support of ...
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions on HB3284, which focuses on promoting family stability and the commissioning of a task force to evaluate existing regulations affecting marriage and family formation. Chairman Dutton initiated the conversation by emphasizing the need for governmental support in fostering a robust societal framework based on stable family units. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the declining marriage rates in Texas, prompting discussions on effective strategies to reverse this trend. Public testimony was heard from representatives of Texas Values Action and the Texas Family Law Foundation, both advocating for stronger legislative measures to foster lifelong marriages and family stability.

Research Filters

States
Terms / Sessions
Date Range
Chamber Records
Meetings / Events / Calendars