Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'developmental disability'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 390 will open up this designation to all veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability
  • ...regardless of disability, will strengthen the state's
  • My name is John Cackley, an Army combat engineer, disabled veteran, business owner, and executive vice
  • ...service-disabled veterans to the Texas HUB Program.
  • A concern I have, and just to be clear, disabled veterans...
Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 7th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • a disabled veteran.
  • for 100% disabled veterans.
  • qualified as 100% disabled for.
  • ," and that he died of a service-connected disability, end quote.
  • and totally disabled, and that he died of a service-related condition.
Summary: The Committee on Ways and Means convened to discuss several proposed bills, including HB4044, HB103, and HB3045, focusing on tax reform and support for local development initiatives. Representative Troxler introduced a committee substitute for HB103, which was subsequently adopted without objection, demonstrating consensus on its merits. HB3045 sought to incentivize spaceport operations with franchise tax breaks for contracts related to the Department of Defense, emphasizing Texas's commitment to lead in the aerospace industry. The meeting concluded with discussions around the importance of the Property Value Study (PBS) and its impact on equitable taxation, with members addressing concerns about the effective administration of property appraisals and future legislative actions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 11th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • to all kids with disabilities within their jurisdiction.
  • Current law there's already a mechanism by which students with disabilities in private schools do get
  • With disabilities get excellent services from excellent and
  • If a special needs child—or a child with a disability in particular—was unable to use it as they were
  • School vouchers is one, and students with disabilities is another.
Bills: HB3
Summary: The meeting centered around critical discussions regarding HB3, particularly focusing on public school funding and educational mandates. There were passionate exchanges among committee members as they debated the implications of the bill on equity in education and funding transparency. Expert testimonies were heard, including an education policy expert who underscored previous findings that highlighted the potential negative impacts of voucher systems on students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. The discussion raised vital questions regarding how similar programs in other states had fared, emphasizing lessons learned from their experiences.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Being disabled in our community puts individuals at a higher
  • For example, assault against a child, elderly, or disabled individual.
  • the misdemeanor punishment range if the crime is committed against an adult who is not elderly or disabled
  • Specifically, House Bill 2593 increases the penalty for assault against elderly or disabled individuals
  • ="126">This bill seeks to ensure that individuals who commit indecent assault against elderly or disabled
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation, including discussions around HB1720, aimed at enhancing the security of animal housing facilities to prevent unauthorized trespassing. Representative Gerben-Hawkins emphasized the bill's importance in protecting both the animals and the safety of facilities. The discussion highlighted personal accounts, including a notable incident involving a break-in at the Dallas Zoo, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter penalties for trespassers in these settings. The bill aims to classify such trespassing as a jail felony or even a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances of any harassment towards the animals involved. Additionally, HB2593 was brought up, proposing to increase penalties for indecent assault against the elderly and disabled, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of vulnerable populations. The committee also discussed HB4414, which addresses mail theft related to checks and introduces offenses for the theft of mail keys. The meeting was well-attended, with ample public testimony supporting these legislative measures, indicating a strong concern from the community about animal welfare and protection for vulnerable citizens.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "> Because of PTSD, TBI, substance use, and a variety of things, there is discrimination in the disability
  • Even if they're not disabled or deemed disabled, they still face that discrimination due to the fear
  • that they are having a disability.
  • Torres's disability.
  • or actual disability that still doesn't impact their basic functions for the job.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs focused on multiple bills aimed at improving services and protections for veterans in Texas. Discussion centered on Senate Bill 2926, which transfers the administration of veterans' mental health initiatives to the Texas Veterans Commission to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Public testimony was heard both for and against the bill, but ultimately it will be left pending. Other notable discussions included Senate Bill 2938, addressing the mental health challenges faced by justice-impacted veterans, aiming to better connect them with necessary resources. Additionally, Senate Bill 2543 and Senate Bill 2545 aimed to expand veteran cemetery locations and housing assistance for veterans, respectively, highlighting the increasing demand for support services in these areas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes, $50 million for the disabled exemptions. Yes.
  • **Senator Perry**: ...disabled exemptions? Yes, sir.
  • **Senator Zaffirini**: Which focuses on the Disabled

  • The agreements they send us are not necessarily disability compliant, so the ability to convert those
  • Oh, it's the one in addition to funding Pro Rata Share Disabled Veterans Assistance Program.
Summary: The meeting involved a comprehensive review of various legislative bills, with members voicing their opinions and concerns on each. Significant discussions centered around land use policies, education reforms, and public health initiatives. A number of witnesses were called to share their insights, providing both supportive and opposing perspectives on the proposed bills. The committee demonstrated a commitment to thorough deliberation, ensuring all voices were heard before taking votes on the legislation.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • benefits to seniors and Americans with disabilities.
  • It provides essential financial support for the retired and disabled.
  • How do you begin the process of trying to reform the disability review so that disabled individuals don't
  • We have a six-month standard on disability, but it takes much longer.
  • It's been one of the truest things we have for our aged and our disabled.
Summary: The committee meeting focused heavily on the nomination of Frank Bisignano as the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, with intense discussions around the current state of Social Security and its management under the current administration. Members voiced significant concerns regarding potential changes to Social Security and Medicaid, specifically addressing issues such as office closures, delays in benefit processing, and the perceived policies from Elon Musk's association with the administration. Public testimonies highlighted fears that these changes would severely impact the accessibility of benefits for seniors and vulnerable individuals, resulting in a chaotic environment at the SSA. Members expressed a unified opposition to the notion of dismantling these critical programs, emphasizing the long-term implications on their constituents' well-being.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With Disability Rights Texas against the bill, is that correct?
  • words on a paper can't capture what is going on in a disability-related housing dispute.
  • Cole, I've got you with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities against the bill.
  • , or CTD, a cross-disability advocacy organization advocating for Texans with disabilities to live, work
  • This violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. This violates basic human decency.
Summary: The meeting of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee included discussions on critical bills impacting public safety and tenant rights. Representative Garcia-Hernandez presented HB923, which aims to add two public members to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel, thereby enhancing informed consent for medical procedures. This move sought to enhance transparency and public trust, especially since the panel previously lacked any public representation. The committee also received testimonies both for and against the bill, highlighting the importance of public input in health-related decisions. The bill faced opposition mainly due to concerns about balancing medical expertise with public representation. Another significant discussion revolved around HB32, which seeks to streamline the eviction process in Texas. While proponents argue that the bill addresses inefficiencies affecting landlords, opponents, including activists and legal experts, expressed concerns that the bill could exacerbate homelessness and undermine tenant rights. They stressed the need for adequate protections and due process for tenants. As the committee moved through multiple bills, the need for careful consideration of both landlord and tenant rights remained a focal point of debate, indicating the complexities surrounding housing legislation in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, disabled veterans, these and these are all defined

  • I'm a disabled veteran.
  • Is it any veteran with a 40% or above disability?
  • ...it's 50% that qualifies for the disabled veterans.
  • or a 40% service-connected disability due to the amputation of a lower extremity.
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss a range of bills pertinent to veterans' issues, including housing, mental health, and memorial designations. Representative Lopez took a leading role in presenting several bills, most notably HB2210, which aims to formally recognize the United States Space Force within Texas laws. Concerns were expressed over ensuring that Space Force veterans receive the same benefits as those from other military branches. Various resource witnesses contributed their expertise to underline the necessity of these initiatives. The public also had opportunities to provide testimony regarding the impact of these measures on veterans' welfare. Discussions frequently centered on challenges such as homelessness among veterans, with several bills introduced to address these issues directly. The committee expressed a strong intention to advocate for veterans' needs through legislation, with notable support for bills that addressed housing affordability and mental health services. HB2061, which honors a fallen service member, was also discussed, reinforcing the community's commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by those who served. The meeting concluded with motions to schedule multiple bills for further consideration with unanimous support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We represent veterans to file disability claims with

  • Now, veterans that are 70% disabled or more actually

  • We have many that have also had their disability rating established or improved.
  • You have to have a service-connected disability to live in the home.
  • So you could be zero on your disability rating from the VA, and you'd be paying whatever the
Summary: The meeting of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee served as the inaugural session for the legislative year, focusing on various significant veteran issues and programs. Chairman Cortez led discussions around the upcoming legislative workload, with an estimated 75 bills anticipated for review. Members acknowledged the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges within the defense forces, with insights on necessary facility upgrades and the impacts on local communities. Collaborative efforts, such as home loan programs and the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, were highlighted to demonstrate the support provided to veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The committee emphasized the vital role of outreach initiatives to ensure veterans are aware of available services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This program prioritizes disabled and income-vulnerable students.
  • So yes, in a lottery situation weighted towards the disabled and low-income, I think it is fair.
  • My concern happens to be with these families with kids with disabilities.
  • Why is there any reason that 504 students are not included under the definition of disability?
  • , so $1,500 more than a student that does not have a disability.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The meeting focused extensively on the amendments and discussions pertaining to SB2, which is aimed at establishing an education savings account program. Various members presented and debated amendments that targeted transparency, accountability, and potential conflicts of interest within the private education sector. Notably, Senator Cook proposed an amendment to require educational service providers to make their budgets public, while Senator Blanco highlighted the need for disclosures relevant to parents of special education and English language learners. The bill saw intense discussion around protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that the provisions did not segregate or discriminate against students within the program. Throughout the meeting, the committee demonstrated robust engagement with both proponents and opponents of the bill, examining the implications of the proposed amendments critically. The overall atmosphere suggested a strong desire to balance educational freedom with accountability and oversight. The meeting concluded with calls for diligence in ensuring that public funds are appropriately utilized, setting the stage for future discussions as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill, a very small but powerful provision, includes students with disabilities in public pre-K.
  • For example, a student with a learning disability receiving services from a special education teacher
  • Lubbock ISD gets $985,000 in state funding for students with specific learning disabilities.
  • Good evening, I'm Stephen Aliman with Disability Rights Texas, here in support of HB 2.
  • I think in the long term this is going to help students with disabilities.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 2, which aims to reform funding for special education in Texas. Various stakeholders, including educators and administrators, testified on the importance of the bill, highlighting current funding gaps and the need for increased resources to adequately support students with disabilities. Testimony revealed that many school districts are experiencing a significant funding shortfall, forcing them to seek additional local funding sources to cover the costs of necessary services. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a new tiered funding system, which was met with cautious support due to the ambiguities surrounding its implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...people in mobile scooters who have disabilities, etc.
  • Since 1949, Texas has issued specialty license plates for disabled veterans.
  • with a disability.
  • Disabled peace officers should register their vehicles.
  • Peace officers whose specialty license plate displays the disabled symbol can qualify.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are many private sector companies that work with veterans and their disability claims.
  • claims on the one hand, and private sector companies like Remedical that offer only disability benefit
  • and what accreditation means for veterans and for a free market option for them to pursue their disability
  • If a veteran receives a disability percentage increase years
  • They get their disability claim prepared.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development convened to discuss a range of bills addressing workforce policies, business practices, and data privacy issues. A highlight was the presentation of HB5146, aimed at expanding subsidized childcare eligibility to include parents pursuing non-credit workforce training, which drew significant support from both committee members and witnesses. Additionally, SB2121 was introduced to rectify clerical errors within the data broker law, ensuring better consumer protections around the collection and use of personal data. Various other bills saw quick passages with unanimous support, reflecting broad agreement among members regarding workforce development and operational efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 10th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is first-time suspicion of a disability.
  • We want to look at long-term disability.
  • I'm Stephen Aleman with Disability Rights Texas.
  • if we keep that disability penalty cut in half.
  • Why couldn't they see all seven disabilities?
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting covered a wide range of topics, focusing primarily on pending legislation and various policy issues facing the committee. Discussions were notably animated surrounding several bills, with members expressing both support and concern over their implications. Witness testimonies were heard, shedding light on different perspectives regarding the legislation in question, indicating a robust public interest and engagement in the topics discussed. Members collaborated to address constituents' concerns while seeking solutions that align with the committee's objectives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ="49" data-time="288"> criminal offenses that target the abuse of children, the elderly, and the disabled
  • our law by creating an offense to target those who abuse elderly individuals, children, and the disabled
  • I'm sorry, who abused the individual children and the disabled
  • or disabled

  • , we must ensure that we protect those who cannot protect themselves: our children, elderly, and disabled
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussing various bills addressing public safety and criminal penalties within Texas. Notable discussions included the introduction of HB544, which aims to expand consecutive sentencing for crimes against children and vulnerable adults. Representative Gervin Hawkins highlighted the urgent need for this legislation by referencing a shocking case in Bexar County involving severe abuse, illustrating the limitations of current law in imposing adequate penalties. The bill received public support and raised awareness of the ongoing issues surrounding the safety of vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 14th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, the 81st Legislature granted a residence homestead exemption to 100% disabled veterans
  • Disabled veterans would get the relief they need while

  • I've testified before on the Disabled Veterans Property Tax...
  • For a long time, it was not considered a service-connected disability.
  • And could it be 100% disability in those instances?
Summary: The meeting covered multiple bills, primarily focusing on House Bill 2802, which relates to the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund Pension, and House Bill 1056 regarding the establishment of gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Senator Schwartner introduced several committee substitutes aimed at improving provisions in these bills, with the committee discussing amendments and seeking public testimony on the implications of these changes. Notably, the discussion highlighted varying perspectives on the use of gold as a currency and its constitutional implications, eliciting significant public and legislative engagement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...disabled people with voting from their vehicle.
  • You know, if there's a disabled person, I've seen some veterans that really...
  • ...like to go out and participate who are disabled, and
  • Now a disabled person is waiting hours in their car to vote, while others are asking if they're disabled
  • individual in the car, not one disabled individual with four people.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee saw extensive discussion surrounding several key bills, including HB4749, SB621, and HB201. Notably, HB3133, which involves legislation regarding explicit deepfake content and social media, was presented and debated vigorously with a committee substitute being proposed to align it with federal standards following the recent federal 'Take It Down' Act. The committee moved to report several bills favorably, including HB1506, emphasizing support for updating laws concerning political contributions and expenditures. Public testimonies were held on various bills, allowing stakeholders to voice their perspectives, particularly on legislation concerning tactical medical professionals and their role during high-risk incidents. The committee concluded the meeting by laying out additional bills for further discussion in subsequent sessions, underscoring a commitment to thorough legislative review.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , or CTD, an organization advocating for people with disabilities.
  • These are basic disability accommodations.
  • Twelve percent of the state's population, or roughly 3 to 4 million Texans, has a disability.
  • Physical disabilities make up a significant part of that percent.
  • Many were also older, physically disabled, and living on extremely limited incomes like myself.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee involved deliberations on a series of significant bills addressing issues such as election procedures, mental health crises, and the interplay between homelessness and public safety. Notably, Senator Parker presented Senate Bill 2487, focusing on creating infrastructure for mental health crisis management in urban areas, emphasizing the need for crisis service centers. Testimonies were heard from various stakeholders about the impact of mental health on homelessness, with supporters advocating for more comprehensive care while opposing viewpoints cautioned against conflating mental illness with criminal behavior. Another prominent discussion was around Senate Bill 2876, which proposed increasing penalties for rioting, specifically targeting those who conceal their identities. This stirred public outcry as civil rights advocates raised concerns about potential profiling and freedom of expression.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • People in mobile scooters who have disabilities, etc.
  • Since 1949, Texas has issued specialty license plates for disabled veterans.
  • Disabled officer from their ability to ambulate to qualify
  • loss of $246,000 to the highway fund over a five-year period, but really we don't know how many disabled
  • A small number of those are permanently disabling.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on legislative discussions surrounding multiple Senate bills, with a significant emphasis on Senate Bill 2080, which aims to modernize outdated regulations affecting navigation districts and port authorities in Texas. Senator Alvarado led the discussion on this bill, highlighting its potential to streamline operations and enhance flexibility in Texas ports, aligning them with national best practices. Several members of the committee expressed support for this legislation, citing its economic implications for Texas, particularly in relation to job creation and infrastructure improvement. However, concerns were raised by representatives from the city of Corpus Christi regarding provisions within the bill that might expand the port's authority, potentially impacting local governance and tax revenue.

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