Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'rate increase cap'

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TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • If costs have not increased, this bill will not increase costs
  • exceed inflationary rates.
  • Costs have not increased, and this bill will not increase costs to patient employers.
  • It does not increase their costs.
  • increase.
Summary: The meeting involved in-depth discussions focused primarily on several significant bills aimed at reforming healthcare, improving consumer protection, and enhancing community-based care. Key highlights included House Bill 1919 and House Bill 1763, which address the roles and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Texas. Lawmakers emphasized the need for these bills to create a fairer landscape for independent pharmacies while ensuring patient access to necessary medications. Public testimonies reflected both support for the reforms and concerns regarding their potential implications. Another major topic was Senate Bill 513, which proposes the development of a pilot program for community-based care in rural West Texas, aiming to improve child welfare services in regions facing unique challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, while the transportation program has increased by 300%, our FTE cap is down about 7% from when
  • TxDOT has aggressively increased its letting schedule over the last several biennium, while our FTE cap
  • The cost for providing services is increasing. The cost for providing services is increasing.
  • increase.
  • increase.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The committee meeting addressed various pressing issues, notably the funding and appropriations for transportation and housing programs. Presentations focused on $40.4 billion in funding for highway projects, which is directed towards construction, maintenance, and infrastructure development for the upcoming biennium. Discussions highlighted the importance of addressing the capacity for project delivery amid increasing demands due to population growth and increased vehicle miles traveled in Texas. Additionally, Senator Hinojosa pushed for clarifying the funding available for driver education programs, especially for homeless and foster youth, which underscored a need for legislative support to ensure adequate resource allocation. Public testimonies lent depth to these discussions, presenting the human impact of legislative decisions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Since the 2018-19 school year, before COVID-19, Texas has seen a steady increase in some of the most
  • The rate at which out-of-school suspensions are used has fallen by 47% from 2008 to 2024.
  • We have seen a 42% increase in students being sent to DAEPs within the last...
  • The House Bill 6 version that passed out of the House did have a 10-day cap.
  • This led to increased frustration, continued issues with behavior, and limited academic success.
Summary: The meeting largely centered on discussions about House Bill 120, which aims to improve career and technical education in Texas, particularly focusing on rural students. The bill was introduced as an innovative approach to enhance educational pathways for high-demand jobs, including programs for military readiness and industry-based certifications. Various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Career and Technical Association of Texas, provided testimonies in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to address the workforce requirements of the state. Conversely, concerns regarding the bill's implications were raised by several witnesses, primarily focusing on the potential unintended consequences for students with disabilities and the importance of maintaining a collaborative educational approach rather than a punitive one.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Her episodes increased.
  • Scrapping the THC percentage cap and increasing the number of dispensing...
  • They will always increase.
  • your revenue, and increased revenue to me means increased expenses to your constituents.
  • All they see is an increase in cost with no benefit to justify that increase.
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss various health-related bills, with significant emphasis placed on addressing substance abuse and the associated healthcare challenges in Texas. Notable discussions revolved around HB5342, which aims to sustain 988 operations to aid individuals in crisis, while HB4454 focuses on updating laws to combat unethical patient brokering within substance use treatment programs. Various witnesses, including healthcare professionals, provided testimony supporting these initiatives, highlighting the impact of substance abuse on public health and the necessity for legislative backing in these areas. The committee heard from several members who articulated the urgency of implementing effective measures to address substance abuse, especially with the rising concerns around opioid-related deaths and treatment accessibility in underserved areas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 24th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nevertheless, the number of incidents remains at very unacceptable rates.
  • This bill, as written, does not make acceptance of the new cap mandatory.
  • Each board would have to adopt a policy change for an appropriate expenditure cap up to $50,000.
  • The board is able to revisit this cap based on their governing policies at any time.
  • And so this is a maximum cap of $50,000. Whereas you, as a commissioner, can adjust accordingly.
Summary: During this meeting, significant discussions revolved around essential bills, including HB1646, HB605, HB2379, and HB2115. HB1646, aimed at amending the Health and Safety Code, was presented as a means to enhance the operational efficiency of emergency service districts by raising the expenditure threshold for board approval from $2,000 to $50,000. Testimonies from emergency service officials were notably in favor of the bill, highlighting the improved response times and operational flexibility it would provide. On the other hand, HB605 sought to grant the Harris County Hospital District the authority to employ and commission its peace officers, tackling the increasing concerns of workplace violence in healthcare settings, which was addressed with urgency as it aimed at improving safety for both staff and patients. The bill was left pending to allow further considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Its favorability rating is through the roof.
  • but to our knowledge, there's nobody even close to that cap.
  • But that does go against the cap on the amount that they're able to sell.
  • ...that may just involve increased costs.
  • Stakeholders contend the demand for combative sports events has increased.
Summary: The committee meeting was held to discuss a variety of bills concerning state regulations and community needs. Key discussions revolved around HB2885, which aims to allow local political subdivisions to call for option elections regarding alcoholic beverage sales. The bill was well received, passing favorably without amendments. Another notable bill discussed was HB2996, relating to gambling offenses, which also passed favorably, indicating a broader support for regulatory improvements in these sectors. Public testimony was provided on several bills, emphasizing community engagement and the importance of local governance in decision-making processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • well as the federal tax rate.
  • I mean, this has dramatically increased.
  • Some of those numbers, or at least that rate of increase, could flatten out?
  • Under current statute, that category is capped at 10 percent.
  • Chairman, would increase that cap on Category 12 from 10% up to 20%, and that's the gist of it.
Summary: The recent committee meeting focused heavily on transportation infrastructure, with significant discussions surrounding multiple bills aimed at addressing funding and operational strategies. Notably, HB263 aimed to update grant distribution from the Transportation Infrastructure Fund to better reflect the needs of rural and energy-producing counties, thereby ensuring equitable support for necessary infrastructure improvements. Public testimonies in favor of the bill highlighted its importance to local communities impacted by oil and gas activities on their roads. Additionally, HJR58 was discussed, proposing to permit the Texas Department of Transportation to allocate funds toward transit-oriented projects, marking a shift toward multi-modal transportation strategies to reduce congestion and foster economic development. However, opposition arose regarding the potential misuse of gasoline taxes for non-road purposes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and Medicaid reimbursement rate increases.
  • We already did one rate increase to...
  • We already did one rate increase to help.
  • Yes, the rate was increased to 50% of what is now the basic foster care rate.
  • However, we have not increased their rates.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 23 will increase the additional homestead

  • That's a $50,000 increase coupled with our existing increases

  • , combined with the 6.8 pennies, The school district tax rate
  • understand compression, they may not understand other aspects of the three and a half percent revenue cap
  • the increase from 100,000 to 140,000, and for the first time
Bills: SB23, SJR85
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on significant property tax legislation, predominantly revolving around SB23 and HJR85, both introduced by Senator Bettencourt. These proposals aim to enhance the homestead exemption for senior and disabled taxpayers, raising it from $10,000 to $60,000. Senator Bettencourt expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of these bills, which he emphasized as the most significant tax relief measure for seniors in Texas in decades. The discussion included estimated savings of $950 per qualifying homeowner, which drew positive remarks from committee members regarding the importance of making property taxes more manageable for vulnerable populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • These penalties may be assessed against a violator via litigation and have been capped at $10,000 per
  • Senate Bill 2661 addresses the issue by increasing the

  • The cap for settlement payments is set at $25,000 per violation
  • And so this would increase that amount...
  • It's not going to affect their rate of return.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee had a thorough discussion centered around various Senate Bills primarily related to groundwater management and water utility regulations. Notably, Senate Bill 2661, introduced amendments to enhance penalties for over-pumping water, highlighting the growing concern over depleting aquifers and ensuring compliance with existing water use regulations. Multiple senators voiced their opinions regarding the necessity of tougher penalties and the implications for both water users and conservation methods. Public testimony was heard, with some arguing against the proposed penalties, stating they could unfairly burden farmers and landowners.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It doesn't increase after that, so there's no tier system. It's a flat rate.
  • and interest rate risk.
  • But ultimately, they really do recover attorney fees because they can increase their rates or the fees
  • raising the tax rate.
  • As the number of wells drilled increases, the production rate from those wells falls.
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

State Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the rate-making process.
  • and interest rates.
  • This increases our risk from a credit perspective.
  • We need to change the rate-making regulation in Texas.
  • structures in rates.
Summary: During this meeting, various important bills were discussed, including HB5573, which aims to provide whistleblower protections for public employees reporting wasteful government spending. Representative Bojani emphasized the need to encourage ethical governance and transparency in government operations. The committee adopted a key amendment to enhance protections against retaliatory actions towards these whistleblowers, highlighting a commitment to fostering accountability within the government. Additionally, HB5623 and HB4921 were moved forward with favorable reports, focusing on energy efficiency projects and the prohibition of state funds benefiting companies that outsource jobs, respectively, reflecting concerns about job retention in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, well, I guess my question is could the funding go toward those that need to be capped or plugged
  • ...You must be capped out.
  • One, under this proposal, there is a cap at $500 million for the total amount, and anything beyond that
  • ...fund is projected to reach its constitutional cap for
  • Now, within that 10% tranche, if it reaches its own cap of $500 million, then that over...
Summary: The meeting primarily centered around significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB188, HB265, HJR35, and HJR47. Members highlighted the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in the energy-producing regions of Texas, particularly focusing on the economic contributions and challenges faced by local communities impacted by the oil and gas industry. The committee witnessed a strong show of support for House Bill 188 from representatives who stressed its importance for reinvesting severance tax revenues back into communities that greatly contribute to the state’s economy. Testimonies from local economic development officials and community leaders reinforced the necessity of these investments for ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, it seeks to increase funding for P-TECH

  • 28" data-time="162">Representative Turner, how did y'all come up with the amount of the allotment increase
  • But to fund this increase, we're going to take that money.
  • may adopt a four-day school week as long as all the individual school campuses in the district are rated
  • which is an A, B, or C under the current accountability rating
Bills: HB1209, HB4746
Summary: The committee meeting focused on various educational bills, prominently House Bill 1209, which aims to address concerns surrounding the implementation of four-day school weeks in Texas. Key discussions highlighted the potential negative impacts on student performance, particularly after a report indicated that students in four-day districts scored lower in reading and math compared to their peers in traditional five-day school weeks. Representative Cunningham raised significant points regarding the importance of maintaining instructional time and the need for accountability for school districts opting for shorter weeks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This discounted rate is upwards of 50% of what my cash pay rate may be.
  • We're seeing increased rates and reduced coverage from private insurance.
  • increases.
  • We wouldn't get a rate hearing until likely sometime later this year and maybe a rate order at the beginning
  • It was said that even TLTA has suggested a rate reduction, but their rate reduction that they proposed
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance meeting covered multiple bills focused on healthcare regulations and patient accessibility. Notably, House Bill 3057 was highlighted in testimony from citizens advocating for expanded access to CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown effectiveness for blood cancers. Testimonies were given by affected individuals, emphasizing the need for local treatment options without the burden of travel to distant medical facilities. Similarly, House Bill 4603 was laid out with the intent to align arbitration options and ensure that consumers receive timely resolutions in disputed medical charges. Overall, the committee demonstrated an active engagement with the public and various stakeholders while navigating key issues affecting health insurance and patient care in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everything's been increasing.
  • In budget cycles, the funding cap has increased from $10
  • Those eligible for this program, as is, are increasing by 20% each year.
  • the VA to update their disability rating.
  • Under current law, the VA cannot retroactively assign a disability rating after.
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

Natural Resources May 14th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finally, another certification program in Texas is counterintuitive and will only increase the risk of
  • This simple legislative fix could increase Temple's available water supply by 10 to 15 percent, which
  • The pumpage fees are capped at 30 cents per thousand gallons.
  • for the water utilities that then have to go through the PUC process and annual rate review.
  • the rates to their customers.
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss several key bills addressing water management in Texas. Notable among these was SB2660, which aims to equip groundwater districts with improved management tools to handle the growing population's water needs. Support for the bill was voiced by constituents including the Hayes Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, emphasizing the necessity for proper resources to manage the aquifer sustainably. Additionally, discussions around SB1965 and SB1624 focused on enhancing the regulations surrounding water conservation and backflow prevention. There was notable public testimony both for and against these bills, highlighting the concern for public health and safety as well as the vested interests of landowners and water operators in the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • tax rate.
  • tax rates.
  • property value growth rate.
  • It is holding them at a maximum increase, or an average increase of 10 percent.
  • However, while our UTP has increased immensely since 2011, the FTE cap is actually down.
Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Education K-16 Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It will bring increased visibility and increased resources

  • Do we know it takes away the $60 million a year cap that we passed in 2016?
  • The number of schools, of course, has increased and increased
  • One of the striking findings that we found was that our uninsured rate is...
  • Between the ages of 19 and 25, that uninsured rate is significant.
Summary: The meeting focused on significant education reform, particularly the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M system. Senator Kohlkorst led the discussions, highlighting the historical context of the partnership and the challenges ahead in transitioning governance, especially regarding accreditation and technical support. Community leaders expressed their support, emphasizing the need for alignment with regional industry needs to enhance educational programs that would ultimately benefit both students and the local economy. Notably, testimony from James Hallmark and Dwayne Crocker highlighted both the potential growth for the region and the collaborative spirit of the involved institutions in implementing this transition.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If we just increase the basic allotment by itself, that would not happen.
  • This bill also increases the basic...
  • So we remove the $60 million cap and do it based on the ADA.
  • and low teacher retention rates.
  • We know that suicide rates are up among young people. Pressure is up.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The Senate Education Committee's meeting focused heavily on HB2, which proposes an historic investment of $8 billion into Texas public education. Senator Creighton led the discussion, explaining the components of the committee substitute and emphasizing the importance of increasing funding beyond past measures, highlighting that this package exceeds any previous investment in public education. The committee heard testimonies from public witnesses who expressed strong support for the bill, including educators discussing the positive impacts of the Teacher Incentive Allotment. The meeting adjourned after a vibrant discussion about the various provisions included in HB2, such as adjustments in funding allocations for both traditional and charter schools, and the ongoing issues related to educational equity across districts in Texas.

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