Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'rural counties'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Feb 26th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, Young County, with Graham as its vibrant county

  • Paul's Christian Day School from Washington County.
  • Not only is Washington County my home county, it is home to many firsts and oldest in Texas.
  • I could go on and on about Washington County fairs.
  • , and the United Way of Tarrant County.
Summary: The meeting of the Texas Senate primarily celebrated 'Orange and Maroon Day,' an event recognizing the contributions of the University of Texas and Texas A&M to higher education in Texas. Chair Senator Creighton presented Senate Resolution 152, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between these institutions and their impacts on education. Members showed strong camaraderie, sharing personal anecdotes and support for each other's alma maters, allowing for spirited exchanges between Aggies and Longhorns alike. Special guests from both universities were acknowledged, fostering an atmosphere of unity in promoting educational excellence.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 1st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • those in small and rural communities—of their most accessible...
  • , "Often many of my fellow county judges, especially in rural counties, cannot express enough how detrimental
  • this legislation would be to our counties and our citizens."
  • It becomes easier to overlook rural needs when rural leaders are absent from the conversation, and it
  • We also heard from rural county judges who told me that this remains a critical issue for their communities
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12
Summary: The committee meeting held a vigorous debate primarily concerning Senate Bills 11, 12, and 5, each addressing significant legislative issues including taxpayer-funded lobbying, election integrity, and the regulation of hemp-derived THC products. Proponents of SB12 defended it as necessary for transparency and fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the suppression of taxpayer-funded lobbying as a means to protect taxpayer interests. In contrast, opponents raised concerns that the bill would silence local government voices and hinder advocacy from smaller communities, arguing that it undermines local control and representation in the legislative process. Throughout the discussions, key testimonies illustrated the political divides over these legislative priorities, generating significant public interest and engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a map of private schools in Harris County.
  • In some rural communities, that's a full school.
  • Let me bring it a little closer to home in Harris County.
  • That means for rural schools, which are already stretched thin...
  • Stripping rural schools of resources, I don't think it's the way to get there.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative issues, with committee members engaging in detailed discussions regarding proposed bills and their implications. Key points included debates on economic policies and public safety initiatives, with members expressing differing viewpoints on certain legislative measures. The atmosphere was collaborative, as various stakeholders provided input on the legislation under consideration. Public commentary was encouraged, contributing to a robust dialogue among committee members and attendees.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I can tell you in Galveston County...
  • court or county court at law who presides over guardianship...
  • I'm Guy Herman, Statutory Probate Court Judge here in Travis County.
  • counties because they ask me to send one, and I send them.
  • I am an estate planning attorney from Texas, and we often deal, particularly in rural areas, rural northeast
Summary: The meeting involved discussions primarily focused on family law and child protection cases, featuring several bills aimed at clarifying legal standards and fee schedules. Notably, Senator Byrd introduced SB2052, which reinforces the parental rights in child custody matters, establishing a presumption that parents act in the best interest of their children. This bill drew support and testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the need for clarity in legal proceedings regarding child custody. Additionally, Senator Zaffirini's SB1838 addressed the compensation of attorneys in child protection cases, emphasizing the importance of clear fee schedules to ensure fair compensation. Testimonies from legal experts underscored the existing confusion around attorney fees and the need for standardized procedures. Overall, the committee acknowledged the importance of these bills in protecting children's rights and ensuring fair legal representation for families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 6th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's not practiced county by county, so you do have a lot of people from northern Mexico that actually
  • Are we utilizing rural hospitals at all? I know Temple is considered rural.
  • health activities in Starr County.
  • ...and expanded credit and non-credit access to rural counties
  • In which county?
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on budget requests and legislative priorities from various educational institutions. Each institution expressed the need for increased funding to support academic programs, STEM education, and critical health initiatives. For instance, representatives from UT Dallas highlighted the importance of their Fentanyl Protection Initiative and advances in pain therapy, reaffirming their commitment to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. Other notable discussions included the need for updates to campus infrastructure and the request for new programs aimed at enhancing workforce development across various fields, particularly healthcare and technology. Topics such as the restoration of Institutional Enhancement Funds and the increase of appropriations for research initiatives were also extensively discussed. The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among universities to strengthen Texas's overall higher education landscape.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 31st, 2025 at 09:07 am

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rural counties face the same expectations as urban centers, but with far fewer resources.
  • This system has proven essential for a rural county with the highest seasonal population and no 24/7
  • I am the county judge in Santa Anna County.
  • But definitely helping other rural counties of our size
  • Even though we're a county of more of an urban-rural mix, 128,000 people have...
Summary: This meeting, held in Kerr County, focused on the recent flooding disaster that affected the area. Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Speaker Burroughs spearheaded discussions, emphasizing the need for improved emergency response and flood management. Various testimonies highlighted the community's resilience while revealing critical gaps in communication and the effectiveness of evacuation strategies during the flooding. The commitment from state leaders to address these issues was evident, as they assured the local populace that legislative action would follow to prevent future tragedies. Overall, the meeting served as both a reflection on the recent disaster and a clarion call for enhanced preparedness measures across Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Feb 4th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • When we look in your county, Harris County, Senator Huffman

  • When we look in your county, Harris County, Senator Huffman

  • When we look in your county, Harris County, Senator Huffman, we see.
  • Harris County Resources was created in 1966 as a county

  • Harris County Resources was created in 1966 as a county

Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on public testimony regarding key health and human services issues affecting various groups in Texas. Notable discussions included funding requests for recovery housing, maternal health programs, and behavioral health services. Testimonies addressed the urgent need for additional resources to improve recovery housing availability, with advocates pushing for an increase in the number of accredited recovery homes and mentioning that Texas currently ranks low in recovery housing access. Similar testimonies highlighted the rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among minority populations, and the necessity for robust funding for maternal health initiatives. The session also saw voices advocating for better support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the critical need for transformed waiver services and improved provider accountability.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • water infrastructure, and rural...
  • Well, in Dallas County, we're not in Dallas County

  • County.
  • The people of Tarrant County saw it firsthand. Our county was arranged.
  • counties.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on public testimonies regarding the revised congressional redistricting plan. Numerous witnesses presented their concerns about how the proposed changes could potentially dilute representation for minority communities. A consistent theme throughout the testimonies was the fear that the redistricting effort was not aimed at serving constituents but rather at securing power for political parties. Several participants expressed a strong opposition to what they perceived as gerrymandering tactics, claiming they would negatively impact African-American and Hispanic communities in Texas. The meeting revealed a clear public sentiment against the redistricting proposals, with nearly all witnesses speaking out against the changes. The Chair noted an overwhelming number of testimonies opposing the redistricting, indicating a strong community response to the proposed changes and their implications on fair representation.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Oregon County with the highest share of...
  • access to rural health care to help achieve this.
  • five years ago, is working for rural communities.
  • in those rural areas all over the country is lost.
  • with large rural constituencies.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rosario County.

    What relief? For the 4B disaster.

  • I'm going to be honest: when I took this office, we had a problem in Houston and Harris County.
  • We work with the other resource agencies, the cities, and the counties.
  • quality health care for rural Texas.
  • ...rate the Rural Development Grants.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting centered around significant budget recommendations for the General Land Office (GLO) and the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD). The GLO presented a request for $2.7 billion in funding for the 26-27 biennium, highlighting a 57% reduction from the previous biennium. Critical discussions included necessary funding for the Alamo preservation, with a request for $150 million to address inflation-induced cost increases in renovation measures. The GLO emphasized the importance of these funds to protect the Alamo as a cultural landmark and to manage unexpected surprises in construction, such as the need for a new roof and structural reinforcements. Several members expressed their support for this initiative, citing the importance of preserving Texas history. Further discussions addressed the funding for the GCPD and other critical projects aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and ensuring environmental protection. The proposals included funds for coastal erosion response efforts and cybersecurity enhancements. A notable consensus emerged around the need for efficient use of taxpayer funds for ongoing environmental initiatives and disaster recovery efforts. With significant public interest and testimony on these issues, overall, the meeting captured a comprehensive perspective on the state’s budgetary priorities, emphasizing a collaborative effort among legislators to protect both cultural and environmental resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We serve 11 counties on the South Plains and northern Permian Basin, and...
  • When you have a county, let me back up just a second in answering that question.
  • If the county judge and the DA and the district judge are all in...
  • That's available broken down by city, county, and zip code.
  • We've got 10 counties designated as nonattainment for ozone.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on State Affairs was convened with a quorum present, led by Chair King. A primary focus of the meeting was on House Bill 3782, which addresses the shift from physical newspaper publications to digital platforms for public notices. Chairman Smithy introduced a committee substitute for the bill, highlighting the necessity for government entities to adapt to the declining availability of physical newspapers. The bill proposes allowing these entities to meet public notice requirements through qualified digital publications, ensuring they meet certain standards, including an audited paid subscriber base and reporting on local news.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Feb 26th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Teachers to go to rural districts.
  • you're on I-35, I-45, or I-59 or a county that's contiguous with a county that touches those corridors
  • And it's not just rural Texas.

  • I've looked in Bexar County; there are two urban districts that fall...
  • Now, I want to say this too to our rural...
Summary: During this meeting, the Texas Senate discussed the pivotal CSSB26, aimed at addressing the rights and compensation of public school educators. The bill represents a significant shift in financial support for teachers, marking a historic commitment to permanently allocate resources for teacher salaries while removing existing constraints on district funding. Senator Creighton emphasized the need for comprehensive support not only for teachers but also for support staff such as librarians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. The meeting notably featured discussions on the implementation of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and the introduction of new protection measures aimed at enhancing the teaching environment and ensuring educator safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the county judge for Bell County.
  • There was some funding last session that helped with the more rural water...
  • Landowners in the Lee County rural community are facing challenges
  • I represent the Water Protection Association of Gonzales County.
  • This is really a prevalent problem in Gonzales County, especially...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing several important water-related bills, including HB391, HB420, and HB2626 among others. Representative Bell presented updates on HB391 related to accountability for rural water districts, achieving a consensus for statewide applicability and allowing for virtual meetings. Multiple testimonies were heard, showcasing both support for and concerns regarding the bills, specifically emphasizing the significance of maintaining water resources and addressing community needs amid Texas's growth. Representative Buckley advocated for HB2626 aimed at establishing the Central Texas Water Alliance to ensure sustainable water management across the region, which involves collaboration among various public, private, and state entities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • My only question would be, does this help the small pharmacists and rural areas?
  • The area outside of Bexar County, I know that was 8A.
  • There's sort of an x-axis and a y-axis problem in implementing this in rural areas.
  • ...also for Fort Bend County and our EMS system.
  • I'm with Rural Rental Housing.

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

89th Legislative Session Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • employees for the Subcommittee on County and Regional Government.
  • Spanning 758 square miles, Carnes County.
  • Today we recognize the hard work and resilience of the people of Carnes County.
  • and the City of Kennedy on Karnes County Day and City of Kennedy Day at their state.
  • employees for the Subcommittee on County and Regional Government.
Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions took place surrounding various bills aimed at improving state operations and addressing public concerns. Notably, HB204 was passed, which deals with the annual salary of certain state prosecutors and was presented by Mr. Tepper. The committee also engaged heavily with HB748, titled Trey's Law, which seeks to end the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual abuse against minors. The bill received a strong response from the members, reflecting a growing concern for child's rights within the legislature. Furthermore, the committee deliberated on HB912, focused on compensation for renewable generation owners, and moved forward with discussions about infrastructure funding reforms, illustrated by SB14's passage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Association, I was standing with their lobbyist, who claims to represent rural counties, even though
  • he gives to Act Blue, which is not very representative of rural counties in Texas.
  • We heard from four rural county judges.

  • And those four rural county judges testified that they...
  • We see it a lot in State Affairs where they have a rotation of rural county judges or rural superintendents
Summary: The committee meeting focused on flood response and preparedness legislation in the wake of recent natural disasters. Key discussions revolved around Senate Bills 2, 3, and 5, which are aimed at improving disaster management and enhancing public safety through the installation of outdoor warning sirens in flood-prone areas. Senator Bettencourt and Senator Huffman led significant discourse on these bills, emphasizing the urgent need for robust funding and systems to protect communities. The meeting was marked by unanimous support for the bills, showcasing a collective commitment to implementing effective disaster response strategies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cameron County, Pecos County, and the city of Pleasanton.
  • And so if it's happening in one of my rural counties

  • We're a public non-profit, so I'm not a county employee or a county representative.
  • The counties are for this.
  • County HFC.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant issues regarding housing funding mechanisms, particularly surrounding the complexities of Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs). Members voiced their concerns about the financial impacts these HFCs have on local government revenues, given that many property tax exemptions are given while maintaining market-rate rents. This discussion was sparked by alarming statistics indicating a rapid increase in tax dollars removed from local jurisdictions due to HFC activities, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to preserve affordable housing without financially jeopardizing municipalities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session Aug 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He did say that the jail population in our county has increased.
  • We built a new county courthouse; we're having problems in hiring prosecutors.
  • Just today in Tarrant County...
  • The city commissioners, county commissioners, or school board.
  • Those judges were from Tom Green County, Mason, Menard, San Saba, and McCullough.
Bills: SB10, SB8, SB15, SB12, SB6, SB13, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4
Summary: During this meeting of the committee, significant attention was directed towards several bills, particularly surrounding property tax legislation and its implications for local governments. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the reduction of the voter approval tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%, emphasizing its potential impact on local budgeting and the necessity for local elections to generate funding for essential services. The committee engaged in a heated debate regarding SB8, which concerns the designation of public facilities based on biological sex. Several members expressed concerns about the bill's implications on civil rights and potential conflicts with federal discrimination laws, leading to a division of opinions among committee members. Ultimately, multiple bills were moved to the floor for final passage, reflecting the urgency to address pressing matters swiftly.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Tarrant County.
  • like yours and mine, to highly rural counties where people are not used to anyone going anywhere near
  • I'm from rural Texas, and we have a lot of folks, a lot of counties that have 50,000 or less.
  • Those counties make do today.
  • So if you're in a rural county, and again, in the bill you have to be 75 miles from any licensed or certified
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive deliberations on several bills, most notably House Bill 1110, concerning civil suits against individuals reporting suspicious activity in good faith, proposed by Chairman Shaheen. The committee expressed unanimous support for the bill, and it was reported to the full House without amendments. Additionally, House Bill 865, introduced by Speaker Moody, addressing civil liability related to firearm hold agreements, also garnered unanimous approval, underscoring a collaborative effort among committee members. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding proposed bills, specifically criticisms of House Bill 1748, aimed at exempting municipal courts from language certification requirements, which raised significant opposition related to equitable access to justice for non-English speakers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 28th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As some of y'all have heard me discuss before, Hays County and Comal County share three multi-county
  • ...that is also Hays County, Comal County, and Caldwell County
  • And the 274th District Court, which is Comal County, Hays County, and Guadalupe County.
  • Webb County. It addresses abandoned county roads.
  • County and Burnet County to in the House.
Bills: SB15, SB646, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1610, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB2972, SB973, SB865, SB506, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB974, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB1302, SB519, SB2807, SB13, SB7, SB1718, SB1567, SB1233, SB413, SB2177, SB30, SB2024, SJR1, SCR27, SB2018, SB1580, SB2121, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1596, SB2753, SB2221, SB1719, SCR9, SB204, SB437, SB568, SB612, SB672, SB710, SB823, SB876, SB904, SB905, SB968, SB1084, SB1207, SB1230, SB1313, SB1504, SB1790, SB2232, SB2366, SB2367, SB2398, SB2515, SB2520, SB2589, SB2786, SB2790, SB3048, SB3050, SB3052, SB3053, SB3056, SB3029, SCR3, SCR18, SCR30, HCR146, HCR148, HCR149, HCR153, HCR155, HCR157, HB5560, HB762, HB1584, HB107, HB114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB4341, HB6, HB2712, HB171, HB3153, HB143, HB2688, HB3464, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB2, HB1522, HB24, HB1237, HB2637, HB3126, HB3233, HB4310, HB3487, HCR9, HB5331, HB1397, HB163, HB3250, HB3071, HB3463, HB5033, HB35, HB3824, HB216, HB4226, HB3512, HB18, HB5154, HB103, HB851, HB647, HB4520, HB3016, HB2313, HB2818, HB2851, HB4486, HB4264, HB1500, HB5081, HB2974, HB2080, HB4384, HB5659, HB493, HB4903, HB2516, HB4488, HB4530, HB3689, HB145, HB43, HB5247, HB2221, HB5671, HB700, HB3711, HB120, SB17, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB21, SB2778, SB379
Summary: The meeting featured a comprehensive discussion involving several bills primarily focused on education, mental health, and public safety. Notable was the passage of SB204, which establishes a parental rights handbook that consolidates various rights pertaining to education and training for school district trustees. The bill was passed unanimously, highlighting strong bipartisan support for parental engagement in education. Additionally, the committee discussed SB2277, which allocates funding to assist local law enforcement with violent crime rates, indicative of a heightened concern over public safety. Amendments and testimonies highlighted the various stakeholders' views, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in legislative measures.

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