Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'utilities'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:
  • So looking at the projected utilization.
  • Because do you have, again, an accurate count, do you think, of who would be utilizing this if that's
  • And you guys have literally utilized every single square foot in that lab space.
  • Our projections for Healthy Texas Women are based off of the agencies' utilization data.
  • So, obviously, utilization—what that means is instead of women... You know, they...
Summary: The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee focused on the budget and operational needs of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with a particular emphasis on addressing the significant issue of SNAP benefit theft. Key discussions included the challenges faced by the agency in combating fraud, the need for increased support for state peace officers, and the implications of rising health concerns such as congenital syphilis, which has seen an alarming increase in Texas. Representatives expressed their concerns about handling these issues effectively and discussed the importance of resource allocation to prevent further fraud and provide adequate care to Texans in need.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Utility District Number One would encompass approximately 250
  • span> House Bill 5674 is the creation of the River Ranch Municipal Utility
  • /span>

    House Bill 5671 updates the Johnson County Special Utility

  • House Bill 5695 creates a Sale Ranch Municipal Utility

  • Let's see, to make this a template municipal utility

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on the review and recommendations for several bills concerning utility districts and development projects. Among the key bills discussed was HB5671, which updates the Johnson County Special Utility District's provisions to accommodate rapid county growth. Chairman's call for public testimony on various bills indicated broad community interest, though many bills advanced without opposition. Notably, HB5694, aiming to create the Fannin County Improvement District, illustrated strong legislative support, gaining a swift recommendation to pass without any public testimony against it. Additionally, HB5696 saw a proposed committee substitute that resulted from the feedback regarding its statewide implications, highlighting the committee's responsiveness to community concerns regarding localized impacts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 13th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Code, it is required to notify the Commissioner's Court of a county where certain proposed municipal utility
  • mandating a pre-petition notice to counties for petitioners requesting the creation of a municipal utility
  • span marker="130" data-time="774"> ...a high increase and spike in crime in our different municipal utility
  • infrastructure projects in municipal utility districts.
  • Our member districts include Municipal Utility Districts, Water Control and Improvement Districts, and
Bills: HB23, HB363, HB447, HB954
Summary: The meeting was convened by Chairman Gates, focusing primarily on discussions of several key bills including HB363, HB954, and others pertaining to municipal utility districts (MUDs). Notably, a public testimony highlighted the need for comprehensive reform in the MUD process, emphasizing the importance of pre-petition notices to counties to ensure transparency and effective community involvement. The committee members engaged in a dialogue about the necessity of legislative measures to improve notification processes, public safety, and county jurisdiction in these developments. Representative Bell presented HB363, detailing the need for timely notifications to affected parties, which was heavily supported during the discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...prompted the city water utility to invest hundreds of
  • It's also creating areas where the water utility would need to stop over-sizing because of that Swiss
  • the City of Manor, which is their only option for utilities once they are annexed.
  • County Municipal Utility District No. 1.
  • Utility District Number 40.
Summary: The committee meeting included extensive discussions on various bills, with a notable focus on housing issues. The members deliberated on HB3892, which aims to address ambiguities in local government regulations and improve the accessibility of affordable housing in Texas. Public testimony was received from multiple stakeholders, including city representatives who voiced support for the bill, highlighting its significance in balancing development and local regulations. The chair also laid out additional bills such as HB5437 to establish a new municipal utility district and HB5650 focused on land use optimization, all of which were passed unanimously with zero nays.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 4314 makes certain that these types of ESG practices are not utilized at the local level.
  • What it says is that if they design a facility that utilizes the more efficient water and wastewater
  • utilization is still set to that design criteria.
  • I represent the water utility.
  • So, I will tell you that we are a water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed multiple bills focusing primarily on local government regulations concerning environmental policy and spending practices. Notably, HB4313 and HB4314 were discussed, with advocates expressing concerns about the overreach of local governments in implementing stringent environmental regulations that might impact efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Testimony included perspectives from organizations like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, emphasizing that local governments should focus on practical criteria rather than subjective social governance measures, particularly in contracting processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Intergovernmental Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Utilization goes up because the population's aging.
  • Most cities don't run an electric utility. The electric utility, and you know, you get it.
  • And then also, um, Dallas Water Utilities and sanitation services.
  • Additionally, as a city, we operate our own water utility.
  • The City of Fort Worth runs a regional water utility, a stormwater utility, airports, and other services
Bills: HB26, HB73, SB14, HB46
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility in local governments, particularly the implications of House Bills 46 and 73. Proponents argued that these bills would help limit unnecessary spending and ensure that expenditures are tied to inflation and population growth, addressing taxpayer concerns about rising local budgets. However, numerous city officials and representatives from various organizations voiced strong opposition, claiming that these measures would hinder essential services and infrastructure improvements, particularly in rapidly growing areas. Current spending practices were deemed inadequate for meeting the demands of public safety and community services, especially in light of increased costs in areas like public water systems and emergency response. The meeting was characterized by passionate debate, as stakeholders lined up to express their views both for and against the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate SessionReading and Referral of Bills Feb 7th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="19" data-time="432"> Senate Bill 740 by Perry, relating to certain proceedings by the Public Utility
  • Schwartner: Lastly, we have Senate Bill 815, relating to the use of artificial intelligence and utilization
  • marker="73" data-time="432"> Senate Bill 740 by Perry relating to certain proceedings by the public utility
  • marker="73" data-time="432">Senate Bill 741 by Huffman relating to certain proceedings by the public utility
  • by Alvarado relating to the procedure for resolving certain customer complaints before the Public Utility
Bills: SJR1, SJR2, SJR5, SJR33, SJR34, SJR35, SJR37, SJR38, SJR39, SCR12, SB4, SB40, SB701, SB702, SB703, SB704, SB705, SB706, SB707, SB708, SB709, SB710, SB711, SB712, SB713, SB714, SB715, SB716, SB717, SB718, SB719, SB720, SB721, SB722, SB723, SB724, SB725, SB726, SB727, SB728, SB729, SB730, SB731, SB732, SB733, SB734, SB735, SB736, SB737, SB738, SB739, SB740, SB741, SB742, SB743, SB744, SB745, SB746, SB747, SB748, SB749, SB750, SB751, SB752, SB753, SB754, SB755, SB756, SB757, SB758, SB759, SB760, SB761, SB762, SB763, SB764, SB765, SB766, SB767, SB768, SB769, SB770, SB771, SB772, SB773, SB774, SB775, SB776, SB777, SB778, SB779, SB780, SB781, SB782, SB783, SB784, SB785, SB786, SB787, SB788, SB789, SB790, SB791, SB792, SB793, SB794, SB795, SB796, SB797, SB798, SB799, SB800, SB801, SB802, SB803, SB804, SB805, SB806, SB807, SB808, SB809, SB810, SB811, SB812, SB813, SB814, SB815, SB816, SB817, SB818, SB819, SB820, SB821, SB822, SB823, SB824, SB825, SJR1, SJR2, SJR5, SJR33, SJR34, SJR35, SJR37, SJR38, SJR39, SCR12, SB4, SB40, SB701, SB702, SB703, SB704, SB705, SB706, SB707, SB708, SB709, SB710, SB711, SB712, SB713, SB714, SB715, SB716, SB717, SB718, SB719, SB720, SB721, SB722, SB723, SB724, SB725, SB726, SB727, SB728, SB729, SB730, SB731, SB732, SB733, SB734, SB735, SB736, SB737, SB738, SB739, SB740, SB741, SB742, SB743, SB744, SB745, SB746, SB747, SB748, SB749, SB750, SB751, SB752, SB753, SB754, SB755, SB756, SB757, SB758, SB759, SB760, SB761, SB762, SB763, SB764, SB765, SB766, SB767, SB768, SB769, SB770, SB771, SB772, SB773, SB774, SB775, SB776, SB777, SB778, SB779, SB780, SB781, SB782, SB783, SB784, SB785, SB786, SB787, SB788, SB789, SB790, SB791, SB792, SB793, SB794, SB795, SB796, SB797, SB798, SB799, SB800, SB801, SB802, SB803, SB804, SB805, SB806, SB807, SB808, SB809, SB810, SB811, SB812, SB813, SB814, SB815, SB816, SB817, SB818, SB819, SB820, SB821, SB822, SB823, SB824, SB825
Summary: The meeting was characterized by a thorough examination of various bills, including SB806, which focuses on providing virtual education as an alternative to expulsion for public school students. The discussions revealed contrasting opinions with some members raising concerns about the implications of such measures on accountability and educational integrity. Additionally, the committee addressed SB815, which relates to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, underscoring the increasing integration of technology in legislative frameworks, prompting discussions on privacy and ethical considerations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • My intention is to discuss the Municipal Utility Districts

  • If you'd like to approach the bench, you'll be the first of the Municipal Utility District bills.
  • span>

    In 2017, the district was designated as a municipal utility

  • ...local laws code to allow Harris County Municipal Utility
  • District to be known as Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 263.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on a series of municipal management district bills, including several proposals for new districts across various counties. Notably, House Bill 5696 was discussed, which aims to establish a reserve municipal management district in Mansfield, projected to facilitate economic growth through a mixed-use development. During the session, multiple bills such as HB5665, HB5670, and HB5637 were moved forward, passing unanimously with recommendations for further evaluation. Public testimony for these bills was minimal, with no significant opposition raised against any provisions during discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 12th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Increasingly, local governmental entities are utilizing

  • Chairman, you highlighted the city of Amarillo, who utilized TANs to go around that particular failed
  • So you don't even need to utilize COs.
  • I'm not really aware of any school districts that utilize COs, so...
  • I believe that under Section 1, they utilize the term "anticipation note" to pay.
Bills: SB512, SB1024
Summary: The meeting focused on the discussion of two significant pieces of legislation: SB512 and SB1024. SB512 aims to protect users of money transmission services by preventing penalties imposed by service providers for violating terms of service. Representative Hayes explained that this bill responds to troubling practices observed among money service businesses. Public testimonies were presented both in support and opposition to the bill, highlighting concerns over First Amendment rights and the implications for consumer protection. The committee ultimately left the bill pending for further consideration. In contrast, SB1024 addresses public finance issues, specifically the misuse of voter-rejected projects through certificates of obligation and tax anticipation notes. Senator Betancourt described instances where municipalities have circumvented voter will by issuing debt for projects previously rejected in elections. The committee heard extensive public testimony critiquing the proposed restrictions in the bill, with arguments centered around the potential unintended consequences for local governments and necessary infrastructure projects. Both bills generated lively discussions among committee members, leading to wider considerations of public finance ethics and the relationship between voters and local governments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Chair calls Connie Corona, Executive Director, Public Utility Commission.
  • For the record, Thomas Gleason, Chairman, Public Utility Commission of Texas.
  • Page 5 covers system resiliency plans for utilities.
  • intended to help the utility prevent, mitigate, or speed
  • They tend to look at it utility by utility and not so much holistically.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the activities and initiatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) since the last legislative session. Key discussions included the implementation of Senate Bill 1929 regarding large crypto miners in Texas, which has led to 12 companies registering with the PUC and a projected demand of around 4,000 megawatts. Additionally, the committee addressed system resiliency plans authorized by HB2555, which allows electric utilities to file these plans to better handle extreme weather events and security threats. The meeting showcased the ongoing efforts to ensure infrastructure can meet growing demands, particularly in the rapidly expanding Permian Basin, and highlighted the need for minimum standards for utility infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance to improve resiliency against adverse conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As you'll see, the first involves Northeast ISD, which in 2020 utilized $2 million from a 2015 bond to
  • As a grouchy fiscal conservative, what I would argue is that school districts ought to be utilizing that
  • And yet the district is finding a way around the will of the voters by utilizing...
  • 130" data-time="774"> A fair amount of money is sitting off to the side that the district can later utilize
  • My understanding is that this new institution would be utilized to fund projects that it deemed had some
Bills: SB414, SB621, SB2395
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key bills impacting public funds, particularly regarding the use of unspent bond proceeds and mandated transparency during bond elections. Notably, Senate Bill 621 was discussed, which seeks to prohibit political subdivisions from establishing public banks, emphasizing core governmental functions and preventing taxpayer exposure to financial risks. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted concerns about the appropriateness of using public funds for non-essential projects, which led to vigorous debate amongst committee members. Additionally, Senate Bill 414 was addressed, which requires clear disclosures about estimated interest costs in bond proposals, aiming to enhance voter awareness and accountability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Who's unable to utilize these online options?
  • Into the system to be able to utilize it.
  • So we have been utilizing that for a number of years on the list maintenance side.
  • With utilizing the online portal? No.
  • With utilizing the online portal? No.
Summary: The House Committee on Elections convened a session to evaluate recent legislative changes and their implications on the electoral process. A key focus was on enhancing election integrity and procedures, including discussions about Senate Bill 924, which aims to address challenges related to polling locations and worker recruitment in Texas counties. Various members acknowledged the crucial role local election officials play in implementing reforms and managing elections amidst growing scrutiny and challenges such as natural disasters and security threats. The session highlighted the resilience and coordination efforts of election officials across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • We put them out the first time, and they didn't get utilized.
  • We were utilizing those funds to clean up two sites, the Zamzo and Lampret sites.
  • An entity could utilize it.

  • The utilization rate for summer meals is limited, correct?
  • We utilize pass-throughs, so we utilize non-profits that get grants from us to be able to administer
Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues, notably focusing on funding appropriations for the Gulf Coast Protection District and infrastructure projects, including the Alamo complex. Members expressed concerns over budget constraints, with requests for substantial funds aimed at supporting environmental initiatives and the upcoming biennium. Discussion points included the efficacy of previous funding and the anticipated impact of new capital on local communities. Public testimony was encouraged at various intervals throughout the meeting, adding robust dialogue amongst members and stakeholders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've also seen from several special utility...

  • Before we develop the infrastructure, put in the utilities
  • This bill would formally dissolve the Rose City Municipal Utility District, which was created by the
  • Then the utility companies having to come out to...
  • You have to live in the district in which you are MUD (Municipal Utility District).
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing bills concerning housing and municipal regulations. Notably, House Bill 2225, presented by Representative Buckley, aimed to improve transparency regarding impact fees, which have been increasingly burdening homebuyers in Texas. The bill proposes that political subdivisions must present land use plans at least 60 days prior to hearings, giving stakeholders ample time to review. The discussion highlighted the significant effects of rising impact fees on housing affordability, with testimonies from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for accountability and clearer processes. The bill stirred a lively debate, with proponents arguing for increased transparency and opponents expressing concerns about the ramifications of the proposed changes on local governance and infrastructure funding. House Bill 2304 was another crucial point of discussion, seeking to streamline the approval process for residential backup power systems. The bill faced support from numerous witnesses, including energy industry representatives, who touted its potential to enhance energy resilience and efficiency. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency for revisiting these issues in future sessions, as committee members and advocates for both bills anticipated more rigorous discussions ahead in light of the housing market challenges in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Outside entities utilized by health plans are captured by
  • As far as utilization review, what this does is it prevents
  • doctors without an administrative license from qualifying for utilization review.
  • ...that the physician has directed a utilization review in
  • It also makes clear that a physician's direction of utilization review conducted by a utilization review
Summary: The meeting of the committee included discussions concerning various bills primarily related to insurance policies, their regulations, and procedures. Notably, HB3812 was introduced to further streamline the prior authorization process in healthcare, enhancing the ease for practitioners to receive approvals for common procedures. The committee also deliberated over HB2213, which focused on the restructuring of the board of directors for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and there was broad consensus to move it forward. Several other bills, such as HB2518, addressing installment premium payment plans for windstorm insurance, were also discussed and moved to be reported favorably without amendments.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...foster youth to utilize state college tuition.
  • marker="127" data-time="756"> and will allow for more Texans who are eligible for this waiver to utilize
  • marker="151" data-time="900"> They often do not have a huge support system, which compels them to utilize
  • "199" data-time="1188">I am even more fortunate to be applying to medical school, where I plan to utilize
  • Although I was fortunate enough to utilize the tuition and
Summary: During this committee meeting, a total of 16 bills were discussed, covering various topics mainly focused on education and support for vulnerable populations. Notably, House Bill 1211 was a significant highlight, aiming to remove the 25th birthday deadline for former foster youth to utilize state college tuition benefits. This bill garnered strong support from multiple members, including personal testimonies from individuals who benefited from such educational support. The conversation around HB1211 emphasized the challenges faced by former foster youth, including lack of awareness and support, which aligns with the bill's objective of extending opportunities regardless of age.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Connie Corona, Executive Director of the Public Utility Commission.
  • So, tell us how the PUC coordinated with the electric utility.
  • Was that their municipal utility alone or was that multiple utilities?
  • And I know we've spoken multiple times in the past about utilizing.
  • In a lot of funding streams that we utilize, we look at LMI and we look at.
Summary: In this meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Relief and Flooding, the focus was on the recent severe flooding that caused significant casualties and property damage across Texas. The committee heard invited testimony from various state agencies and river authorities regarding their responses to the flooding emergency. It was noted that over 135 Texans lost their lives during this disaster, and numerous families were displaced, prompting a united effort from emergency responders and volunteers across the country to assist those affected. The committee emphasized the importance of constructive policy solutions rather than assigning blame, aiming to enhance future flood response and mitigation strategies. Key discussions revolved around flood risk management, with presentations on the newly established processes following the passage of several bills related to flood infrastructure and planning. The committee emphasized a bottom-up approach to regional flood planning involving local community input, and they highlighted the need for additional resources to improve emergency response capabilities. Public testimony reinforced the necessity of developing improved communication systems and flood warning mechanisms to mitigate the risk of future flooding incidents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's crucial to ensure that this fund is utilized

  • This amount is utilized specifically for projects related to the land ports.
  • If you do get it, then you'll utilize the resources, which requires a lot of personnel.
  • We've utilized that in some of the apprenticeship programs.
  • How are we ensuring that these funds are being effectively utilized?
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

89th Legislative Session Mar 17th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="82" data-time="486">The authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Public Utility
  • and Veterans Affairs, HB2471 by Simmons, relating to the security deposits collected by a municipal utility
  • HB2506 by de Rossio relates to the rates of sewer utility
  • provided by certain municipally-owned utilities.
  • 226" data-time="1350"> HB2561 by Pearson relates to the meeting place of the board of a municipal utility
Summary: The committee meeting extended over a range of proposed legislation, heavily focusing on various constitutional amendments and significant bills affecting education, public safety, and local governance. A notable discussion included H.J.R. 123, which proposed establishing an independent redistricting commission—a move that stirred considerable debate among members. Additionally, H.A.R. 124 aimed at creating a state school health and safety fund, receiving full support from the committee members present. Multiple public testimonies were provided, emphasizing the anticipated impact these resolutions would have on community welfare.

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