Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'utility charges'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They utilize telemedicine...
  • Is the local emergency room ready for that person who may be on criminal charges from another county?
  • In other words, we face not only increases in healthcare costs, but also declining patient utilization
  • It stands to both increase utilization and decrease costs. For example, in a 2019 study...
  • A hospital will charge $3,000 for an MRI, while a freestanding center will be $1,000.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss several significant bills, including SB968, SB966, and SB437. Senator Zaffirini presented SB968, which aims to modernize podiatry regulations in alignment with current practices, while SB966 involves the licensing and regulation of podiatry, addressing outdated provisions following a 2017 transition to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Both bills indicate a necessary clean-up of statutory language to better reflect contemporary standards in healthcare regulations. Additionally, Senator Hinojosa proposed SB437, which focuses on providing effective regulatory frameworks for chemical dependency treatment facilities, highlighting an urgent increase in demand due to rising substance abuse rates post-COVID-19.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If it's $20 that the pharmacy bought it for, something lower than $20, and then you charge.
  • I'm a pathologist; I sit on utilization review committees for hospitals and other things.
  • is not to utilization review itself.
  • Utilization review that we created under this bill is for laboratory claim reviewers.
  • We have a utilization committee.

Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance focused on several significant bills, including HB854, which aims to reform insurance payment structures to improve accessibility for homeowners needing urgent repairs. Representative Garcia-Hernandez strongly advocated for this bill, highlighting the struggles faced by constituents unable to cover upfront repair costs. Additionally, HB4092 was discussed, which seeks to clarify regulations surrounding pre-suit notices in insurance claims, emphasizing the importance of protecting policyholders' rights. The meeting included various testimonies, with both supporters and opponents voicing their concerns about how these bills could impact consumers and the insurance industry.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And you yourself have said that they are in charge. The locals are in charge.
  • The locals were in charge, and they're very competent.
  • Same for the County and the Public Utility Commission.
  • Was that their municipal utility alone, or was that with multiple utilities?
  • We utilize a workforce of about 230 operators and staff.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a negotiated price that's set, yet they still tried to charge me an extra price.
  • My patients know what they're getting charged.
  • Are there any outstanding charges?

  • We have one charge that is pending, and it's still about a patient.
  • They've gone down from four charges to one. There have been multiple continuances.
Summary: The meeting centered on multiple significant legislative proposals aimed at healthcare reforms, notably focused on the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on local pharmacies. Senator Hughes led the discussion on SB1236, which aims to regulate PBMs to prevent anti-competitive practices that have led to the closure of numerous community pharmacies. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including pharmacists, highlighted the challenges posed by current PBM practices, such as aggressive audit tactics and contract terms that disadvantage small pharmacies. The bill was generally supported in the committee due to its potential to restore balance and fairness in pharmacy operations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 12th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Written testimony includes charge-reflecting patterns.
  • We don't charge anybody for it.
  • We are also charged by the state of Texas to file a death certificate on an individual.
  • Do you charge them to... So are you a for-profit company?
  • So we charge a fee; our fee is $94.50 per year, so it's $1.89 for every two years.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Public Health was centered around discussions on several significant bills, including HB4175 and SB2721. HB4175 seeks to expand mental health leave policies to cover a wider range of qualified employees, including peace officers and parole officers. The motion for HB4175 was approved with a roll call vote showing a majority in favor. Conversely, SB2721 sparked extensive dialogue concerning the regulation of anatomical donations. Testimonies revealed public concerns over unclaimed bodies and the necessity for informed consent in body donation practices. The bill underwent substantial scrutiny, highlighting the balance between supporting medical education and protecting family rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 11th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For leading the charge to change it.
  • Generators, utilities, your rent, your equipment.
  • You would have added up the utility bills, you had to take your...
  • But what if these farmers and small vendors could scale up and then afford to charge less?
  • Utilizing these vetted data sources is a form of...
Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24
Summary: The committee meeting centered around special education funding and safety provisions for children with disabilities. Key discussions were led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the transformative potential of SB568, which proposes a transition to an eight-tier service intensity funding model. This model is designed to better accommodate the needs of special education students, ensuring they receive the necessary services tailored to their unique requirements. The bill received strong support from stakeholders and included testimony from educators and advocates highlighting the importance of early intervention and the need for ongoing funding support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 23rd, 2025 at 09:07 am

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The responsibility of being in charge rests with local officials.
  • They are in charge; the locals are in charge.
  • The locals were in charge, and they're very competent.
  • Was that their municipal utility alone, or was that multiple utilities?
  • Here's an example of an alarm system that they utilize.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on flood management and response strategies following the recent devastating floods in Texas. Notably, discussions centered around the creation of a flood infrastructure fund and Senate Bill 8, which aims to improve regional flood planning processes. Several experts provided insights into the challenges faced during the floods, including communication barriers, emergency response efforts, and the need for better coordination among local and state agencies. Public sentiments were shared regarding the necessity for improved flood prevention measures, conservation plans, and the expansion of existing infrastructure to cope with future climatic challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Mar 27th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...charges in our state and their state.
  • You're saying that they're charging... Who are they charging our workers at?
  • Actually, that keeps other states from charging the tax.
  • ...that is charging the higher tax rate.
  • I don't know if TDI really charged you that.
Summary: The meeting included discussions primarily focused on energy and insurance-related legislation. Senator Schwartner led the committee in reviewing multiple bills, with a notable emphasis on SB819, which faced opposition from various stakeholders, including energy providers and advocacy groups. Testimonies highlighted concerns about regulatory burdens potentially stifling renewable energy projects, which are crucial to Texas's energy needs. Furthermore, the committee examined SB458, aimed at improving the appraisal process for insurance claims, which garnered support from industry representatives for promoting fairness and transparency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025 at 11:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 1606 would require electric utilities, retail

  • electric providers, cooperatives, and municipally owned utilities to periodically include notice on
  • We utilize our park board to register our short-term rentals annually.
  • I just renewed my liquor license, and now I'm being charged a city fee of $750.
  • ...rules and utility interconnection requirements.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee convened to discuss House Bill 1606, focusing on public safety and communication regarding vegetation management near power lines. Representative Metcalf presented the bill, highlighting concerns raised by constituents about overgrown vegetation posing risks such as power outages and fire hazards. The bill aims to mandate electric utilities to provide customers with information on how to request vegetation management, thereby enhancing public awareness and safety without imposing new regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Does your bill call for the chair to be in charge of all hiring decisions or the body in hiring?
  • But if you have any small business, someone has to be a manager and in charge, and the last thing—the
  • The following two weeks, I believe, her nose was broken because we weren't allowed to utilize it.
  • It was a small 1115 grant, and so we utilized it.
  • We were able to utilize a floor hold, and that is something that we are able to utilize for DFPS and
Summary: The meeting focused on several bills related to education, showcasing robust discussions on various legislative measures aimed at enhancing educational frameworks in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 205 was presented as a refile intended to make fetal development instruction a permanent component of junior high health curricula. The bill garnered support from multiple members as they highlighted its significance in educating students about human development. Public testimony was invited, although no significant opposition was noted during this segment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you see that practice being utilized?
  • We're a utility contractor operating more than...
  • That's why we charge that.
  • They charged $72,000 in this case for a nerve ablation.
  • If someone is lying on the stand, go file charges.
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Clean Water SRF is critical for utilities and communities across the country.
  • Golett is the city administrator and utility superintendent.
  • for our water, wastewater, and electric utilities.
  • Does it go to the edge of the yard and then the homeowners in charge of it?
  • Well, oh, we lost our chair, so I guess I'm in charge of the Republican side now.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation May 8th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In charge of collecting the samples and things like

  • Water and wastewater utilities take PFAS very seriously, along with other emerging contaminants.
  • And by land appliers, I in fact mean the utilities.
  • It's pretty specific in that our charge ...
  • I don't know when the charge was last updated.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various environmental legislative bills, notably HB1341, which sets maximum allowable ground level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, and HB1674 regarding PFAS regulations in biosolids. Representative Reynolds presented HB1341, emphasizing the health risks associated with hydrogen sulfide and the need for clear regulatory standards to protect communities near industrial operations. This received support from health advocates and oversight bodies, highlighting the urgent need for regulations to safeguard public health. Meanwhile, HB1674 faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental organizations which argued that the bill's provisions could disrupt biosolid disposal processes and increase costs significantly. Many testimony segments reflected concerns regarding the adequacy of scientific understanding related to PFAS and its implications for agricultural safety and water quality.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everybody we encounter, if there's a state charge, we file charges on them. They're processed.
  • I think you can better utilize facilities like MARC and those 300 beds can be utilized more effectively
  • I think you can better utilize facilities like MARC, and those 300 beds can be utilized more effectively
  • Are new charges filed? Is that correct?
  • Are new charges filed? Is that correct?
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...charged a $180 copay.
  • Am I charged a facility fee?
  • Let's just say I'm going to charge you $10,000.
  • And they charge membership fees for access.
  • But I don't understand why they would charge a fee for telehealth.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services primarily focused on several pieces of legislation aimed at improving mental health care in Texas, especially for vulnerable populations. Notable discussions were held around SB719, which seeks to conduct a comprehensive assessment of inpatient psychiatric bed capacity in Texas, addressing the significant shortages faced by facilities. There was widespread support from committee members and public testimonies praising the need for improved mental health resources and proactive measures to enhance service delivery. Witnesses highlighted the critical situation surrounding mental health admissions, emphasizing the human impact of ongoing bed shortages and the tragic consequences for patients awaiting treatment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you have a board member in charge?

  • A&M professor, Zhendong Chang, for instance, was charged with wire fraud for working with China while
  • He was finally caught and charged. Finding justice for victims can often take months or years.
  • ...students will be able to utilize that and utilize that
  • This is why, in 2024, the governor charged the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Summary: The committee meeting largely centered around three significant bills: HB3204, HB173, and HB1507. HB3204 aims to address the workforce skills gap in Texas by modernizing vocational training and establishing what is now referred to as the Polytechnic College. Representative Metcalfe emphasized the need for relevant workforce training programs aligned with today's job market, which led to discussions about the new certificate programs that will be introduced. Additionally, public institutions will benefit from enhanced support for those who may not meet traditional entrance requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In different utility sectors, different utility franchise
  • So ERCOT assigns the cost to the utilities based on what's called 4CP.
  • Does this direction mean the utility will be responsible for curtailing the load?
  • In the bill, it talks about an electric cooperative, electric utility, or municipally owned utility may
  • if the municipal utility were forced to pay them.
Bills: SCR5, SCR13, SB3, SB6, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB24, SB35, SB57, SB65, SB112, SB284, SB290, SB388, SB400, SB402, SB412, SB495, SB499, SB502, SB509, SB621, SB706, SB740, SB815, SB842, SB854, SB875, SB893, SB917, SB974, SB1025, SB1061, SB1073, SB1106, SB1268, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1451, SB1555, SB1902, SJR36, SJR12, SCR13, SCR25, SCR5, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SB495, SB412, SB10, SB18, SB565, SB372, SB842, SB765, SB62, SB19, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB290, SB13, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB917, SB925, SB388, SB1902, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB35, SB6, SB815, SB3, SB1281, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB1451, SB1061, SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB499, SB621, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB17, SB1119, SB1505, SB12, SB24, SB57, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1268, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, SJR57, SCR8, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB610, SB918, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB535, SB761, SB1, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB3, SB6, SB15, SB35, SB290, SB706, SB842, SB917, SB1281, SB1451, SB1902, SB12, SB13, SB17, SB19, SB388, SR261, SR265, SR276, SR277, SR281, SR286, SR293, SCR5, SCR13, SB2425, SB2880, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB388, SB412, SB495, SB2425, SB2880
Summary: The committee convened to discuss SB13, which seeks to regulate the presence of sexually explicit materials in school libraries. The session was marked by a strong emphasis on protecting minors from harmful content, drawing significant bipartisan support. Senator Paxton initiated the motion to consider the bill, highlighting prior legislative efforts to guard against exposure to explicit materials, including unanimous passage of measures like age verification for online pornographic sites and the SCOPE Act, designed to shield minors on social media platforms. In-depth discussions unfolded regarding the selection and oversight of library materials, framed around community standards and developmental suitability for children. Concerns were expressed about maintaining access to important educational resources while ensuring content appropriateness in libraries.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've got emails from the county commissioner charging people to fix the public roads in front of their
  • They're one of the three legs of our stool, along with property taxes and utility revenues.
  • They are charging HOAs for public roads that they...
  • But if you live in an HOA, they're charging you 40% of the cost to repair your road.
  • He received a notice from the city that if there is a fire, this is what they're going to charge you.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce centered around critical legislation including SB2858, SB324, and several others pertaining to regulatory consistency and enforcement in local governments. Notably, SB2858 was introduced to address the apparent noncompliance of some cities with state laws by empowering the Attorney General to enforce regulations more effectively. The members deliberated on the implications of this bill, with public testimony highlighting the need for stronger measures against local governments that ignore state mandates. Aside from regulatory discussions, SB2610 was well-received as it aimed to provide cybersecurity protections for small to medium-sized businesses, encouraging compliance with industry standards while simultaneously minimizing potential legal repercussions for companies against data breaches. The committee aimed to strike a balance between ensuring business security and avoiding undue burden on smaller enterprises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 24th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To review, your bill will not allow them to charge a fee
  • It also will not allow the municipality to charge an impact fee for housing, having to put in sidewalks
  • Senate Bill 2074 by Zaffirini relates to a study of the Four Coincident Peak program by the Public Utility
  • relates to a franchise tax credit for taxable entities that employ certain apprentices in broadband utility
  • relates to a franchise tax credit for taxable entities that employ certain apprentices in broadband utility
Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussions surrounding several Senate Bills, primarily focusing on SSB840, which was passed after debates regarding the housing market and regulatory impacts. Senator Hughes led the conversation, emphasizing the need for increased supply of housing units and argued against governmental restrictions on development. The debate highlighted varying perspectives among members, showing both support and opposition to the bill, which ultimately led to its passage. Additionally, there were discussions around bills addressing health care, public safety, and energy efficiency, reflecting the diverse legislative priorities the committee is currently addressing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Utilizing half of your asset at this point, right?
  • When you're only halfway utilizing what you have, exactly
  • First, it requires the PUC to adopt a standardized application form for the system improvement charge
  • charges.
  • committee substitute clarifies that SB 740 will only apply to applications for system improvement charges
Summary: During this committee meeting, significant discussions focused on water resource management and legislative measures required to address the ongoing water crisis in Texas, particularly the implications of non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty by Mexico. Chair Senator Perry highlighted the urgent need to enforce water allocation agreements as they have direct impacts on Texas agriculture and local economies. Notably, Senate Bill 744 and Senate Bill 1248 were passed, addressing the pressing needs for improved water management practices and data protection for wildlife information gathering, respectively. There was overwhelming support expressed for SCR 13, emphasizing the necessity for action to ensure Mexico meets its water obligations, which are critical for sustaining Texas's agricultural sectors and economic stability.

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