Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'witnesses'

Page 13 of 45
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Mar 27th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, members, as you tell the witnesses.
  • I know at least one witness that we have here today, and I'll respectfully reserve my right to close.
  • There is one witness showing.
  • I do have some expert witnesses here today. They can provide some more information.
  • We have witnesses, I think about four invited witnesses, that will be here to speak directly to the impact
Summary: In this committee meeting, members engaged in extensive discussions regarding several bills aimed at enhancing public health initiatives in Texas. Notably, House Bill 1295 was introduced to tackle the pressing issue of health literacy, highlighting its critical importance for improving health outcomes and reducing costs within the state's healthcare system. Vice Chair Busey presented House Bill 321, which aims to streamline the enrollment process for Medicaid and CHIP by utilizing data from the SNAP application to ensure that eligible children can access necessary healthcare coverage. Both bills received public testimonies that emphasized the need for better health education and access to health insurance, particularly for children and vulnerable populations in Texas. Witnesses spoke on the societal importance of nurturing a health-conscious generation, thereby laying a moral obligation on policymakers to support such legislative endeavors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any questions for this witness?
  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Members, are there any questions for this witness? Thank you for being here today.
  • Members, are there any questions for this witness? Thank you.
Summary: The committee meeting extensively discussed SB1350, which aims to establish a commission for the Bicentennial Anniversary of Texas Independence in 2036. Several witnesses, including Lacey Finley and Russell Molina, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing the importance of extensive planning and community engagement for this significant celebration. They argued that the bicentennial should encompass the diverse history and culture of Texas and encouraged the committee to include a non-profit structure to facilitate fund-raising and coordination efforts. Furthermore, HB738 was debated, focusing on the preservation of Rosenwald schools and their potential use as community learning centers, with members advocating for support to maintain this integral part of Texas's educational heritage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do have some witnesses here; we have an...
  • Members, any questions for the witness?
  • Members, any other questions for our witness?
  • Members, any other questions for our witness?
  • Ray, a resource witness? Senator Hall, you're recognized.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs held a comprehensive meeting focused on several noteworthy bills, particularly those related to the Texas Lottery Commission and foreign adversaries. Discussions were led by various members, including Senator Hall, who expressed serious concerns regarding the legality and integrity of practices within the Lottery Commission, alleging that it has enabled a series of fraudulent activities. Testimonies were heard from stakeholders advocating for House Bill 130, aimed at protecting Texans' genetic information from foreign access. The committee also reviewed House Bills 119 and 581, which tackle transparency in dealings with lobbyists connected to foreign adversaries and address child safety against evolving technological threats, including deepfake technology, respectively. The atmosphere was engaging, with active participation from both committee members and witnesses from various organizations arguing for or against the proposed legislation. The meeting concluded with gratitude expressed towards the committee staff for their efforts in facilitating a productive session, acknowledging both the importance of the issues at hand and the various testimonies provided. The members agreed on the significance of regulating the Lottery Commission more effectively and ensuring the protection of Texans from potentially harmful external influences. All bills were left pending for further discussion and refinement in future meetings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Each public witness will be given two minutes to provide their testimony.
  • Present here as an expert witness is Katie Byerly with the Texas Public Policy.
  • I know there's a Higher Education Coordinating Board resource witness as well.
  • With no other witnesses registered on Senate Bill 646, public testimony on Senate Bill 646 will close
  • Are there any other witnesses to testify on Senate Bill 2647?
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, members engaged in detailed discussions surrounding three bills, mainly focusing on enhancing the accreditation processes for higher educational institutions. Senator Haynes and Senator Middleton contributed significantly by reintroducing SB1322 and SB2355, which aim to tackle the monopolistic nature prevalent in the current accreditation system, particularly concerning the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The senators highlighted the need for a more competitive marketplace that can better serve the interests of students and educational institutions alike, as well as align educational outcomes with workforce demands in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a reminder to our witnesses, please complete the witness

  • Members, any questions for the witness?
  • I have a resource witness available if you have any questions.
  • I do have a witness if you need it, and I reserve the right to close.
  • I do have a witness if needed, and I reserve the right to close.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding the challenges faced by municipalities in managing growth and public safety. Bills such as HB447 and HB3897 sparked conversations on the impact of Municipal Utility Districts in high-density areas and the necessity of thorough traffic impact assessments before approving new developments. Representative Cook highlighted concerns over a specific project related to HB3671, which aimed to dissolve a municipal district due to contradictory prior agreements. Public testimonies included concerns from residents, signaling the tension between development needs and public safety requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's no witnesses.

    Okay, members, any questions?

  • ...are here and can be expert witnesses on this, but I'll
  • We show you registered as a witness, testifying on behalf of...
  • We show you registered as a witness, testifying on behalf of the Texas Real Estate Probate and Trust
  • I believe we have an expert witness here to answer your specific questions.
Summary: The meeting addressed several key pieces of legislation, with significant focus on bills related to property owners' associations and the Texas Workforce Commission's training programs. Representative Harris-Navila presented HB517, which aims to allow property owners' associations to impose fines for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions. The committee adopted a community substitute for this bill before moving it forward with a recommendation for passage. Meanwhile, HB2791, highlighted by Chairwoman Button, focusses on vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities, with provisions that require efficient operation to avoid lapses in service.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here to answer any questions, and we also have a resource witness.
  • Members, any questions for this witness?

  • Let's hear from the resource witness.

  • Members, if you have specific questions on risk to birds, we might have some witnesses.
  • Members, any questions for this witness?

Summary: The meeting focused on the discussion of several bills, with members engaging in detailed commentary on the implications of each legislative proposal. Notably, House Bill 3724, aimed at supporting oyster mariculture along the Texas coast, was highlighted by Representative Villalobos, who provided insights into its potential ecological benefits. Public testimony was sought, and Representative de Villalobos garnered support from environment advocates who emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy oyster populations for ecological balance. The discussion around this bill reflected a collaborative approach to environmental legislation, indicating a consensus on the need for sound management practices. In addition, House Bill 3556 was introduced, which mandates notification to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the construction of tall structures that may pose risks to migratory birds. Representative Flores expressed concerns over potential exemptions for spaceflight structures, indicating the complexities of balancing development with environmental protection. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending, emphasizing a commitment to careful scrutiny and consideration of the legislative impacts before final decisions are made.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 14th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, do we have witnesses?
  • Okay, we do have a few witnesses.

  • I'm Matt Hicks with Texas DPS, testifying as a resource witness here.
  • I appreciate the opportunity to close after the witness. I think there's one...
  • I'm here as a resource witness. Happy to answer any questions.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered on several critical pieces of legislation concerning public safety and foreign influence. A significant focus was placed on SB659, which addresses the prosecution of smuggling offenses using government resources, with witnesses presenting varying perspectives on the implications of the bill. Supporters highlighted the necessity to combat cartels and foreign terrorist organizations effectively, while opponents raised concerns about potential overreach impacting humanitarian aid efforts. The discussion around SB2201 aimed to enhance law enforcement capabilities by improving intelligence database criteria, which sparked debates on privacy and civil liberties safeguards. Throughout the proceedings, multiple bills were moved favorably for further consideration in the legislature.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 12th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I do have a question for a resource witness or if there's

  • We do not have a resource witness on the bill right now, but we can get information before the bill needs
  • We have a resource witness, but I don't have any questions.
  • Do you need the resource witness, Senator?
  • Rob is the only witness who is registered to testify for or against Senate Bill 3070.
Bills: HB668, HB677, HB766, HB3133
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation including HB677, HB3133, HB668, SB2819, and SB3070. Notably, HB677 prohibits county election administrators from holding other appointed positions while serving in their role, with no public testimony registered against it, leading to its pending status. Conversely, HB3133, which addresses the issue of explicit deep fake material on social media, drew significant attention but was left pending without public testimony as well. The discussion of HB668 included provisions for a one-year grace period for licensed handgun owners after expiration, a relatively straightforward bill that also registered no public testimony. Meanwhile, SB2819, a companion to HB677, emphasizes the strict regulations surrounding election administration, seeking to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest. Lastly, SB3070 sparked conversations about lottery regulations and transparency in operations, prompting discussions around its implications and garnering witness testimonies in favor of the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 24th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, are there questions for this witness? Representative Bryant.
  • I have a couple of witnesses here that can answer any questions.
  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Members, are there any other questions for this witness?
  • Members, are there any questions for this witness?
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved discussions surrounding multiple bills focusing on financial legislation, including crucial developments related to certificates of obligation (COs). Representative Tepper presented HB1453, which aimed to increase voter input regarding local government debt issuance and address growing concerns about financial accountability. The discussions highlighted the recent trends in CO debt, particularly in areas like El Paso, which has seen a dramatic rise in local government debt without direct voter approval. Several members voiced their support and concerns regarding the bill's implications for taxpayer rights and community involvement in financial decision-making.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 20th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • electronic witness registration.
  • We only have registered to testify a resource witness.
  • We do have a few invited witnesses.
  • I'm speaking here today as a resource witness.
  • However, UTMB does have a resource witness here.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services discussed multiple bills focused on diverse health issues including maternal care, organ transplant eligibility, and child welfare regulations. Notably, HB215, presented by Senator Perry, received attention for its provisions on requiring itemized bills from healthcare providers to enhance transparency. The bill garnered support from various witnesses who emphasized the importance of clearer billing processes for patients. Another significant discussion point was HB4076, which aimed to prevent discrimination against individuals seeking organ transplants based on vaccination status. This bill sparked public testimony highlighting the ethical implications of such mandates on vulnerable patients, especially children. Overall, the committee's deliberations emphasized a commitment to improving health care transparency and patient rights in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are no invited witnesses.
  • The Chair calls the following witnesses: Brian Collier, Christina Hartman, Marcia.
  • And they do have a witness here.

  • I don't know where they are, but they do have a witness.
  • Witnesses today, under Chapter 9, in our view it works.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered several significant legislative proposals aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of the Texas criminal justice system. Lead discussions focused on SB2405, which received attention for its comprehensive approach towards modernizing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and addressing recommendations made by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The bill includes provisions for enhanced staff planning and updated rehabilitation programs that are expected to yield substantial cost savings while promoting public safety. Senators engaged actively, expressing their support and raising questions about the implications of the proposed changes, especially concerning parole processes and facility management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we have, I think, several resource witnesses for

  • But we do have a couple of resource witnesses here: Nick Sousa from the comptroller and Brad Reynolds
  • We have two resource witnesses who are here: Mr.

  • We have a resource witness from.
  • We have several resource witnesses. Kathy Fallon.
Summary: The meeting focused on several key pieces of legislation, including Senate Bills 2018, 2206, and 1901. SB2018 aims to establish a tax credit for businesses contributing to non-profits that promote family stability, while SB2206 proposes a transition in Texas' R&D tax structure to support innovation and small businesses. Each bill drew significant attention and public testimony, highlighting their potential economic impacts and the importance of supporting local communities. Notably, public testimony revealed strong support and concerns regarding SB2206, particularly in relation to new job creation and economic growth versus the need for fiscal responsibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections May 5th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="36">During the public testimony period, there will be a time limit of two minutes per witness
  • All questions and remarks from the members or witnesses

  • Members, if there are no questions for Dean Thompson, we're going to go ahead and move on to witness
  • Are there any questions for the witness? If not, thank you for being here. Let the record reflect.
  • There were two prior to the last witness that testified.
Bills: SB663, SB958
Summary: During this committee meeting, significant discussions surrounded various bills including HB1969, SB958, and SB663. Representative Allen moved that HB1969 be reported favorably without amendments, which was adopted amidst a few dissenting votes concerning amendments on fees. The most notable conversation revolved around SB958, where Representative Thompson and other advocates passionately presented the case for trafficking survivors and the need to expand the list of sealable misdemeanors for these individuals. Witness testimonies reflected real-world implications, with survivors sharing their experiences to underscore the urgent need for legislative action.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Do you have a witness?
  • I do have a witness or two, one expert witness.

  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Members, any other questions for the witness?
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of House Bill 3700, presented by Representative Vaux, which seeks to amend the Texas Labor Code to enhance the regulatory authority for the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Representative Vaux highlighted the need for clear statutory authority to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in all TWC programs, engaging members with an emphasis on the implications of the changes proposed. Public testimony was also invited, allowing various stakeholders to express their views on the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would be great for everyone that is here to witness.
  • Hearing none, we have one person who is a witness. The chair calls Dr. Cliff Porter.
  • The chair calls, I have as a resource witness, Jordan Dixon.
  • We have two more witnesses, Judy Powell and Jeremy Newman.
  • If not, I'll call the witnesses.
Summary: The committee meeting convened to discuss a variety of bills primarily related to healthcare and early childhood education. Notably, the committee reported favorably on several bills including HB721, HB2035, and HB2038, with all receiving unanimous support of 7-0. Senator Perry played a crucial role in moving the bills forward, advocating for their inclusion on the local and uncontested calendars. Furthermore, there was significant discussion surrounding HB3940, which addresses Medicaid eligibility for newborns, emphasizing the necessity for automatic enrollment to avoid gaps in coverage for infants during critical early stages of development. The meeting was characterized by the committee's cohesive efforts to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 21st, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do have a resource witness, but we don't have any questions.
  • We have a number of witness registration cards.
  • I think there's a resource witness; that's a resource witness. Oh, it's just a word of testimony.
  • I did not see that some of these were only as resource witnesses.
  • We just have two resource witnesses.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several house bills, notably those concerning environmental conservation, tax incentives for local businesses, and public safety. Key discussions revolved around HB3486, which introduces a sales and use tax incentive for restaurants purchasing Texas farm-raised oysters. Testimonies highlighted the importance of supporting local oyster farming to mitigate the decline of natural oyster reefs, and several witnesses praised the initiative for its potential environmental benefits. HB2688 also received attention, where representatives emphasized its role in enhancing public safety through improved support for police officers, echoing the community's need for stable recruitment and retention strategies in law enforcement.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I would like to thank our witnesses today for taking

  • I look forward to hearing from our witnesses here today

  • ...in America, we have witnessed these changes across our
  • Personally, I want to share that my husband and I have witnessed this ourselves.
  • Thank you, Chairman Boozman, and to our panel of witnesses for being here today.
Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And she is an invited witness.
  • We do have a resource witness.
  • I think I'll save mine for the resource witness if we have one.
  • We do have a resource witness in Kristen Doyle; if you'd come forward.
  • We'll ask them after the next witness. Thank you.
Summary: The committee meeting showcased extensive discussions surrounding multiple bills, predominantly focusing on the health sector and legislative processes. Senator Cook presented Senate Bill 1310, emphasizing the need for independent living facilities to develop disaster response plans to better protect vulnerable residents during emergencies. This bill sparked discussions on the importance of balancing regulatory oversight with compliance implementation, showcasing testimonies from stakeholders who supported the proactive measures outlined in the bill. Together, the members evaluated the relevance of continuing legislation aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness for Texas' senior population, illustrating a palpable concern for their welfare and safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think that was all the witnesses.
  • Just one comment on the witness that was neutral.
  • Most of my witnesses, including mothers...
  • I think there's one witness.
  • Yeah, here's a resource witness.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions on HB3284, which focuses on promoting family stability and the commissioning of a task force to evaluate existing regulations affecting marriage and family formation. Chairman Dutton initiated the conversation by emphasizing the need for governmental support in fostering a robust societal framework based on stable family units. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the declining marriage rates in Texas, prompting discussions on effective strategies to reverse this trend. Public testimony was heard from representatives of Texas Values Action and the Texas Family Law Foundation, both advocating for stronger legislative measures to foster lifelong marriages and family stability.

Research Filters

States
Terms / Sessions
Date Range
Chamber Records
Meetings / Events / Calendars