Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public accountability'

Page 14 of 61
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Dean of the Senate moves to excuse Senator Miles on account
  • /span>

    For example, Prairie View A&M is the second oldest public

  • safety, provide education and outreach to the public, and help serve Texas's cultural heritage.
  • She went on to lead an exceptional career of public service that helped to transform.
  • And whereas her distinguished career in public service included Bills: SJR1, SB9, SB40, SJR36, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40
Summary: During the latest committee meeting, a range of resolutions and bills were introduced and discussed, including significant recognitions for various organizations and communities. Notably, several resolutions were adopted to honor Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day and to recognize key contributions from the manufacturing sector in Texas. Senators shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude towards the tireless efforts of Texas game wardens who play a critical role in community safety and environmental conservation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County and Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Impact public safety and public health.
  • This bill, to me, is not about public safety.
  • This affects public trust and public safety to address a non-existent problem.
  • In public.
  • this is public property, it may not apply.
Summary: The meeting revolved around the discussions of several key bills, particularly focusing on HB5580, which mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Many witnesses, including community organizers and legal advocates, voiced strong opposition to this bill, claiming it would perpetuate racial profiling, undermine community trust in law enforcement, and create a climate of fear among immigrant families. Testimonies highlighted that such legislation often leads to decreased reporting of crimes and increased tensions between law enforcement and the community. Controversy brewed over claims that the bill would divert resources from pressing local safety needs to federal immigration priorities, which many argue should not be the responsibility of local agencies. The chair expressed appreciation for the input but left HB5580 pending, indicating further deliberation is needed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 3174 is a critical public health and public safety
  • This is a public health strategy for those who inject drugs.
  • If we choose to do so, I think we can provide a great benefit to the public.
  • Thank you for your commitment to public health.
  • That's where the public safety aspect comes in.
Summary: The meeting was productive, primarily focusing on the discussions surrounding several key bills, notably HB2012, HB3174, and HB5580. The bills addressed significant issues like public health, immigration enforcement, and developmental initiatives. Notably, HB3174 aims to combat the spread of blood-borne diseases through syringe exchange programs in specific counties, with robust support from public health officials. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of perspectives on the efficacy and implications of these bills, particularly regarding how they would impact public safety and health in Texas. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on law enforcement and the appropriateness of mandating immigration mechanisms in local jails under HB5580, generating passionate discussions among committee members and public testimonies alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If not, we'll close public testimony with the bill pending.
  • If not, we'll open up public testimony on Senate Bill 1423.
  • If not, we'll close public testimony and leave the bill pending.
  • If not, we'll close public.
  • If not, we'll close public testimony and leave the bill pending.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused extensively on several bills, including discussions surrounding public safety and road management in Texas. A notable bill discussed was SB1351, which aims to designate a section of U.S. Highway 281 in honor of a fallen Border Patrol agent. Hearing emotional testimonies from family members highlighted the community's support for this tribute. Additionally, the committee progressed through multiple bills including SB2589 and SB2707, both addressing local governance issues and emergency response improvements, with discussions on operational practices and compliance with safety standards involving transportation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs will now
  • I'm the Colonel of the Texas Department of Public Safety, and I also serve as the Governor's designee
  • This is to coordinate the Office of Homeland Security under the Department of Public Safety with the
  • I'm a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am testifying in support.
  • Public and public events risk weakening a critical component
Summary: The committee meeting convened to discuss various issues pertinent to recent legislative proposals. Notably, several bills were reviewed and debated, with members expressing differing opinions on their implications and potential impact on the community. Discussions ranged from public safety measures to resource allocation, reflecting the committee's broad mandate and the importance of legislative oversight. Engaging testimonies from citizens and stakeholders underscored the significance of the proposed legislation, bringing personal perspectives and expert opinions into the dialogue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If not, we'll open public testimony.
  • Seeing none, public testimony's closed.
  • safe space in public and a private space in public, but
  • outside those public spaces.
  • I'm the director of public...
Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussions regarding various bills, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 240, which aims to address safety and privacy concerns for women and children in public restrooms. Numerous testimonies were heard both in support of and against the bill, highlighting the emotional and polarized nature of the discussions. Proponents argued for its necessity in safeguarding women's rights, while opponents raised concerns about the potential harms and discrimination it may perpetuate against transgender individuals. The atmosphere was tense but respectful, evidence of the deeply personal stakes involved in such legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They can make this complaint to the public agency, and

  • the public agency has to make a finding.
  • and integrity standards for public servants.
  • Therese Harris of the Public Utility Commission to be the resource witness here on our behalf.
  • This bill also mandates that sensitive information be redacted prior to public posting.
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions on various bills, with a notable emphasis on public testimony regarding energy efficiency and electoral ethics. HB5323 was presented, aiming to establish the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, which seeks to tackle energy waste and improve power system reliability across Texas. Supporters highlighted the importance of coordination among state agencies to enhance existing programs and reduce energy consumption especially during high-risk periods. The bill progressed amidst a supportive public sentiment and promises of accountability through regular reporting to the legislature.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Not public.
  • Because how their cost accounting is, and what I learned in school about cost accounting, has no relevance
  • I have never said this in a public forum before today, but I'm doing it now.
  • We also were removed from public schooling.
  • We are not asking for us not to be accountable when our drivers make a mistake.
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government May 19th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in public infrastructure development.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Public testimony to continue this.
  • Under this bill, that approval is binding, and yet the public will still look to us, the city, for accountability
  • ...into account the traffic impacts, they take into account
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on a range of bills covering various legislative matters. Notably, bills concerning property rights, environmental sustainability, and public safety were debated prominently. HB2011 was presented and discussed in detail, with supporters highlighting its importance for ensuring property owners can repurchase their land if it has been acquired through eminent domain without due payments of property taxes. Furthermore, Senator Cook emphasized the need for accountability in the process while several senators expressed concerns regarding potential unintended consequences of new laws affecting local jurisdictions and public safety standards. Public testimony was also received from stakeholders both in support and against various bills, reflecting a diverse range of views on the proposed legislation. In addition to HB2011, several other bills, including HB4809 and HB2421, moved forward with recommendations for passage and were set for future calendars.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 1" data-time="0"> The Committee on Homeland Security and Public
  • So how do we make sure that we have that accountability at some point along the way?
  • public.
  • It will not take long for the public to know, and the scarlet letter to be felt.
  • increases the risk to public safety.
Summary: The committee meeting was primarily focused on discussing measures to address family violence in Texas through legislative initiatives. One of the most significant pieces of legislation discussed was HB4155, which aims to establish a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force. This task force is designed to analyze risk factors and develop actionable solutions for reducing family violence homicides in the state. Representative Manuel presented this bill, highlighting the alarming statistics that revealed a critical crisis in family violence. Members engaged in a thorough discussion about the bill's implications and the importance of coordinated state-wide efforts to tackle this issue effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Business and Commerce Mar 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Summary: The meeting of the committee showcased an extensive agenda where multiple bills were discussed with a focus on their implications for Texas legislation. Key highlights included the passage of several bills with strong bipartisan support, notably SB1202 which underwent changes via a committee substitute to better align with emerging needs. The discussions were marked by active participation from committee members, with many bills sent for favorable reporting to the full Senate. Public testimony was encouraged, providing insights into the potential impact of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 25th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, panel, and we are going to close public.
  • I'm an accounting professor, and I represent Texas.
  • Then we'll open up public testimony.
  • Benjamin Barclay, I am the Chief Executive and Public Counsel for the Office of Public Utility Counsel
  • Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by extensive discussions surrounding various bills aimed at strengthening Texas's role in financial and regulatory frameworks. Significant emphasis was placed on Senate Bill 1239, presented by Senator Milton, which seeks to bolster Texas's position in global financial markets by amending existing laws related to sovereign debt. This bill aims to position Texas as a reliable jurisdiction for handling sovereign debt issues. Public testimony was heard, with several industry experts expressing support for the bill, highlighting the need for Texas to compete effectively with established financial jurisdictions like New York. The committee voted favorably on multiple bills, indicating a proactive approach to addressing legislative needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • we will close public testimony.
  • With no public testimony, public testimony on Senate Bill
  • , public testimony will close.
  • institutions, but ignores the right to protest for the general public at large in a public forum, as
  • of public-facing institutions in Texas.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Education Committee, multiple bills were discussed, focusing on educational policies and procedures. Notably, Senate Bill 1241 was introduced by Senator Middleton, which proposed a committee substitute for establishing standardized college entrance exams accepted by Texas public universities. The committee engaged in significant dialogue about the necessity of addressing concerns surrounding exam equivalency standards, and the need for a data-driven approach to admissions decisions. Various committee members voiced their support for the enhancements proposed in the substitute, leading to its unanimous adoption and favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 27th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public testimony will close on House Bill 4359.
  • We will open up public testimony on House Bill 549.
  • No public testimony.

    Public testimony will close.

  • Public Health Service.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
Summary: In this committee meeting, various educational bills were discussed, reflecting significant attention on improving public schooling. Notably, the discussion on HB123 focused on foundational literacy and numeracy for public school students, which received widespread support from multiple testimonies emphasizing the need for early intervention in education. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of investing in teacher training to effectively teach critical subjects like math. Additionally, HB1939, aimed at providing financial incentives for school districts to pay recapture payments early, generated a robust discourse around fiscal responsibility and budgeting in education funding. The meeting concluded with all bills being favorably reported to the full Senate for further review.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Seeing none, I will open up public testimony.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
Summary: The meeting of the committee covered significant legislative matters, emphasizing the discussion around several bills such as HB2025, which aims to streamline the process of filing plats with tax receipts to prevent rejections. Representative Tepper and Senator Hughes led extensive discussions to clarify the implications of this bill, which resulted in public testimony that was ultimately closed with no opposition. Additional discussions included SB3065 regarding the creation of specific municipal management districts, where the committee expected to reconcile drafting errors in a forthcoming committee substitute. Besides, the committee reviewed HB4506, which proposes electronic delivery of zoning notices to enhance communication efficiency in municipalities. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a focused approach towards improving housing and governance-related processes within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • comment process for all Texans, all public.
  • Kate Barley from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • The public loan forgiveness program is still there, but we don't know.
  • That does not account for if an applicant applies to multiple nursing schools.
  • These realities must be considered and accounted for.
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

89th Legislative Session May 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move to suspend the five-day post rule to permit the Committee on Public Education to hold a public
  • Under SB9, the public safety report system...
  • Your amendment mentions a public safety report.
  • This is purely a public safety bill.
  • public school educators.
Summary: The committee's meeting was marked by several key discussions surrounding numerous bills and resolutions. Notably, HCR 9 and HCR 40 were adopted, with representatives urging Congress for reimbursement related to border security under Operation Lone Star. Additionally, HCR 118 showed expressions of support for the warship manufacturing industry, reflecting a strong emphasis on local economic development. Senate Bills 1321, 2143, and 2145 passed various readings, which included provisions regarding law enforcement authority and the adaptability of public improvement districts to conduct meetings virtually. The meeting was well attended and featured numerous votes on significant legislative items, showcasing active participation from both members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Old man can be used when needed to acquire property for public use.
  • Proceed to public testimony.
  • We'll proceed to public testimony. Thank you.
  • If not, we'll go to public testimony. Thank you.
  • If no further questions, we'll begin public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved in-depth discussions on various bills aimed at addressing community needs and rights pertaining to land use and environmental management. Notably, House Bill 2011 proposed a framework for original property owners to repurchase their land under specific conditions when property taxes are not paid by the acquiring entity. Representative Bell articulated concerns regarding the rights of owners affected by eminent domain, engaging with public testimony on the bill's implications. House Bill 5380, presented by Representative Wally, focused on improving access to parkland and green spaces in unincorporated areas, allowing counties to set criteria for parkland dedication, which sparked debates about urban versus rural development considerations and community planning.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public testimony will be limited to two minutes.

  • I am the Director of Public Policy for Texas Realtors, and I am happy to be here today in support of
  • Density increases without accounting for the unique environmental...
  • My name is John Bonnera, I'm a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • This is an unfunded mandate for public services such as fire, EMS, and police services.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding Senate Bill 673, which addresses the regulations concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across Texas. Various testimonies from stakeholders highlighted the bill's implications for local governance, housing affordability, and infrastructure challenges. Supporters argued that SB 673 promotes affordable housing and addresses multi-generational living needs, while opponents raised concerns about the potential strain on local infrastructure and the erosion of municipal zoning authority. Notable opposition came from representatives of smaller municipalities, indicating that while they support the idea of ADUs, they seek more localized control over housing policies to reflect community needs.

Research Filters

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