Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'witness testimonies'

Page 14 of 51
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 14th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There will be a time limit of two minutes per witness during the public testimony period.
  • Any questions for the witness?
  • I echo his concerns in opposition to this bill and the other witness testimony.
  • witness.
  • In an effort to respect your time, I've provided detailed written testimony from several witnesses, including
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss several key bills addressing water management in Texas. Notable among these was SB2660, which aims to equip groundwater districts with improved management tools to handle the growing population's water needs. Support for the bill was voiced by constituents including the Hayes Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, emphasizing the necessity for proper resources to manage the aquifer sustainably. Additionally, discussions around SB1965 and SB1624 focused on enhancing the regulations surrounding water conservation and backflow prevention. There was notable public testimony both for and against these bills, highlighting the concern for public health and safety as well as the vested interests of landowners and water operators in the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Renzo Soto as a witness. There we go.
  • The Chair is going to open up public testimony. We have...
  • The Criminal Justice Committee has heard testimony, and Senator Nichols has heard this testimony.
  • Other than some invited, kind of directed testimony.
  • We did open public testimony. Above testimony and leave the bill pending.
Summary: The meeting focused on several important legislative proposals, with significant discussions around AI regulation and copyright protections in light of emerging technologies. Notably, Senate Bill 1964, aimed at promoting ethical AI adoption within government bodies, was presented by Senator Parker. The bill received support from witnesses who emphasized the need for transparency and a regulatory framework that safeguards civil rights while fostering innovation. Conversely, concerns were raised about potential overreach and the implications for accountability in AI implementation. Additionally, Senate Bill 1960 sparked a passionate debate concerning the protection of individuals' digital likenesses from unauthorized use, highlighting the rising stakes as digital content increasingly intersects with personal rights.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing nothing, public testimony is closed.
  • I do want TCEQ Resource Witness to come in.
  • You as a resource witness if needed.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Public testimony is closed.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions around various bills, especially those related to water quality and public utilities. House Bill 2692 was presented to simplify and clarify the enabling legislation for the San Antonio River Authority, highlighting improvements necessary for effective governance and administration. Additionally, there were discussions on Senate Bill 2497, which mandates public water systems to install filtration systems to ensure safe drinking water in communities facing water quality issues. Witnesses emphasized the financial burden and the need for more flexibility in solutions to address water contamination without imposing heavy costs on small water systems. The conversation underscored the balance between public health and fiscal responsibility, with various solutions proposed to mitigate the risks of water contamination.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • minutes per witness because we have a lot of ground to cover.
  • No further questions, we'll proceed to public testimony.
  • We actually had two more witnesses: Richard Mazzarino.
  • I have a resource witness available.
  • Thank you for your testimony. The chair is going to call Martin Hubert.
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

S/C on Juvenile Justice Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finally, per House Procedure Rules, witness testimony

  • I need to call the first witness. Witness, Troy Caesar.
  • The chair will call the first witness. Are there any witnesses?
  • Carroll, thank you for your testimony. I need to make...
  • Thank you for your testimony. Thank you.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on discussions surrounding juvenile justice reform. Chairman Cook opened the session by introducing various bills, including HB1966, which aims to improve conditions for youth in detention facilities by ensuring access to restrooms and sanitation. The bill was met with strong support as members shared their views on the importance of treating youth with dignity and respect within the justice system. Witness testimonies highlighted the dire situations some minors face in current facilities, drawing attention to the need for immediate legislative action. Other bills discussed included HB3442, aimed at updating the Texas Alcohol Awareness Program for minors, among others.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Mar 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll close public testimony.
  • We'll close public testimony.
  • Thank you for your testimony.
  • For public testimony, all the witnesses will have two

  • Does anyone have any questions for the resource witnesses? If not, public testimony will be closed.
Bills: SB260, SB263, SB293, SJR18
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions on Senate Bill 260, which aims to enhance school safety through increased funding. Senator Huffman highlighted the initiative to double both the per-student and per-campus safety allotments. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including educators and mental health advocates, underscored the importance of addressing both physical safety and mental health needs in schools. The discussions revealed a strong consensus on the necessity of adequate resources for effective school safety measures while acknowledging the financial challenges faced by districts in meeting legislative mandates. The meeting concluded with a positive recommendation for the bill's passage to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll defer to the witness testimony about what they can and cannot do.
  • Is there any other questions for the witness? Thank you for your testimony.
  • Are there any questions for the witness? Thank you for your testimony.
  • Any questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony.
  • Members, any questions for the witness? Thank you for your testimony.
Summary: The meeting centered around discussions on land use and zoning regulations, prominently featuring HB24 and HB3172. Representative Orr emphasized the importance of reforming the existing zoning laws to empower property owners and streamlined processes for development. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the impact of the current supermajority requirements which hinder necessary housing projects, creating frustration among local developers and advocates for affordable housing. Notable support was expressed for these bills, highlighting the necessity for cities to modernize their zoning systems to facilitate growth and adequate housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • To all that want to witness.
  • The Chair is opening up public testimony.
  • Based on your testimony?
  • If not, we will hear from the next witness.
  • Questions for the three invited testimony?
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • testimony.
  • Thank you for your testimony. Members, are there any questions for this witness?
  • The witness is excused.
  • What's your testimony?
  • The witness is excused.
Summary: The House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting convened to discuss a revised congressional redistricting plan as part of a special session. The meeting focused on public testimony regarding potential revisions to the redistricting map due to concerns about representation for Congressional Districts 2, 7, 8, and 9. Several witnesses testified against the proposed changes, expressing worries about gerrymandering and the disproportionate impact on minority communities. Notably, Deborah Allen, a former city council member, implored the committee members to heed the concerns of constituents who fear losing representation during this critical redistricting process. The atmosphere was charged as multiple lawmakers and public members voiced their frustrations about the perceived political motives driving the redistricting efforts rather than addressing urgent local needs. The committee faced questions regarding the lack of concrete maps available for public commentary, raising concerns about transparency in the redistricting process. Some members argued that the hearings should prioritize community engagement across the state rather than being limited to a few locations. Various testimonies highlighted fears that the redistricting plan might undermine the gains made in voter representation, particularly among marginalized groups. As the meeting concluded, it became clear that the committee might need to hold further hearings to ensure the public's voice was adequately represented before moving forward with any decisions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you wish to give public testimony, provide written testimony, or express your position on a bill today
  • I do have written testimony.
  • We're not opening up the committee for Senate Bill 1449 public testimony. I do have some witnesses.
  • If not, we'll close public testimony.
  • If not, we'll close public testimony.
Summary: During this committee meeting, several critical bills were deliberated, reflecting the legislators' commitment to addressing property tax regulations and groundwater issues in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 325 was introduced to close loopholes created by House Bill 3697, ensuring that subdivisions reliant on private roads must demonstrate groundwater availability, a move praised by representatives from environmental and public welfare organizations. The bill emphasizes the necessity for sustainable development practices to prevent future water shortages. Another significant focus was Senate Bill 2172, which aims to rectify the erroneous interpretation of the tax code regarding homestead exemptions, protecting compliant homeowners from unfair tax burdens. This cleanup bill clarifies reapplication processes for homestead exemptions to prevent confusion among appraisal districts and homeowners alike. Public testimony from various stakeholders echoed widespread support for the bills, highlighting the importance of transparency and fair administration in property-related legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, limit witness testimony to three minutes per witness.
  • So if you can adapt whatever testimony you have prepared into three minutes per witness, and of course
  • We appreciate the testimony. Members, any questions for the witness, Representative Schofield?
  • We'll get to witness testimony.
  • Members, any questions for this panel of witnesses? Great panel of witnesses. Thank you.
Summary: The meeting of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee included discussions on critical bills impacting public safety and tenant rights. Representative Garcia-Hernandez presented HB923, which aims to add two public members to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel, thereby enhancing informed consent for medical procedures. This move sought to enhance transparency and public trust, especially since the panel previously lacked any public representation. The committee also received testimonies both for and against the bill, highlighting the importance of public input in health-related decisions. The bill faced opposition mainly due to concerns about balancing medical expertise with public representation. Another significant discussion revolved around HB32, which seeks to streamline the eviction process in Texas. While proponents argue that the bill addresses inefficiencies affecting landlords, opponents, including activists and legal experts, expressed concerns that the bill could exacerbate homelessness and undermine tenant rights. They stressed the need for adequate protections and due process for tenants. As the committee moved through multiple bills, the need for careful consideration of both landlord and tenant rights remained a focal point of debate, indicating the complexities surrounding housing legislation in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a lot of witnesses to get through.
  • Seeing none, we'll move on to testimony.
  • Beckett, that's great testimony.
  • We'll move on to testimony now.
  • Thank you very much for your testimony. Members, any questions for this witness?
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding House Bill 4, which aims to reform the Texas public school assessment and accountability system. The bill proposes to eliminate the existing STAAR testing framework and replace it with a nationally norm-referenced assessment that emphasizes growth over year-end testing, promoting a more individualized learning experience for students. This shift was widely supported among educators and stakeholders, with many testifying in favor of creating a system that aligns better with both educational outcomes and community accountability. Notably, there were concerns raised about maintaining adequate oversight and integrity in the assessment process, as well as the timing of implementing these significant changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • during the public testimony.
  • Members, any questions for the witness? Thank you.
  • Any other questions for the witness? Thank you, bud.
  • There are no witnesses registered to testify.
  • I appreciate the testimony from all the witnesses.
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance meeting covered multiple bills focused on healthcare regulations and patient accessibility. Notably, House Bill 3057 was highlighted in testimony from citizens advocating for expanded access to CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown effectiveness for blood cancers. Testimonies were given by affected individuals, emphasizing the need for local treatment options without the burden of travel to distant medical facilities. Similarly, House Bill 4603 was laid out with the intent to align arbitration options and ensure that consumers receive timely resolutions in disputed medical charges. Overall, the committee demonstrated an active engagement with the public and various stakeholders while navigating key issues affecting health insurance and patient care in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will now open public testimony.
  • Thank you for your testimony.
  • Hearing no other invited witnesses, invited testimony is now closed.
  • I see no one for invited testimony, so invited testimony is now open and closed.
  • The testimony is now closed. The chair now opens public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by critical discussions surrounding several bills focused on enhancing public safety and addressing criminal activities. Notably, Senate Bill 1208 sparked significant debate as several members expressed concerns regarding its implications for free speech and civil rights. Testimonies from various public participants highlighted fears that the increased penalties could infringe on First Amendment rights by deterring individuals from holding law enforcement accountable. The committee also tackled Senate Bill 1646, aiming to combat copper theft, which has surged significantly across Texas, affecting essential infrastructure and emergency services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The witness registration will close at 2 p.m., and each public witness will be given two minutes to provide
  • his or her testimony.
  • The chair now opens public testimony.
  • Okay, this will be our last witness for public testimony
  • Thank you for your testimony.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding various bills aimed at improving educational standards and safety in Texas. Notable discussions included House Bill 121, which was proposed to enhance school safety by allowing the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers for schools, a measure that received both support and opposition regarding the authority of local school district police. Additionally, House Bill 367 addressed the issue of excused absences for students with serious illnesses, emphasizing the need for clear documentation requirements to assist families and educators in managing these situations. The meeting was marked by public testimonies from various stakeholders, including educators and policy advocates, who provided insights and experiences that illustrated the importance of the legislation being considered.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025 at 04:03 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Powell, and thank you for your testimony.
  • I believe we had one resource witness available as well.
  • That's all the witness affirmations we have.
  • I believe there may be a witness, so I yield for witness testimony and reserve my right to close.
  • Not hearing any, we'll start the public testimony now.
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Judiciary Committee was productive, with in-depth discussions focused on multiple bills that address important aspects of family law. Notable conversations revolved around HB2495, which aims to clarify the rights of parents regarding their children's education amidst existing ambiguities in lower court rulings. Testimony supporting this bill highlighted the necessity for legal clarity to ensure children can be enrolled in school without delays. The committee also discussed HB3181, which seeks to enhance the enforcement of child possession orders by linking repeated contempt findings to custody modifications, reinforcing accountability for parents who violate court orders.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm

Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Chair, my witness, the minority witness today, is Dr
  • Briefly, I'd like to take a moment to explain our lighting system to the witnesses.
  • I believe this is a request that all of the witnesses will make.
  • You're recognized for five minutes of testimony.
  • Rosside for five minutes of testimony.
Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair calls, I have as a resource witness, Jordan Dixon.
  • I've closed public testimony.
  • If not, I'll call the witnesses.
  • Thank you for your testimonies. I think that's all.
  • Andrew Brown is the invited testimony.
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • , and expert testimony.
  • The chair calls invited testimony witnesses Roy Lenardson

  • If there is no one testifying, that concludes public testimony on this bill and public testimony is closed
  • That concludes public testimony on this bill and public testimony is closed.
  • If not, that concludes public testimony. That's my own bill. Public testimony is closed.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several significant bills aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Texas's Medicaid and long-term care systems. Notably, SB457 seeks to ensure that a substantial portion of Medicaid funds is allocated directly to patient care in nursing facilities, addressing concerns about the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Various testimonies were provided from key stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by nursing homes and the pressing need for reform. Notably, AARP Texas endorsed SB457, emphasizing the critical need for improvements in care quality, especially in light of staffing shortages and neglect issues prevalent in some facilities.

Research Filters

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