Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'groundwater conservation'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope to see that anti-conservative bias, which is what really is reflected in those stats, ameliorate
  • Senator West, in terms of the anti-conservative sentiment.
  • I would speak as a conservative.

  • We have a lot of, you know, concerns about conservatives.
  • A wide swath of senators are on there, from conservative
Summary: The meeting convened with significant discussions centered around higher education legislation in Texas, particularly focusing on research security and curriculum governance. Senator Brian Hughes introduced SB1273, which aims to establish a Higher Education Research Security Council to bolster security practices against potential espionage while promoting collaboration among Texas Tier 1 research institutions. Witness testimony included insights from Dr. Kevin Gamache of Texas A&M University, who underscored the importance of safeguarding academic resources to maintain Texas’s leadership in research. The committee unanimously adopted a substitute for the bill which elevated its scope to include private institutions as well, reflecting a broader approach to research security.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We are shifting more towards wanting to vote for the more conservative candidate.
  • I'm a proud Republican, conservative, and I do.
  • We do exist; we are Republicans, and we're conservative.
  • I'm very proud to be here supporting my Republican Party and also my conservative friends.
  • I'm a Puerto Rican woman, Republican, conservative living in the Rio Grande Valley.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting was convened to discuss the redistricting process in light of ongoing concerns over gerrymandering and the potential impact on fair representation, particularly for communities of color in Texas. Chair Phil King welcomed committee members and emphasized the importance of public participation. Throughout the meeting, numerous witnesses provided testimony, raising urgent issues regarding how proposed changes to congressional districts would affect the political landscape, local representation, and disaster response efforts in the wake of recent events. Many speakers highlighted a sense of urgency, as they felt that the focus on redistricting was a diversion from pressing matters such as disaster recovery and climate response.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • in education, conservation, and tourism.
  • marker="250" data-time="1494">The San Antonio Zoo is a 501(c)(3) institution of education and conservation
  • > to educate the public and lead, fund, and participate in conservation
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation, including discussions around HB1720, aimed at enhancing the security of animal housing facilities to prevent unauthorized trespassing. Representative Gerben-Hawkins emphasized the bill's importance in protecting both the animals and the safety of facilities. The discussion highlighted personal accounts, including a notable incident involving a break-in at the Dallas Zoo, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter penalties for trespassers in these settings. The bill aims to classify such trespassing as a jail felony or even a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances of any harassment towards the animals involved. Additionally, HB2593 was brought up, proposing to increase penalties for indecent assault against the elderly and disabled, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of vulnerable populations. The committee also discussed HB4414, which addresses mail theft related to checks and introduces offenses for the theft of mail keys. The meeting was well-attended, with ample public testimony supporting these legislative measures, indicating a strong concern from the community about animal welfare and protection for vulnerable citizens.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation Apr 24th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We show you registered to testify as John Shepard on behalf of the Devil's River Conservancy and that
  • I'm proud to serve as a board member of the Devil's River Conservancy.
  • As you're approaching, we show you registered to testify as Marie Camino on behalf of the Nature Conservancy
  • I'm with the Nature Conservancy in Texas.
  • In that time, we've conserved over a million acres of land and over 200 miles of rivers and streams in
Summary: The committee meeting was focused on several key legislative matters, including the discussion of HB1904 concerning littering associated with balloon releases, which was presented favorably and passed unanimously. Additionally, the elimination of the Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program was discussed within the context of HB5033, with a substitute motion adopted and passed. The meeting featured public testimony, allowing interested parties to share their views during a structured testimony period, ensuring all voices were heard within the limited timeframe. Overall, the members expressed a cooperative spirit aimed at addressing community concerns through legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative, wouldn't this put conservative Republican candidates at a distinct disadvantage?
  • Additionally, in severe situations, the Secretary of State may appoint a conservator to oversee elections
  • Can you talk about why a conservative state would have chosen to do this and what their argument is for
  • marker="976" data-time="5850">Can you talk about why someone from across the aisle from me, a conservative
  • in a conservative state, has fought for the same policy?
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Elections covered several significant bills, particularly focusing on election integrity and voter registration processes. Notable discussions included the challenges posed by election irregularities and the introduction of electronic voter registration aimed at enhancing efficiency and security. Representative Swanson presented SB 505, which would strengthen oversight in election irregularities, while HB 311, discussed in detail, proposed an electronic voter registration system modeled after successful implementations in other states. Both bills sparked robust discussions among committee members and witnesses, highlighting various perspectives on improving electoral processes. The members indicated a shared goal of maintaining transparency and accountability in Texas elections, though differing opinions on specific measures were apparent throughout the meeting. The meeting adjourned with many bills left pending, awaiting further consideration as the committee seeks a consensus.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on International Relations Mar 24th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on International Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • globally renowned for its leadership in health care, technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, water conservation
  • So, being a fiscal conservative, I obviously want...
  • technology sector has expertise that Texas could leverage to address its own water management and conservation
Bills: HB1240, HB1353, HCR76, HCR90
Summary: The Subcommittee on Internet convened addressing significant legislative matters, including House Bill 1240, which aims to update definitions surrounding the Texas-Mexico border region to promote consistency across various state statutes. Chairman Guillen led the discussion, highlighting the importance of providing clarity for stakeholders involved in policy and implementation. Additionally, House Concurrent Resolution 90 was discussed, advocating for the establishment of a Texas Economic Trade Office in Israel. Several witnesses testified, emphasizing the benefits this office would offer in terms of economic partnerships and innovation transfer, particularly in technology sectors such as cybersecurity and medical technology. The meeting was characterized by active participation, and the members acknowledged the importance of reinforcing Texas's role on the global stage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • Institute is the state's leading wildlife research organization and will open up its new Ocelot Conservation
  • It is really forcing our hand to start looking at water conservation and how we're going to deal with
  • On slide five, regarding Forestry and Conservation

  • Our staff is cross-trained; those who do conservation and other jobs are also trained to fight wildland
  • Texas is 95% land owned by private citizens, and we offer conservation services with them, as well as
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical funding and legislative matters regarding various state initiatives, notably focusing on workforce development, health services, and emergency management. The discussions revealed the heightened importance of supporting community colleges and addressing workforce shortages in healthcare, especially considering the increased demand for veterinary services as pet ownership rose due to the pandemic. Representatives from various organizations presented their requests for funding, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing educational outcomes and preparedness programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Local Government Aug 1st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am a lifelong fiscal conservative.

  • "379" data-time="3758"> Across the state, Flower Mound is located in Denton County and is very conservative
  • We are a fiscally conservative county, and I believe there
  • "6205">And you know, I take a little offense to being compared to Austin, Texas, you know, the conservative
  • I have a long history as a fiscal conservative and

Bills: SB9
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to discuss the implications of Senate Bill 9, which focuses on property tax appraisal reforms. The bill's primary goal is to lower the voter-approved tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%. During the meeting, various stakeholders provided testimony, highlighting concerns about the potential impact of the cap on local governments, especially in rapidly growing areas. Senators engaged in extensive discussions about the balancing act between tax relief and the need for robust public services, emphasizing the need for local flexibility to meet constituents' needs. The bill faced opposition from local officials who argued that the cap could hinder essential services like police and fire departments, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Whether you're conservative, liberal, or right up the

  • ...deeply disturbing even to conservative Americans, which
  • ...in files while ordering the arrest of elected officials is deeply disturbing, even to Texas conservative
Summary: The meeting showcased intense discussions centered on not only legislative proposals but also the response to recently experienced devastating floods in Texas. House Democratic Caucus leader Gene Woo highlighted concerns about the political motives driving the current special session, arguing that Governor Abbott is prioritizing partisan redistricting over necessary flood relief efforts. Multiple speakers condemned the use of a natural disaster as a vehicle for advancing a political agenda and emphasized the urgency of addressing disaster preparedness and public safety. Throughout the meeting, representatives stressed the need to hold leadership accountable and to ensure that the voices of affected Texans are heard.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • It provides permanent funding to the Land and Water Conservation Act, particularly in protecting and
  • Can we count on you to continue to carry out this law and support this government's conservation legacy
  • Supporting our states and funding mandatory programs, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and
  • the Senators here on this dais also know, those dollars are also dedicated to the Land and Water Conservation
  • Our state has led successful efforts to balance conservation with economic development.
Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • located in a unique and tough landscape of West Texas, and it serves a population known for their conservative
  • span marker="826" data-time="4950"> to align grant-funded research with existing soil and water conservation
  • We must invest in solutions that restore soil, conserve water, and empower producers.
  • So, we have to figure out how to conserve water as Texas farmers and develop countermeasures to drought
  • Texas Farmer and Ranch Conservation Programs result in $4.1
Summary: In this meeting of the Committee on Higher Education, various bills were laid out and discussed, with particular emphasis on education and research funding, alongside measures to support Texas's agricultural sector. Notable discussions included House Bill 5339, which aims to establish a program for regenerative agriculture, facilitating long-term research on agricultural practices and aiming to improve soil health and food quality. The committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of such research on local farming communities, stressing the importance of evidence-based practices in addressing modern agricultural challenges. The meeting also included concerns related to the nursing shortage, with House Bill 3032 presented as a measure to identify more clinical training sites for nursing students. Additionally, members touched on issues such as retaining Texas students in state universities, given the rising trends of students leaving for opportunities in other states.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In my experience, I've never been assigned a conservative, moderate, or even classical liberal perspective
  • ...used the word conservative.
  • On numerous occasions, conservative-leaning students

  • As a conservative Christian, I was somewhat critical coming
  • ...was four to one conservative, and that there were 500
Summary: The committee meeting focused on heated discussions surrounding SB37 and HB4848, with numerous testimonies given by concerned citizens, educators, and students. Advocates for SB37 emphasized the need for educational reform, arguing that current higher education standards are overly influenced by political ideologies and do not adequately prepare students for the workforce. Opponents voiced strong concerns about the bill's potential to undermine academic freedom and lead to the removal of essential courses from the curriculum, which would diminish the quality of education in Texas. The meeting highlighted a clear divide on the future of educational policies and governance in universities, reflecting broader social and political tensions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 25th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For the definition of a geothermal energy conservation well
  • , it qualifies that although a geothermal energy conservation well serves as a mechanism for storing
  • For example, geothermal energy conservation.
  • Well, it's going to allow the State Energy Conservation Office
  • authorities, the bill approved by the Legislature in 2015, SECO adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • We show you registered Nan Tolson, Texas Conservatives Concerned
  • I'm here as a lifelong Texan, a lifelong conservative, and as director of Texas Conservatives Concerned
  • We're a network of conservatives questioning the alignment

  • death penalty itself is so problematic, and many states are moving against it, states that are conservative
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding several proposed bills, including Senate Bill 990, which aims to expand the death penalty criteria. This bill faced substantial opposition from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. They expressed concerns about the effectiveness and fiscal implications of the death penalty, urging the committee to consider alternative methods for ensuring public safety. Testimony highlighted research disputing the efficacy of the death penalty as a deterrent and called for a nuanced approach to justice, particularly concerning crimes against children. In addition to SB990, the committee reviewed SB1362 and SB1379, both related to increasing penalties for financial crimes in response to fraud surges exacerbated by the pandemic. Witnesses, including law enforcement representatives and banking officials, provided testimonies supporting these bills as proactive measures against rising financial fraud cases. The meeting concluded with motions on these bills pending further consideration, reflecting the committee's ongoing commitment to addressing these critical issues while debating the broader implications of each legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill balances conservation and economic benefit with industry interest.
  • The Watch Association and Port Aransas Conservancy.
  • Porter-Rands Conservancy? Conservancy, yes.
  • data-time="6426"> All right, we have Eric Allman, attorney, Coastal Watch Association, Port Aransas Conservancy
  • Port Aransas Conservancy just finished spending several years litigating the application by the Port
Summary: The meeting covered several legislative bills focused primarily on environmental impact and economic incentives, with significant attention given to HB3728, which aims to establish numeric salinity standards for Texas's bays and estuaries. Proponents argued that these standards would help protect delicate ecosystems while allowing for necessary industrial expansion, particularly in desalination. There was passionate testimony from environmental advocates emphasizing the potential long-term benefits for both the economy and local communities reliant on these waters. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of past subsidies as found in discussions surrounding HB4568, which faced opposition from the public and prominent committee members who criticized the use of state funds to support the film industry without demonstrating sustainable economic return on investment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025 at 03:08 pm

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We also believe that conservation easements would be

  • I would also reiterate that conservation easements

  • I'm a theologically conservative Christian and a politically conservative voter.
  • Conservation easements, improved alerts, and updated building codes are all necessary and helpful.
  • about how they think we can work better in this state for conservation.
Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: The meeting focused heavily on disaster preparedness and management strategies in response to recent catastrophic events in Texas, particularly concerning House Bills related to flood response and communication infrastructure. Notably, House Bill 19 was introduced to mandate that campgrounds in flood-prone areas develop actionable flood plans to ensure safety during emergencies. Stakeholders voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance for child safety in recreational areas. Additionally, House Bill 18 aimed at improving emergency communication systems received considerable attention, as members raised concerns about the need for efficient and interoperable communication during disasters. Similar themes of ensuring preparedness and safeguarding communities were echoed throughout the discussions, with experts and witnesses providing impactful testimony on the challenges confronted during recent flooding incidents in Kerr County.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Conservative governance and a thriving economy have created a strong fiscal outlook for the state budget
  • So, you know, this seems to be a fairly conservative investment from the standpoint of, by my calculations
  • Is lower than many others and is a conservative, prudent
  • span marker="553" data-time="3312">If you're invested in illiquid assets and let's choose a more conservative
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in detailed discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, notably focusing on HB2054 and HB4601. HB2054 was discussed in the context of addressing financial support for victims' families during declared emergencies, removing existing procedural barriers. Representative Manuel presented HB4601, which aims to assist Texas veterans in purchasing affordable housing by creating a down payment assistance program financed through a dedicated tax fund. This program is essential to simplify homeownership for veterans facing financial challenges in the current housing market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a conservative Republican, I would just like to say

  • that when you talk about local government, when you take conservative voices away, they give up.
  • A lot of the conservatives are concerned with just basically having a voice in it, even if we had it
  • As a conservative and local elected official myself, I find
Summary: The committee meeting focused on House Bill 5089, concerning the creation of new school districts through detachment of existing territories. During the discussions, multiple committee members expressed significant concerns about the implications of the bill, emphasizing the need for community involvement and public voting whenever major district changes are proposed. Witnesses from the Keller Independent School District testified against the bill, highlighting the potential for confusion and the erosion of local control if school boards could make such determinations without voter approval. The testimonies painted a picture of a heated community reaction regarding the handling of the detachment process and underscored a general agreement that any significant changes should require a public vote to ensure accountability and transparency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jun 2nd, 2025 at 11:06 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I return to this chamber with one goal: accomplishing as much conservative policy as possible while humbly
  • To the conservative freshmen that worked so hard to

  • The body needs to hear what you see: Tony fighting every day for conservative values, and it's honorable
  • a more conservative voting record as the years have gone
  • Conservative love is just...
Summary: In this meeting, the committee primarily focused on the conference committee report for SB293. Representative Leach highlighted the collaborative efforts of both the House and Senate conferees in crafting a historic legislative package that aims to provide significant pay raises for Texas judges, a move deemed essential for maintaining a strong judiciary in the state. The discussion underscored the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving meaningful legislative outcomes. Additionally, there was a recognition of the hard work put in throughout the 89th session, with various members expressing pride in their achievements, particularly in public education reform.

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