Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'healthcare policy'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's like an insurance policy.
  • We saw risk, responded with policy, and now thanks to the sponsors of this bill.
  • While I'm a proud member of my party, I didn't author this policy in Austin because of ideology.
  • Disasters don't discriminate, but policy can determine whether or not we're prepared.
  • I'm a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding mental health and homelessness, particularly through the lens of SB2487, which aims to provide better mental health services and support systems for individuals in crisis. Testimonies highlighted the shortcomings of current interventions, which often lead to incarceration rather than treatment, and emphasized the need for a centralized hub to assist people experiencing mental health crises. Various stakeholders, including city officials and social service representatives, voiced their support for the bill, citing its potential to improve access to care and reduce the burden on emergency services, such as jails and hospitals. However, concerns were raised regarding the implementation and the potential for coercion in treatment options, suggesting that the bill could undermine established rights to voluntary mental health care. The committee also addressed SB437, which pertains to modernizing training for substance use disorder providers in Texas, and SB660, regarding safety measures for emergency rooms. The overall tone of the meeting reflected a commitment to reforming how the state handles mental health crises and the intersection of homelessness, with a clear push for systems that prioritize compassionate care rather than punitive measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Vice President of Policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • Andrew Brown with Texas Public Policy.
  • This is Andrew Brown, Vice President of Policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, testifying in
  • and state leadership need to create a lasting policy change.
  • Policy Foundation.
Summary: The committee meeting encompassed a comprehensive discussion regarding various legislative matters, including the critical examination of HB741, HB341, HB582, and HB471. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented HB741, aimed at enhancing financial support for relative caregivers, ensuring an alignment in assistance with licensed foster parents to foster kinship placements. This initiative was met with supportive testimonies from several stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of keeping children connected with their families for stability. Furthermore, representatives voiced differing views on the proposed regulations in HB341 and HB582, leading to a vibrant debate where several public members provided insight into practical implications and potential consequences of the bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

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

Transcript Highlights:
  • A doula is a healthcare professional who is specifically trained in labor and childbirth support.
  • Doulas are unique in that we are members of the healthcare

  • So what that means is that when I go into a healthcare

  • , but I'm integrating into the care team with the nurses and the doctors who are practicing the healthcare
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing critical maternal health issues through discussions of two main bills, HB2140 and HB2610. Representative Simmons presented HB2140, which proposes to add two doula seats to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, emphasizing the importance of including diverse perspectives in discussions about maternal health. Testimony from various witnesses highlighted the positive impacts doulas can have during pregnancy and postpartum care, particularly for vulnerable populations. The bill left pending after debate reflects the committee’s commitment to enhancing maternal health outcomes in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • entity can simply declare sovereign immunity and avoid a response, it runs contrary to the public policy
  • Is good public policy in our view, and with that, I'd be happy
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive deliberations on several bills, most notably House Bill 1110, concerning civil suits against individuals reporting suspicious activity in good faith, proposed by Chairman Shaheen. The committee expressed unanimous support for the bill, and it was reported to the full House without amendments. Additionally, House Bill 865, introduced by Speaker Moody, addressing civil liability related to firearm hold agreements, also garnered unanimous approval, underscoring a collaborative effort among committee members. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding proposed bills, specifically criticisms of House Bill 1748, aimed at exempting municipal courts from language certification requirements, which raised significant opposition related to equitable access to justice for non-English speakers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> Yes, UT Health, Rice University Baker Institute of Public Policy
  • marker="439" data-time="2628"> to decide that those types of agreements are void as against public policy
  • as against public policy.
  • policy that people have the opportunity to tell these stories
  • > We don't want the state to continue to increase funding and policy
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussions of three key bills: HB865, HB1928, and HB748. Notably, HB865, presented by Speaker Moody, received significant attention as it aims to clarify liability protections for federal firearms licensees, emphasizing its importance for supporting veterans' mental health and safety. Testimonies were provided by various stakeholders, including city council members and law enforcement representatives, who underscored the pressing need for legislative support in the wake of alarming suicide rates among veterans. The committee engaged in comprehensive discussions, highlighting the bill’s potential impact on improving public safety and mental health support within the veteran community. Throughout the session, the committee showed commitment to addressing issues within the statutory probate court system as well, referring HB1928 directly to a relevant subcommittee for further evaluation. The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration among committee members and public input, setting the stage for further review and action on these significant legislative proposals. Overall, the meeting was efficient and well-attended, with active participation from both committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • there was some concern that the insurance carriers in other states issuing workers' compensation policies
  • Not just the members, but also the staff behind us regarding fashioning the right policy for the state
  • We have very rigorous policies and procedures in order to ensure that these technologies are safe, and
  • My background on these policy issues goes back quite

  • I just don't think that's probably the right policy for the state.
Summary: In this committee meeting, a wide range of topics were addressed, notably the advancement of nuclear energy in Texas. The committee discussed Senate Bill 2967, aimed at exploring innovative energy technologies and the role of nuclear power in ensuring energy security. Several expert testimonies were heard, including insights from former PUC Commissioner Doug Robinson, who emphasized the potential of modular reactors and necessary state support to navigate the financial challenges commonly faced by nuclear energy projects. The committee's focus was on understanding current nuclear technology stages, determining required state incentives, and assessing the overall energy landscape in Texas.
US
Summary: The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation, testifying for the bills.
  • My name is Grayson Gee, and I serve as a technology policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I'm here to speak in favor of HB6.
  • I'm her associate director of policy, and I typically...
  • personal experience that led me to the policy world.
Summary: The committee meeting predominantly focused on educational reform, discussing several bills designed to enhance school safety and address chronic absenteeism. In particular, House Bill 6 was scrutinized for its proposals to modify disciplinary measures within schools, specifically allowing longer in-school suspensions for students who cause significant disruptions. Advocates and experts presented testimonies emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment while also addressing behavioral issues in a manner that supports at-risk students. The discourse highlighted the need for balancing discipline with educational support, particularly for students with disabilities who may exhibit challenging behaviors due to their conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Middleton, thank you and your office for having an open-door policy to talk about some of the
  • My name is Sally Bocco, I'm the Director of Policy and Governmental Relations for the City of Galveston
  • As TWIA's exposure and policy count increase due to private market contracting along the Gulf Coast,
  • /span>

    and policy

Summary: The committee meeting revolved around important discussions regarding two significant bills, SB2530 and SB2571, intended to address the funding challenges faced by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Senator Milton highlighted the need for reforms due to escalating reinsurance costs that have risen to over 60% of premiums. A notable focus was the proposed dynamic funding model, which aims to reduce reliance on fixed assessments and public securities tied to the current Probable Maximum Loss (PML) structure, allowing funding to adjust based on actual needs. Both bills received mixed responses, with public testimonies citing the potential for increased financial burdens on insurance companies if the assessments were restructured without careful consideration of market conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 2849 by Allen, relating to policies on the recess period
  • relating to including anti-Semitism in the definition of bullying for the purpose of school discipline policies
  • The subcommittee adds anti-Semitism to the definition of bullying in school district discipline policies
Summary: The committee meeting focused on multiple bills pertaining to educational reforms and initiatives. Notable discussions included the passage of HB824, which aims to expand civics education in Texas high schools, emphasizing the importance of understanding government functions and participation in democracy. The bill received unanimous support from the committee members, reflecting broad consensus on the need for enhanced civic education. Similarly, HB1581 and HB1579 were discussed, aiming to improve bilingual education and establish a state seal of bilingualism and biliteracy for high school students, respectively, thereby emphasizing the educational framework's inclusivity and quality enhancement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • TAVE has been a leading voice for bilingual education in Texas for over 50 years, advocating for policies
  • bill changes the formula to use the median score instead, which is already widely used in public policy
  • Universities, including the University of Texas, were involved in this policy and received a carve-out
  • We need to put this language into policy practice so that way we can keep it moving.
  • moving, and hopefully, this bill can go to local so that we can let people know how important this policy
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Education K-16 was characterized by a series of discussions on multiple Senate Bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the state. Notably, SB750 was presented by Senator Eckhardt, which seeks to close a loophole that currently excludes standalone EMS employees from receiving tuition exemptions available to firefighters and law enforcement. The testimony from James Monks of the Austin EMS Association highlighted the critical shortage of EMS personnel and the need for incentives to attract workers to this career path. The committee allowed public testimony, which generally supported the bill, leading to positive discussions among members regarding the importance of equal benefits for all first responders. Additionally, SB2430, introduced by Senator Higginbotham, aims to regulate higher education institutions' interactions with foreign adversaries. The bill received support from witnesses such as Michael Lucci, who emphasized the necessity of securing Texas's higher education from potential threats while facilitating collaborations with trusted entities. These discussions emphasized the need for strategies that not only bolster educational funding and accessibility but also protect academic integrity. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, with robust engagement from both committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Youth Justice Policy Director at the Texas Center for Justice and Equity, and I'm in opposition
  • My name is Kasey Wright, and I'm a former public school teacher and a current education policy fellow
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Arc of Texas, and I'm here in respectful opposition
  • You're with the mental health policy team; you're a mental health policy fellow?
  • Yes, I'm a mental health policy fellow with Disability

Summary: The meeting largely centered on discussions about House Bill 120, which aims to improve career and technical education in Texas, particularly focusing on rural students. The bill was introduced as an innovative approach to enhance educational pathways for high-demand jobs, including programs for military readiness and industry-based certifications. Various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Career and Technical Association of Texas, provided testimonies in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to address the workforce requirements of the state. Conversely, concerns regarding the bill's implications were raised by several witnesses, primarily focusing on the potential unintended consequences for students with disabilities and the importance of maintaining a collaborative educational approach rather than a punitive one.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Summary: During the meeting of the Permanent Standing Subcommittee on County, a range of bills was presented and discussed, primarily concerning local governance and healthcare efficiency. The chair initiated the session by laying out HB2438, which aims to modernize the Concho County Hospital District's governing legislation to better align with current operational realities. Chairman Darby spoke on the importance of updating the statute to address outdated provisions, ensuring the district can continue to provide essential health services. The committee also heard testimony regarding several other bills, including HB2658, which focuses on clarifying the governing laws for the Kimball County Hospital District, and HB1845, which was described as offering flexibility in judicial pay for county judges hearing state cases.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Megan Benton, and I'm a Strategic Policy Associate at Texas Values Action.
  • My name is Carrie Judice, and I am the Director of Policy.
  • I'm the VP of Public Policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association.
  • I'm the Vice President of Policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation testifying in favor of Senate
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy for Texas CASA. We are here.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services addressed several significant pieces of legislation focused primarily on health and welfare issues in Texas. One of the central topics was SB1233, which aims to provide perinatal palliative care information to families receiving diagnoses of life-threatening conditions. Testimonies highlighted the importance of immediate access to support resources, as speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the emotional and medical implications of these diagnoses. Additionally, SB1368 was discussed, focusing on emergency preparedness within assisted living and nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for actionable contingency plans to protect vulnerable residents during power outages and emergencies. The committee explored how to ensure compliance with new standards while considering the realities faced by these facilities, especially in determining the appropriate levels of emergency power backup requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this bill relates to establishing policies regarding
  • [The witness representing the Policy Foundation is

  • House Bill 4438 addresses a critical shortage in our healthcare workforce that is so necessary for the
  • This bill will allow us to have a lasting infrastructure, student leadership training, public policy
  • You can go into policy, you can go into education policy—there are a lot of different routes, including
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on several bills related to education and public safety. Notable discussions included HB1105, which seeks to provide EMS employees with tuition exemptions similar to those received by firefighters and police officers, thus addressing educational parity among first responders. Representative Ward-Johnson presented the bill and highlighted the growing responsibilities of paramedics in the changing landscape of emergency services. Witnesses from the Austin EMS Association spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of quality education for EMS workers in enhancing public safety and service delivery. The committee also discussed HB1705 and HB2290, which aim to improve educational accreditation and health benefits for students, respectively, indicating a broad focus on enhancing the educational framework within the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Cole Glosser, and I'm a policy fellow with the Coalition.
  • My name is Sabrina Gonzalez-Ocedo, and I'm the Director of Public Policy.
  • Yes, so the proposed policy is comparable to the majority of the current insurance policies right now
  • I'm the Director of Policy for Yakuza Bouboulian's Ministries.
  • policy, and so with that, I close.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several key bills related to health care and adoption services, with a significant emphasis on fostering care systems. Vice Chair Emanuel presented bills that aimed to streamline reporting requirements for the HHSC, while Representative Slauson's bill on voluntary adoption registries prompted a discussion on improving access and procedures within the child welfare system. Each bill was generally met with favorable votes, indicating strong bipartisan support for these initiatives. The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders who voiced the importance of these legislative efforts in enhancing the quality of life for children and families involved in the welfare system. Notably, the committee also tackled the issue of Medicaid services and accessibility for children needing medical equipment like baby helmets, which have been a burden for many low-income families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My example is that I had a company I wrote probably 100 policies a year with.
  • You want to get them the best policy at the best price possible.
  • policies in the area so they can keep the contract.
  • exorbitant I could only write two policies a year, and they were mad at me.
  • They're not there to determine anything related to the policy contract.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance centered around numerous healthcare-related bills, focusing heavily on issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) in medical determinations, autism insurance coverage, and HIV prevention. Representative Garcia Hernandez presented HB4635, aiming to ensure transparency in the use of AI in medical claim denials, which has become increasingly prevalent. The bill introduces mandates for disclosures on AI algorithms used in decisions, enhancing patient rights and keeping the Texas Department of Insurance informed of potential denials. Public testimony supported the bill as essential for safeguarding Texans from unintended biases in AI applications. Additionally, HB813, presented by Representative Goodwin, garnered attention for its effort to update autism-related insurance mandates, removing outdated age restrictions for therapy coverage. This legislation is seen as a crucial step in accommodating the needs of all individuals on the autism spectrum, regardless of the timing of their diagnosis.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 1st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation is vital in ensuring that individuals are not penalized or subjected to policies that
  • Jonathan Covey, director of policy for Texas Values

  • I'm Jonathan Covey, Director of Policy for Texas Values.
  • My name is Judge Shepard, and I'm a policy...
  • Panelists at the Texas Public Policy Foundation are here
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions focused on time legislation, including HB1393 and SB692. The primary subject was the proposal to adopt permanent daylight saving time, which sparked diverse opinions from committee members and witnesses. Supporters like Erica Boyd, President and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, advocated for the benefits of extended daylight for outdoor activities and tourism, while others expressed health concerns and the disruption that early darkness in winter months could cause to families. Testimony revealed a split in public sentiment, further complicating the legislative decision-making process. Additional bills, such as SB2943 regarding religious freedom protections for occupational licenses, also received attention, showcasing the breadth of topics covered in this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You pay three insurance policies.
  • Now think about each of you who pay an insurance policy on your home or business.
  • That's one of the policies. If I have widows, who I do, who leave me notes.
  • This is smart policy.
  • I'm the Deputy Director of Policy at IDRA, and I'm here on House Bill 3460.
Summary: The committee meeting included discussions centered around educational bills, notably focusing on enhancing inclusivity and accountability within Texas public schools. One significant bill was House Bill 2354, aimed at aligning laws governing charter schools with those of traditional public schools, which received favorable testimonies emphasizing its importance for equal treatment of educational institutions. Representative Morales' House Bill 178 provided a platform for advocates to discuss the need for ethnic studies courses to be counted towards social studies credits, which was met with broad support, showcasing a commitment to diverse educational content. Additionally, House Bill 5201 stirred debate regarding construction oversight for school projects, highlighting the ongoing concerns over management failures in large-scale school construction and its implications for taxpayer funds.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II)Audio only. May 5th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Summary: During the committee meeting, a range of bills were discussed, with several being reported favorably for further consideration by the full Senate. Notably, Senate Bill 2403 was moved by Senator Middleton and adopted without objection. Additionally, Senate Bill 1888, concerning jury selection in certain counties, also gained unanimous approval. The committee expressed clear support for Senator Hagen's Senate Bill 2943 regarding discrimination against occupational license holders, which was substituted and reported favorably. Furthermore, House Bill 1393, proposed by Representative Metcalfe to establish year-round daylight saving time, also received a positive recommendation and was adopted with only a few dissenting votes.

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