Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'utility charges'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The safety of our children shouldn't be a question of who's in charge; it should be about how we all
  • us to plan a tabletop event, and especially it takes weeks for us to plan an event where we are utilizing
  • after-action reports on major incidents and bring that information together, not because we're in charge
  • ...is another tool that can be utilized and just bypass all
  • ...is the money we make off of print, off of charging.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • utilized in the same way as freshwater fishing stamp revenue
  • Veterinary telemedicine is a valuable tool that we already utilize.
  • Do y'all charge for that first phone call?
  • Do y'all charge for the initial phone call to say?
  • And you get a big DOD contract that allows that to be utilized in that type of thing.
Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss various Senate Bills, focusing on issues pertinent to agriculture, environment, and public health. Notably, Senator Perry spearheaded discussions on SB1247 and SB1948, emphasizing the need for committee substitutes to adapt the bills to recent legislative requirements. SB1948, in particular, was introduced to exempt agricultural structures from certain fire safety regulations, reflecting concerns among agricultural producers regarding compliance costs. Multiple members supported this legislation, highlighting the impact on the agricultural sector's operational viability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 21st, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • is the bill we previously heard from Representative Slauson related to the dissolution of a public utility
  • They're charged under 2440 to do that, so they didn't feel
  • When those developments go in, we utilize the U.T.
  • Senate Bill 612 is to prevent water districts from charging excessive pipeline construction fees to developers
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources was convened to review several bills concerning water regulation and development. Chairman Harris facilitated discussions on SB1965, SB2885, SB2440, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, and SB612. Notable was the acknowledgment of rising concerns over groundwater availability and the regulatory framework surrounding it. The members emphasized the essential nature of the decisions being made, particularly in light of recent developments in water conservation and infrastructure. The bill SB1855 emerged as a focal point, addressing ambiguities in prior legislation about groundwater certification, which has caused confusion among local officials and developers alike. Testimonies were provided by representatives from various counties, emphasizing the necessity for clear guidelines and standards to protect water resources and support sustainable development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's one of the highest utilization rates in the nation.
  • The voucher is intended to be utilized.
  • And in 2001, when public schools were allowed to charge private...
  • The interim charges included...
  • The interim charges included...
Summary: The meeting of the Texas Lottery Commission centered around vital discussions regarding the regulatory framework and operational issues related to the lottery and charitable bingo systems in Texas. The committee reviewed financial appropriations, focusing on the need for infrastructure improvements to the Charitable Bingo Operations Division and highlighted the ongoing work with the Sunset Advisory Commission to enhance operational efficiency and compliance. Significant attention was given to the unregulated activities of lottery ticket couriers, which have raised concerns about integrity and fairness in lottery games, prompting the commission to consider appropriate measures to stop such activities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • One was on the utility side.
  • the utility begins recovering on its investments is called regulatory lag.
  • ...is an issue for the utilities.
  • You can have policy that benefits the utility and also benefits customers.
  • If I charged anything under this.
Summary: The meeting included a robust discussion on several bills aimed at addressing regulatory issues in the state. Key among these was House Bill 4384, presented by Representative Darby, which focuses on alleviating financial burdens caused by regulatory lag for natural gas utilities. The bill seeks to allow temporary deferral of costs related to new infrastructure, and public testimonies highlighted a significant division in opinion, with some stakeholders arguing it would increase costs for consumers without adequate oversight. The committee members engaged actively with the testimonies, indicating a comprehensive review of the implications of the bill. House Bill 2663 was also introduced, aimed at preventing wildfires through better oversight of outdated electrical infrastructure at inactive oil and gas well sites, emphasizing the need for removed or de-energized equipment to avoid future incidents. Additionally, several other bills like HB1237 and HB3071 were discussed, with the latter addressing the cancellation of inactive landfill permits to reflect current land use and community development. The overall tone of the meeting was collaborative, with members expressing gratitude for professionalism despite some disagreements on policy details. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further discussion before moving to votes in subsequent sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • with me at that same appointment, not any additional time, because our local anesthetics that we're utilizing
  • That would be the time that I would utilize.
  • from like a medical doctor who does it, who may charge more
  • /span> All of the groups that are under that are going to get charged
  • That's all it does, but I don't think anybody's getting double charged.
Summary: During this meeting of the Committee on Public Health, members discussed several significant bills focused on expanding the scope of practice for dental professionals, specifically regarding the administration of neuromodulators such as Botox for aesthetic purposes. Senator Van Dever presented SB1117, which would allow licensed dentists to administer these treatments following proper training, a point that sparked a lively debate among committee members. While proponents emphasized the benefits of improving patient access to regulated aesthetic care, opponents raised concerns about the potential for dentists to prioritize cosmetic procedures over essential dental care, fearing that the marketplace could prioritize profit over patient safety. The bill enjoyed bipartisan support, having passed the Senate unanimously but faced scrutiny regarding the implications of allowing such expansion beyond traditional dental practices.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill currently charges the Attorney General with enforcing its provisions and makes violators liable
  • span marker="250" data-time="1494"> blood centers to facilitate these donations and allow them to charge
  • ...abusive durable medical equipment suppliers to charge
  • This creates a mechanism to prevent unreasonable charges.
  • And for that reason, they will charge excess amounts. That's the first reason.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services focused primarily on several key bills aimed at improving health care regulations and patient rights. Notably, Senator Hall introduced SB125, aiming to allow for direct and autologous blood donations, which sparked passionate debates among committee members and invited witnesses. Concerns were raised regarding the bill's implications for patient safety and the feasibility of the proposed 72-hour notice period for hospitals. Testimonies highlighted personal experiences, including that of the Lehrer family, advocating for the bill based on their children's health needs and the challenges faced due to current regulations. Conversely, several representatives from blood centers expressed opposition, cautioning that the bill could burden the blood donation system and adversely impact the quality of care for patients with special needs. Additionally, SB315 was present to address genetic privacy issues, aiming to grant Texans property rights over their DNA and genetic information. This bill also brought forth discussions about the ethical implications of genetic testing and data privacy in light of technological advancements. As the meeting progressed, representatives underscored the importance of balancing legislative intentions with practical outcomes, initiating further discussions on amendments and committee substitutes that would refine the proposed laws.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate bills, but not vote them out and instead wait for the House bills to come over, so we're utilizing
  • And then from the Public Utility Commission, the Executive Director Connie Corona.
  • So, electric utilities, who we do not regulate currently,
  • , it is an electric utility when this responsibility kicks in.
  • Utility poles at oil and gas sites, right?
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on several significant legislative proposals, particularly detailing the plans for the Gulf Coast Protection District and various recycling initiatives. Notable discussions were led by Senator Alvarado regarding SB795, which is aimed at establishing a dedicated Gulf Coast Protection Account to secure funding for coastal infrastructure projects critical for flood protection. Stakeholders expressed gratitude for ongoing legislative support, emphasizing the potential for this project to become the largest civil works project in U.S. history. Additionally, testimony was heard on recycling bills including SB2689, which seeks to improve Texas's recycling infrastructure without imposing fees, and SB410 which manages the Gulf Coast Protection District’s operations to ensure safety and navigability within Houston's waterways. Public and expert witnesses contributed insights that highlighted the economic implications and community benefits of these initiatives, demonstrating the state's commitment to sustainable development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm talking about specifically people charged, defendants who are charged with crimes where your office
  • I'm concerned about people who are charged with crimes having access to evidence that will be used against
  • 3.3 million are authorized to independently utilize this
  • In other words, if the person who is charged is a victim of human trafficking.
  • Too often, we have seen women who are being sold nightly charged with robbery, and their traffickers
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several legislative bills aimed at enhancing public safety and criminal justice reforms. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 2595, which aims to criminalize acts of concealing identity while committing harassment or intimidation, with provisions for affirmative defenses. Additionally, Senate Bill 1980 was discussed, aiming to increase penalties for assaults on peace officers and extending legal protections to community supervision officers. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for enhanced protections for vulnerable groups, including victims of trafficking.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So you can find out what the current INS charge is, but not
  • Or secondly, they can continue to utilize coal, natural gas, and gasoline at more expensive rates than
  • Ultimately, utilizing the domestic sources of energy

  • and utilize fuel; that's what I'm talking about.
  • That's correct, and they want to charge you, did you

Summary: The meeting of the Ways and Means Committee was marked by significant deliberation on several bills aimed at improving tax policies and supporting community welfare. A noteworthy discussion surrounded HB1256, which proposes tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the pressing issue of water conservation amid drought conditions affecting Texas. Representative Zwiener emphasized the necessity of incentivizing families to conserve water, championing the bill as a common-sense solution. The committee also considered HB1632, which aims to make pet food tax-exempt, further engaging legislators in a light-hearted yet crucial dialogue about affordability for pet owners amidst rising living costs. Following these discussions, a series of resolutions and bills were reported favorably out of the committee, including HJR138, which seeks to prohibit a carbon tax in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential economic repercussions. The meeting concluded with clear communication regarding upcoming votes and recommendations for moving these bills forward to the full house. The atmosphere fostered a collaborative spirit as committee members shared their insights on pressing issues, highlighting their commitment to supporting Texas families and communities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • participate in an election offense case if they exercised any discretion or leniency towards people charged
  • But it also allows prosecutors to make the decision that the evidence does not support the charge and
  • , local law enforcement, the Public Utility Commission, and ERCOT.
  • In 2020, I believe, he was charged, and in 2022, he was convicted.
  • You know, in that A&M example I gave you earlier, there were criminal charges.
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:02 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've had several charging stations.
  • What happens with the utilities? I've heard from water suppliers that...
  • have the opportunity, free of charge, to be able to utilize any available right-of-way along those roadways
  • ...for their utilities.
  • And so, through the utilization of these additional dollars...
Summary: The meeting focused on significant discussions surrounding the Texas state water planning process and flood mitigation efforts. During the session, experts presented on the need for an adaptive and collaborative approach to manage Texas's water resources. A particular emphasis was placed on the upcoming updates to the state water plan, which aims to address projected shortages and enhance infrastructure to handle both drought and flood conditions. The collaboration involved regional groups who play a vital role in identifying community needs regarding water infrastructure development.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • of this noise regulation, an offender would be charged with
  • Once we started utilizing our online auction system

  • The ability to utilize the current statute for charitable
  • Included language allowing county clerks to charge $0.10
  • Would remove the additional charge for electronic copies
Summary: The meeting focused on various bills concerning law enforcement and budgetary practices in the state. Discussions highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, particularly in Harris County, regarding staffing shortages and funding gaps. Representatives presented bills such as HB2413 and HB2014, which aim to address pay parity and improve law enforcement capabilities within the local jurisdiction. Witness testimonies underscored the urgency of ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary resources to meet the demands of their communities, especially in light of rising crime rates and public safety concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They went down to the registration and they charged them 6.25% on the value of the vehicle because it
  • We billed over $732,000 last year in charging charges.
  • That was utilized by the Forest Service, taking into account just the occurrence of wildfires, or intensity
  • This is the methodology utilized for the disbursement of money.
  • The ESF has been utilizing funds in the past.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance included the introduction of SB1337 by Senator Krayton. This bill aims to provide a fair and accurate system for calculating tax obligations, mandating the comptroller to assess penalties only on the net tax due from a taxpayer rather than allowing overpayments to offset underpayments under limited circumstances. Senator Krayton elaborated on how the bill ensures that taxpayers who overpay can use that surplus to cover any underpaid taxes of the same type, ensuring fairness for both the state and taxpayers. Several discussions ensued regarding the administration of the bill, with contributions from various members including representatives from the Comptroller's Office.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, the implementation of the program utilized

  • We've had a handful of charging stations that have gone in, administered under that program.
  • What happens with the utilities?

  • Utilities have the opportunity, free of charge, to be able
  • to utilize any available right-of-way along those roadways for their utilities.
Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • >

    It will also remove the allowance for a blood center to charge

  • So it's kind of crazy that it would charge the patient $89 when the cash price is $23.
  • utilizers of health care services.
  • Domestic data centers and cloud storage providers often charge higher fees.
  • We are neutral regarding this AI bill in regards to prior authorization and utilization review.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was focused predominantly on various bills concerning healthcare and insurance policies, reflecting significant discussions on how these laws impact the community. Notably, Senate Bill 660 was introduced to enhance safety measures at healthcare facilities, discussing the necessity for bollards to prevent unauthorized vehicular access, highlighting a bipartisan understanding of public safety. Senator West emphasized the importance of these regulations, citing real-world incidents that necessitate such actions. Public testimonies complimented this discussion, providing insight into community needs for enhanced security in hospitals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • with no charges.
  • Myself, I've had to... we weren't going to charge them. The AUSA was not going to charge them.
  • We filed capital murder charges.
  • federal charges.
  • How do you functionally charge? So then you wouldn't have a charge sitting, so that's the option.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around a range of bills, with significant focus on public safety and welfare issues. Discussions highlighted the implications of HB166, which aims to enhance protections for vulnerable populations against the dangers of fentanyl exposure. Witness testimonies were presented both in support and opposition to the legislation. Representative Capriglione underscored the urgency of addressing this growing concern, as fentanyl's potency poses a lethal risk, particularly to children, elderly individuals, and disabled individuals. The session included a robust debate on how best to enforce these legal protections while balancing concerns about enforcement complexities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • However, in some cities, municipally owned utilities adopt increased rates charged to tax-exempt entities
  • A key concern is that some water utilities continue to

  • Senate Bill 2497 would hold water utilities accountable

  • water utility certificate of convenience and...
  • Retail water utilities must plan 20 to 30...

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

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • Campus are serviced by that utility plant.
  • Thinking about what schools are charged with, they are not servicing the same types of students, and
  • And so I'm looking at some numbers here that say, you know, Wheatley has to be charged...
  • We have been able to utilize some one-time funds to increase the technology that's in our classrooms,
  • Liaisons are the leading professionals in their school district charged with identifying students who
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing updates and recommendations related to education funding and legislative measures for public schools. Significant discussions included the implications of the new educational budget proposal, as well as public testimonies advocating for increased funding to support school districts facing financial difficulties. Notably, there was a strong emphasis on adjusting the basic allotment to accommodate inflation and ensure that school funding is based on student enrollment rather than attendance, to better support districts struggling with deficits and operational challenges.

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