Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'voter suppression'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Unlike many local measures that include the issuance of debt or increased property taxes, voters cannot
  • HB565 seeks to increase transparency by allowing voters to know the cost of a constitutional amendment
  • This is because voters are provided with very limited information.
  • I think we're trying to take that principle and apply it to the voting booth, so that voters are making
  • Where it's going to the voters for a constitutional amendment.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by discussions surrounding multiple bills, including HB3719, which concerns the public disclosure of dates of birth, and HB5196, aimed at allowing state agencies to approve telework plans for employees. The chair moved for HB3719 to be reported favorably to the full house, which passed with a vote of 10 in favor and one against. Similarly, HB5196 was favorably reported without objections. A significant focus was placed on increasing digital modernization for state agencies, as illustrated by HB5195, which aims to improve the digital accessibility and functionality of agency websites to enhance small business interactions with the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't know about the voters, but in '22 and '23, they were
  • growth to a maximum of population growth plus inflation, freeze school property taxes, and require voter
  • We have the voter-approved rate, which is the highest rate that you could approve without triggering
  • We have typically adopted a rate lower than the voter-approved rate in the last several years in order
  • This would allow voters to decide for themselves whether
Bills: HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB22
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding bills HB9 and HCR1, aimed at providing tax relief and addressing disparities between residential and commercial taxpayers. Members expressed concerns over the rising property taxes and the burden small businesses have faced, particularly due to recent economic conditions. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Oil and Gas Association and the Texas Association of Manufacturers, emphasized the need for equitable tax policies that would benefit all taxpayers. The committee was engaged in vibrant discussions, evaluating the implications and potential benefits of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We all believe that we should be held accountable not only by the voters.
  • We just want to make sure everybody's there doing the job their local voters elected them to do, and
  • their voters can decide if they're calling too many balls.
  • Now, as you know, district judges are elected, and voters expect their judges to be on the bench.
  • Voters still get to decide at a point when they're

Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding judicial reform, specifically addressing issues such as judicial accountability, compensation, and the backlog of cases. Members expressed concerns over the lack of sufficient compensation for judges, which has hindered their ability to attract qualified candidates to the bench. Witness testimonies highlighted the significant workload judges face and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on court operations. There was a concerted effort among committee members to ensure judges are held accountable while also providing them with fair compensation and resources to effectively manage their caseloads. The gathering concluded with commitments to further discuss proposed legislation and its potential effects on the judicial system in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means May 12th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • would take effect on January first of 2026, but only if a constitutional amendment is approved by the voters
  • authorize the legislature to provide the temporary tax exemption that we talked about, approved by the voters
  • This bill does that by redefining debt service as only the minimum debt service and using that in the voter
  • /span> ...is that it essentially becomes tax increases without voter
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions on various important pieces of legislation. Notable among them was SB2206, which aims to extend and improve the state's research and development tax credits, ensuring Texas remains competitive in innovation-driven industries. This bill received strong support from the Texas Association of Manufacturers and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for continued investment in R&D to bolster economic growth and job creation. Additionally, SB2779 was discussed, which focuses on proper allocation and use of hotel occupancy taxes (HOT) for beach maintenance in coastal communities, specifically addressing concerns about the oversight and management of these funds by local park boards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 28th, 2025 at 01:08 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Local leaders are directly accountable to their voters, and they are in a better position to decide what
  • If voters agree with that choice, they can hold their

  • This is true for a prosecuting attorney attempting to access files to suppress criminal charges against
Bills: SB8, HB7, HB15, HB265, HCR13
Summary: The meeting was centered around discussions on several key bills, particularly HB15 and HB265. HB15, relating to adjustments in regulatory frameworks, sparked considerable debate with members expressing both support and opposition. One representative articulated concerns regarding the effects of the legislation on local businesses and community standards, while proponents argued it is essential for modernizing existing structures. Meanwhile, HB265 focused on enhancing governmental oversight of youth camps, which generated emotional conversations among members, reflecting on tragic incidents that had occurred in the past. This bill was met with a positive response and moved forward smoothly, with significant participation from representatives who shared personal stories about their constituents' safety concerns. Other bills, including SB8, also featured discussions on privacy and safety in public schools, emphasizing a return to traditional standards that resonated with many members and constituents alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • "292" data-time="1746">HB 4594 by Busey relates to the qualifications and registration of certain voters
  • She is a Deputy Voter Registrar and she knows that a woman's place is in engineering, in the House, in
  • HB 4475 by Isaac relates to the acceptance of a voter

  • HB 4902 by Low relates to voter registration for

  • Approval by voters prior to the issuance of revenue bonds
Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392
Summary: The meeting included discussions surrounding various legislative matters, however, specific bills did not generate notable dialogue or challenges among the committee members. The members appeared to unanimously agree on the proceedings, which was reflected in the smooth running of the meeting. Members engaged in general commentary about the current legislative landscape and the importance of transparency and public education regarding new policies. While no specific testimony was gathered from the public, the atmosphere remained cordial and focused on advancing talks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="100" data-time="594"> a bill that I authored, Senate Joint Resolution, approved by the voters
  • was approved by voters at 83% of the public, that raised the
  • Below that, in gray, it assumes a voter-approved increase in the exemption to $140,000, as well as the
  • Voter turnout by 20.17% in a tax rate election—people really
  • voter-approved debt instruments like certificates of obligation
Bills: SB4, SJR2
Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, three members are a minority on a central appraisal district, and voters in counties over 75
  • I'm also a precinct chair, so I represent thousands of voters, at least in Johnson County, and I talk
  • policy, approve budgets, and shield appraisers from oversight, but they are not answerable to the voters
  • House Bill 1952 at least gives voters a seat at the table.
  • If a majority of board members are elected and they fail to represent the public interest, the voters
Summary: The meeting addressed multiple pieces of legislation related to property appraisal, primarily focusing on HB1952, HB4703, and HB3524. There was a lively discussion surrounding HB1952, which proposes to increase the number of elected members on appraisal boards, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. Public testimony included varied perspectives, with residents expressing a desire for more representation in appraisal decisions, while some members voiced concerns about the potential politicization of these boards. The committee left the bill pending for further scrutiny, indicating the complexity of the subject matter and the differing opinions within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 17th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • >

    HB2504 by Hayes relates to the maintenance of the statewide voter

  • require future constitutional amendments to become effective only if approved by the majority of the voters
  • amendment requiring the board members of the Texas Water Development Board to be elected by qualified voters
  • amendment requiring the board members of the Texas Water Development Board to be elected by qualified voters
Summary: The committee meeting extended over a range of proposed legislation, heavily focusing on various constitutional amendments and significant bills affecting education, public safety, and local governance. A notable discussion included H.J.R. 123, which proposed establishing an independent redistricting commission—a move that stirred considerable debate among members. Additionally, H.A.R. 124 aimed at creating a state school health and safety fund, receiving full support from the committee members present. Multiple public testimonies were provided, emphasizing the anticipated impact these resolutions would have on community welfare.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 7th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Zwiener, relating to the voting and limited ballot following the change of a county resident by a voter
  • year following the year in which a disaster occurs to adopt an ad valorem tax rate which exceeds the voter
  • relating to voting a limited ballot on election day following the change of county residency by a voter
  • /p>

    HB 1182 by Hinojosa, relating to certain procedures for voters

Summary: The committee meeting was robust, focusing on a wide array of bills that addressed various issues including education, public safety, and economic development. Members took turns presenting and questioning several proposed laws, with active participation from both committee members and invited witnesses. Notably, HB1193 received critical attention as it aimed to reinforce the confidentiality of certain information on marriage licenses, drawing significant debate about privacy and transparency. Witnesses presented their supports and concerns, leading to a rich dialogue about the balance between public knowledge and personal rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Consider that over the weekend, voters were asked to decide on 313 separate propositions seeking 41.3
  • If you consider just the last three cycles alone, what we see is that in November 2024, voters considered
  • In November 2023, what these numbers suggest is that voters are being asked to decide whether or not
  • Part of the challenge there is that there is no comprehensive database for your voters, and so a lot
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on the discussion of several significant bills including HB3526, which aims to improve transparency in local government bond obligations. Advocates from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association and Texas Public Policy Foundation emphasized the importance of this legislation for making financial information accessible to taxpayers and policy makers. Furthermore, the meeting included deliberations over HB148 and HB762, which seek to enhance the regulatory framework around appraisal district board training and limit executive severance packages in local government, respectively. Public testimonies reflected a range of perspectives, underscoring the complexities surrounding property rights and fiscal responsibility in governance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's a matter between, I guess, you know, voters and the folks they vote for at the city council or
  • data-time="11844"> That our communities should have the ability to do this if they want, if their voters
  • A little background: voters in the city of Lubbock

  • voters.
  • Illegal measures put before voters of late.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant issues regarding housing funding mechanisms, particularly surrounding the complexities of Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs). Members voiced their concerns about the financial impacts these HFCs have on local government revenues, given that many property tax exemptions are given while maintaining market-rate rents. This discussion was sparked by alarming statistics indicating a rapid increase in tax dollars removed from local jurisdictions due to HFC activities, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to preserve affordable housing without financially jeopardizing municipalities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • you do have safeguards built into the law, such as the publishing of notices of intent, allowing voters
  • The key principle of democracy is that voters keep the power of office holders in check.
  • I've just got a question: How does one lone voter incur a hundred sixty-seven point...
  • One single voter, which is my understanding, for the development, was the one that was able to cast it
  • No, a lone voter cast a ballot for all four propositions
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee was focused on various housing-related bills, including HB411, which seeks to prevent discrimination against tenants based on their source of income, particularly targeting landlords who refuse Section 8 or other housing vouchers. Representative Rosenthal presented compelling arguments advocating for the bill, highlighting the discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect low-income families, including veterans. The discussion included public testimonies that underscored the vital need for housing reforms to provide a fair chance at stable housing for those relying on assistance programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 11th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> HB 1476 by Swanson relates to a ballot option to allow voters
  • HB 1478 relates to the failure of a voter registrar

  • to comply with voter registration laws.
  • officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state from distributing certain voter
Summary: The committee meeting featured a thorough examination of several bills, including discussions on SB4 and HB2214. Members expressed varied opinions on the implications of these bills, with particular focus on land management and environmental concerns. The chair facilitated an active dialogue among members, highlighting both support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, public testimonies were also heard, contributing to the committee's understanding of community impacts related to the legislation. The meeting reflected a commitment to transparency and thorough consideration of each bill's potential effects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

89th Legislative Session - 1st Called Session Aug 11th, 2025 at 01:08 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I thank you for our process that every voter gets a say in who will represent them.
  • I thank you for our process that every voter gets a say in who will represent them.
Bills: HB4
Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss a number of significant bills, primarily focused on emergency management and disaster response measures, particularly House Bills 1 through 63. The committee emphasized the urgency of passing these bills to enhance the capabilities of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and create essential frameworks for local governments to better coordinate disaster response efforts. Discussions also included legislative actions to impose stricter regulations to guard against fraudulent activities related to disaster relief donations. Notably, the committee discussed the ongoing challenge of achieving a quorum, as several members were absent, leading to the deployment of law enforcement personnel to locate and encourage attendance from missing colleagues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is about what your voters believe and what my voters believe.
  • So let the voters know exactly what they're getting.
  • This is about the voters.
  • I think the voters in these 150 houses.
  • To the voters?
Bills: HB24, HB45, HB15, HB35, HB38, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB1647, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB1160, HB1119, HB1612, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB3962, HB5061, HB4042, HB4115, HB4490, HB1731, HB1705, HB2607, HB3556, HB138, HB3689, HB1788, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90, SB1806, SB783, SB1271, SB326, SB1637, SB769, SB897, SB1035, SB1706, SB1185, SB1194, SB384, SB1426, SB1468, SB1215, SB1066, SB599, SB1930, SB2065, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HB1500, HB718, HB23, HB34, HB119, HB128, HB130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2467, HB5333, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2508, HB2970, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3309, HB1127, HB1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB4041, HB1965, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB405, HB519, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB1136, HB1240, HB1266, HB1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB3016, HB3096, HB3248, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB4129, HB4163, HB4187, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, HB1749, HB1775, HB118, HB1762, HB2520, HB24, HB45, HB15, HB35, HB38, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB1647, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB1160, HB1119, HB1612, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB3962, HB5061, HB4042, HB4115, HB4490, HB1731, HB1705, HB2607, HB3556, HB138, HB3689, HB1788, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions surrounding various house and senate bills, particularly focusing on issues of public safety, mental health, and education. Of note, House Bill 1788 was passed, aimed at enhancing the continuing education of barbers and cosmetologists to help identify and assist victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The bill was led by Ms. Hernandez and received unanimous support, showcasing the committee's commitment to addressing such crucial societal issues. Additionally, House Bill 932, proposed by Mr. Wally, was also successfully passed, which creates an interstate compact for occupational therapists, facilitating smoother transitions for military families. This demonstrates the committee's effort to support both public health professionals and service members as they relocate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • minutes, we've got two voting heads in D.C., 506 people, the board of directors, and 11 contingents of voters
  • 2556">Despite the 2021 ruling restricting the Attorney General's unilateral authority to prosecute voter
  • overreach, another concern for us is the potential of legislation like this to cause a chilling effect on voters
  • " data-time="2646">This is why we recommend improvements and investments in the Secretary of State Voter
  • election cycle that there were several issues related to campaign finance that raised concerns among voters
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions on various bills, with a notable emphasis on public testimony regarding energy efficiency and electoral ethics. HB5323 was presented, aiming to establish the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, which seeks to tackle energy waste and improve power system reliability across Texas. Supporters highlighted the importance of coordination among state agencies to enhance existing programs and reduce energy consumption especially during high-risk periods. The bill progressed amidst a supportive public sentiment and promises of accountability through regular reporting to the legislature.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • This ruling threatened voter-approved charters and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
  • In May 2025, voters were asked to consider as much as 40...
  • As you can see, over the last three election cycles alone, voters

  • I don't know; I doubt very many voters know about these

  • It helps anybody researching what the voters are, who's actually
Summary: The meeting focused on several important bills, including discussions around HB2508, which aims to clarify property tax exemption conditions for surviving spouses of veterans. Additionally, HB1991 was discussed, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding utility charges in municipally owned systems. The chair recognized public testimonies detailing both support and concerns associated with these bills. Comprehensive discussions took place regarding the implications of utility charges on residents, highlighting the importance of accessible information for community members to understand their billing. The committee urged efficiency in reporting mechanisms that relate to municipal operations and accountability to constituents. In addition to the legislations described, the committee was informed of the significant number of bills pending review and decisions were made to prioritize those that were urgent. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing discussions and a streamlined approach to handling forthcoming bills. Members appeared engaged and responsive to public input, showcasing a collaborative commitment to legislative transparency and community service.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the students in this situation that are left behind, and additionally, their parents and local voters
  • Senate Bill 2619 gives voters a path to act, not after the
  • Instead of waiting for the state to take over a school district after five or more failing years, local voters
  • > Again, I believe under the terms of the bill, it allows the voters
Summary: The meeting focused on advancing several significant pieces of legislation, particularly those pertaining to education and school finance. Notable discussions included the adoption of committee substitutes for various Senate Bills, such as SB2392, which introduced new reporting requirements for educators regarding misconduct cases. The committee also addressed SB1635, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of high coastal insurance costs on school districts, which included provisions for credits against required recapture payments. Senator Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of responding to the challenges faced by local districts, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure fair funding in coastal areas.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • policy is unlawful and you want to exert power nationwide and you don't want anyone to review, the voters
  • ="555" data-time="6648"> Professor Bray, under our Constitution, who should decide elections, the voters
  • The voters are the ones who should vote in the election, according to the laws, and the laws sometimes
  • Democrats today are angry at the voters for re-election.
  • Now that their efforts to indict President Trump and stop the voters from re-electing him have failed
Summary: During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.

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