Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public utilities'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With no public testimony registered, public testimony

  • The chair will open up public testimony now on HJR5, and the chair calls Grace Atkins.
  • Public testimony will close on HJR5 and HJR5.
  • I'm an attorney and I represent public school districts across the...
  • Texas Appleseed, first and foremost, is a public interest, data-driven organization.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, K-16, revolved around multiple bills, notably HB1188, HB2856, HB3126, HJR5, and HB6. Key discussions highlighted the importance of early intervention for families with special needs through HB1188, which aims to provide better resources for parents. Public testimony included compelling narratives that underscored the personal impact of such legislation. Additionally, the committee engaged in important dialogue concerning student discipline, specifically focusing on vaping in schools and its consequences under HB6.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will open public testimony on Senate Bill 3031.
  • Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • With that, we're going to open up public testimony.
  • I'm going to turn the gavel back over to you for the public testimony.
  • Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed. Bills left pending at this time.
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss three critical bills, primarily centered around national security concerns and their implications on civil liberties. Notably, Senate Bill 2514 drew significant scrutiny and opposition from various witnesses who raised alarms about how the bill could infringe upon free speech rights and privacy. The bill aims to establish a framework for identifying and monitoring foreign influence operations against Texas, specifically targeting adversaries like China and Russia. Proponents argued that such measures are necessary to protect the integrity of state governance and prevent malign foreign influence, while opponents warned that it may lead to excessive governmental oversight and potential abuse of power.
TX
Bills: SB15, SB9, SB4, SB8, SB60, SB4, SB8, SB60
Summary: The committee meeting focused on Senate Bill 7, known as the Texas Women's Privacy Act, which aims to reinforce the separation of men's and women's private spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters based on biological sex. The discussions highlighted personal testimonies from women advocating for this bill, emphasizing the importance of privacy and safety. Several supporters, including a representative of Texas Values, expressed strong sentiments regarding the necessity of this legislation to protect women's rights against what they perceive as encroaching ideological views that deny biological realities. The testimonies were powerful and emotional, advocating for a return to maintaining distinct gender-specific spaces, especially in vulnerable settings like prisons and schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs Aug 15th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They demand these records to be public.
  • to access public records.
  • It's important to have those public utilities there with
  • We need the public entities to have some too.
  • That will close public testimony on Senate Bill 13.
Bills: SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15
Summary: This meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills, with strong expressions of support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, SB8, a controversial bill concerning gender identity and access to bathrooms, drew extensive public testimony. Many speakers voiced concerns about the implications of such legislation, emphasizing the potential harm to transgender individuals and the necessity for an atmosphere of safety and inclusivity. In contrast, other members supported the bill, arguing for the protection of women's spaces. The committee also discussed SB15 regarding police records, which sparked debates on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the committee members voting favorably on several bills, despite ongoing public dissent and calls for more urgent discussion on flooding relief efforts and community safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • schools, including public charter schools.
  • Public charter schools are public schools, and as such, they
  • So what does that mean for public charter schools and the children they serve?
  • We do all this while staying true to being a Texas public school.
  • Public Education Employer Contribution, or PEEC.
Summary: During the meeting, the committee discussed several important bills focused on state employee pensions, the education sector, and consumer credit resources. One of the main topics was HB886, which proposes a 13th check for state retirees to help alleviate financial challenges faced by those who have not seen any pension adjustments for over a decade. The bill received support from various stakeholders who emphasized its necessity given the rising costs of living and inflation. Additionally, HB3221 was examined, addressing unequal pension contributions between traditional school districts and charter schools, which has placed undue financial burdens on charter schools since 2019. The bill aims to unify the contribution rates to ensure fairness and retain essential funding for education.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security May 22nd, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • actions, public policy, or institutions?
  • But it's not a public conveyance or public service that's
  • and the safety of the public.
  • What's the impact on the public?
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
Bills: HCR40, HB214
Summary: The committee convened to discuss two significant bills: HCR40, regarding reimbursement for border security costs, and HB214, which addresses the prosecution of firearm and ammunition-related offenses. Senator Flores represented HCR40, urging Congress to reimburse Texas for expenses incurred under Operation Lone Star, citing ongoing issues with illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Though there was a commendable attempt at public testimony, none was received, and the bill was left pending with intentions for further discussions. Much emphasis was placed on the state's security responsibilities and federal inaction that led to a substantial financial burden on Texas taxpayers. In discussing HB214 introduced by Chairman Birdwell, key points included the need for refinement in identifying which offenses classify as terroristic. The members engaged in a comprehensive debate surrounding the expansion of offenses related to firearms smuggling and terrorism. Members expressed concern over including overly broad definitions that could lead to misuse of power and mislabeling of offenses. The committee's focus shifted towards creating a more precise framework that separates economic offenses from true acts of terrorism. The meeting emphasized collaboration and careful consideration in drafting legislation aimed at enhancing public safety without infringing on rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 17th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll now open public testimony on those four bills, and

  • We'll close public testimony, and those bills will be

  • We'll open public testimony on Senate Bill 1355.
  • Seeing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Cherry will open up public testimony. Welcome. Please get situated there and introduce yourself.
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs conducted a thorough review of multiple bills including SB1349, SB1585, and SB667, with extensive public testimony and discussion. Witness Samantha Fillmore-Vick provided insights on SB667, while the committee emphasized the need for clarity in the legislative process amid a lengthy session. Other bills were also presented, but they remain pending with no final decisions made during this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you're interested in submitting a public comment, please see today's hearing notice online.
  • That's often out of reach without public-private partnerships.
  • toll without a public vote on tolls.
  • few public safety employees are issued department vehicles.
  • We're going to public testimony. And I guess you reserve the right.
Summary: The committee meeting centered on several key legislative bills focused primarily on transportation and toll road policies. Notable discussions included HB1589, which aims to require voter approval before any new toll road can be constructed. Representative Dirty emphasized that Texans should have a voice regarding tolling roads they didn't vote for, while opponents argued that this could impede necessary road funding. HB2725, which proposed toll exemptions for first responders, also received significant attention as it seeks to alleviate financial burdens on those who serve the community during emergencies. Witnesses testified on behalf of these bills, providing personal stories and statistics to support their positions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • > should be lifted for a specific and limited purpose to avoid irreparable harm to a party or the public
  • if that entity can simply declare sovereign immunity and avoid a response, it runs contrary to the public
  • Is good public policy in our view, and with that, I'd be happy
  • So in the example that we've utilized here, but I've...
  • However, while this designation helps preserve cemeteries, it does not guarantee public access.
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 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The public interest is favored.
  • We've followed all the rules in giving public notice as to what is on that agenda.
  • The utility company might have said, "y'all need to handle that yourselves."
  • Public safety is at the forefront of everything we do.
  • Encore is the largest electric utility in the state.
Summary: During the meeting, the committee engaged in substantial discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, particularly focusing on HB3004 which aims to enhance safety standards around high voltage power lines. Testimonies revealed concerns about the historical inadequacies of existing safety protocols, with multiple stakeholders advocating for strengthening provisions to avoid incidents of electrocution. Additionally, HB1088 was addressed, with debates regarding its potential implications on healthcare access, especially concerning transgender youth. There were conflicting opinions expressed regarding the necessity and impact of these legislative changes, highlighting the broader societal debates occurring around health and safety regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Aug 12th, 2025 at 10:08 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As I stated yesterday, the Department of Public Safety

Bills: HB1, HB2, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB4, HB1, HB2, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: In this meeting of the legislative committee, members gathered to discuss pressing issues, including critical flood response legislation that could significantly impact families and communities affected by recent disasters. Despite the efforts to address these urgent matters, a quorum was not present, preventing any formal actions from being taken. The absence of a sufficient number of members meant that discussions were limited and centered around logistics for the upcoming sessions to ensure that necessary votes could be conducted in the near future. The chairman expressed concerns about the operational costs related to these absences and emphasized the continuous tracking of taxpayer dollars being spent in response to the critical situations faced by communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Olcott, do you serve on the public health committee?
  • And that that is a danger to public health?
  • That receive public funds for public education and

  • institutions, our public schools, and our public.
  • I think if we're going to advocate for public education, we're going to make education—public education—something
Summary: The meeting facilitated a thorough examination of various legislative matters including the passage of significant bills such as HB451, which focuses on enhancing screening for children at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Representative Thompson advocated for the bill by highlighting Texas's ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and safeguard vulnerable children in foster care and the juvenile justice system. The bill passed with unanimous support, indicative of a strong consensus on the need for protective measures. Additionally, the committee addressed HB120, which aims to expand career and technology education, emphasizing its crucial role in preparing students for high-demand job markets in Texas. This bill also passed, furthering the committee's commitment to improving educational outcomes for students across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Summary: The meeting began with an invocation led by Senator Dan Parker, who prayed for guidance in legislative decisions and comfort for families affected by recent tragedies in Central Texas. Following the invocation, the Secretary called the roll, establishing the presence of numerous members. The session focused on legislative initiatives addressing pressing community issues, with members expressing their thoughts on various bills. Notably, discussions included concerns surrounding public safety and community support initiatives aimed to alleviate hardships faced by the constituents.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="37" data-time="216"> ...including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public
  • >

    Legislation that protects law enforcement officers from public

  • Senate Bill 10 by Bettencourt et al. relating to public school
  • data-time="540"> Senate Bill 13 by Middleton et al. relating to the use by political subdivisions of public
  • Senate Rules 7.09, 11.10, 11.18, and 11.19 to permit the consideration of the following bills at public
Summary: This meeting of the Texas Senate during the second called special session focused on a variety of pressing legislative issues. Notably, the session included discussions on multiple Senate Bills including SB2, concerning disaster preparedness measures, and SB3, which aimed to improve early warning systems in flood-prone areas. The Governor's announcement to convene the special session triggered robust debates, particularly regarding the incorporation of stricter regulations on hemp products and funding allocation for disaster relief. The members of the Senate participated actively, with motions proposed for immediate hearings on several bills following their introduction, emphasizing the urgency of the issues at hand. The dynamics were marked by a sense of collaboration among members while grappling with complex topics affecting their constituents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 17th, 2025 at 09:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move to suspend the five-day posting rule to permit the Committee on Public Health to meet in a public
  • I'm the granddaughter of three public school teachers. I'm the mom of two public school students.
  • Before I went to public school, my mother attended a public university, Texas Southern University.
  • HB2 by Buckley regarding public education and public school finance with better outcomes.
  • Agency, relating to public school educators for the Committee on Public.
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee featured discussions on various proposed bills, focusing on issues pertinent to education, taxation, and public health. Notably, the committee addressed HB 4847 regarding the discrimination of school district tax-related information, which sparked significant debate among members. There were multiple public testimonies in favor of and against provisions within the new legislation concerning the delivery of tax notices to property owners, showcasing the diverse opinions held by stakeholders. The committee chair emphasized the importance of transparency and equity in tax communications, and members were urged to consider the implications of the proposed changes carefully.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 14th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair now opens for public testimony.
  • I see no one else registered for public testimony.
  • I see no one registered for public testimony.
  • One has all the public information that can be on an officer.
  • So what's private is set up as private, and what's public is set up as public. It doesn't...
Bills: SB3073, SJR87
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss important legislative amendments regarding bail reform in Texas. The meeting centered around two key bills: SJR87 and SB3073. SJR87 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at imposing stricter bail conditions for repeat violent offenders, requiring judges to deny bail without individual assessments of risk in certain cases. This sparked contentious debate, highlighting the concerns among committee members and public witnesses about potential infringements on due process and judicial discretion. Proponents argued that the amendment would help safeguard the community against repeat offenders by ensuring that those with serious crimes on their record could not be released on bail under questionable circumstances.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Omar Villarreal, Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • The process can also foster collaboration between public agencies and private firms, encouraging creative
  • /span> changing market conditions to get the best value for the public
  • ="76" data-time="450"> based on the project-specific needs, performance metrics, and value to the public
  • Major Omar Villarreal, Texas Department of Public Safety.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on various legislative proposals, particularly those related to transportation and public safety. A significant point of discussion was Senate Bill 35, which seeks to limit the Texas Department of Transportation's ability to utilize design-build contracts for infrastructure projects. Advocates for the bill expressed concerns over financial implications and the efficiency of project delivery, while opponents emphasized the need for flexibility and innovation in addressing Texas's growing infrastructure needs. Several stakeholders, including the Texas Trucking Association, engaged in debates over the impacts of the proposed limitations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 19th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • To public education and public school finance members,

  • We're seeing significant declines in our public schools regarding JROTC membership and participation.
  • I know your heart is so passionate for all of us, for all of our kids in education, all of our public
  • ...had a higher total number for public education than the
  • It's very real that we are fighting for our public safety.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened to discuss House Bill 2, which focuses on public education funding and reforms. Senator Creighton presented amendments to the bill, highlighting significant increases in funding for special education and enhancements to teacher pay. Notably, the committee adopted a new substitute version of the bill after thorough discussions regarding its implications on districts and educators. Several senators expressed their concerns and support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all educational stakeholders are adequately compensated and that the bill addresses ongoing educational challenges in Texas.
US
Bills: HB471
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know the seven teacher public...
  • It's evident that the public school...
  • Public schools are ready to take action.
  • time in public education.
  • If not, public testimony is closed.
Bills: SB26
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education featured an extensive discussion on Senate Bill 26, aimed at reforming teacher compensation in Texas. Notable highlights included testimonies emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful salary increases for teachers across the state. Members discussed the historical nature of the proposed pay raises, which would establish a permanent salary allotment for teachers, allowing for dispatches of nearly $5 billion aimed at boosting educator retention. The importance of addressing teacher safety and equality across various educational roles was also a significant point of focus during this meeting.

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