Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'small business'

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TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We manage 23 dams, and right in the middle of our district is a small construction.
  • They're from Laredo, they're from the small towns in West Texas.
  • You know, we were a small agricultural community.
  • The chair lays out a matter of pending business: Senate Bill 1442 by Johnson.
  • The chair lays out a matter of pending business: Bill 1586 by Senator Schwartner.
Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several pivotal bills primarily relating to water management, environmental regulations, and labor standards. Amongst key discussions, SB243 aimed to reform migrant housing penalties, transforming the flat fee structure into a more compelling model that could incite improvements in living conditions for migrant workers. Furthermore, the committee deliberated on SB2159 and SB2568, both significant for addressing water resource management in Medina County, with testimonies from local water authority representatives emphasizing the urgent need for updated legislative support amid local growth pressures. Other bills discussed included SB1891 and SB1442, which prompted lively debates regarding utility rate adjustments and environmental compliance procedures for wastewater facilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • /p>

    Today's hearing is to lay out bills and to address pending business

  • or new business activity.
  • I am here today on behalf of Schneider Electric to support Senate Bill 2925, which will unite small,
  • I serve as Executive Director of Teba, the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance.
  • businesses in our local economy.
Summary: The meeting was marked by an extensive discussion of several bills aimed at enhancing Texas' economic landscape and infrastructure. Notably, SB2925 focused on modernizing the state's manufacturing sector by promoting automation and digital technology, which received strong support from industry representatives, emphasizing its potential job growth impact. Public testimonies reflected a consensus on the need for Texas to lead in innovation to remain competitive in the manufacturing arena. Furthermore, SB1520, which seeks to create the Texas Bicentennial Trail, also garnered significant support, particularly for its vision of connecting historical sites across Texas without resorting to private property condemnation. The committee faced a good turnout of stakeholders, which added depth to the discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the current climate with tariffs, we need to consider what that means for small businesses.
  • Small businesses are closing, and one of the biggest issues
  • small businesses have today, both small and large, is a workforce—an educated workforce.
  • They have great jobs, and in some cases, they have small businesses.
  • I have a small consulting business where I have been able to hire U.S. citizens and pay them.
Summary: The meeting revolved around discussions on House Bill 232, which seeks to amend the Texas Dream Act regarding in-state tuition for undocumented students. Key testimonies were presented, with numerous advocates opposing the bill, arguing it would harm talented Texas youths by denying them affordable education opportunities. Speakers included community leaders and affected students who shared personal stories illustrating the bill's potential drawbacks, emphasizing the negative economic impact that could result from limiting access to education for Dreamers and the associated societal benefits. The committee also explored House Bill 5154, which updates the Joint Admission Medical Program to improve access for economically disadvantaged students, receiving positive feedback and support from committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today is Texas Small Business Development Center Day, and joining us is Senator Johnson.
  • Small businesses are the backbone of this state, and the Texas network encompasses four lead.
  • There is no public health justification to warrant thousands of small businesses, especially not when
  • These are not small business people.

  • These are not legitimate small business operators as in the usual context.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB842, which clarifies protections for ringside physicians during combative sports events. This bill aims to enhance the recruitment of these physicians by granting them immunity from civil liability, barring cases of gross negligence. It received unanimous support, passing without objection. Additionally, SB35 was thoroughly debated. The bill, relating to design bill contracts, was also unanimously passed after discussions revealed concerns over how tailored contracts could restrict competition within the bidding process. Senators voiced their support for the bill and acknowledged the balance it strikes between regulation and opportunity.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:02 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The highest are going to be all your very small rural schools because of the way the small rural formulas
  • And again, our Maritime Division itself is relatively small.
  • So it's not a large list, and their small dollar amount.
  • With respect, you'll see the small buckets on the infographic there.
  • For some of those small...
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • but their business is fraud.
  • through their anti-competitive business practices.
  • Then it's small. You can read it. That's number two.
  • , is a very cyclical type of business.
  • It's not near the robust business.
Summary: The meeting was characterized by detailed discussions surrounding several key bills, including HB1464, HB4012, and SB916. Representative Tallarico provided an overview of HB1464, which establishes a state drug purchasing pool aimed at reducing prescription costs for Texas consumers. Multiple stakeholders offered testimony, emphasizing the potential savings and expressing support for the bill. On the other hand, the discussion around HB4012 elicited differing opinions, particularly related to its implications for fraud enforcement in private insurance, with opponents warning against government overreach in private business dealings. Senator Spillers presented SB916, focusing on consumer protections against surprise billing from emergency medical services, indicating collaborative efforts with various health plans to strengthen patient protections without imposing financial burdens on them. Throughout the meeting, representatives and witnesses engaged in constructive dialogue about healthcare costs, insurance reforms, and consumer protection measures. The committee concluded with several bills left pending for future consideration, indicating ongoing concerns and a commitment to further deliberation on these important legislative matters.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, the Chair lays out his pending business, House

  • He started through the Union, and we're proud that this is our 50th year in business.
  • ...business as a merit shop contractor.
  • businesses.
  • I'm for small businesses, you know, and I'm for unions and non-unions; I'm for everybody.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around several bills, most notably House Bill 1951, which provoked significant debate among members and public witnesses concerning the implications of project labor agreements (PLAs) for public works projects in Texas. Advocates for the bill argued that it aimed to create a more competitive environment for bidding on government contracts, thereby ensuring taxpayer dollars were spent effectively. Opponents, including labor representatives and apprentices, voiced concerns that the removal of PLAs could jeopardize worker safety, fair wages, and job opportunities for local craftsmen, particularly those engaged in union and apprenticeship programs. Testimonies from various workers highlighted the critical role PLAs play in maintaining quality standards and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 11th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 25" data-time="144">The Dean of the Senate moves to excuse Senator Miles on matters of important business
  • For those of us that live there, it's just hometown; it's got that small-town feel.
  • From top-tier research in energy and health to advancements in business and technology, the University
  • A lot of small manufacturing companies there.
  • Along with our incredible business leaders, we are joined by our county judge, county commissioners,
Summary: The meeting consisted of a comprehensive discussion of several resolutions and bills, with notable emphasis on education and community engagement. Senator Hinojosa recognized the Texas State Technical College for its significant contributions to the education system and workforce development in Texas, highlighting the importance of providing vocational training for students. Members expressed gratitude towards various educational institutions and acknowledged their role in fostering economic growth and skilled labor in the state. The meeting also welcomed a British delegation, reaffirming the strong ties between Texas and the United Kingdom, which have historically supported job creation and bilateral cooperation. Throughout the meeting, various senators took the opportunity to promote significant local initiatives, resolutions, and educational institutions impacting their districts. The tone was collaborative, with appreciation for public service. The meeting concluded with resolutions being adopted unanimously and calls for continued support of educational initiatives and partnerships.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are here to advocate for the taxpayer, the small business

  • We are here to advocate for the taxpayer, the small business owner, the retiree on a fixed income, and
  • I'm also the founder and CEO of Griffin Communications Group, a 27-year-old Texas small business.
  • So anyways, by the commissioner, that's a recommendation in the Governor's Small Business Task Force.
  • This is making it almost impossible for small businesses to engage in real big contracts.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency marked the beginning of a new era focused on holding government agencies accountable and eliminating inefficiencies. Chairman Capriglione emphasized the committee's role in modernizing state government, implementing rigorous oversight, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively. The committee plans to address waste, mismanagement, and corruption, aiming for an ambitious agenda over the next 22 months. Discussions included the establishment of public hearings to foster transparency and the development of legislative proposals to drive reform. Several state agencies provided insights into their operations, with a particular focus on how they can better serve the public through increased efficiency and enhanced cybersecurity measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Mar 31st, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • business owners working their farms may want to.
  • I know a lot of times we talk about running and operating the government as a business, but businesses
  • a big part of the business?
  • small businesses.
  • There is growing recognition of the importance of supporting small business entrepreneurship and how
Summary: The public health committee meeting convened to discuss a variety of bills aimed at improving health-related policies in Texas. Noteworthy discussions included House Bill 1887, which seeks to enhance access to birth certificates for adult adoptees, and House Bill 754, which mandates medical assistance personnel to complete training on human trafficking. Both bills received positive support from the members present, and there were assurances that the bills would be reported favorably to the full House. Public testimony was also encouraged, allowing stakeholders to voice their opinions on these significant pieces of legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 11th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And most people are very busy with their children.
  • That's part of their business practice.
  • It's hard right now for small businesses, and many

  • And then that gives you all that ceiling again for small business. So I think that's it.
  • So it's an interesting business. You're not in it alone.
Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24
Summary: The committee meeting centered around special education funding and safety provisions for children with disabilities. Key discussions were led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the transformative potential of SB568, which proposes a transition to an eight-tier service intensity funding model. This model is designed to better accommodate the needs of special education students, ensuring they receive the necessary services tailored to their unique requirements. The bill received strong support from stakeholders and included testimony from educators and advocates highlighting the importance of early intervention and the need for ongoing funding support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, seriously, this is a small step, but I think.
  • So, it's a small step, but an important one.
  • It's a small step, but an important one. Thank you for your consideration.
  • It may not be more gallons than even a small swimming pool.
  • This water district includes seven small towns that are in my district, Chairman Vandevan's district,
Summary: In this meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding House Bill 1523, which addresses the City of Austin's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. Representative Gerdes laid out substantial concerns regarding the potential risks posed to local aquifers, as he emphasized the lack of transparency and community engagement by the City of Austin. Testimonies from members of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District supported the bill, citing worries about adverse chemical reactions and the implications for groundwater as crucial reasons for opposing the project. Conversely, representatives from the City of Austin expressed the necessity of the ASR project for regional water supply planning and addressed the purported benefits it would provide.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 26th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a financial benefit, and they have a business entity that consults, conducts, or solicits business
  • It's an education business or a business entity, which that's your... you're getting paid for your time
  • So very different than an education business or business entity.
  • It's pending business.
  • This is pending business, members.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened to address several legislative proposals, primarily focusing on bills related to education and public safety. Among the notable discussions was House Bill 121 concerning public school safety measures. Advocates highlighted the need for enhanced security protocols and the commissioning of peace officers, while the committee unanimously passed the bill for further review by the full Senate. Additionally, House Bill 1105, which provides tuition exemptions for certain parent paramedics, sparked an engaging debate about educational incentives and support for emergency responders, resulting in a favorable recommendation from the committee. The session also witnessed an intensive discussion on HB 4623 that intertwines the liability of educational institutions and their employees in the context of student protection, reflecting on the impact of recent testimony on children’s abuse cases heard previously.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 27th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I saw a scenario where we've had businesses sell their business to a relative, which then means they
  • As I understand it, it's a small business owner who owned an automotive repair shop in the city of Dallas
  • So I'm just kind of curious—if I'm a small business owner, and I am a small business owner, and there
  • business, whoever's operating that business, is a bad actor.
  • We're a business-friendly state.
Summary: The meeting addressed significant bills with a focus on housing and property rights, specifically discussing HB2149 and HB2559. Representative Tepper introduced HB2149, which aims to amend amortization and non-conforming land-use procedures to better protect private property rights. The bill received testimony supporting its intent to maintain a balance between property development and municipal zoning regulations. Furthermore, Representative Patterson discussed HB2559, emphasizing the need for establishing reasonable protections against development moratoriums that affect homeowners and builders, highlighting the necessity for adequate notice and a higher threshold for moratorium approvals. Both discussions prompted vigorous dialogue and engagement among committee members as well as the public, illustrating the complexities involved in balancing growth and regulation in real estate development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a very small portion if you take the people that are actually commuting from Juarez.
  • And so the $100 or $150 increase over time would be a small portion of that.
  • We have a small minimal number of...
  • Hurley, I grew up in a little small town in Kentucky, and here we both are.
  • It's the cost of doing business.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills including HB271, HB3326, HB4066, and HB2853. Notably, Representative Tenderholt raised concerns about the substantial increase in student fees proposed in HB2853, emphasizing that the increase could impact low-income students disproportionately. Discussions also revolved around the administrative corrections needed for HB271, where it was confirmed that the committee substitute was adopted before reporting favorably. The atmosphere of the meeting was engaged, with various representatives expressing their views and offering insights into the implications of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • business valuation protest, we do so as a part of our budget process.
  • I've developed over 25,000 acres of small farm ranches.
  • It's going to make small farm ranches very unaffordable for average Texans.
  • One item of pending business for the committee, we had a...
  • Where we find the issues is, I'll just pick the Central Business District.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 538 by
  • The chair lays out House Bill 1868 as pending business.
  • Personally, I have known of some small schools that have an exceptionally strong class.
  • Very, very small.

  • And so, again, it's a very, very small percentage.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed multiple bills aimed at improving educational structures and policies in Texas. Key discussions revolved around HB1233, presented by Representative Howard, focusing on integrating industry-recognized credentials into degree programs to better equip students for the workforce. Additionally, HB3148 sparked significant debate as it proposed limiting automatic admissions based on class rank, addressing concerns about equitable access to education across diverse populations. Furthermore, the committee discussed HB4361, aiming to enhance campus safety through standardized emergency procedures, highlighting the importance of clear communication in higher education settings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • business and probate.
  • A business court? Yes.
  • The only caveat I would give you is for those small business owners who are not in a large association
  • The one resource that we do provide to small businesses
  • is important, and obviously, if you’re a small business, you don’t have an HR department designated
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
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:
  • Businesses are required to file their business personal property
  • Many of my clients are small businesses; they are small business owners.
  • to the courthouse for a homeowner or a small business owner
  • business owner.
  • A small business owner, someone who's got a dry cleaner
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.

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