Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'water accessibility'

Page 18 of 52
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Workforce Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are worth having access to water, restrooms, and shade to stay safe and healthy when doing hard physical
  • However, OSHA has no guidelines to require water breaks or rest.
  • We have to have the water, the breaks, and the shade available to our workers.
  • People could not have access to cool water or time to take a break.
  • I would wait to drink water after completing one row of cucumber picking.
Summary: The meeting held by the committee focused on several bills aimed at improving worker safety and economic support for rural communities. Key discussions included the introduction of HB446, which aims to establish a Heat Illness Prevention Advisory Board to address the increasing number of heat-related worker deaths in Texas. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the need for heat safety standards and the emotional impact of heat-related illnesses on workers' lives. HB1609 was also presented, seeking protections for volunteer firefighters during declared disasters to prevent job loss while responding to emergencies. The committee expressed strong support for these initiatives, suggesting a collective understanding of their importance amid rising temperatures and demands on the workforce.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because you can't outrun the water, and everyone needs to be up.
  • Access to those.
  • that can force the water, the velocity.
  • to allow for still water.
  • They are a dammed-up water facility. They don't have flash flood events.
Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4
Summary: The meeting focused on the discussion and passage of SB1, known as the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, which aims to implement critical safety measures for youth camps following a tragic flood incident that resulted in numerous fatalities. Senator Perry led a profound dialogue stressing the importance of ensuring that all campers and camping facilities are adequately prepared for emergencies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evacuation plans and safety standards. Members expressed heartfelt sentiments toward the families affected by the tragedy, and many voiced their commitment to preventing such an event from occurring again in the future. The overall tone was somber yet dedicated, with a strong emphasis on moving forward in honor of those lost.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We've treaded on patient access territory for far too long.
  • This does nothing to improve access to care.
  • Access to health care is a problem for older Texans across the state.
  • We want for patients to have access at home in their home care.
  • that demonstrates that any of the care is watered down.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussion of SB911, the Heal Texans Act, aimed at improving access to healthcare in underserved areas of Texas. Senator Cesar Blanco opened the discussion by highlighting the healthcare crisis affecting millions of Texans, emphasizing the need for immediate reform to allow nurse practitioners (APRNs) to deliver essential services without cumbersome regulations. The senator expressed gratitude towards his colleagues, including Vice Chair Charles Perry, for their joint efforts in advocating for this critical legislation. The need for SB911 was reiterated by several speakers, including healthcare advocates and those impacted by the lack of accessible care, underscoring personal stories that illustrated the dire situation faced by many rural residents who cannot easily reach medical care.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The City Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs

  • A honey bill—can't live without honey and water.
  • streams and clean water.
  • It made it so that we can't even pump the water when there was...
  • Access support for established farmers, and we don't oppose measures to do so.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs was marked by critical discussions surrounding several agricultural bills aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the farming community in Texas. Notably, House Bill 43 was presented, which seeks to update the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority to improve financial support for farmers experiencing crisis due to extensive agricultural losses, exacerbated by drought and supply chain issues. The committee heard testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need for these reforms to help secure the agricultural industry’s future and ensure support for farmers during these trying times. Another significant topic was House Bill 4163, which aims to relieve agricultural operations from excessive municipal regulations concerning land management along public roadways, highlighting the burdens placed on farmers by local governments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And there was a complaint by the city: how do we service that other ETJ now that we can't have access
  • properties since the property was already served by one water meter.
  • Water meters for each property, and they could have built
  • to water.
  • You can get water without having to contribute to future development.
Bills: SB1708, SB2523, SB1450
Summary: The meeting involved discussions primarily around SB1450, SB2523, and SB1708. The highlight was SB1450, which seeks to streamline the review process for building permits by allowing licensed third-party professionals to conduct inspections. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including local housing advocates and property developers, indicated strong support for the bill, as it addresses the ongoing housing crisis by reducing permitting delays. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on county regulatory authority, emphasizing the need for counties to retain oversight in the review process, especially regarding flood insurance and safety regulations. The committee members showed proactive engagement in addressing amendments to the bill aimed at safeguarding public interests, while also facilitating efficient housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everything we pursue as legislators—securing water and a drain...
  • to their student population, access to their professors, and access to an initial building, not on their
  • And again, I want to stress that all these entities, be it, you know, a water district,...
  • Like, is every city and county in a water district, is it free for them to have them?
  • We have water compacts. Yes. The Rio Grande water compact.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several legislative items, including significant discussions about cybersecurity and the implementation of new technology in state operations. Key bills such as HB1500, which restructures the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to enhance cybersecurity measures and modernize its functions, were discussed extensively. There was consensus among members regarding the importance of safeguarding Texas's information infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the need for streamlined governance, a focus on artificial intelligence capabilities, and improved IT procurement processes. The members also addressed public testimony that raised important points concerning the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. Consequently, multiple bills, including HB2467 and HB4310, were favorably reported to the Senate without objections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Improvement Districts, and Water Control Improvement Districts (WCIDs).
  • I'm sorry, I said the access program, the UBI.
  • Now, I mentioned in my previous testimony a program called ACCESS.
  • ACCESS was built by IBM at a cost, so far, of $35 million.
  • Who has access to it? Can Harris County prove...?
Summary: The meeting covered several significant bills, primarily focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability within local government and homeowners' associations. Notably, Senator Hinojosa introduced SB1935, aimed to reform the operations of Property Owners Association Boards, addressing concerns over insufficient representation and transparency for homeowners. The bill drew a mix of support and opposition, with testimonies highlighting the need for greater homeowner engagement in decisions affecting their communities. Additionally, SB2046 was discussed, which would enhance penalties for public officials engaging in bid rigging, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of competitive bidding processes to curb misconduct within government contracts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Water is our limiting factor. It's not land; it's water.
  • So, we need water from Mexico, actually the water they need to give us that they owe us.
  • I'm not a water engineer.
  • of water.
  • these water challenges.
Summary: The meeting covered various topics and was characterized by in-depth discussions among the members. There were significant dialogues about the implications of recent legislation and its impact on community services. The chair facilitated input from multiple members, allowing for both support and opposition to be voiced regarding key issues. Additionally, there were several public testimonies that added to the discourse, reflecting diverse perspectives on the matters at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • We pride ourselves on our affordability, our accessibility, and our exceptionality.
  • the region-wide water crisis.
  • Since 2018, Extension has partnered with rural school districts to improve food access and access to
  • We also focus on water to maximize our efficiency.
  • So we always end up waiting in line for access to federal assets.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical funding and legislative matters regarding various state initiatives, notably focusing on workforce development, health services, and emergency management. The discussions revealed the heightened importance of supporting community colleges and addressing workforce shortages in healthcare, especially considering the increased demand for veterinary services as pet ownership rose due to the pandemic. Representatives from various organizations presented their requests for funding, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing educational outcomes and preparedness programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Mar 27th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , groundwater, or surface water.
  • to safe drinking water...
  • We had a couple of different stations focused on wildlife and focused on water, looking at water quality
  • and the water cycle.
  • , so they save a billion gallons of water already.
Summary: The meeting included discussions primarily focused on energy and insurance-related legislation. Senator Schwartner led the committee in reviewing multiple bills, with a notable emphasis on SB819, which faced opposition from various stakeholders, including energy providers and advocacy groups. Testimonies highlighted concerns about regulatory burdens potentially stifling renewable energy projects, which are crucial to Texas's energy needs. Furthermore, the committee examined SB458, aimed at improving the appraisal process for insurance claims, which garnered support from industry representatives for promoting fairness and transparency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The challenge is access to the waste, or as we call them, feedstocks.
  • You mentioned that 36% of Texans don't have access.
  • 26% have access to drop-off, so they don't have access

  • to curbside but do have access to drop-off. 20% have access at multifamily.
  • , where we work with Texans for Clean Water.
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

Finance Feb 6th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Building on our current water expertise at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, for example
  • research, but we do research, for example, on desalination, water purification, and impending water
  • The impact on our water supply is becoming strained, and so we're looking at ways to help reclaim water
  • , for example, to make it safe for drinking water more quickly.
  • ensure a secure water future in our region.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on budget requests and legislative priorities from various educational institutions. Each institution expressed the need for increased funding to support academic programs, STEM education, and critical health initiatives. For instance, representatives from UT Dallas highlighted the importance of their Fentanyl Protection Initiative and advances in pain therapy, reaffirming their commitment to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. Other notable discussions included the need for updates to campus infrastructure and the request for new programs aimed at enhancing workforce development across various fields, particularly healthcare and technology. Topics such as the restoration of Institutional Enhancement Funds and the increase of appropriations for research initiatives were also extensively discussed. The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among universities to strengthen Texas's overall higher education landscape.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 6th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President and members, currently if there is a discrepancy between a tenant and an owner on a water or
  • District and is directed to Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
  • to Water, Agricultural and Rural Affairs.
  • service during drought conditions to water, agriculture, and rural affairs.
  • to water, agriculture, and rural affairs.
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills, including SB703, which addresses the criminal and licensing implications for various massage establishments and was aimed at aligning state laws with federal regulations by closing existing loopholes. Senator Zaffirini played a vital role in facilitating discussions on multiple bills, including SB21, which proposes the establishment of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, emphasizing the need for Texas to explore forward-thinking financial strategies amidst federal monetary inflation concerns. Additionally, SB790, aimed at streamlining the resolution process for tenant-landlord disputes regarding water and wastewater billing, was also presented, drawing attention to due process concerns but ultimately supported for its efficiency improvements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Safety, security, and accessibility, supporting sensible zoo.
  • This includes everything from creating curriculum to accessing...
  • coastal waters.
  • I think we would be concerned as a community if our water supply...
  • No water.

Summary: During this committee meeting, members discussed several bills, including HB2, HB22, and HB4, focusing on various state issues. Key discussions revolved around the impact of legislation on local communities, with members expressing differing viewpoints on the measures proposed. Witnesses were invited to provide testimonies, highlighting both support and concerns regarding the bills, particularly in terms of economic implications and social justice reform. Overall, the meeting reflected a robust engagement from the members and public, showcasing the complexities of the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Apr 14th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These companies are extremely efficient with the use of water.
  • in the Cactus Water case.
  • to produced water, that's the really nasty, briny water
  • You know, we're talking about the water that gets produced in the stream.
  • private water wells or public water supply wells.
Summary: The meeting focused on a series of bills primarily related to oil and gas infrastructure, safety, regulatory issues, and the burgeoning hydrogen industry in Texas. Several bills were discussed and voted on, including HB3911 concerning voluntary plugging of orphan wells, HB3021 related to oil and gas emergencies, and HB5600 aimed at establishing Texas as a leader in the clean hydrogen market. The Chair and members debated the provisions of these bills, considering environmental implications and economic impacts, particularly in light of recent natural disasters like the winter storm Uri.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 4608 by Morales of Harris relates to public access

  • HB 4620 by Allen introduces a program for accessibility

  • rights placed in the Texas Water Trust Fund.
  • HB 4545 by Oliverson relates to access to land managed by
  • Relating to patients' access to health records and the
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

Senate Session Jan 29th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of water pipeline, and more than 2,500 wastewater permits.
  • For those that have seen my water plant, I know I've talked about water, and for those that haven't,
  • She's part of the water plan that we'll hopefully get to vote on as the legislature moves through and
  • gets to pass, but I couldn't thank her enough for just that ability of all of these being accessible
  • and gets to pass, I couldn't thank her enough for just that ability of all of these being accessible
Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16
Summary: Additionally, the committee recognized police chiefs from various districts for their dedication to public safety, highlighting their essential role in the community. Senators expressed their gratitude towards law enforcement and emphasized the collaborative efforts needed to enhance community relations. The meeting was marked by a spirit of recognition and celebration, fostering a sense of unity among the members present.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Agriculture & Livestock Aug 19th, 2025 at 02:08 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think what you talked about was access to the flies or to the live flies.
  • will be there, which means that they would then have access to live flies.
  • And does it affect our water supply? The macrocyclic lactones, I don't...
  • Is it safe when it comes to our water?
  • that shows that it can leach into water.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock addressed the ongoing threat of the New World Screw Worm, which poses significant risks to both livestock and wildlife in Texas. Chairman Kitzman emphasized the importance of a coordinated response among state and federal agencies, including the recent $750 million investment for a new sterile fly facility in south Texas, crucial for combating this threat. Several invited witnesses provided insights on current research, management strategies, and the collaboration needed to effectively handle potential infestations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Water Development Board.
  • This bill is meant to improve transparency and make government meetings more accessible to the public
  • Crime victims by expanding access to protective orders.
  • Unfortunately, we've had some municipally owned utilities that have adopted increased water rates.
  • supply systems of poor water quality testing and is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: The meeting was a significant session of the committee, focusing on a wide range of bills including issues related to water utility rates, worker's compensation hearings, and consumer protection in the realm of artificial intelligence. Representative Montgomery championed HB685, which aims to prohibit municipalities from imposing unfair utility rates on tax-exempt entities, ensuring fair pricing practices. The bill passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to safeguarding public interests. Additionally, HB2488 emerged as a crucial legislative effort, enabling virtual hearings for worker's compensation cases, which enhances accessibility for injured workers and reduces costs associated with legal representation.

Research Filters

States
Terms / Sessions
Date Range
Chamber Records
Meetings / Events / Calendars