Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senator Birdwell'

Page 19 of 57
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Adam Maldonado is here to explain Senator Hughes' bill.
  • sponsor, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill for Senator Huffman.
  • Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxson, Senator West, 12-0.
  • Senator Niaz, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxson, Senator West
  • Chair, Senator Cook.
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

Economic DevelopmentAudio only. May 13th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Sparks sends up a committee substitute, and Senator
  • Senator Sparks is going to explain it on behalf of Senator

  • On behalf of Senator Middleton, hearing none,

    Senator

  • Senator Schwertner moves that House Bill 1893 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the...
  • Senator Sparks moves that HCR 90...
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Economic Development Committee included significant discussions around several bills, notably House Bill 4187, Senate Bill 2603, and Senate Bill 2607, all of which received favorable votes for progression to the full Senate. Senator Sparks played a prominent role, advocating for the adoption of committee substitutes for several bills and successfully moving them for favorable recommendations. There was a clear focus on ensuring legislative items were being addressed efficiently, as evidenced by the discussions on local and uncontested calendars to streamline processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human ServicesAudio only. Mar 27th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Perry moves that Senate Bill 268 do not pass, but

  • for Senate Bill 731.
  • Senator Cook sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 732 and recognizes its author, Senator Miles
  • for Senate Bill 732.
  • Senator Hancock moves the adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1188.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met to discuss multiple bills, notably including SB731, SB732, SB1589, SB397, and SB1188. Senator Miles explained amendments to SB732, detailing that the bill now allows existing buildings a five-year compliance period, and emphasized that it is not retroactive. Senator Cook moved the adoption of the community substitute to SB732, which passed without objection. SB1589 was also favorably reported and recommended for a local calendar, while SB397 faced a similar fate with unanimous support from committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxson.
  • Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols.
  • Senate Bill 1079 and Senate Bill 1243.
  • to Senate Bill 1921.
  • ">Senator West.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government revolved around the discussion and voting on several significant bills. Notably, Senate Bill 1079 was reported to the full Senate with a unanimous recommendation for passage, followed by an equally successful vote for Senate Bill 1243. Discussions included procedural details and recommendations for local calendars, showcasing a disciplined approach to legislative processes. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 1504, which was similarly passed and referred to local and contested calendars. Throughout the meeting, senators engaged in structured dialogue, ensuring all voices were heard during roll calls and motions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • brings us to pending business: Senate Bill 648 by Senator West.
  • Senator Creighton moves that Senate Bill 2702 be...
  • Senator Campbell moves that Senate Bill 2268...
  • Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Kolkhorst, the Chair lays out Senate Bill...
  • Senator Parker, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 22.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee featured extensive discussions centered around numerous bills, with a particular focus on Senate Bill 1705 concerning virtual currency kiosks. During this discussion, members expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud and the need for regulation surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges. Testimonies from law enforcement emphasized the increase in fraud cases associated with these kiosks, leading to a consensus on the need for consumer protection measures. The committee favorably reported several other bills with unanimous votes, showcasing a collaborative effort amongst senators to address various legislative concerns effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Blanco.
  • substitute to Senate Bill 1856 on the motion of Senator Creighton.
  • This is Senate Bill 2530.
  • Senate Bill 2401 by Senator Parker.
  • Thank you, Senator. Members, questions for Senator Creighton?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee was marked by discussions on several significant bills, with a keen emphasis on legislative updates and committee substitutes. Notably, Senator Blanco presented a new committee substitute for SB2610, which modifies the employee cap from 100 to 250 and extends the update timeline for cyber security programs for small businesses. This substitute was adopted unanimously, reflecting a collaborative agreement among the committee members. Additionally, there were discussions surrounding SB1856 as Senator Crayton provided insights into how stakeholder feedback influenced the bill's committee substitute. The committee ultimately voted in favor, pushing it towards the local and contested calendar, indicating the bill's progression through legislative channels.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Sparks.
  • Senator Alvarado? Senator Johnson? Aye.
  • Senator Sparks moves that Senate Bill 1728 be favorably reported to the full Senate with the recommendation
  • Senator Sparks moves that Senate Bill 1728 be recommended.
  • Senator Sparks?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Economic Development Committee was marked by a rapid review and voting on several bills. Notably, Senate Bill 217 was reported favorably with a vote of 4-1, showcasing a split opinion among members. Additionally, Senate Bill 529 and Senate Bill 1265 were both unanimously recommended for certification, indicating strong support. The committee also discussed committee substitutes for Senate Bill 1592 and SCR 37, with both passing without objection. These actions illustrate the committee's proactive approach in addressing pending legislation and facilitating its progress to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Middleton: Aye. Senator Cook: Aye. Senator Gutierrez: Senator Nichols? Senator Paxton?
  • Senator Middleton: Aye. Senator Cook: Aye. Senator Gutierrez: Aye. Senator Nichols: Aye.
  • Senator Gutierrez: Aye. Senator Nichols: Aye. Senator Paxton: Aye. Senator West? It's 4-0.
  • Senator Middleton? Aye. Senator Cook? Aye. Senator Gutierrez? Aye. Senator Nichols? Aye.
  • Senator Middleton? Aye. Senator Cook? Aye. Senator Gutierrez? Aye. Senator Nichols? Aye.
Summary: The meeting of the local government committee was focused on the review and voting of several bills, including House Bills 1593, 2607, 3526, 3810, 5092, and Senate Bills 1944 and 2215. Chairman Betancourt and members engaged in discussions about the implications of each bill, with notable mentions such as HB3810 regarding the dissolution of governmental structures in Rose City and SB1944 aimed at adjusting housing tax credit allocations in high-opportunity areas. The committee exhibited a collaborative atmosphere, with various senators supporting the motion to pass bills without objection, showcasing effective legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Education K-16 Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Miller, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 1241 by Senator Milton in recognition of the ...
  • Senator Milton. Questions for Senator Milton on Senate Bill 1241?
  • Senator Parker moves that Senate Bill 762 be reported to the Senate.
  • Senator Paxton moves that Senate Bill 1962 be reported to the Senate with a recommendation that it do
  • Senate.
Summary: The meeting focused on significant education reform, particularly the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M system. Senator Kohlkorst led the discussions, highlighting the historical context of the partnership and the challenges ahead in transitioning governance, especially regarding accreditation and technical support. Community leaders expressed their support, emphasizing the need for alignment with regional industry needs to enhance educational programs that would ultimately benefit both students and the local economy. Notably, testimony from James Hallmark and Dwayne Crocker highlighted both the potential growth for the region and the collaborative spirit of the involved institutions in implementing this transition.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human ServicesAudio only. Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Senator Blanco, Senator Sparks, Senator Cook.
  • , Senator Blanco, Senator Sparks, Senator Cook.
  • Hall, Senator Miles, Senator Hughes, Senator Blanco, Senator Sparks, Senator Cook.
  • , Senator Hughes, Senator Blanco, Senator Sparks, Senator Cook.
  • Hall, Senator Miles, Senator Hughes, Senator Blanco, Senator Sparks, and Senator Cook.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate committee was marked by the unanimous passage of multiple bills, including SB596, SB1151, and SB1318, which were all recommended for the local and uncontested calendar without any objections. The committee engaged in detailed discussions on SB855, where a committee substitute was presented to clarify court authority related to out-of-network services and establish parameters for foster parent enrollment in health plans. Additionally, the committee discussed SB1233, where changes were made to clarify medical terminologies and regulations pertaining to facilities providing care for life-threatening conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 2137 by Senator Menendez and recognizes Senator Menendez to explain the
  • Any questions, Senator Blanco, on Senate Bill 2605?
  • Senator Nichols moves that Senate Bill 2521 be reported to the full Senate.
  • Senator Paxton, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 2419 by Senator Paxton to recognize her.
  • Senator Nichols, Senator Creighton. Senator Nichols, Senator Creighton's Senate Bill 2631.
Summary: The meeting of the committee effectively reviewed and voted on multiple bills pertaining to public safety, affordable housing, and local governance. Notably, Senator Cook introduced SB2262, which grants municipalities authority to regulate automated defibrillators, aiming to enhance public health responses in urban areas. Public testimony was heard on several bills, illustrating community support and concerns, particularly around affordable housing issues raised by Senator Menendez's SB2137, which seeks to improve access to low-income housing by altering existing criteria used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Additionally, the discussions also touched on the impact of various bills on local governance and property rights, highlighting the committee's aim to address essential services within communities effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 30th, 2025 at 12:05 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move to grant the request of the Senate to appoint a conference committee on Senate Bill 568.
  • committee on Senate Bill 2024.
  • I call up HB 2017 with Senate Amendments. The Chair lays out HB 2017 with Senate Amendments.
  • Senate Bill 2972.
  • The Senate added an amendment.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a variety of legislative issues, prominently featuring discussions surrounding both Senate Bill 1198 and Senate Bill 509, along with multiple House Bills including HB2017 and HB3000. Representative Morales presented the conference committee report for SB1198, addressing clarity on hazardous areas and garnering strong support with 118 votes in favor. Conversely, SB509 faced some contention regarding the provisions for the Attorney General in election cases, eventually receiving approval with a vote tally of 97 ayes to 37 nays after amendments were discussed to limit the Attorney General's ability to delay hearings. Additionally, various other bills received motions to concur with Senate amendments, highlighting the committee's active engagement in fine-tuning legislation through collaborative discussions among members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Middleton, Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez.

  • Senator Nielsen, Senator Hicks, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxton
  • , Senator West.
  • Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxton
  • Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxton
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government convened and addressed several bills, including SB467, SB1531, SB2173, SB1449, SB2529, SB2538, and SJR84. Notably, the committee members voted to adopt several committee substitutes for the bills, specifically opting to recommend that some bills do not pass, while others were moved forward with recommendations for the full Senate. The meeting was efficiently managed, with unanimous votes on key decisions reflecting strong consensus among committee members. Most bills received recommendations for the local and uncontested calendars, facilitating their progress through the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Huffman, Senator Miles, Senator King, Senator Hagenbuch
  • Thank you, Senator Flores, Senators, and thank you Dean Zaffirini for bringing this bill forward, Senate
  • The Chair lays out Senate Bill 2196 and recognizes Senator Miles on behalf of Senator Johnson to explain
  • Senator Bill 1152, the Chair lays out Senator Bill 1152 and recognizes Senator Huffman to explain.
  • to the full Senate.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered a range of legislative measures focusing primarily on the improvement of mental health services and clarifying procedural aspects of emergency detention for individuals experiencing mental illness. Key bills, such as SB1164, which aims to enhance emergency detention procedures, were discussed. Testimonies from both supporters and critics highlighted the need for clear standards in mental health emergencies to ensure that due process is maintained while providing necessary care. The committee also addressed concerns around legislation impacting community supervision and administration, exemplified by SB663, and how it could streamline budget processes for local agencies. Overall, the discussions emphasized balancing public safety with mental health needs and ensuring fair representation in the judicial process.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • to Senate Bill 21.
  • , I'm sorry, yeah--Senator Campbell moves that Senate Bill 842 be favorably reported to the full Senate
  • Senator King moves that Senate Bill 140 be reported favorably to the full Senate with a recommendation
  • to the full Senate.
  • Okay, Senator Nichols.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Business Commerce Committee addressed multiple bills, notably focusing on SB842, SB372, and SB262. Chairman Schwartner facilitated discussions around the Texas Energy Fund, with updates provided by PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson. Gleeson outlined the current status of the energy applications, highlighting that out of 72 applications, 17 had progressed. The committee also raised concerns regarding the need for additional transmission capacity, particularly in the Permian Basin, and discussed the implications of transitioning from 345 kV to 765 kV lines. Overall, the session was marked by a sense of urgency to finalize decisions by the approaching deadlines set for May 1st.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Flores?
  • Senator Hall?
  • Senator Hall, Senator Bettencourt, have you got Senator Hughes?
  • Senate Bill 1729 by Senator Miles and ask Senator to lay
  • The Chair lays out as a matter of pending business Senate Bill 1227 by Senator Flores, Senator...
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by numerous discussions regarding various bills, notably around Senate Bills 1772 and 1816. SB1772, which aims to honor Jose Maria Longoria Sr. by designating a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 2360 as a memorial highway, received unanimous support with no objections from members during the voting process. In contrast, SB1816's committee substitute was adopted without contention, leading to its approval by a vote of seven ayes and no nays. Additionally, discussions around SB1841 centered on privacy issues, culminating in the bill being favorably reported to the full Senate as well. The atmosphere was collaborative, with ample public testimony and participation from various stakeholders, driving meaningful dialogue around the importance of these legislative efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government May 12th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols will explain the bill for Senator Hughes.
  • Senator Cook, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator

  • sponsor, Senator...
  • Senator Gutierrez, Senator Nichols, Senator Paxton.
  • Middleton, aye; Senator Cook; Senator Gutierrez; Senator Nichols, aye; Senator Paxton, aye; Senator
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee was focused on the discussion and voting of several bills, including HB303, HB2740, HB2742, and HB4753. Each bill presented drew attention from various committee members, with detailed debates surrounding their implications and utility. For instance, HB4753, which addresses issues arising from lost certificates of occupancy, prompted a discussion on the difficulties faced by property owners in different municipalities struggling to comply with documentation requirements. In general, the committee expressed support for the bills, as many passed with unanimous votes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Menéndez sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2717, and Senator Menéndez, you're
  • Senator Middleton, Senator Nichols, Senator Zaffirini, Senator
  • Senator Johnson, then Senator Zaffirini after that.
  • Members, Senate Bill 512 is a refile of Senate Bill 1607 that passed the Senate Committee on.
  • Senator Blanco, you're recognized on Senator Peña's bill, Senate Bill 438, to lay it out.
Summary: The meeting of the committee commenced with the establishment of a quorum, where members discussed and voted on five significant bills related to energy efficiency, insurance regulation, and public utility governance. Notably, Senate Bill 2717 was presented, incorporating feedback to foster collaboration among various state agencies for improved energy efficiency performance. This was followed by a detailed discussion on Senate Bill 1642, which proposed changes to the Texas Department of Insurance's executive structure to optimize management and consumer focus. Each bill saw active participation from senators who moved to adopt committee substitutes for clarity and responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, indicating a proactive approach to legislative issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • for Senate Bill 75.
  • Senator Creighton? Senator Johnson? Senator Kolkhorst?
  • Senator Menéndez? Senator Nichols? Dean Zaffirini? Senator King? Senator Schwertner?
  • Senator Campbell, Senator Menéndez, and of course, Senator
  • Thank you, Senator. The chair lays out Senate Bill 1789.
Summary: In this committee meeting, a wide range of topics were addressed, notably the advancement of nuclear energy in Texas. The committee discussed Senate Bill 2967, aimed at exploring innovative energy technologies and the role of nuclear power in ensuring energy security. Several expert testimonies were heard, including insights from former PUC Commissioner Doug Robinson, who emphasized the potential of modular reactors and necessary state support to navigate the financial challenges commonly faced by nuclear energy projects. The committee's focus was on understanding current nuclear technology stages, determining required state incentives, and assessing the overall energy landscape in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Parker moves that Senate Bill 604 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it
  • Senate Bill 2185 is now laid out by Senator Hinojosa.
  • Senator Parker moves Senate Bill 2185.
  • , Senate Bill 2185 will be reported to the full Senate.
  • Senator West.
Summary: During the meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, including SB1961, which focuses on improving the data reporting on post-secondary outcomes for graduates. The bill was supported by various stakeholders, including workforce development representatives from Samsung, highlighting the importance of aligning educational outcomes with job market needs. Multiple testimonies were provided that underscored the need for robust data to aid both students and institutions in making informed decisions regarding career paths and education. Additionally, the committee addressed SB1325, which was subject to amendments and subsequently passed, with motivations surrounding the effective distribution of respiratory distress medication in schools. The meeting concluded with the passage of several bills to favorable reports for further consideration in the Senate, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance educational compliance and workforce development initiatives throughout Texas. Members actively participated in both providing essential context for these bills and facilitating public input, emphasizing the shared commitment to benefiting the state's educational infrastructure and workforce readiness.

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