Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'justified use of force'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 28th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so that's where we get, you know, all of us have that experience
  • our employees and retirees who are using out-of-network care and then out-of- Lots of our members were angry with us because they
  • Can you tell us a little bit about some of the costs that they incurred?
  • But no, this—so what happens is you use a lot of acronyms

Summary: The committee meeting was centered on the discussion of various bills, notably focusing on House Bill 3521, which aims to enhance retention incentives for police officers in Houston. Chairman Harless opened discussions highlighting the urgency of the bill due to staffing challenges within the Houston Police Department. Testimonies were given by several members of the police department and pension fund representatives, stipulating the need for actionable changes to prevent a significant exodus of experienced officers. The bill was met with supportive testimony that underscored the precarious staffing situation and the necessity for improved retention strategies. Following deliberations, the bill remained pending for further review.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • right-of-way for a certain amount of time before they're going to be forced to relocate?
  • of the state of Texas for the use of that public land, our
  • That rent that is paid for the use of the right-of-way is
  • just that—a rent that is paid for use of the right-of-way.
  • They accept that risk, and their use of the right-of-way, the public's land, is secondary to that of
Summary: The Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband convened to discuss several important bills aimed at improving broadband infrastructure and managing the financial responsibilities associated with utility right-of-way relocation. Notably, Chair Morales advocated for HB3953, focused on assessing broadband availability in multifamily housing, highlighting significant gaps observed during the COVID-19 pandemic where families struggled to access necessary internet services for education. Testimonies were provided by various stakeholders, underlining the critical nature of broadband accessibility for vulnerable populations, including low-income families and students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Several years ago, and they had a certificate of registration
  • through until the end of their time.
  • 10 years now instead of 2027, it goes to 2037.
  • ="28" data-time="162">My name is Carla Jackson, and I'm a registered interior designer in the state of
  • us which speak for or against one of the bills.
Summary: The meeting of the committee predominantly focused on several key bills aimed at addressing significant social issues, particularly around human trafficking and workforce development. Among the notable discussions was House Bill 491, which seeks to empower local attorneys to collect penalties from illicit massage parlors to fund anti-human trafficking efforts. Testimonies revealed the alarming rise of such establishments in Texas and underscored the importance of effective legislative solutions. There were also discussions surrounding House Bill 1757, introduced to create an additional pathway for CPA licensure, addressing workforce shortages in the accounting field, which has become increasingly urgent as Texas experiences a population boom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a crucial step towards ensuring the responsible and appropriate use of these funds.
  • The city is responsible for administering and auditing the use of HOT.
  • Recent audits have investigated the park board's use of restricted funds.
  • ...of HOT with other operational fund revenues and using
  • For example, we've been forced to move several of our high-profile projects to other states like Louisiana
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions on various important pieces of legislation. Notable among them was SB2206, which aims to extend and improve the state's research and development tax credits, ensuring Texas remains competitive in innovation-driven industries. This bill received strong support from the Texas Association of Manufacturers and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for continued investment in R&D to bolster economic growth and job creation. Additionally, SB2779 was discussed, which focuses on proper allocation and use of hotel occupancy taxes (HOT) for beach maintenance in coastal communities, specifically addressing concerns about the oversight and management of these funds by local park boards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Vendors force us to buy homeowner's insurance.
  • So you're not coming up asking us to light a piece of paper on fire.
  • us could save money with all of our insurance plans.
  • So look, I mean, even for us, we are constantly having to grovel and go just to justify our positions
  • Spiller, I want to go right to your question and focus on a couple of data points that I think tell us
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance focused on several significant bills, including HB854, which aims to reform insurance payment structures to improve accessibility for homeowners needing urgent repairs. Representative Garcia-Hernandez strongly advocated for this bill, highlighting the struggles faced by constituents unable to cover upfront repair costs. Additionally, HB4092 was discussed, which seeks to clarify regulations surrounding pre-suit notices in insurance claims, emphasizing the importance of protecting policyholders' rights. The meeting included various testimonies, with both supporters and opponents voicing their concerns about how these bills could impact consumers and the insurance industry.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , of them bypassing a US port of entry.
  • there and it does add us into the category of places where weapons are prohibited.
  • willing to sit down with us to change some of the language that we disagree with.
  • So the addition of the new pieces means that whereas there used to be a fairly limited set of violent
  • So I think that's, you know, encapsulating the concern that a few of us have.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss several major legislative bills, focusing particularly on enhancing law enforcement's ability to respond to missing children and addressing increasing border security concerns. One significant bill discussed was HB908, which mandates that law enforcement agencies report missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within a strict time frame. Testimonies primarily supported the urgency and need for swift action regarding missing children, with members underscoring the imperative to streamline procedures to ensure every case is handled urgently. Additionally, discussions on HB674 centered around adjusting the penalty structure for criminal trespass incidents related to avoiding law enforcement checkpoints, seen as a crucial measure to deter illegal crossings and enhance border security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • of vehicles, evading arrest, theft, assault, and unlawful possession, as well as unauthorized use of
  • of force.
  • And, you know, many of us have painful memories of the COVID pandemic, but most of us would agree that
  • of those efficiencies, which is the expected expanded use of remote proceedings.
  • Alarmingly, 82% of these youth self-reported substance use, and 17% reported active alcohol use.
Summary: Additionally, House Bill 2147 was discussed, which proposes to expand the use of remote proceedings in juvenile justice, streamlining the process and making it more accessible to families. Supporters highlighted that this efficiency is crucial for ensuring that all parties can participate in hearings, especially as many families struggle with transportation. The meeting concluded with several bills remaining pending, showcasing the ongoing deliberation and consideration of how best to address juvenile crime and justice in the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 08:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • After all, first of all, they're using the streets.
  • Millions of dollars in right-of-way rental fees are being paid to these cities for the use of the public's
  • It was because they were using the right-of-way.
  • They pay for use of the right-of-way but only on one small service.
  • They are using the public rights-of-way.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills: HB2838 and SB924. House Bill 2838 aimed to modernize broadband speed standards in line with FCC definitions, aiming to enhance access and reduce tax burdens on Internet services. Chairman Ashby explained the bill's intent to clarify requirements for the Broadband Development Office and included provisions for tax relief to support broadband expansion. Public testimonies presented both neutral and supportive views, emphasizing the importance of aligning state regulations with federal standards, especially for underserved areas. Senators questioned the bill's implications for service equity and federal funding eligibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 09:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • Use their rent of our public right-of-way.
  • And they should not have to subsidize the commercial use of our right-of-way.
  • The loss of this revenue means that Austin would be forced to cover millions of dollars in costs without
  • they make use of the public's right-of-way.
  • This is cable, gas, electric, all the franchise fees that we pay for use of our right-of-way in 2014
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband included significant discussions surrounding Senate Bill 924, which addresses cable service providers and their financial obligations related to franchise fees. Council Member Julian Ramirez opposed the bill, emphasizing its potential fiscal impact on cities like Houston and Austin by restricting franchise fee collections, thus threatening vital public services funded by these fees. Public testimony supported his stance, highlighting the financial realities these cities face, particularly in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development May 5th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of public resources.
  • So that we can do a little bit of that ahead of time to try and decrease barriers.
  • Travis wrote one of the most famous letters in all of American history.
  • They want to use those pieces of evidence in court.
  • So can you kind of...
Summary: The meeting of the Economic Development Committee focused on various bills aimed at enhancing workforce development and economic incentives in Texas. One of the key discussions centered around Senate Bill 2603, which proposed a collaboration between businesses receiving state and local economic development incentives and local workforce development boards to improve job placement outcomes for participants. Public testimony highlighted the importance of connecting job seekers, especially those receiving public assistance, with potential employers to reduce reliance on state support systems. Additionally, Senate Bill 2607 emphasized interagency cooperation to better serve individuals engaged in workforce reentry programs, ensuring streamlined access to vital services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 26th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • To further handicap them, and some of us have enough

  • The bills we've got here in this special session are very worthy of us being here.
  • The dilemma for those of us that are in office is that, I'll
  • In a circumstance where each of us have either timing, planning
  • I don't think any of us will.
Bills: SB53, SB54, HB16, SB19
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several significant bills, including SB19, SB54, HB16, and SB2217. A major focus was the potential changes to fundraising rules during special legislative sessions, aimed at aligning policies for regular and special sessions. Senator Bettencourt presented SB19, which prohibits political contributions during special sessions, raising questions about the implications for ongoing fundraising activities. Additionally, the committee reviewed SB54, which seeks to amend recent changes around voting procedures to prevent misunderstandings related to voter registration within counties. The session featured robust discussions, particularly surrounding the balance of regulations and the need for clear public policy. The meeting concluded with several bills moving forward positively, highlighting the collaborative effort among members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We often speak of justice as blind, but the reality is that judges, like all of us, are shaped by experiences
  • And the point was that all of us have some sort of implicit bias, and in order to
  • Will at least one of these gentlemen be able to swear to us?
  • The use of the witness registration system.
  • I'm aware that there's been some consideration of using a...
Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Justice held a meeting focusing on several legislative bills that address implicit bias in the judicial system. A major highlight was House Bill 1363, which seeks to implement mandatory bias training for judges to ensure fairer judicial outcomes and enhance public trust in the system. This discussion included testimony from various stakeholders who articulated the significance of addressing unconscious biases that could affect judicial decisions. There was considerable debate about the effectiveness and required duration of the training, with suggestions for extending the training frequency from two years to annually to ensure continual awareness and education amongst judges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ... gotten a good idea of the purpose of this bill and the
  • I'm Banning, I'm the CEO of the Texas Academy of Family

  • It would give you a total picture of what you're trying to get at in terms of premium cost, but also
  • to make us pay.
  • Are you familiar with the report that Texas Department of Insurance used to do, the Texas Mandated Benefits
Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused significantly on discussions surrounding HB138 and HB388. Representative Harris-DeVille presented HB388, which aims to standardize the coordination of benefits questionnaires used by health benefit plan issuers and healthcare providers. This discussion highlighted the issues of patient billing complexities and the potential for reduced errors in healthcare coverage. Various stakeholders provided testimony in support of the bill, emphasizing its importance in streamlining the process for patients who have dual coverage, such as Medicaid and Medicare. There was considerable backing for the functionality that HB388 would bring in clearing up confusion in billing practices across different insurance plans.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Someone from the TEA can kind of give us an idea.
  • And of course, many of us went to the...
  • Unlike most of us, he dreams of the day when he can start working and paying taxes.
  • All of us here remember where we were on 9/11.
  • All of us need all of us to live and thrive, and education is a crucial part of thriving as a human being
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Education Committee was marked by intense discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, particularly focusing on SB1798, which seeks to repeal the Texas DREAM Act. Advocates for the bill argued that it is important to restrict state financial aid to individuals unlawfully present in the United States, asserting that taxpayer resources should primarily benefit legal residents. Conversely, numerous witnesses testified against SB1798, emphasizing the economic contributions of Texas DREAMers and the long-standing positive impacts of the existing DREAM Act on Texas communities and workforce. The heated debate highlighted the stark divisions surrounding immigration policies and their implications on education and opportunity for young Texans who have grown up in the state. The meeting concluded with SB1798 left pending, awaiting further consideration, signifying ongoing concerns and unresolved sentiments among committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • water rights, to buy as a factor that could affect the use of the property or that would subject the
  • The use of the term "real property" in these statutes would all

  • ...of the Committee for inviting us to speak.
  • Give us an analysis of how many are within 440 yards of a hospital.
  • ...among all of us, so there being six ayes and no nays.
Summary: The meeting of the committee convened to discuss multiple bills including SCR48, SB2351, SB2550, SB2203, SB410, and SB2082. Notably, Senator Miles presented SB2082, which aims to prevent concrete crushing facilities from operating near hospitals, following community outcry over health concerns linked to air pollution. The committee heard public testimony from various stakeholders, highlighting the community's significant opposition to such facilities in close proximity to critical healthcare services. Senator Alvarado's SB2351, addressing concrete plant regulations, was supported with favorable votes but faced concerns over the environmental implications of expansion requests. The meeting concluded with a recommendation for several bills to move forward to the full Senate for consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are intentional, and we are one of the largest power producers for industrial use.
  • I hate to see us create a whole new department in the state. We kind of...
  • Most of the intended uses of these reactors are to provide heat for industrial processes, power for data
  • Air Force study on the bad financial risks of proposed small modular reactors.
  • Taxpayer dollars would be used to support the development of this untested technology.
Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you could provide us a copy of your written testimony
  • It's been used as a form of persecution. In fact, Nazi writers used that as a way to...
  • And that's been used as a means of trying to persecute Jews for the last 2,000 years.
  • the Texas Board of Nursing Education Task Force.
  • Chairman and members, this bill is building on something, a legacy that all of us have been a part of
Summary: During the committee meeting, key issues surrounding higher education legislation were discussed, focusing on several significant bills. Notably, discussions revolved around SB2233, which mandates public institutions in Texas to prohibit non-immigrant visa holders from supporting terrorist activities. This bill raised concerns regarding free speech and potential overreach in monitoring students and faculty, with various testimonies highlighting its implications for academic freedom. The bill faced opposition from various civil rights organizations and law students who emphasized that such measures could create a chilling effect on political expression and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In contrast, SB735 on Holocaust education received strong support, aiming to improve educational resources and awareness amid rising anti-Semitism, with calls for comprehensive training for educators. Other bills discussed included SB2683, which restricts institutional benefits from foreign entities considered to pose a national security risk, further emphasizing the tension between security concerns and academic freedom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations May 19th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The nominees coming before us today will have a vote at the end of the hearing unless there is public
  • Sunset had discovered that it was using a lot of the revenue of its semi-independent financial structure
  • ...being forced out of their homes for lack of ability to
  • Those are some of the things that some of us on this panel
  • Just use a couple of minutes to tell us about yourself.
Summary: The committee meeting, focused primarily on the ongoing regulatory reforms following the recent weather-related crises, commenced with the introduction of Thomas Gleason as the new Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Chairman emphasized the need for resilience and proactive measures to improve infrastructure and communications among utility companies, especially in light of recent disasters that impacted service delivery. High-level discussions revolved around HB1500, which mandates stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms for ERCOT, pushing the commission to enhance its monitoring capacity. Several topics of concern, including vegetation management and cost distribution among consumers, were highlighted as priorities moving forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These efficiencies can be achieved in the areas of procurement, land use, rate structures, workforce
  • So, we're talking so much about water and what a precious commodity it is, and the importance of using
  • So instead of regionalizing and throwing it in a river, let's reuse it where they use the water.
  • You know, you can use the word or mom-and-pop kind of development utilities.
  • I mean, while it's justified through the cost and expense of the water system in and of itself, it's
Summary: The recent meeting of the Natural Resources Committee covered significant discussions primarily focused on various water-related bills, notably HB685, HB1918, HB2601, and HB2608. Representative Wally introduced HB1918, which seeks to limit water rate increases for Class A utilities to a maximum of 20% every 36 months. The bill is in response to alarming reports from constituents who experienced drastic increases in their water bills, leading to concerns about financial sustainability for residents on fixed incomes. Supporters emphasized the need for better regulations to protect consumers, while opponents argued that the bill could dissuade necessary investments in utility infrastructure, jeopardizing service quality. Public testimony was a vital component, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to the proposals under discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • To lead is by example, the example that we live in our daily lives, and for those of us that serve on
  • For example, those of us that serve on the bench, it's a very isolating profession.
  • SIC codes used to define retail trade for purposes of determining whether a company should pay franchise
  • The water use tax exemption is a continuation of efforts
  • It will really make us the capital, I believe, of finance and capital market.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several key bills including SB2873, SB2900, HJR4, SB1574, and SB2774. Senator Nichols played a prominent role in discussing and moving multiple bills forward, indicating strong bipartisan support as votes consistently showed 'aye' without any dissent in the committee. Public testimony was received during discussions of these bills, notably around HJR4, which addresses concerns from the financial sector regarding the imposition of new taxes on transactions, and SB2774, which modifies the tax definitions to better include industrial uniform rental businesses. The discussions highlighted the importance of economic implications as well as sector-specific needs and benefits, ensuring various sectors were represented in the discourse. The committee adjourned with all bills reported favorably for further consideration by the full Senate.

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