Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'equitable access'

Page 21 of 48
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This means homeowners may be left without sufficient groundwater and without reliable access to fire
  • ...and support fire truck access is concerning.
  • I like to ensure people have access to water. That would be rational.
  • Housers works to ensure that low-income Texans have access to housing that is.
  • And then, finally, we just want to make sure we can still access great finance.
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

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • for you to access anything on your phone.
  • But in order to access that data, it would require someone to be able to access the phone and then access
  • So there's a separate chip on the device that can't be accessed by other processes that are happening
  • So you need access to that. The second thing is access to the system, primarily the grand jury.
  • I mean, it's an equitable bill.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee covered various bills with a notable focus on HB3426, which aims to modernize how Texans access and present their driver's license by introducing a digital option. Testimonies from proponents highlighted the convenience and necessity of making identification more accessible in a digital age, while security and privacy concerns around the potential for data mishandling were also addressed. Additional discussions included HB3033, which proposes a donation mechanism for non-profits supporting Department of Public Safety employees, reinforcing community support for those in service.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They just wouldn't have access to the illegal Chinese products.
  • The proposed product directory will also help fund equitable enforcement.
  • It forces them to submit to age verification for accessing apps.
  • Giving parental access.
  • It also prohibits access to genome sequencing data by individuals.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs featured intense discussions centered around the regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette products, with a particular focus on protecting minors from harmful marketing practices. Senators presented various bills addressing the marketing of these products, which included SB1313, SB1314, and SB1316. Senator Cook laid out SB1313, aimed at prohibiting deceptive marketing techniques that entice minors, alongside testimony from concerned parents advocating for stronger regulations against smoke shops near schools. The committee also examined the App Store Accountability Act, led by Senator Paxson, which aims to ensure age verification for app downloads and hold app stores accountable for protecting minors online. Public testimony played a crucial role in the discussion, with parents and experts weighing in on the necessity of stringent regulations to safeguard youth from exploitation by marketers of addictive products.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • This means they may not have access to the resources.
  • Parents need a clear, consistent path to accessing care for themselves.
  • We want our teens to continue to access the health care that they need.
  • Remote access to protective orders hearing is not just helpful; it is life-saving.
  • Access, but not in person. There's a bill; it's a law now.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee, several key bills were debated, most notably HB3281, which addresses the grounds for terminating parental rights. The discussion revolved around significant concerns presented by various members regarding the language change in the bill that requires serious bodily injury for termination, a shift that many find troubling. Witnesses also testified, with some advocating for amendments to ensure child safety, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach without unintended consequences. Additionally, HB4696 was introduced, focused on improving access to protective orders through remote testimony, further engaging committee members and experts on the necessity of such reforms for survivors of domestic violence.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Overall, this measure will just make it harder for voters to use their legal access.
  • In fact, we don't have internet access at one of our former polling locations.
  • or internet access.
  • This is really more about equal access for all.
  • We're trying to make more equal access for the voters. It doesn't push us.
Summary: The House Committee on Elections convened to discuss HB3709, a bill focused on reforming the post-election audit process. Representative Dialo presented the bill, emphasizing its bipartisan support and the critical need for modernization to enhance the integrity and transparency of the voting process. The existing auditing method, which relied on random precinct selection, was criticized for being outdated and inefficient. The proposed changes aim to standardize audits across various voting methods, allowing election officials to evaluate results by voting locations instead of individual precincts, and thus improving accuracy and efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We think that we have an equitable rate structure. We believe that.
  • access to water.
  • IOUs in Texas do not have access to funding streams like
  • It is a finite resource, but it is also a resource required for life, and access to water is essential
  • groundwater, they will have more access to those water
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It will give more access statewide by requiring, currently it's...
  • ...So, we're going to open up the market for access for
  • It's going to make it accessible, I would say, to

  • Do you know where we rank with regard to access to substance use disorder treatment?
  • It's a fundamental tenet of this bill, yes, for parents to be able to access those records.
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

Senate Session Mar 24th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's very important that nobody is disenfranchised and that they have access.
  • >Senate Bill 2062 by Parker relates to the provision of and access
  • span> Senate Bill 2101 by Hughes relates to the prohibition of access
  • Senate Bill 2113 by Hughes relates to a special right of access

Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussions surrounding several Senate Bills, primarily focusing on SSB840, which was passed after debates regarding the housing market and regulatory impacts. Senator Hughes led the conversation, emphasizing the need for increased supply of housing units and argued against governmental restrictions on development. The debate highlighted varying perspectives among members, showing both support and opposition to the bill, which ultimately led to its passage. Additionally, there were discussions around bills addressing health care, public safety, and energy efficiency, reflecting the diverse legislative priorities the committee is currently addressing.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge this committee to support HB1414 and help Texans build a more equitable and efficient Texas.
  • 5202">They should not have to worry about anyone casing the school to see how to get in or how to access
  • We're giving them unlimited access to see how to commit

  • Protective orders are a unique tool in that they are one of the only accessible and effective tools outside
  • As EV adoption grows, more Texans will rely on accessibility.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the discussion surrounding HB1414, presented by Representative Bowers on behalf of Representative Dr. Alma Allen. The bill aims to eliminate the Class B misdemeanor penalty for driving with a suspended license (DWLI) for those with prior convictions, allowing county courts to dedicate resources to more serious offenses and potentially preventing many Texans from facing excessive debt and jail time. Representatives and witnesses provided insights into the bill's implications for individuals unable to afford civil surcharges that lead to license suspensions, highlighting the financial burdens placed on lower-income families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • County employees already have access to a strong pension.
  • What it does is put a lot of information about local debt online in an easily accessible format.
  • ...accessible for everyone to be able to see.
  • I don't have access to those numbers, but anecdotally, I know it's far higher than...
  • They don't have access to bank capital.

Summary: The meeting involved extensive discussions around several house bills, with notable emphasis on HB700, which aims to increase transparency in the merchant cash advance (MCA) sector. Representative McQueen provided a detailed explanation of the issues small business owners face due to aggressive tactics and lack of regulation in this area. The committee also examined HB4609, which focuses on updating the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) benefits to provide clearer options for cities regarding cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), allowing cities to offer retirement benefits in a more flexible and informed manner. Additionally, the meeting featured a strong public testimony segment, where witnesses voiced their support and concerns, especially regarding the implications of digital currencies framed in HB703.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • don't always have access to the opportunities that others
  • The first is access to congressional representation for Black
  • 5130"> ...that they understand what it takes to find a job in a job desert when they're trying to access
  • accessible information on policies that impact everyday
  • isn't just unfair, it's unjust, and I urge this committee to reject it in favor of transparent and equitable
Summary: The Senate special committee convened to address issues related to congressional redistricting, particularly focusing on the implications of a recent DOJ letter concerning majority-minority districts. Various senators expressed strong concerns about the motivations behind the proposed redistricting efforts, asserting that they may infringe on the rights of black and brown communities across Texas. Numerous members of the public provided passionate testimony, voicing their fears over potential voter suppression and gerrymandering, while others pushed for greater representation of underrepresented communities in the redistricting process. The committee aims to gather this public input as part of its overall redistricting considerations during the special session.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ensuring that knowledgeable industry representatives are involved, we can create a more balanced and equitable
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing bills concerning housing and municipal regulations. Notably, House Bill 2225, presented by Representative Buckley, aimed to improve transparency regarding impact fees, which have been increasingly burdening homebuyers in Texas. The bill proposes that political subdivisions must present land use plans at least 60 days prior to hearings, giving stakeholders ample time to review. The discussion highlighted the significant effects of rising impact fees on housing affordability, with testimonies from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for accountability and clearer processes. The bill stirred a lively debate, with proponents arguing for increased transparency and opponents expressing concerns about the ramifications of the proposed changes on local governance and infrastructure funding. House Bill 2304 was another crucial point of discussion, seeking to streamline the approval process for residential backup power systems. The bill faced support from numerous witnesses, including energy industry representatives, who touted its potential to enhance energy resilience and efficiency. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency for revisiting these issues in future sessions, as committee members and advocates for both bills anticipated more rigorous discussions ahead in light of the housing market challenges in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The current executive director, Director Habersham, also admitted they shut down online access to the
  • One portion of the property had highway frontage, while the other had county road access.
  • I know that you grind away long hours making sure that people have access to counsel.
  • Those laws gave me access to the truth.
  • But then I've also heard people think that it expands the action, access to more evidence.
Summary: In the recent meeting, the Judiciary and Cellular Disturbance Committee convened to discuss several critical issues, highlighted by the testimony surrounding HB1761. The committee chair emphasized the importance of the bill, gathering a panel consisting of key witnesses who offered various perspectives. Notably, Kathy Ward from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct voiced concerns regarding potential pitfalls of imposing sanctions on false complaints, advocating for a more inclusive process that considers mental health perspectives. Jacob Putnam, a District Attorney, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the bill's implications for public service recruitment and the necessity for competitive pay in public positions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean, we can access data; we can get...
  • ...access to information.
  • We have information on our website about how one can access that.
  • Can we get access to all the ones that were closed so we can...
  • The goal is to get access to stuff so we can...
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

Natural Resources Jul 15th, 2025 at 01:07 pm

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's publicly accessible and updated quite frequently.
  • It's just not an equitable statement, and that's true whether we're talking about...
  • But effectively, the most accessible tool to most

  • fellow Texans and your neighbors that you would give up something like that so everybody can have access
  • When it rains, your vegetables depend on your ability to access the water. Let's say...
Summary: The meeting of the Texas House Natural Resources Committee was focused on issues surrounding groundwater management and recent legislative developments, specifically addressing concerns over high-capacity groundwater wells. Various experts and community members provided testimony emphasizing the need for thoughtful regulation to balance conservation and property rights. The discussions highlighted the necessity for legislative action to strengthen regulations, manage groundwater sustainably, and clarify the criteria for issuing export permits. Notably, the overwhelming participation from local residents showcased the community's commitment to addressing these critical water issues, which will have long-term implications for the region's land and resources. The meeting concluded with calls for further review of groundwater regulations with the intent to come up with effective solutions that prioritize the needs of local communities while ensuring sustainable water practices.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Access to a school counselor who respected my privacy and access to a library.
  • Restricting access because some adults disapprove restricts access to ideas that could inspire and educate
  • I have seen firsthand how crucial equitable access and care are for Americans who are struggling.
  • Parents have the right to access the school's records.
  • We fear Senate Bill 13 would take away that access.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on various bills primarily aimed at enhancing parental rights within the educational system. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 204, which mandates the creation of a user-friendly handbook for parents detailing their rights regarding their children's education, and Senate Bill 609, designed to hold school districts accountable to parents and ensure transparency in educational practices. A significant amount of public testimony was offered both for and against these measures, reflecting the contentious nature of the subject matter. Senators emphasized the importance of parental involvement and education reform, fostering a robust dialogue among committee members and constituents alike. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address all bills thoroughly and attentively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:02 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • required to provide what's referred to as equitable services
  • Teachers, but helping districts access TIA and offer it to
  • You could add a fourth performance band and sort of help even more teachers gain access to it.
  • the school districts, like I said, isn't necessarily helping other students across Texas to have access
  • in which there are a lot of resources that you can access
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

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • p>

    They are also required to provide what's referred to as equitable

  • And again, in order for them to access the federal funds, they had to actually acknowledge this was one-time
  • You could get out a fourth performance band and sort of help even more teachers gain access to it.
  • launched is a safety campaign called "Drive Like a Tech," which provides a lot of resources that you can access
  • 15390"> We raise capital through bonding, and we have a fund, the SWIFT fund, that we can use for accessing
Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part I) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That access control...
  • If SB7 passes, I won't just lose access to a restroom; I’ll lose access to my future in this community
  • They do it on their own, taking away our access.
  • This bill restricts restroom access based on biological sex at birth.
  • These spaces make restrooms more accessible and safe for all. This makes restrooms more accessible.
Bills: SB7, SB14
Summary: The meeting focused on two primary bills, SB7 and SB14, which elicited passionate testimony from various stakeholders. Many speakers opposed SB7, arguing it disproportionally impacts transgender individuals under the guise of protecting women's spaces. Testimonies highlighted concerns about safety, privacy, and the potential for increased harassment against vulnerable populations, such as transgender youth. Supporters of the bill asserted it was a necessary measure for women's safety, yet critics emphasized that it would create further harm rather than protection. SB14 also saw substantial discussion regarding its implications for law enforcement record transparency, with some stakeholders supporting the need for confidentiality while others warned of accountability risks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • bucket is a very small percentage of what's available in the construction bucket, but in order to access
  • In the event that there's a site that needs to be cleaned up, TCEQ would have access to the revenues
  • I don't know if you have access to one where...
  • We use texasbuy.org to access.
  • Those flexibilities are going to make it easier for families to access meals.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues, notably focusing on funding appropriations for the Gulf Coast Protection District and infrastructure projects, including the Alamo complex. Members expressed concerns over budget constraints, with requests for substantial funds aimed at supporting environmental initiatives and the upcoming biennium. Discussion points included the efficacy of previous funding and the anticipated impact of new capital on local communities. Public testimony was encouraged at various intervals throughout the meeting, adding robust dialogue amongst members and stakeholders.

Research Filters

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