Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'tax refund'
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TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- , what I would argue is that school districts ought to be utilizing that maintenance and operations tax
- We have a maintenance and operations tax rate for a reason.
- and then it kind of went down and now we're going back since we're trying to buy down the antelope tax
- Every bond is an increase in taxes, and Texas has a...
- rate, implying that it's going to lower taxes when, in reality, you have to pay back that debt with
Keywords:
school funding, bonds, education, finance, Texas Education Code, public banks, bond proceeds, voter transparency, Texas legislation, Senate Bill 621, Senate Bill 414
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several key bills impacting public funds, particularly regarding the use of unspent bond proceeds and mandated transparency during bond elections. Notably, Senate Bill 621 was discussed, which seeks to prohibit political subdivisions from establishing public banks, emphasizing core governmental functions and preventing taxpayer exposure to financial risks. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted concerns about the appropriateness of using public funds for non-essential projects, which led to vigorous debate amongst committee members. Additionally, Senate Bill 414 was addressed, which requires clear disclosures about estimated interest costs in bond proposals, aiming to enhance voter awareness and accountability.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Environmental Regulation Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am
House Environmental Regulation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to understand this is on top of the 8.25% tax you're already paying.
- We have a 23% franchise tax.
- A franchise tax, what it does is it's a tax, but it's a
- tax you have to go to the voters for.
- Plus, you throw on the franchise tax.
Keywords:
solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, emissions inspection, motor vehicle, environmental regulation, state authority, clean air act, federal mandate, liquefied natural gas, environmental permits, expedited review, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, public comments, administrative hearings, occupational licenses
Summary:
The meeting focused on several critical environmental bills primarily related to regulatory processes and emissions management. Key discussions included a thorough examination of HB3997, which aims to streamline LNG terminal permitting processes to boost development efficiency and compliance in Texas. Matt Barr of Chenier Energy emphasized the need for clarity in regulatory timelines to better support export operations and maintain Texas's leading position in LNG exports. Additionally, multiple bills were proposed concerning vehicle emissions testing and transparency requirements in waste management contracts, highlighting the varied approaches lawmakers are taking to environmental regulation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- taxes down.
- They don't pay taxes on that.
- Also, the leaseholds are tax-free.
- Rep, right, you can't levy a property tax, right?
- This comes out of the tax code. This bill adds to our tax code and includes the exemptions.
Keywords:
memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, memorial highway, transportation, Texas, veterans, commemoration, memorial designation, transportation, local honors, public awareness, community recognition, railroad, short line railroad, transportation, economic development, grant program
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Energy Resources May 12th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Energy Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a federal tax exemption on exported fuel. Well, the exported fuel...
- tax evasion into their country.
- code on the 162 for the motor fuel tax code.
- That's totally fine within the tax code.
- tax-free exported fuel actually leaves the country.
Keywords:
LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, HB2, SB2949, fuel regulations, gas facilities, Texas-Mexico border, public safety, illegal fuel operations
Summary:
The meeting featured robust discussions surrounding several bills, particularly focusing on HB2 and SB2949, which aim to establish better regulations for gas facilities and address concerns over fuel transportation. Representative Rosenthal introduced HB2, explaining its intent to improve protocols for gas installations, and shared a personal account of safety concerns that arose from similar incidents in his area. SB2949 was discussed with emphasis on curbing illegal fuel operations while protecting legitimate trade across the Texas-Mexico border. The bill drew attention due to a rise in fuel-related crimes and the need for effective tracking of fuel movements. Both bills left pending, highlighting the committee's commitment to revisiting and refining the proposed measures.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Every bill proposed by a single author is a waste of Texans' tax dollars.
- The taxpayer is the person that owes the tax.
- It's defined in the government code as a person liable for tax, or a person who has the tax obligation
- taxing units' no new revenue tax rate and the voter approval tax rate.
- Put the tax roll right next to the form we fill out, and that way...
Keywords:
school safety, border security, fentanyl trafficking, public testimony, legislative funding, mental health resources, Texas Senate, safety protocols
Summary:
The meeting revolved around various critical discussions, primarily focusing on school safety and the challenges surrounding border security. Key testimonies highlighted the significant strides made in reducing illegal crossings but emphasized the need for continued vigilance against crime and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Members expressed gratitude towards the Texas Senate's supportive role in funding for safety measures and strengthening resources to keep the state safe. Conversations also centered around the implementation of new safety protocols in schools, including the establishment of the Office of School Safety and Security, and how schools are addressing vulnerabilities identified from assessments. Furthermore, the importance of mental health resources was underscored as a complement to physical security improvements within educational institutions.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why we have the tax status that we do as a non-profit.
- We don't do partisan work on the tax paradigm, but we do do political work.
- property taxes.
- Why would we not want a taxing entity?
- local tax rates.
Keywords:
student transfer, public servants, education code, peace officer, servicemember, judicial officer, school security, volunteer program, retired law enforcement, veterans, public safety, school safety, criminal background check, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, sparsity adjustment
Summary:
The committee meeting convened to discuss various proposed legislation, most notably Senate Bill 13, which addresses the management of library materials in school districts and parental rights regarding access to library catalogs. Senator Paxton introduced the bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and appropriate content in school libraries to protect children from sexually explicit materials. Discussions included testimonies from community members and stakeholders, highlighting both support and opposition based on concerns over censorship and parental authority. The committee left the bill pending for further review and discussions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . $3 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties were paid last year alone.
- For context, that $27.3 billion paid by this is more than the entire tax revenue of 34 states.
- on severance from producing that mineral, a severance tax, along with property taxes, along with franchise
- taxes, along with sales taxes.
- session in our opinion would be the research and development tax incentive, which is a franchise tax
Keywords:
SB786, SB119, SB1186, geothermal injection wells, brine mining, environmental regulations, water management, Texas Railroad Commission, economic growth
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on several key legislative initiatives, including the implementation of new regulations concerning geothermal injection wells as per SB786, and the jurisdiction over brine mining clarified by SB119 and SB1186. Commissioner Christy spoke about the achievements of the Railroad Commission of Texas in regulatory standards and emphasized the importance of updating environmental practices that safeguard groundwater and surface water while facilitating economic growth. Senators expressed their concerns regarding operational impacts on various sectors, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between agencies to address challenges related to water management and environmental compliance.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Land & Resource Management Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Land & Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Those lower income families, of course, contribute to a lower tax base for us.
- ...to levy certain fees and property taxes.
- Well, if I'm a renter and I go try and raise moderate tax rates for...
- It is incompatible with our shared goal of cutting taxes. We ran the numbers and the...
- Chairman Gates, we talked about Bastrop and the tax...
Keywords:
affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, taxation, municipal utility district, board of directors
Summary:
The meeting featured public testimonies from various stakeholders, including mayors from small cities who described the difficulties of rapid development with limited staff and resources. They highlighted the importance of balancing property rights and groundwater management while planning for sustainable growth. The discussions were robust, addressing the challenges of infrastructure demands stemming from growth and the necessary partnerships between local governments and developers. Overall, the meeting showcased the committee's engagement with community concerns regarding local governance and sustainable development practices.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- tax exemption.
- However, in some cities, municipally owned utilities adopt increased rates charged to tax-exempt entities
- Tax exemptions.
- That qualify for a sales tax or ad valorem tax exemption that
- This would ensure that our tax-exempt entities actually get to enjoy the benefit of these exemptions.
Keywords:
water quality, filtration systems, public utilities, Senate Bill 2497, House Bill 2692, San Antonio River Authority, legislation, environmental health
Summary:
The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions around various bills, especially those related to water quality and public utilities. House Bill 2692 was presented to simplify and clarify the enabling legislation for the San Antonio River Authority, highlighting improvements necessary for effective governance and administration. Additionally, there were discussions on Senate Bill 2497, which mandates public water systems to install filtration systems to ensure safe drinking water in communities facing water quality issues. Witnesses emphasized the financial burden and the need for more flexibility in solutions to address water contamination without imposing heavy costs on small water systems. The conversation underscored the balance between public health and fiscal responsibility, with various solutions proposed to mitigate the risks of water contamination.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Business and Commerce (Part II) Feb 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, non-profits get tax privileges in our state.
- Maybe you can get to the bottom of it, but the taxpayer should know once they've paid their taxes.
- You know, if you look at a city and a county, a lot of that is a little bit of a sales tax.
- It's property tax.
- We're all sensitive to the property tax; we're working on that.
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on SB6, which is aimed at facilitating greater liability and addressing the challenges associated with load interconnection. The chair reopened discussions on the bill, engaging with several public testimonies. Among the 27 registered witnesses, many expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its significance in ensuring accurate load visibility and addressing issues in the energy sector. Notably, Lee Bratcher from the Texas Blockchain Council commended the committee's efforts while highlighting concerns related to transmission costs and their potential impact.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , or will they be paying property taxes on this infrastructure?
- Or will there be property taxes?
- So in January of this year, my firm paid the property taxes, and we will continue to pay the property
- I don't know the answer to that, but right now we are paying the property taxes.
- It depends on the nature; if it's a private company, I would think that it would pay property taxes.
Bills:
HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832
Keywords:
affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, traffic collisions, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, bicycle lanes, transportation study, Texas Department of Transportation, healthcare, funding
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB2003, the high-speed rail project proposed by Texas Central. Representative Harris presented the bill, highlighting the need for increased transparency and accountability regarding the project's funding and operational dynamics. Witnesses testified both for and against the bill, with concerns raised by Texas Central representatives about the potential impact of the proposed requirements on financial confidentiality and competition. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, emphasizing the balance between necessary oversight and encouraging private investment in critical infrastructure.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- lower the amount of taxes.
- That was basically then-Governor Bush's tax relief program.
- And by the way, that's tax relief.
- That's what Governor Bush campaigned successfully for president on, is tax.
- Cities, this is your tax base. We're seeing a declining educated workforce.
Bills:
HB2
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, educational funding, HB2, special education, mental health services, charter schools, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on legislation related to educational funding and support for students with disabilities. Testimonies were heard regarding HB2, which aims to enhance special education funding and improve the overall educational environment for students. Advocates stressed the importance of investing in mental health services within schools, emphasizing that a holistic approach to student welfare is essential for fostering a safe learning environment. Concerns were raised about charter school funding and the lack of accountability in financial expenditures related to such institutions. Additional discussions highlighted the urgent need for updated policies that reflect current economic realities in education, especially regarding the basic allotment for school funding.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Feb 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- State investment includes property tax reduction, doesn't it?
- And so this actually predates your most recent tax compression.
- My area focus is not tax policy.
- Then you collect property taxes.
- of lower tax rates, about 10% lower tax rates in some districts
Keywords:
public education, funding, teacher retention, deficit budgets, legislative changes, Texas Education Agency, educational landscape, workforce development
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Education convened a comprehensive meeting focused on critical issues impacting education in Texas. Chairman Buckley emphasized the committee's commitment to providing the largest public education investment in the state’s history while addressing pressing concerns such as funding disparities, teacher retention, and legislative changes impacting the educational landscape. Notably, Commissioner Mike Morath presented an extensive report detailing the current state of public education, highlighting a pressing need for adequate funding aligned with student needs and the challenges posed by deficit budgets in various school districts stemming from overreliance on temporary federal funding sources.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- So these are tax dollars subsidizing private projects, is that right?
- are being taxed out of their homes every day in the state—to consider more free market alternatives
- like cutting severance taxes and reducing regulations on all providers?
- we've already allocated, that's money that we could use for other purposes such as reducing property taxes
- Including reducing property taxes, right?
Keywords:
Texas Energy Fund, Public Utility Commission, taxpayer money, funding strategies, electricity regulation, public testimony, resource efficiency
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on the public utility sector, with significant attention given to the Texas Energy Fund and its anticipated expansion. Discussions highlighted the funding strategies for public utility programs, with representatives questioning the necessity of further taxpayer investments in projects that have not proven their effectiveness. There was substantial debate over the management of resources and efficiency, particularly emphasizing the regulatory responsibilities of the Public Utility Commission. Member concerns were vocalized around the impact of increased spending on local taxpayers, and whether alternative measures could suffice without additional funding.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- in student enrollment this year, we will still expect to send about $30 million of local property taxes
- This is about 77 percent of our M&O taxes collected locally.
- For the current 24-25 school year, Port Aransas ISD assessed $39 million in local M&O property taxes
- Are either one of y'all not recapture districts because of that tax bill?
- Real fast, but if it's in combination with a property tax
Bills:
SB2920, SB2929, SB2398, SB865, SB401, SB2619, SB2927, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1635, SB1581, SB2008
Keywords:
steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators
Summary:
The meeting focused on advancing several significant pieces of legislation, particularly those pertaining to education and school finance. Notable discussions included the adoption of committee substitutes for various Senate Bills, such as SB2392, which introduced new reporting requirements for educators regarding misconduct cases. The committee also addressed SB1635, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of high coastal insurance costs on school districts, which included provisions for credits against required recapture payments. Senator Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of responding to the challenges faced by local districts, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure fair funding in coastal areas.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Culture, Recreation & Tourism Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The amount of dollars that we generate in tax revenue, the amount that comes back to the state in tax
- This rebate applies to the mixed beverage gross receipts taxes and sales taxes attributable to the sale
- property tax reforms for our travel insurers and businesses.
- The state tax credit is the best state tax credit in the
- Tax credit program.
Keywords:
HB2, HB22, HB4, legislation, witness testimonies, public engagement, local community impact, economic implications, social justice reform
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
Transcript Highlights:
- ...tax receipts while an appeal is pending?
- our sales taxes: it's both unnecessary and unintentionally punitive.
- But if it isn't, sales taxes are a key part of our budget.
- They're one of the three legs of our stool, along with property taxes and utility revenues.
- And this constituent looked at me and said, "What do I pay taxes for?
Keywords:
E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, Sunset Review, government accountability, Texas Lottery Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Ethics Commission, government agencies, regulatory review, regulatory consistency, enforcement, local government compliance, cybersecurity, business protections, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce centered around critical legislation including SB2858, SB324, and several others pertaining to regulatory consistency and enforcement in local governments. Notably, SB2858 was introduced to address the apparent noncompliance of some cities with state laws by empowering the Attorney General to enforce regulations more effectively. The members deliberated on the implications of this bill, with public testimony highlighting the need for stronger measures against local governments that ignore state mandates. Aside from regulatory discussions, SB2610 was well-received as it aimed to provide cybersecurity protections for small to medium-sized businesses, encouraging compliance with industry standards while simultaneously minimizing potential legal repercussions for companies against data breaches. The committee aimed to strike a balance between ensuring business security and avoiding undue burden on smaller enterprises.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Session (Part I)Opening Day of the 89th Legislature, First Called Session Jul 21st, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans
- and legislation imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property taxes.
- marker="61" data-time="360">Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of tax
- dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations that lobby the legislature.
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, redistricting, Texas Senate, congressional districts, public input, legislative procedures, redistricting, Senate procedures, congressional districts, public input, legislative transparency, redistricting, Senate rules, congressional districts, public hearings, committee procedures
Summary:
The meeting of the 89th Legislature featured discussions primarily centered around several key bills, including SB648 concerning protections against title theft and deed fraud, SB1253 which addresses impact fees for builders incorporating water conservation measures, and SB2878 related to the administration of the judicial department. The session began with a prayer acknowledging the devastating floods that affected Central Texas, followed by a message from Governor Greg Abbott calling for the special session. Members engaged in robust debates on the importance of the proposed legislations, particularly focusing on community recovery efforts following recent natural disasters. Public testimonies were elicited, highlighting the varied perspectives on the bills under discussion and underscoring the significance of legislative action in response to constituents' needs.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Shaheen, relating to the establishment of an education savings account program and insurance premium tax
- data-time="4950"> HB 642 by Bernal, relating to the limitations of the total amount of ad valorem taxes
- that a school district may impose on certain residents' homesteads to mitigate substantial school tax
- HB 670 by B.C., relating to the authority of a taxing unit
- to authorize and regulate certain matters related to school funding following a substantial school tax
Keywords:
legislation, constitutional amendments, taxation reforms, public testimony, mental health, Ketamine Treatment Grant Program, daylight savings time
Summary:
The committee meeting predominantly focused on a multitude of bills concerning various legislative amendments. Key discussions included the pros and cons of constitutional amendments, such as one by Schofield proposing year-round daylight savings time, and issues around taxation reforms highlighted by various members. The committee engaged in vibrant discussions, inviting public testimonies from both supporters and opponents of several bills, emphasizing the importance of community input in legislative processes. Notably, there were extensive debates on HB720, which pertains to the Ketamine Treatment Grant Program for veterans and first responders, underscoring the significance of mental health legislation. Members expressed their concerns about implementing the program effectively while ensuring adequate funding and oversight.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in 1937, despite the therapeutic use of this plant dating back to 2700 BCE, the Marijuana Tax Act
- "973" data-time="5832">And then, when Representative Drew Darby asked them, "How will, how does the tax
- And that's done with our own tax dollars, by the way.
- They've lobbied against property tax relief.
- They even lobbied against the safety of women and children in private spaces with your own tax dollars
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, lobbying, public funds, political subdivisions, government accountability, transparency, taxpayer-funded lobbying, election integrity, SB11, SB12, hemp-derived THC, community advocacy, transparency, local control
Summary:
The committee meeting held a vigorous debate primarily concerning Senate Bills 11, 12, and 5, each addressing significant legislative issues including taxpayer-funded lobbying, election integrity, and the regulation of hemp-derived THC products. Proponents of SB12 defended it as necessary for transparency and fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the suppression of taxpayer-funded lobbying as a means to protect taxpayer interests. In contrast, opponents raised concerns that the bill would silence local government voices and hinder advocacy from smaller communities, arguing that it undermines local control and representation in the legislative process. Throughout the discussions, key testimonies illustrated the political divides over these legislative priorities, generating significant public interest and engagement.