Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senator Cook'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • said, unlike the six-pack of Lone Star longnecks you might buy with the fajitas you're planning to cook
  • growing challenge of affordability and accessibility of child care, last session the legislature passed Senate
  • This committee passed it out of the full House, but it died in the Senate.
  • ="7164"> and the House floor last session, and as I stated earlier, I am just so hopeful that the Senate
Summary: The meeting of the committee explored various bills with significant discussions centered around House Bills like HB8, HB2723, and HB3093. Members expressed concerns about the financial implications of property tax assessments and the impact of unjust appraisals on local government budgets. Representative Cunningham highlighted the urgency of addressing the discrepancies in property tax laws as they relate to non-profit cemeteries, pointing out historical injustices that have led to the loss of community burial sites. Meanwhile, the discussions on HB3093 revolved around ensuring fair taxation practices to reduce financial uncertainties for local governments, emphasizing the need for realistic revenue calculations in budget projections. The committee actively invited public testimonies, illustrating the widespread interest and implications of these legislative efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • One member will be appointed by the governor and three members appointed by the Senate.
  • The three members appointed by the House would issue a report and report back to the Senate.
  • data-time="3384"> This is a bill that passed the House last session and just got caught up on the Senate
  • have received, we have delivered district-specific reports to every member of the Texas House and Senate
  • So, members, in the 87th legislative session, we passed Senate Bill 73, which established a separate
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several key bills related to health care and adoption services, with a significant emphasis on fostering care systems. Vice Chair Emanuel presented bills that aimed to streamline reporting requirements for the HHSC, while Representative Slauson's bill on voluntary adoption registries prompted a discussion on improving access and procedures within the child welfare system. Each bill was generally met with favorable votes, indicating strong bipartisan support for these initiatives. The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders who voiced the importance of these legislative efforts in enhancing the quality of life for children and families involved in the welfare system. Notably, the committee also tackled the issue of Medicaid services and accessibility for children needing medical equipment like baby helmets, which have been a burden for many low-income families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're cooking with good grease here.
Summary: During this committee meeting, a range of bills focused on enhancing Texas's healthcare and educational workforce were discussed. Notable discussions included HB1787, which aims to improve cancer prevention through education and vaccination, with concerns raised about its implications on personal choice regarding vaccines. HB5180 addressed diploma designation issues amid institutional mergers, and students provided testimony on the emotional significance of diplomas bearing their attending institution's name. Meanwhile, the committee aggressively pursued initiatives under HB5333 to boost local STEM education and production of doctoral graduates within the state, promoting collaboration between institutions and industries to foster talent development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> We bought $300 million worth of locally grown fresh produce cooked
  • Yes, Senator McLaughlin.
  • marker="385" data-time="2304"> I passed a policy position to send to the agriculture committees in the Senate
Summary: The meeting covered various topics and was characterized by in-depth discussions among the members. There were significant dialogues about the implications of recent legislation and its impact on community services. The chair facilitated input from multiple members, allowing for both support and opposition to be voiced regarding key issues. Additionally, there were several public testimonies that added to the discourse, reflecting diverse perspectives on the matters at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 27th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bill 31, Senate Bill 33, and Senate Bill 2880.
  • And Senator Parker moves at Senate Bill 779.
  • Senate.
  • Senate.
  • Senate.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding several proposed bills, notably SB31, SB33, and SB2880, which address abortion and related healthcare regulations. Prominent advocates for these bills included medical professionals and attorneys who argued for the necessity of stricter regulations to protect unborn children and prevent the indirect funding of abortion-related services. Testimonies featured intense debate, with supporters claiming the bills would enhance accountability and protect both mothers and children, while opponents raised concerns about potential negative impacts on women's health and constitutional rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part I) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator Birdwell, Senator Middleton.
  • Senator Middleton?
  • Hello, Senators...
  • Thank you, Senator Schwertner. Senator Perry, you are recognized.
  • Thank you, Senator.
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

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Schwertner. Present. Senator King.

  • Senator Blanco. Senator Campbell. Senator Creighton. Senator Johnson. Senator Kolkhorst.
  • Senator Menéndez, Senator Middleton, Senator Nichols, Dean Zaffirini
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • Senator Menéndez?
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several legislative items, including significant discussions about cybersecurity and the implementation of new technology in state operations. Key bills such as HB1500, which restructures the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to enhance cybersecurity measures and modernize its functions, were discussed extensively. There was consensus among members regarding the importance of safeguarding Texas's information infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the need for streamlined governance, a focus on artificial intelligence capabilities, and improved IT procurement processes. The members also addressed public testimony that raised important points concerning the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. Consequently, multiple bills, including HB2467 and HB4310, were favorably reported to the Senate without objections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The specific example, one of many, would be people cooking food and selling it out of their home.
Summary: HB2464, presented by Representative Heffner, seeks to reduce unnecessary local regulations on home-based businesses, supporting Texans' abilities to operate no-impact businesses from their residences. The discussions highlighted the balance between enabling entrepreneurship and ensuring community standards are upheld, along with concerns regarding potential impacts on existing zoning laws. The meeting concluded with a call for more clarification and a focus on ensuring the bill protects local interests while promoting small business growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • may go into someone's home and help them get out of bed, help them get dressed, help them clean or cook
  • span>

    So that is kind of how we got here, but also under Senate

  • Senate Bill 11 in the 85th regular session transformed what had been called foster care redesign.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around the presentation of Senate Bill 593, which focuses on reforming licensing requirements for kinship and foster care homes. Significant discussions revolved around the proposed changes to reduce duplicative regulations aimed at helping kinship families qualify for foster care payments. Members emphasized that the reforms would ensure that health and safety standards remain paramount while streamlining processes for providers. Various stakeholders expressed optimism that these changes would eliminate barriers and improve the system for both kinship caregivers and the children they support. Public comment on the new rules is anticipated in May 2025, with the new regulations set to take effect in October 2025. The chair and committee members expressed gratitude towards the agencies involved for their contributions during the review process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Button's proposal would obviously create a...
  • We came up with a compromise in the Senate with all the parties.
  • Even if we pass this in the House, we've still got to get it passed in the Senate.
  • To that original one from 2021 in the Senate, do you know
  • No, it is not in the Senate either, but I'm happy to share that with the committee.
Summary: This committee meeting predominantly focused on the discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at enhancing child care accessibility and addressing the issues related to deepfake technology. Representative Bojani introduced HB3133, which seeks to create a clear reporting process for deepfake material, ensuring social media platforms take accountability for harmful content. The bill aims to safeguard users from digital manipulations. Notably, the representatives engaged in a robust dialogue regarding the rising need for responsible management of deepfake content, establishing that Texas could take a leading role in this area.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 2361 by Senator.
  • Senate Bill 530 by Senator Sparks is pending business.
  • Senate Bill 2231 by Senator Hinojosa.
  • Thank you, Senator Parker, and for your comments, Senator Menéndez. I applaud Senator Parker.
  • Thank you, Senator Paxton. Thank you, Senator Patrick.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of important issues, particularly focusing on school safety and the impact of certain proposed bills on vulnerable populations. Notably, Senator Creighton presented Senate Bill 2623, which seeks to establish school safety zones by preventing navigation services near schools, aimed at ensuring the safety of children in educational settings. Concerns were raised regarding the potential adverse effects of this bill on homeless navigation centers, with various stakeholders expressing their positions during the public testimony session. The importance of balancing community services with student safety was a recurring theme throughout the discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And certainly, Senator Johnson helped me with an amendment on Senator Parker.
  • , Senate Bill...
  • Senator Schwertner? Yes.
  • Senator Schwertner? Yeah.
  • So do you, Senator Kolkhorst and Senator Creighton as well.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss a wide range of bills, including key pieces of legislation such as HB1922 and HB145, which address utilities' wildfire mitigation efforts. There was a notable emphasis on the importance of strengthening Texas' approach to dealing with electric utility liabilities and improving operational strategies in the event of wildfires. Public testimony was heard, with various stakeholders advocating for and expressing concerns about elements of the proposed regulations, highlighting the nuanced positions citizens and organizations hold regarding energy management and environmental safety. Additionally, several bills were reported favorably to the full Senate, indicating a smooth legislative progress during the meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 17th, 2025 at 09:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, I have a message from the Senate at the door of the House. I'll admit the messenger.
  • I'm not going to sit here and try to persuade you to vote against the Senate bill.
  • Shirt lays out on third reading, Senate Bill 260.

  • Senate Bill 260 raises and increases our school safety funding.
  • On Senate Bill 2.
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee featured discussions on various proposed bills, focusing on issues pertinent to education, taxation, and public health. Notably, the committee addressed HB 4847 regarding the discrimination of school district tax-related information, which sparked significant debate among members. There were multiple public testimonies in favor of and against provisions within the new legislation concerning the delivery of tax notices to property owners, showcasing the diverse opinions held by stakeholders. The committee chair emphasized the importance of transparency and equity in tax communications, and members were urged to consider the implications of the proposed changes carefully.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At this time, the chair calls forward Senator Sparks and recognizes Senator Sparks to present Senate
  • Senator.
  • Senate Bill 2231 by Senator Hinojosa.
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 1832 by Senator Parker and recognizes Senator Parker.
  • Thank you, Senator Paxton. Thank you, Senator Patrick.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical issues regarding educator misconduct and legislative measures to improve reporting standards. Significant discussions revolved around SB1224, which mandates that superintendents report allegations of sexual or abusive conduct directly to law enforcement rather than relying solely on internal investigations. This bill, presented by Senator Sparks, reflects an ongoing effort to close loopholes in the education system that enable misconduct to persist without proper accountability. Senators emphasized the alarming rise in educator misconduct cases and the need for more stringent reporting practices to protect children in schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation May 8th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In March, we did a resolution request in Senate to the Tarrant County Commissioner's Court, the City
  • Now we worry that we are using this contaminated water to shower and bathe in, drink and cook with, wash
  • thanked Landgraf and committee members for the opportunity to lay out the committee substitute for Senate
  • Senate Bill 2321 memorializes this practice and clarifies that an enforcement waiver extends to emissions
  • Chairman, Adrian Shelley with the citizens speaking in support of Senate Bill 2321.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various environmental legislative bills, notably HB1341, which sets maximum allowable ground level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, and HB1674 regarding PFAS regulations in biosolids. Representative Reynolds presented HB1341, emphasizing the health risks associated with hydrogen sulfide and the need for clear regulatory standards to protect communities near industrial operations. This received support from health advocates and oversight bodies, highlighting the urgent need for regulations to safeguard public health. Meanwhile, HB1674 faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental organizations which argued that the bill's provisions could disrupt biosolid disposal processes and increase costs significantly. Many testimony segments reflected concerns regarding the adequacy of scientific understanding related to PFAS and its implications for agricultural safety and water quality.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I recognize Senator Perry to lay out Senate Bill 1.
  • Senator Bettencourt is present. Members, any questions? Senator Kolkhorst.
  • Senator Betancourt.
  • Senator Schwartner.
  • for Senate Bill 1.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussion around SB1, addressing safety reforms in youth camps in light of a tragic flooding incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including family members of the victims, who shared heartfelt stories and the urgent need for reforms to ensure that such a tragedy would not happen again. The testimonies highlighted the importance of establishing better safety measures, including evacuation plans and compliance with new safety regulations. Senator Perry emphasized that the bill aims to create objective standards that protect children attending camps, prompting a strong emotional response from attendees as they reflected on the lives lost during the flash floods.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 1401 and recognizes.

  • Senate Bill 1401 is an innovative...
  • TCA has asked, and Senator West.

  • I believe there were two in the House and one in the Senate, or very close to that.
  • And those amendments were put on in the Senate. The three-year requirement.
Summary: The meeting revolved around discussions on House Bill 232, which seeks to amend the Texas Dream Act regarding in-state tuition for undocumented students. Key testimonies were presented, with numerous advocates opposing the bill, arguing it would harm talented Texas youths by denying them affordable education opportunities. Speakers included community leaders and affected students who shared personal stories illustrating the bill's potential drawbacks, emphasizing the negative economic impact that could result from limiting access to education for Dreamers and the associated societal benefits. The committee also explored House Bill 5154, which updates the Joint Admission Medical Program to improve access for economically disadvantaged students, receiving positive feedback and support from committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, I have a messenger from the Senate at the door of the House.
  • I am directed by the Senate to...
  • Being 139 ayes and 7 nays, Senate Bill 1786 is finally passed.
  • Speaker and members, Senate Bill 5 sets up...
  • The Senate companion is over and eligible.
Summary: The meeting featured extensive discussions on various bills, focusing particularly on House Bill 149, which aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence systems within the state. Representatives expressed concerns over the implications of AI, including potential abuses and the protection of consumer rights. Many members highlighted the importance of implementing measures to prevent harm, especially regarding underage users and the handling of sensitive information. Another significant bill discussed was House Bill 121, which addresses public school safety. This legislation received broad support, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures in educational environments. Overall, numerous bills related to health, safety, and technology were successfully passed during the session, reflecting the committee's commitment to progressive legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 27th, 2025 at 10:08 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cook. Is there an objection? Chair hears none, so ordered.
  • ">Following is a message from the Governor:

    To the Senate

  • I move to grant the request of the Senate.
  • Members, I move to grant the request of the Senate to

Summary: The meeting included significant discussions on several bills, with a notably vibrant debate around HB25, which seeks to authorize pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without prescription. Supporters highlighted the potential benefits for rural communities by improving access to affordable medications, while opponents raised concerns around safety and the implications of over-the-counter availability. Following extensive discussion, HB25 ultimately passed with a vote of 88 ayes to 51 nays. Additionally, HB192 and HB254 were discussed, both of which passed with strong support, marking a productive session for those advocating for the modernization of public health and infrastructure funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are here registering on Senate Bill 8.
  • Senate Bill 8.

  • So as a supporter of Senate Bill 8, I'll say a few.
  • Senate Bill 8 is left pending.
  • The bill has been passed twice out of the Texas Senate.
Bills: HB7, SB8
Summary: Simultaneously, SB8 initiated thorough debates over privacy and safety concerns in public restrooms. Supporters argued for the necessity of maintaining biologically separated spaces to protect women and children, while opponents highlighted the discrimination and potential harm caused to transgender individuals. Various stakeholders, including business representatives and community activists, voiced their opposition to SB8, emphasizing its negative implications for Texas's reputation as a welcoming state. The session concluded without any definitive resolutions, with both bills remaining pending for further consideration.

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