Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'constitutional amendments'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 21st, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under current law, a constitutional county judge is entitled to an annual salary supplement from the
  • House Bill 2529 increases the county supplement paid to certain constitutional county judges to allow
  • a constitutional county judge entitled to an annual salary supplement from the state to receive...
  • Constitutional county judges serve a great purpose

  • Chair members, House Bill 4044 amends Chapter 172 of the
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several house bills, notably those concerning environmental conservation, tax incentives for local businesses, and public safety. Key discussions revolved around HB3486, which introduces a sales and use tax incentive for restaurants purchasing Texas farm-raised oysters. Testimonies highlighted the importance of supporting local oyster farming to mitigate the decline of natural oyster reefs, and several witnesses praised the initiative for its potential environmental benefits. HB2688 also received attention, where representatives emphasized its role in enhancing public safety through improved support for police officers, echoing the community's need for stable recruitment and retention strategies in law enforcement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of our Constitution.
  • Constitution, and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
  • I would like to talk to whoever we can to have that amended into this bill.
  • is if the amendments are properly documented.
  • The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone from...
Summary: The meeting of the committee was focused predominantly on various bills concerning healthcare and insurance policies, reflecting significant discussions on how these laws impact the community. Notably, Senate Bill 660 was introduced to enhance safety measures at healthcare facilities, discussing the necessity for bollards to prevent unauthorized vehicular access, highlighting a bipartisan understanding of public safety. Senator West emphasized the importance of these regulations, citing real-world incidents that necessitate such actions. Public testimonies complimented this discussion, providing insight into community needs for enhanced security in hospitals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Following the amendment of the amendment, the chair... Is that the amendment of the amendment?
  • The following amendment of the amendment, the clerk will read the amendment of the amendment.
  • The following amendment to the amendment, the clerk will read the amendment to the amendment.
  • Members, I have an amendment to the amendment. The clerk will read the amendment to the amendment.
  • Romero on the amended amendment to the amendment.
Summary: The committee meeting opened with a recognition of 'Donna Day', celebrating the contributions of the City of Donna to the state, led by various representatives. Significant discussions then shifted towards the budget matters, including the consideration of HB3794 about licensing and regulations concerning Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Members expressed their support and acknowledged the importance of addressing healthcare provisions within the community. The discussion brought forth various motions aimed at suspending the rules to facilitate the timely deliberation of proposed bills and recommendations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 18th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Rainy Day Fund balance will exceed its constitutional
  • The first two, the pay-as-you-go limit and the tax spending limit, are in the Constitution.
  • to contract amendments on a fairly regular basis.
  • State plan amendment, right?
  • Our state plan amendment was approved in January of 2024. I don't have the specific.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Local Government Aug 1st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If we are able to do that, I have an amendment, and I'll bring it up.
  • I think the constitutional amendments could pass by upper 80s or more, but that's up to the voters.
  • Obviously, the state has a constitutional obligation to provide a public education.
  • I hope that there's some type of amendment to this provision to carve out any type of exemptions.
  • minutes on the floor with that one amendment, okay?
Bills: SB9
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to discuss the implications of Senate Bill 9, which focuses on property tax appraisal reforms. The bill's primary goal is to lower the voter-approved tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%. During the meeting, various stakeholders provided testimony, highlighting concerns about the potential impact of the cap on local governments, especially in rapidly growing areas. Senators engaged in extensive discussions about the balancing act between tax relief and the need for robust public services, emphasizing the need for local flexibility to meet constituents' needs. The bill faced opposition from local officials who argued that the cap could hinder essential services like police and fire departments, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 14th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first amendment that you have at the top, it says...
  • Going to be floor amendments. Floor amendments, correct?
  • The amendments are an outstanding improvement.
  • Seeing none, Representative Leach moves that Senate Bill 1448 be reported without amendments.
  • This is Senator Huffman's resolution proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of
Bills: SB1015, SB2933
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around several significant pieces of legislation, highlighting bills primarily focused on court proceedings, mental health services, and civil liabilities. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 441, which addressed civil liabilities for the promotion of artificial intimate visual material, and SB1164, concerning emergency detention for individuals with mental health issues. Both bills saw no amendments and garnered unanimous support in votes, showcasing the committee's intent to streamline judicial processes concerning these sensitive areas. Additionally, bills regarding guardianships and decedent estates were included, reflecting a commitment to improve the judicial system's handling of family law matters.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And in this situation, the applicant has actually now recently amended their application.
  • The district intentionally violated a statute or its own rule, making or the Constitution.
  • The violation of constitutional rights gives you the right to file that lawsuit.
  • The Chair moves without amendment to be reported

  • The committee substitute properly amends section 16.062 of the Water Code.
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill amends the language on these forms to add clarity and make these forms more applicable to all
  • data-time="4698"> The 5th Circuit ruled as unconstitutional an infringement of an applicant's constitutional
  • And the 5th Circuit deemed it violative of the 2nd Amendment
  • It even opined that potentially it might be violative of the Constitution if we were talking about a
  • Once again, we're trying to stay on this side of the Constitution, so we'd like the opportunity to work
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Fiduciary Relationships Committee involved extensive discussions focused on improvements in family law, particularly regarding child welfare and representation in court. Several bills were presented, including HB3382, which aims to enhance the standard of representation for children and parents in legal proceedings. Testimony highlighted concerns over attorney performance and the necessity of timely communication between attorneys and their young clients. Members voiced both support and opposition, especially regarding the timelines set forth for attorney consultations prior to hearings, reflecting a strong concern for the welfare of children involved in custody and welfare cases.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • But this is one of the rare moments in family law where we have something that is reaching a constitutional
  • Again, maybe we should define that broad discretion a little bit more and clarify what constitutes valid
  • And two judges said that this constituted child endangerment.
  • Several sessions ago, the legislature amended the standing statute 1-802-003-1200 to require foster parents
  • Then in Section Four, we're asking to amend 102-004

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by rigorous discussions focused primarily on child protection legislation, particularly HB116. The bill seeks to amend existing laws that allow for the termination of parental rights under vague circumstances, often without sufficient due process. Kate Murphy, Director of Child Protection Policy at Texans Care for Children, delivered a heartfelt testimony supporting the bill's intent to prioritize family preservation and ensure that parents facing challenges receive adequate support rather than facing punitive measures. This stirred considerable discussion among committee members about the implications of the current legal framework and how it disproportionately affects families without proven endangerment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 3731 just aims to restore this protection by amending the section and reinstating the $0.60
  • Let's be honest, we just need to amend the Constitution

  • Amending the Transportation Code with these changes would allow for a reduction of noise pollution in
  • The purpose of the bill, according to the bill analysis, says it aims to amend the Transportation Code
  • And my understanding is this would amend the statute

Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussion around various bills impacting transportation, housing, and public safety. Notably, House Bill 4348 garnered substantial opposition due to concerns that it could hinder local governments' ability to address safety improvements on their streets, potentially impacting affordable housing initiatives. Representatives from community organizations expressed that the bill would punish cities attempting to enhance road safety, while proponents argued it encourages effective use of transportation facilities. House Bill 4402 regarding autonomous vehicle regulation also sparked a heated debate about safety concerns related to driverless trucks operating without human oversight, with passionate testimonies both for and against the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a rule, the First Amendment limits the government, not private associations.
  • Constitution.
  • I would also be interested in seeing what the amendment...
  • Amend this bill, reject it.
  • High school students do have First Amendment rights.
Summary: The meeting saw significant discussions centered around several Senate bills, notably SB2487, SB1698, and SB2101. Senator Parker introduced and advocated for SB2487, which aims to enhance crisis service models for mental health interventions, receiving feedback from various stakeholders during formal testimony. The committee adopted the substitute version of this bill, which emphasizes local governance, expands service options, and tightens clinical timelines, responding to concerns from communities about service accessibility. Furthermore, the bill successfully passed from the committee with unanimous support, moving forward to the full Senate for consideration. In addition to SB2487, the committee reviewed SB1698, focusing on regulatory changes surrounding e-cigarette products. The committee recognized the importance of aligning state law with federal guidelines while ensuring strong consumer protections. Public testimonies included insights from enforcement officials and industry participants, highlighting the newly proposed measures aimed at preventing youth access to e-cigarettes. Lastly, SB2101, which addresses the regulation of sexually explicit materials in public libraries to ensure safe environments for minors, generated mix responses, with testimonies reflecting concerns over censorship and parental rights. The meeting concluded with the passage of SB2819 as well, which addresses political activities of county election administrators.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 18th, 2025 at 12:08 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • authority vested in me by Article 3, Sections 5, 5a, and 40, and Article 4, Section 8a of the Texas Constitution
  • include court security, court documents and arrest warrants, document delivery, juvenile boards, constitutional
  • amendment election changes, record retention, youth diversion, court-ordered mental health services,
Summary: The committee meeting addressed a range of legislation aimed at addressing public safety and emergency preparedness, particularly focusing on the aftermath of recent storms in Texas. A noteworthy aspect of the discussions involved several bills related to youth camp safety, disaster preparedness, and the establishment of emergency communication systems. Members actively debated the merits of various proposals, with particular attention on HB80, which addresses abortion-related liabilities, indicating a contentious atmosphere surrounding personal rights and public health issues. Testimonies from public witnesses reinforced the urgency of implementing stronger flood response measures and safeguarding vulnerable populations during emergencies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, I'm here to speak to you about House Bill 3524, a bill that strengthens taxpayers' constitutional
  • Article 8, Section 1A of the Texas Constitution states

  • Because it distracts from the core constitutional question, which is, is this property being treated
  • As stated earlier, the Texas Constitution gives taxpayers
  • in a way that follows the Constitution.
Summary: The meeting addressed multiple pieces of legislation related to property appraisal, primarily focusing on HB1952, HB4703, and HB3524. There was a lively discussion surrounding HB1952, which proposes to increase the number of elected members on appraisal boards, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. Public testimony included varied perspectives, with residents expressing a desire for more representation in appraisal decisions, while some members voiced concerns about the potential politicization of these boards. The committee left the bill pending for further scrutiny, indicating the complexity of the subject matter and the differing opinions within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Aug 12th, 2025 at 10:08 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Would a motion be in order that the House amend the committee's budgets to remove any amounts allocated
  • If the devastation on our hill country communities, the Texas Constitution, and their mounting debt aren't
Bills: HB1, HB2, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB4, HB1, HB2, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: In this meeting of the legislative committee, members gathered to discuss pressing issues, including critical flood response legislation that could significantly impact families and communities affected by recent disasters. Despite the efforts to address these urgent matters, a quorum was not present, preventing any formal actions from being taken. The absence of a sufficient number of members meant that discussions were limited and centered around logistics for the upcoming sessions to ensure that necessary votes could be conducted in the near future. The chairman expressed concerns about the operational costs related to these absences and emphasized the continuous tracking of taxpayer dollars being spent in response to the critical situations faced by communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Although this bill will not solve our debtor's prison problem, which our state constitution explicitly
  • I think I'm a little bit concerned about the presence of a firearm constituting that substantial risk
  • This bill also amends the offense of interference

  • The substitute amendment is withdrawn. If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending.
  • If any substitute amendment is withdrawn, if there is no objection, the bill will be left pending.
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

Land & Resource Management Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This proposed bill amendment incorporates this language from the builders.
  • The Chair moves that House Bill 4506, without amendment, be reported favorably to the full House with
  • The Chair moves that House Bill 4812, without amendment, be reported favorably to the full House with
  • The chair moves that House Bill 5437, without amendment, be reported favorably to the full House with
  • The chair moves that House Bill 5650, without amendment, be reported favorably to the full House.
Summary: The committee meeting included extensive discussions on various bills, with a notable focus on housing issues. The members deliberated on HB3892, which aims to address ambiguities in local government regulations and improve the accessibility of affordable housing in Texas. Public testimony was received from multiple stakeholders, including city representatives who voiced support for the bill, highlighting its significance in balancing development and local regulations. The chair also laid out additional bills such as HB5437 to establish a new municipal utility district and HB5650 focused on land use optimization, all of which were passed unanimously with zero nays.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development May 12th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...the Texas Constitution, and the victory of death letter
  • Commission to develop a plan to display the Texas Constitution
  • Additionally, the bill amends Government Code Section 481.066 subsection e to add a qualified member
Summary: The meeting of the Economic Development Committee featured extensive discussions on several bills focused on streamlining processes, improving technology education, and preserving historical sites. House Bill 1240 was presented to unify the definition of the Texas-Mexico border region, which drew no objections during the public testimony segment. Another significant bill discussed was HB2768, aimed at establishing an IT apprenticeship credential to address workforce shortages in state government, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing the state's technical capabilities. The chair emphasized the importance of these initiatives in bolstering both education and economic capacity within Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator King accepted an amendment on the Senate floor

  • I feel like this body needs to be reminded that Article 1, Section 2 of our Constitution says that all
  • and your Fourth Amendment rights are violated?
  • I mean, the amendment that was added in the Senate says "as required by law".
  • So despite the noble effort of amendments from members in the other chamber to protect some of these
Bills: SB15
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussion of SB15, which aims to standardize record-keeping protocols for law enforcement agencies across the state. It received a mixed reception from committee members and witnesses, with significant concern raised regarding its potential to obscure misconduct and limit public transparency. Public testimony included strong dissent from individuals and organizations advocating for greater accountability in policing, who argued that the bill could enable law enforcement agencies to suppress critical information under the guise of confidentiality. Significant dialogue pertained to the implications of the bill in light of recent events that highlighted the need for transparency in police conduct, particularly in controversial cases such as the Uvalde school shooting. Ultimately, the bill was passed out of committee with minimal opposition.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Starting constitutes having a contract or breaking ground

  • Starting constitutes having a contract.

  • Senate Bill 2133 will amend Section 351.152 of the tax

  • Senate Bill 1483 amends Chapter 351 of the tax code to extend the convention...
  • So I would appreciate your expeditious help because if I can work this as a floor amendment and reach
Summary: The committee meeting featured a comprehensive discussion surrounding several bills, notably SB1756, SB2297, and SB1483, which are aimed at restructuring hotel occupancy tax revenues and convention center funding in various municipalities. Senators expressed strong opinions about SB1756, with Senator Birdwell highlighting that limiting project financing zone revenues could severely impact cities like Fort Worth and hinder ongoing tourism development efforts. Meanwhile, local leaders from Pflugerville and Anna spoke in favor of bills supporting regional economic growth and infrastructure investment, emphasizing the increasing need for enhanced convention facilities to accommodate rising populations and attract events.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • p>Chair, we're going to lay out a bill and its corresponding constitutional
  • amendment, so we can have testimony on both.
Bills: SB23, SJR85
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on significant property tax legislation, predominantly revolving around SB23 and HJR85, both introduced by Senator Bettencourt. These proposals aim to enhance the homestead exemption for senior and disabled taxpayers, raising it from $10,000 to $60,000. Senator Bettencourt expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of these bills, which he emphasized as the most significant tax relief measure for seniors in Texas in decades. The discussion included estimated savings of $950 per qualifying homeowner, which drew positive remarks from committee members regarding the importance of making property taxes more manageable for vulnerable populations.

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