Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas Success Initiative'

Page 23 of 59
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the deputy director of Texas.
  • I'm a correctional officer with TDCJ and a private prison here in Texas.
  • My other question is, we have 101 prisons in the state of Texas, is that correct?
  • The Texas Civil Rights Project shows you are against the bill. Is that correct?
  • Two weeks prior to Grayson's death, there was another young man from Giddings, Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several significant bills addressing public safety and reform within the correctional system. Notably, HB2103 was discussed, which aims to provide mental health leave for correctional officers, amid growing concerns about their wellbeing due to the psychological stress associated with their duties. Support was voiced by various stakeholders, highlighting the need for better support systems for officers facing trauma related to their jobs. This bill was aimed at recognizing the critical role that mental health plays in maintaining a safe working environment for those in the corrections field. In another part of the meeting, HB2017 sparked heated debates, as it sought to instate stricter penalties for intoxication manslaughter committed by undocumented individuals. The discussion brought forth views on fairness and the implications of distinguishing sentences based on immigration status. Several witnesses offered testimony, both for and against the bill, leading to a contentious atmosphere that reflected the broader societal debates about immigration and public safety. Overall, the meeting highlighted the challenges of reforming laws while considering the variables of mental health and immigration status in the context of public safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas will no longer tolerate these crimes.
  • In 2017, the Texas Legislature amended the law to require the Texas Commission on Jail Standards...
  • As per data gathered from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and analyzed by the Texas Jail Project
  • What we did initially, Senator Huffman, was...
  • Texas has the ability to be the gold standard.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, the focus was on various bills aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing issues within the criminal justice system. Notably, Senate Bill 2460 was discussed, which allows for rapid DNA analysis at booking stations to address delays in forensic testing. The bill received support from several witnesses, including law enforcement officials, who emphasized the importance of this technology in solving cases more efficiently. Another significant topic was Senate Bill 1573, intended to provide due process protections for law enforcement officers accused of misconduct, which sparked a debate on balancing accountability and protecting the officers' reputations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Apr 8th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas imports 11...
  • hiring these interns for roles even beyond Texas.
  • Texas cannot afford for this program to go away.
  • I'm a farmer, resident, North Texas farmer-rancher.
  • You know, the state of Texas is supposed to maintain it.
Bills: HB2013, HB4163, HB4810
Summary: The meeting of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee mainly centered around discussions regarding three bills: HB4810, HB2013, and HB4163. Notable emphasis was placed on HB4810, which seeks to renew the Trade Agriculture Inspection Grant Program due to its critical role in ensuring the efficient flow of agricultural goods between Texas and Mexico. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the importance of cross-border trade and the economic impact of agricultural imports, which supports thousands of jobs and ensures a reliable food supply. The committee members engaged in thoughtful deliberations about the necessity of maintaining and expanding the program to accommodate rising trade volumes and local agricultural needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Grant and the Texas Educational Opportunity Grants, and also by creating the Texas Leadership Scholars
  • in Texas.
  • and trained here in Texas.
  • Tech University, Texas State University, and the University of North Texas.
  • , Texas Tech University, and Texas State.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on the funding recommendations for public health-related institutions and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. During the session, significant discussions were held around the $4.2 billion in total funding recommended for the 2026-27 biennium, which reflects a notable decrease compared to the previous biennium. Key highlights included an increase in funding for various educational support programs like the Graduate Medical Education expansion, and the need for modern data systems in colleges to ensure educational programs meet workforce demands. Testimonies from representatives highlighted both concerns about budget cuts and optimism for enhanced funding initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a violation of Texas Election Code 1.012 E through H.
  • Texas Election Code 122.001 states that election systems must be accurate.
  • It happened to me in Texas family courts. Speech should not be coerced.
  • I have never in my life felt more at home in Texas than I do now. That is until Texas...
  • Bills like this are a direct attack on my right to feel at home in Texas.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, significant discussions revolved around Senate Bill 618, which seeks to establish civil penalties for election officials who fail to adhere to the Texas election laws. Proponents, including Dr. Laura Pesce from True Texas Elections, passionately advocated for the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity in the electoral process. The committee heard testimonies underscoring the importance of consistent application of election laws and the necessity to deter violations that undermine public trust in the elections. Many witnesses detailed personal experiences with administrative overreach and violations of election law that directly affect voters and candidates alike. In addition to SB 618, the committee also reviewed Senate Bill 1999. This bill was met with considerable opposition, particularly from advocates arguing that it would promote discrimination against transgender students and exacerbate bullying within schools. Testimonies portrayed stark contrasts between supporters who claimed it would uphold religious freedom and critics who argued it would harm vulnerable youth by legitimizing discrimination based on gender identity. Ultimately, the meeting evidenced the varied views on legislative intent and societal implications surrounding these bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want the Texas grape growers to be very successful.
  • This sounds like a good bill for Texas and Texas wineries.
  • If we can support Texas local agriculture and promote Texans drinking Texas wine, we can keep more Texas
  • I make 100% Texas wine, and I grow 100% Texas grapes.
  • Texas wine.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on several key bills, including HB2286, HB1562, and HB1732, which were reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation that they do pass and be printed. Representative Hernandez notably contributed to the discussions on HB1562 and HB1732, both concerning massage therapy regulations. Furthermore, the committee heard discussions on HB491 regarding civil penalties for massage therapy violations and HB11 relating to occupation licensing reciprocity agreements. Most bills passed with unanimous support, indicating a strong consensus among committee members on these legislative issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Kevin Hale, Libertarian Party of Texas. We are.
  • I spend a lot of time in Giddings, Texas, in that district.
  • of Texas.
  • The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the legislature...
  • Texoga, Texas Royalty Council, and Texas Civil.
Summary: The meeting addressed several key pieces of legislation, including SB1626, which proposes to enhance Texans' ability to pursue legal action against social media platforms for censorship. The bill aims to provide statutory damages, making it easier for individuals to protect their free speech rights. Testimonies were heard from various public representatives expressing support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in maintaining free speech in the digital age. Other bills discussed included SB1719 and SB1494, each receiving varying levels of scrutiny and support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Texas bishops are committed to using all efforts to end the evil.
  • I appreciate so much the Catholic bishops in Texas standing behind.
  • I am here on behalf of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, or CAC Texas, and I'm testifying in
  • Here in Texas, they're going to go to prison for a long time.
  • And I look forward to a Texas where, as they...
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss critical legislation aimed at preventing child sexual abuse, focusing on HB748 and SB835. Both bills received significant support from various witnesses, including representatives from the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, who emphasized the importance of eliminating non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that allow perpetrators to escape accountability. Witnesses shared impactful personal testimonies, illustrating the harmful effects of NDAs on survivors and stressing the need for a transparent legal environment to protect vulnerable populations. The atmosphere underscored a collective commitment to reform and to stop allowing predators to hide behind confidentiality clauses.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the Texas Constitution.
  • With success on both fronts, students across Texas are now benefiting.
  • DEI initiatives.
  • In Texas, we know that these rights are fragile. In fact, before 1981 in Texas,...
  • I am with Government Relations for Texas Values and Texas Values Action.
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

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee staff watches, and people in Texas watch.
  • I'm with Texas AFT. I'm a government relations specialist, and I'm here testifying on the bill.
  • Texas must make continued investments in career and technical education.
  • Before joining Texas 2036, I was a high school teacher.
  • success.
Summary: The meeting largely centered on discussions about House Bill 120, which aims to improve career and technical education in Texas, particularly focusing on rural students. The bill was introduced as an innovative approach to enhance educational pathways for high-demand jobs, including programs for military readiness and industry-based certifications. Various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Career and Technical Association of Texas, provided testimonies in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to address the workforce requirements of the state. Conversely, concerns regarding the bill's implications were raised by several witnesses, primarily focusing on the potential unintended consequences for students with disabilities and the importance of maintaining a collaborative educational approach rather than a punitive one.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 10th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas homeowners know that their property tax...
  • an initiative to stop illegal crossings and other border crime.
  • It only applies to counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
  • high-quality Texas products.
  • to come to fruition and other stock exchanges move and incorporate Texas, it is vital for Texas not to
Summary: The meeting of the committee on ways and means centered on several significant bills aimed at addressing property tax issues, particularly regarding agricultural and border security infrastructure. A committee substitute for HB247 was discussed, emphasizing a voluntary approach with private landowners in light of enhanced border security measures, which reassured many stakeholders previously hesitant about such initiatives. Notably, the bill provides tax exemptions for landowners who allow construction of border security infrastructure, effectively alleviating concerns about increased property values leading to higher taxes. Committee members expressed support for transparency and fairness in how these laws impact stakeholders, especially those along the Texas-Mexico border.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bottom line is, it's Texas chicken.

  • which today supports over 1.35 million Texas jobs and handles
  • I show you registered as Kendall Cowell on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
  • In the event that a desired future plan is challenged, HB3609 allows the Texas Water Development Board
  • I show you registered as Natalie Ballew on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the consideration of several water-related bills, including HB1618, HB2970, HB3609, and HB3628. Representative Harris introduced HB1618, which aims to facilitate aquifer storage and recovery projects in Williamson County to support growth and address drought issues. Multiple witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for effective water management in a rapidly growing area. The discussion highlighted the increasing water demands along the I-35 corridor. Representative Paul advocated for HB2970, which codifies navigation safety measures for the Houston Ship Channel, a vital component for Texas's economy. This bill is linked to a major federal project intended to protect against storm surges while ensuring two-way traffic on the channel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Laura Presley with True Texas Elections.
  • Texas Elections, and you're neutral on the bill?
  • I'm S-R-E-C-S-D-10 in the Texas First Election Group.
  • I am coming from East Texas.
  • East Texas, and then once in Congressional District 32.
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

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Obviously, one of them was the Texas Association of Mid-sized Schools, Texas Association of Community
  • Schools, the Texas PTA, and the Coalition for Public Schools.
  • We're a convention of over 5,000 churches across the state of Texas.
  • Thank you for your time and commitment to the people of Texas.
  • Youth Day of Action with the Texas Network.
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

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just after the Texas Legislature passed debt relief in 2023, Texas approved voter debt increased by another
  • Foundation and Everyone Texas...
  • I asked my representative at the time in Texas and found out about SB7 from 2017 and thought, Texas is
  • Currently, the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation and the Texas Education Agency administer the
  • Although we initially came to Austin as part of the Youth Day of Action with the Texas Network on Youth
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

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're testifying on behalf of Texas A&M University yourself. On behalf of Texas A&M University.
  • to Texas.
  • My grandpa was born in Texas, my dad was born in Texas, and I was raised here in Texas.
  • I'm not asking for Texas to...
  • Texas Tech.
Summary: The meeting covered several legislative bills focused primarily on environmental impact and economic incentives, with significant attention given to HB3728, which aims to establish numeric salinity standards for Texas's bays and estuaries. Proponents argued that these standards would help protect delicate ecosystems while allowing for necessary industrial expansion, particularly in desalination. There was passionate testimony from environmental advocates emphasizing the potential long-term benefits for both the economy and local communities reliant on these waters. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of past subsidies as found in discussions surrounding HB4568, which faced opposition from the public and prominent committee members who criticized the use of state funds to support the film industry without demonstrating sustainable economic return on investment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm with Texas CASA.
  • ...state of Texas?
  • At least 100,000 of those deaths were in Texas alone.
  • Their study was recently concluded and was tremendously successful.
  • I'm speaking today on behalf of our 2.5 million members in Texas.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, significant attention was given to various bills aimed at enhancing healthcare provisions and improving processes within the health sector. Notable discussions included the presentation of Senate Bill 547 by Senator Menendez, which seeks to streamline provider notice requirements for healthcare professionals by proposing a centralized database managed by the Texas Department of Insurance. The bill was favorably reported and moved forward with recommendations for local and uncontested calendars. Additionally, a committee substitute for Senate Bill 2308 was introduced, focusing on innovative mental health treatments for veterans, particularly regarding ibogaine as a treatment for opioid use disorder. This proposal received strong support due to its potential to lead the nation in mental health care advancements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 5th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The program's now called Thriving Texas Families.
  • We currently serve families in eight Texas counties.
  • This bill strengthens the already highly successful Thriving Texas Families Program that provides vast
  • Wherever I travel, I frequently talk about how successful this program is—Thriving Texas Families—for
  • Paris, Texas.

    Oh, Paris, Texas.

Summary: The committee meeting included a range of discussions on various bills, notably focusing on mental health and public safety. Senate Bill 528, aiming to improve accountability in mental health treatment for individuals found incompetent to stand trial, received significant support from public testimonies. Witnesses emphasized the need for better coordination and transparency in service provisions, shedding light on the backlog of individuals requiring forensic mental health services in Texas. Additionally, Senate Bill 1388 was discussed as a means to enhance the Thriving Texas Families Program which supports women and families facing unplanned pregnancies, garnering both endorsements and concerns about its implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Intergovernmental Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would define that as success.
  • They conduct DWI initiatives. They do patrol initiatives.
  • I mean, my initial.
  • I'm the President of Texas.
  • So we put forth these initiatives.
Bills: HB26, HB73, SB14, HB46
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility in local governments, particularly the implications of House Bills 46 and 73. Proponents argued that these bills would help limit unnecessary spending and ensure that expenditures are tied to inflation and population growth, addressing taxpayer concerns about rising local budgets. However, numerous city officials and representatives from various organizations voiced strong opposition, claiming that these measures would hinder essential services and infrastructure improvements, particularly in rapidly growing areas. Current spending practices were deemed inadequate for meeting the demands of public safety and community services, especially in light of increased costs in areas like public water systems and emergency response. The meeting was characterized by passionate debate, as stakeholders lined up to express their views both for and against the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to your Texas Senate.
  • Committed to supporting and promoting Texas artists, the Music Office of Texas...
  • That's right, Texas made.
  • What a great place—tourism friendly, Texas certified community by Texas travel.
  • She'll be missed by Texas.
Bills: SJR1, SB9, SB40, SJR36, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40
Summary: During the latest committee meeting, a range of resolutions and bills were introduced and discussed, including significant recognitions for various organizations and communities. Notably, several resolutions were adopted to honor Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day and to recognize key contributions from the manufacturing sector in Texas. Senators shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude towards the tireless efforts of Texas game wardens who play a critical role in community safety and environmental conservation.

Research Filters

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