Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'hotel occupancy tax'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 12th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...in a low-tax

  • Lower taxes, light and smart regulations, infrastructure,
  • created the bridge between the pimp and the child, that used to walk a track that now could go to any hotel
Summary: Another key topic was HB581, addressing the misuse of AI in creating damaging content. The chair emphasized the urgency of the issue affecting children and expressed a commitment to finding solutions. Bills like HB644 also drew attention, as they modified liabilities for businesses regarding the carrying of concealed firearms on their premises. The meeting was characterized by a diverse range of opinions, with several members expressing support for the bills and others raising concerns about potential impacts on governance and public safety.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • That is the best property tax credit you can get, but that's not the effect we're seeking.
  • span> ...does that by prioritizing landowners whose primary occupation
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed significant issues surrounding groundwater conservation, with a focus on several proposed bills aimed to enhance the management and sustainability of water resources in the region. House Bill 1633 was discussed, which seeks to strengthen criteria used by groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) when permitting, ensuring that they factor in potential impacts on neighboring exempt wells. Positive sentiments were expressed regarding the need for more stringent evaluations of groundwater permits to preserve resources effectively. This bill aims to reinforce accountability among GCDs, emphasizing the criticality of groundwater, especially in rural areas where access is essential for agricultural and domestic use. In addition, House Bill 1689 and Senate Bill 3058 were presented, both aimed at improving how GCDs utilize export fees and manage water conservation measures. Public testimony highlighted the concerns of landowners about excessive pipeline construction fees and a lack of adequate authority to collaborate with counties on water projects. The committee adopted several amendments to these bills to better align the interests of landowners with water conservation goals. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the pressing need to balance development and conservation, signaling a collective intent to move forward with actionable legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 13th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's a perfect example; when people go to a hotel

  • and leave their gun or something in the hotel, that's something we post online.
Summary: During the meeting, multiple bills were reviewed and discussed, with the most prominent being HB33, known as the Uvalde-Strong Act. This bill aims to improve school safety and preparedness in active shooting situations by implementing stringent security measures and training requirements for law enforcement and educational institutions. The bill generated significant discussion about its provisions, the urgency for enhanced safety protocols, and the lessons learned from previous tragedies. HB1261, which allows for dual publication methods for public notices, was also reported favorably without objections, reflecting a growing need to adapt legislative processes to modern communication standards. The meeting concluded with several bills advancing to the full Senate for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Jul 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • have to arrange for childcare, they don't have to spend the time and money, they don't have to get a hotel
  • We would try to set that up, but when you go to that conference center or that hotel or wherever you
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the congressional redistricting resolution prompted by the governor's request due to constitutional concerns flagged by the U.S. Department of Justice. Members discussed the procedural steps necessary to establish a special committee on congressional redistricting, emphasizing the need for transparency and public participation. Concerns were raised about the limited number of planned regional hearings and the implications for community input. A strong commitment to include public testimony through both in-person and virtual means was stated, ensuring that Texans can engage with the process regardless of their geographical location. Discussions included the necessity of adopting prior successful procedures similar to those in past sessions, with an acknowledgment of the unique challenges posed by current legal requirements. Members expressed varying viewpoints on balancing the need for thorough public participation while addressing logistical challenges inherent in the redistricting process. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a collaborative atmosphere aimed at crafting a fair and lawful redistricting plan while acknowledging the diverse opinions of constituents throughout Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • So this is going to increase taxes in your county?
  • the occupant of the White House.
  • In my occupation as a city planner, I have worked

  • and that is a further waste of our tax dollars.
  • They lived through poll taxes, literacy tests.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on public testimonies regarding the revised congressional redistricting plan. Numerous witnesses presented their concerns about how the proposed changes could potentially dilute representation for minority communities. A consistent theme throughout the testimonies was the fear that the redistricting effort was not aimed at serving constituents but rather at securing power for political parties. Several participants expressed a strong opposition to what they perceived as gerrymandering tactics, claiming they would negatively impact African-American and Hispanic communities in Texas. The meeting revealed a clear public sentiment against the redistricting proposals, with nearly all witnesses speaking out against the changes. The Chair noted an overwhelming number of testimonies opposing the redistricting, indicating a strong community response to the proposed changes and their implications on fair representation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have to pay the entire freight through their taxes, which means either their taxes go up for something
  • All we've done is taken $50 million out of the tax base.
  • Including the hotel, because I testified on a few bills
  • We couldn't afford the taxes, so we surely couldn't afford an attorney.
  • That night, I was waiting for him to call me and tell me that he had made it back to his hotel.
Summary: In the recent meeting, the Judiciary and Cellular Disturbance Committee convened to discuss several critical issues, highlighted by the testimony surrounding HB1761. The committee chair emphasized the importance of the bill, gathering a panel consisting of key witnesses who offered various perspectives. Notably, Kathy Ward from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct voiced concerns regarding potential pitfalls of imposing sanctions on false complaints, advocating for a more inclusive process that considers mental health perspectives. Jacob Putnam, a District Attorney, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the bill's implications for public service recruitment and the necessity for competitive pay in public positions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Their taxes in the economy, land ownership is essential for business investment. HB 1740.
  • Texans rightfully expect that their hard-earned tax dollars...
  • So why should tax dollars...

  • I pay property taxes in Randall County and Travis County.
  • They clean hotel rooms and office buildings. And I also do...
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions surrounding several bills focused on immigration, border security, and campaign finance reform. Notably, House Bill 1554 was presented to address the use of public funds for legal services for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., sparking significant opposition from several witnesses who voiced concerns about racial discrimination and the implications for immigrant communities. Other key bills discussed included House Bill 4823, the Campaign Finance Transparency Act, which aims to enhance reporting processes for political contributions, and House Bill 3676, related to energy policy. The committee heard from various stakeholders, both in support of and against the proposed legislation, reflecting a diverse range of opinions on these critical issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Elections Aug 25th, 2025 at 11:08 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 167" data-time="1659">You guys are taking off on private planes, flying up to Illinois, staying in hotels
Bills: HB18
Summary: In the meeting, the primary focus was on HB18, which aims to prohibit legislators from fundraising while breaking quorum without an excused absence. The bill sparked a lively discussion among committee members, highlighting concerns regarding the financial benefits that legislators may receive while hindering the legislative process. Members debated the implications of enacting such a law, with some arguing that it could unfairly penalize minority parties exercising their constitutional rights. Notably, testimony was heard from constituents who expressed their discontent with fundraising efforts that coincided with quorum breaks, presenting a strong case for the necessity of the bill. The committee ultimately chose to leave the bill pending for further discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we're asking for property tax relief in this bill so we can reimburse our counties for those costs
  • span marker="385" data-time="2304"> ...tell you that this bill is going to lead to a massive property tax
  • We don't lack extra capacity, because that's wasted tax dollars.
  • who could be working, who could be paying taxes, who won
  • Conditions are bad enough as it is, and giving tax dollars for...
Summary: The committee meeting centered around numerous bills related to criminal justice reform. Notably, discussions included House Bill 2341 focusing on awarding diligent participation credits to defendants in state jail facilities, which was favorably reported with minimal opposition. Additionally, House Bill 2756, referred to as the Jovian-Motley Act, aimed at improving training for correctional officers and staff, reflecting broader concerns about public safety and officer preparedness. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including law enforcement representatives, emphasizing the need for effective measures in managing inmate populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • providing an administrative penalty, authorizing a fee, creating a criminal defense, and requiring an occupation
  • All those fees add up, and fees are just taxes.

  • It's just a nice way of saying tax.
  • So, if you're going to be taxed, you need to know prior

  • to engaging in commerce that you're being taxed.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Employment held a meeting focused on various bills related to workforce development, consumer protection, and business regulations. Notably, HB5317, aimed at establishing a self-insured retention fund to lower insurance costs for state agencies, received significant attention, with discussions on its potential fiscal benefits. The committee also reviewed bills concerning unemployment benefits, regulation of food service surcharges, and property rights for homeowners, particularly in the context of water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions. Public testimony highlighted concerns over transparency in mandatory fees charged by food service establishments, with stakeholders advocating for clearer disclosures to protect consumer trust.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ="1566">If you do not conduct a cost-based analysis to back up a rate hike, then that constitutes a tax
  • When you take ratepayers' money and use it for other things rather than water, then that constitutes a tax
  • They can no longer annex people, so they can't get the property tax, all right?
  • Importantly, the district will not have taxing authority.
  • marker="1030" data-time="6174"> Basically, we would be treating it the same way we treat property taxes
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee was notably focused on critical infrastructure bills, particularly dealing with water resource management in Texas. Discussions centered around SB1169, which proposes a regional collaboration model to enhance water accessibility, particularly for small, rural communities facing significant water shortages. Advocates from various sectors provided testimony highlighting the urgency of addressing water supply issues exacerbated by population growth and climate challenges. Senator Hinojosa and other committee members expressed strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the need for expanded solutions and proactive legislation to secure Texas's water future.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 21st, 2025 at 12:04 pm

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let me make sure you understand this is a property tax cut.
  • I was trying to—you said there's a tax cut, a tax cut suitable
  • The reason this is a tax cut is...
  • One is I want to understand a little bit better the property tax situation.
  • I'm just trying to understand how that directly translates into property tax.
Summary: The Committee on Public Health convened to discuss various bills related to mental health, public health initiatives, and animal care. Notably, representatives presented House Bill 2264, which aims to facilitate communication between mental health patients and their families, allowing family members to provide important medical information during emergencies. The bill sparked a substantial discussion, with advocates from the National Alliance on Mental Illness supporting its intention to improve patient outcomes. Other significant bills included HB 1747, introduced to create a council for mental health and substance use, fostering collaboration among affected systems, and HB 2684, which focuses on palliative care options for parents facing life-limiting diagnoses for their unborn children. Public testimonies supported these measures, highlighting their importance in enhancing care and support for vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Mar 10th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

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...
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

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're commissioned under Chapter 1701 of the Occupations
  • state and federal payroll taxes on the employees.
  • And so circumventing, paying them the extra taxes and

  • data-time="2556"> then all of a sudden the individual, unbeknownst to him, gets hit with all of the FICA taxes
  • marker="436" data-time="2610"> To handle that is just to get rid of the Social Security and income tax
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills concerning law enforcement training, mental health crisis management, and resource allocation. Notably, House Bill 2929 aimed at requiring police officers to undergo specialized training related to autism, was discussed with testimonials highlighting the need for improved understanding of individuals with autism in potential law enforcement encounters. Additionally, House Bill 4993 gathered attention as it proposed measures to enhance the health and readiness of military service members, emphasizing the importance of fitness standards and supportive health programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 1st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, I sent you some Texas Occupation Code.
  • The occupation code, it's more than that, sir.
  • I'm just saying it doesn't say that in the Occupations Code.
  • It says one chart review with multiple charts in the Occupations Code.
  • Based on the Texas Occupations Code. Thank you.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs meeting featured in-depth discussions primarily centered around Senate Bills 2459 and 3055. SB 2459, presented by Senator Birdwell, aims to protect the personal information of judicial officials to reduce security risks associated with data brokers. This bill brought significant public testimony, with supporters highlighting the need for enhanced safety for judges and court personnel, given the increasing threats and incidents reported. The committee also considered amendments to further refine the bill's implementation process, ensuring the effective removal of personal data upon request. Senate Bill 3055 addressed the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in rural Texas, promoting greater healthcare access amidst ongoing shortages of providers. Advocates for the bill, including several nurse practitioners, voiced the necessity for legislative changes that would empower APRNs to practice more independently. Opposing testimony raised concerns regarding patient safety and the need for physician oversight. The meeting concluded with a commitment to review these bills further, reflecting the broader challenges of healthcare access and safety regulations in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finally, I think it would be a disservice to our rural areas if the new language, Lost Occupations Code
  • we could talk about terminating the contract within a reasonable period of time, and here's the occupations
Summary: The meeting of the committee covered critical discussions focused on several key bills aimed at enhancing safety and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and pediatric patients. The members heard testimony in support of SB1283, with Lieutenant Jonathan Blanchard from the Dallas Police Department advocating for the bill as a means to ensure safer environments in senior facilities by instituting criminal history checks for employees. Carmen Tilton from the Texas Assisted Living Association also highlighted the bill's balance between safety and privacy, showing strong support from various stakeholders. Additionally, the committee discussed SB527, which addresses the challenges of obtaining insurance coverage for general anesthesia required for pediatric dental procedures. Experts testified about the urgent need for reform to prevent potential health crises in children and to streamline care access for parents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • programs, increasing taxes on tobacco products, comprehensive
  • As a business owner, we pay our taxes, we create jobs, and
  • One of the problems is that they have to run sting operations, which are obviously very taxing on law
  • The game rooms argued that the occupation code seeks to regulate coin-operated machines.
  • Citizens, the tort tax is dramatically increasing.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs featured intense discussions centered around the regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette products, with a particular focus on protecting minors from harmful marketing practices. Senators presented various bills addressing the marketing of these products, which included SB1313, SB1314, and SB1316. Senator Cook laid out SB1313, aimed at prohibiting deceptive marketing techniques that entice minors, alongside testimony from concerned parents advocating for stronger regulations against smoke shops near schools. The committee also examined the App Store Accountability Act, led by Senator Paxson, which aims to ensure age verification for app downloads and hold app stores accountable for protecting minors online. Public testimony played a crucial role in the discussion, with parents and experts weighing in on the necessity of stringent regulations to safeguard youth from exploitation by marketers of addictive products.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • She'll be covering crypto and occupational licensing.
  • She'll be covering crypto and occupational licensing.
  • It's akin to property taxes; the value times the rate.
  • And we are paying the insurance premium tax, correct?
  • It's like property taxes—it's the value times the rate.
Summary: The meeting focused on various critical issues affecting Texas, primarily the challenges surrounding the electric grid and rising insurance costs. Members discussed the ongoing implications of weatherization standards and the operational performance of the grid since the Winter Storm Uri. Significant attention was given to the growing demand for electricity in the state, especially in the context of emerging industries like cryptocurrency mining, and how that influences the need for resilient transmission planning. Additionally, extensive discussions occurred regarding the potential transition of transmission infrastructure from 345 kV to 765 kV, weighing the costs and future readiness of Texas' electrical grid.

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