Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'spectrum policy'

Page 23 of 49
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our organization exists to turn good public policy

  • Dallas ISD being a historically large district has seen significant benefits from this policy.
  • Policy is only as good as how it's implemented.
  • Stronger discipline policies are a step in the right direction.
  • gives them access to a lawyer, but I'm not sure if this basic policy would provide that.
Bills: SB26
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education featured an extensive discussion on Senate Bill 26, aimed at reforming teacher compensation in Texas. Notable highlights included testimonies emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful salary increases for teachers across the state. Members discussed the historical nature of the proposed pay raises, which would establish a permanent salary allotment for teachers, allowing for dispatches of nearly $5 billion aimed at boosting educator retention. The importance of addressing teacher safety and equality across various educational roles was also a significant point of focus during this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So with that, I'll just add that in terms of policy

  • Notably, 70% of respondents believe the legislature should invest in water policy and infrastructure.
  • My name's Jeremy Majeure, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy at Texas 2036.
  • Our mission is simple: it is to promote sound water policy for Texas.
  • We focus on federal and state policy, but mostly state policy.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 1st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, I think some drug policy experts at Rice's Baker
  • Woven into the very fabric of today's wider policy debate
  • It's the kind of policy that puts punishment over problem solving.
  • We cannot build sound public health policy on a foundation of white supremacy.
  • We can add lobbyists to that profession, those big fat cats that move bad policy.
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12
Summary: The committee meeting held a vigorous debate primarily concerning Senate Bills 11, 12, and 5, each addressing significant legislative issues including taxpayer-funded lobbying, election integrity, and the regulation of hemp-derived THC products. Proponents of SB12 defended it as necessary for transparency and fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the suppression of taxpayer-funded lobbying as a means to protect taxpayer interests. In contrast, opponents raised concerns that the bill would silence local government voices and hinder advocacy from smaller communities, arguing that it undermines local control and representation in the legislative process. Throughout the discussions, key testimonies illustrated the political divides over these legislative priorities, generating significant public interest and engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, any questions like policy or, well, fiscal policy-wise, we want to make sure we stay on point that
  • That's what I'm proposing to do with the new policy.
  • You're gonna move forward with that policy.
  • I'm Amanda Posson, and I'm a Senior Policy Analyst at EveryTexan, formerly the Center for Public Policy
  • I'm a Senior Policy Analyst with Texas Appleseed.
Summary: The meeting of the Texas Lottery Commission centered around vital discussions regarding the regulatory framework and operational issues related to the lottery and charitable bingo systems in Texas. The committee reviewed financial appropriations, focusing on the need for infrastructure improvements to the Charitable Bingo Operations Division and highlighted the ongoing work with the Sunset Advisory Commission to enhance operational efficiency and compliance. Significant attention was given to the unregulated activities of lottery ticket couriers, which have raised concerns about integrity and fairness in lottery games, prompting the commission to consider appropriate measures to stop such activities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 25th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the last few years, members, several local governments across the state of Texas have adopted policies
  • Policies, and this bill is intended to address that.
  • So why does this bill reverse that policy and allow abusive partners to...?
  • The question is, why does this bill reverse that policy and allow abusive...
  • That is a policy decision that is...
Summary: The meeting of the committee brought forward several bills, including notable discussions on HB5082 and HB5510. During the meeting, concerns regarding local governments' ability to adopt decriminalization policies were addressed, particularly as these have led to legal actions involving the state. Witness testimonies presented both support and opposition to the bills, with strong sentiments expressed on both sides. Representative Leach advocated for stricter regulations on abortion drug trafficking and the need for better protections for women. An emotional debate ensued addressing the implications of these regulations on women's health and rights. Additionally, the committee debated the repercussions of the bills on local governance and public health outcomes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This policy is bad for businesses. All of you know I'm a businessman.
  • This is a common sense policy.
  • Adopting a policy that recognizes that.
  • Policy Center to you all as well later.
  • Members, this, in our view, is not a pro-life policy, and we ask you to oppose this bill.
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Director of Policy for Texas Realtors.
  • ...agree to abide by certain policies.
  • One of those policies is the Code of Ethics; that's probably the code of...
  • ...development policies.
  • It was good policy.
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 Regular

Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Senior Healthcare Policy Analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, whom I'm representing
  • scholar at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • to actually look at data before they vote on healthcare policies such as this.
  • If you have another sentence or two, I mean, just for critical policy decisions, we...
  • Committee, my name is Andrew Brown, Vice President of Policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation,
Summary: The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • with the policies that we've been handed.
  • So, I know that our authority ultimately comes from the Constitution and the policy decisions made by
  • the legislature, which in turn translate into policies for the Brazos River Authority to implement.
  • Their policies and procedures are very well evolved, and I couldn't be more proud of the people that
  • What are the policies of the state law at this point?
Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations convened to address various nominee confirmations, highlighting the significance of higher education and environmental management. Discussions centered around the responsibilities of the Brazos River Authority and the need for effective cooperation with the legislature and other state authorities. Several senators raised concerns regarding the agricultural runoff affecting impaired streams leading into the Brazos River. The committee emphasized the importance of stewardship, collaboration, and facilitating a balance between resource utilization and environmental protection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session Aug 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So this 2.5% policy will not reduce taxes.

  • We're not just voting on a policy.
  • I understand why you might be putting forward this policy because you think it might help you politically
  • It's sloppy policy, and it's dangerous.
  • And what I don't understand is, if it is such a good public policy and you want it to apply to public
Bills: SB10, SB8, SB15, SB12, SB6, SB13, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4
Summary: During this meeting of the committee, significant attention was directed towards several bills, particularly surrounding property tax legislation and its implications for local governments. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the reduction of the voter approval tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%, emphasizing its potential impact on local budgeting and the necessity for local elections to generate funding for essential services. The committee engaged in a heated debate regarding SB8, which concerns the designation of public facilities based on biological sex. Several members expressed concerns about the bill's implications on civil rights and potential conflicts with federal discrimination laws, leading to a division of opinions among committee members. Ultimately, multiple bills were moved to the floor for final passage, reflecting the urgency to address pressing matters swiftly.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am the Director of Public Policy for Texas Realtors, and I am happy to be here today in support of
  • 450">So let's be honest, this decision and this debate is just as much a political one as it is a policy
  • one, because we know ADUs are good policy.
  • On behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, you are
  • My name is John Bonnera, I'm a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding Senate Bill 673, which addresses the regulations concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across Texas. Various testimonies from stakeholders highlighted the bill's implications for local governance, housing affordability, and infrastructure challenges. Supporters argued that SB 673 promotes affordable housing and addresses multi-generational living needs, while opponents raised concerns about the potential strain on local infrastructure and the erosion of municipal zoning authority. Notable opposition came from representatives of smaller municipalities, indicating that while they support the idea of ADUs, they seek more localized control over housing policies to reflect community needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • These policies are often sold as a benefit to taxpayers, and others today have...
  • Second, these bills promote educational policy goals of this legislature.
  • The City of Arlington takes very seriously its tax policies.
  • We believe that tax policy is set at the legislature and at the taxing entities.
  • What tax policy is going to be.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key bills related to property tax appraisals and education funding. Notable discussions included House Bill 2786, which proposed annual reappraisals to ensure property values reflect current market conditions. Representative Turner highlighted concerns around inconsistent appraisals that could adversely affect funding for local schools, particularly in Tarrant County. The session also saw testimony from representatives and concerned citizens advocating for the bill, emphasizing the importance of fair and accurate appraisals for maintaining educational funding and taxpayer equity. The committee members discussed the overall impact of property tax policies on local districts and pushed for a resolution to this ongoing issue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For this reason, Opportunity Austin supports outcomes-based policies

  • This bill relates to public school policies and programs
  • This bill responds to increasing conflicts between state policy and private accrediting entities.
  • My name is George Borrego, I'm the K-12 Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I'm
  • Current remote work policies vary widely among institutions.
Summary: During the meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, including SB1961, which focuses on improving the data reporting on post-secondary outcomes for graduates. The bill was supported by various stakeholders, including workforce development representatives from Samsung, highlighting the importance of aligning educational outcomes with job market needs. Multiple testimonies were provided that underscored the need for robust data to aid both students and institutions in making informed decisions regarding career paths and education. Additionally, the committee addressed SB1325, which was subject to amendments and subsequently passed, with motivations surrounding the effective distribution of respiratory distress medication in schools. The meeting concluded with the passage of several bills to favorable reports for further consideration in the Senate, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance educational compliance and workforce development initiatives throughout Texas. Members actively participated in both providing essential context for these bills and facilitating public input, emphasizing the shared commitment to benefiting the state's educational infrastructure and workforce readiness.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span>

    I show you registered as Paige Williams, Director of Policy

  • That, to me, is the wrong policy of the state.
  • Thank you for the proposed funding and policy reform through House Bill 2.
  • That's not for the other two policies that we have for living in the 14 counties.
  • We addressed this issue of the state actually having a policy and imposing a policy on school districts
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 2, which aims to reform funding for special education in Texas. Various stakeholders, including educators and administrators, testified on the importance of the bill, highlighting current funding gaps and the need for increased resources to adequately support students with disabilities. Testimony revealed that many school districts are experiencing a significant funding shortfall, forcing them to seek additional local funding sources to cover the costs of necessary services. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a new tiered funding system, which was met with cautious support due to the ambiguities surrounding its implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At this time, the Chair calls up Adam Haynes, Policy Director, Conference.
  • But I rise today opposed to the bill, not because of the policy reasons of the bill—that's a decision
  • I cannot fathom that that is the policy of this country and the policy of the state of Texas, that you
  • We're already looking at some facility expansions in response to those policy changes, but there's no
  • We work at the state level in multiple states to pass public policy that increases public safety.
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 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 21st, 2025 at 02:08 pm

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so since my work is primarily involved in advocating for more sustainable border policy statewide
  • Water policy is not easy. I'll go off script from what I've written.
  • Water policy is hard and has been a topic that many have been unwilling to tackle.
  • We can develop policies that meet the needs of both urban
  • Specific to groundwater export and large production permits, they are very complex policy proposals.
Bills: HB24, HB27
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on House Bill 24 and House Bill 27, which pertain to groundwater management in Texas. Representative Ashby expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts and emphasized the significance of these discussions, given the ongoing concerns around groundwater conservation in East Texas. The committee engaged in detailed dialogue regarding the implications of groundwater exports and the need for scientific studies to understand the potential impacts on local water resources. House Bill 27 aims to conduct a scientific study on the aquifers, requiring a temporary moratorium on new export permits to facilitate better data-driven decision-making. Public testimony included a wide range of stakeholders who shared perspectives on the importance of maintaining a balance between urban growth and rural water needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 28th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Low taxes, reasonable regulation, and pro-growth policies
  • House Bill 1508 sends a clear message: Texas will continue to pursue pro-growth policies.
  • This is solid tax policy that places the confidence of operating our state back into the hands of the
  • So I do believe, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation also believes that this is solid policy that
  • We're an independent policy research organization that for 40 years has advocated for public policy for
Summary: The meeting was focused on various legislative discussions, particularly centered around environmental initiatives and tax incentives. Notable discussions occurred regarding HB3746, which aims to grant sales tax exemptions for power generation equipment, a proposal that sparked significant engagement among members. Representative Darby, who championed the bill, emphasized its limited scope and potential benefits to Texas businesses. The session was lively, with members exchanging views on the implications of the bill on the local economy and the environment. Public testimony was invited to weigh in on this matter, further enriching the dialogue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These government entities may purchase cyber insurance policies to cover the risk of these attacks.
  • Some local governments have reported that these insurance policy

  • An insurance policy should not be able to void state law.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • It is decentralized, transparent, and immune to the failures of centralized monetary policy.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by discussions surrounding multiple bills, including HB3719, which concerns the public disclosure of dates of birth, and HB5196, aimed at allowing state agencies to approve telework plans for employees. The chair moved for HB3719 to be reported favorably to the full house, which passed with a vote of 10 in favor and one against. Similarly, HB5196 was favorably reported without objections. A significant focus was placed on increasing digital modernization for state agencies, as illustrated by HB5195, which aims to improve the digital accessibility and functionality of agency websites to enhance small business interactions with the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 12th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also chair the TMA's Council on Legislation, which forms legislative policy for the association.
  • Clifford Porter, testifying on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm a senior fellow for healthcare at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • My name is Noah Torres, and I'm a policy scholar at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • This policy works. In states where psychologists can prescribe, suicide...
Summary: The meeting featured vigorous discussions around several significant bills, including SB2024 concerning youth vaping and its potential consequences. Witnesses presented compelling testimonies highlighting the dangers of e-cigarette use among teenagers, emphasizing how marketing tactics cleverly target this demographic. The bill faced no opposition during discussions but was left pending for further review and amendments. Additionally, HB5537 aimed to empower psychologists to prescribe medication, spurred different viewpoints from committee members about mental health measures and prescription regulations. Amidst these discussions, there was a focus on ensuring access to care while maintaining safety and quality standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have the Leadership Temple class and our Temple Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Council, and board
  • These dedicated nursing students are interested in learning about the policy process and will spend the
  • HB 680 by Flores, relating to the policy regarding drug and
  • HB 681 by Gervin-Hawkins, relating to the policies

  • HB 728 by Thompson, relating to certain policies and

Summary: The committee meeting predominantly focused on a multitude of bills concerning various legislative amendments. Key discussions included the pros and cons of constitutional amendments, such as one by Schofield proposing year-round daylight savings time, and issues around taxation reforms highlighted by various members. The committee engaged in vibrant discussions, inviting public testimonies from both supporters and opponents of several bills, emphasizing the importance of community input in legislative processes. Notably, there were extensive debates on HB720, which pertains to the Ketamine Treatment Grant Program for veterans and first responders, underscoring the significance of mental health legislation. Members expressed their concerns about implementing the program effectively while ensuring adequate funding and oversight.

Research Filters

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