Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senate'

Page 24 of 58
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Perry.
  • Actually, Senator West is picking up this bill, but Senator Blanco will explain the bill.
  • Welcome, Senator Parker.
  • Exactly, Senator Perry.
  • I know Senator Hall...
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

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

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

  • Senator Blanco. Senator Campbell. Senator Creighton. Senator Johnson. Senator Kolkhorst.
  • Senator Menéndez, Senator Middleton, Senator Nichols, Dean Zaffirini
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • Senator Menéndez?
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several legislative items, including significant discussions about cybersecurity and the implementation of new technology in state operations. Key bills such as HB1500, which restructures the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to enhance cybersecurity measures and modernize its functions, were discussed extensively. There was consensus among members regarding the importance of safeguarding Texas's information infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the need for streamlined governance, a focus on artificial intelligence capabilities, and improved IT procurement processes. The members also addressed public testimony that raised important points concerning the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. Consequently, multiple bills, including HB2467 and HB4310, were favorably reported to the Senate without objections.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • Senator Hall, can you...
  • by Senator Parker.
  • , Senator Baxton.
  • Thank you, Senator.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee saw extensive discussion surrounding several key bills, including HB4749, SB621, and HB201. Notably, HB3133, which involves legislation regarding explicit deepfake content and social media, was presented and debated vigorously with a committee substitute being proposed to align it with federal standards following the recent federal 'Take It Down' Act. The committee moved to report several bills favorably, including HB1506, emphasizing support for updating laws concerning political contributions and expenditures. Public testimonies were held on various bills, allowing stakeholders to voice their perspectives, particularly on legislation concerning tactical medical professionals and their role during high-risk incidents. The committee concluded the meeting by laying out additional bills for further discussion in subsequent sessions, underscoring a commitment to thorough legislative review.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Cramer and Senator Coons.
  • , Senator Warner.
  • Thank you, Senator King. Senator Duckworth.
  • Thank you, Senator Duckworth. Senator Gallego.
  • Senator Slotkin.
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 40 passes the third reading.
  • We've been working with Senator Huffman and the Senate on
  • Bill 66, Senate Bill 40, Senate Bill 9, SGR 1, and SGR 2.
  • Speaker, members, I move to grant the request of the Senate to appoint a conference committee on Senate
  • I move to grant the request of the Senate to appoint a conference committee on Senate Bill 1637.
Summary: The committee's meeting was marked by several key discussions surrounding numerous bills and resolutions. Notably, HCR 9 and HCR 40 were adopted, with representatives urging Congress for reimbursement related to border security under Operation Lone Star. Additionally, HCR 118 showed expressions of support for the warship manufacturing industry, reflecting a strong emphasis on local economic development. Senate Bills 1321, 2143, and 2145 passed various readings, which included provisions regarding law enforcement authority and the adaptability of public improvement districts to conduct meetings virtually. The meeting was well attended and featured numerous votes on significant legislative items, showcasing active participation from both members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Education K-16 Mar 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Senate Bill 1871 by Senator Perry.
  • Senator Bettencourt sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1871.
  • Senator West, I want to point to Senator Perry.
  • Senator Hinojosa sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1924.
  • Thank you, Senator Paxton. Senator Menéndez, and then it'll be Senator West.
Summary: The meeting was centered on reviewing several Senate bills focusing on school safety and discipline, primarily Senate Bills 870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, and 1924. Senator Perry emphasized the urgent need for reform in school discipline policies due to increasing incidents of violence and classroom disruptions. The committee acknowledged testimonies from various educators and public witnesses who supported the proposed bills, highlighting their significance in ensuring a safer learning environment. Key discussions revolved around the ability of teachers to maintain classroom discipline, the implications of disciplinary actions, and the support necessary for students with behavioral issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Jan 30th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator Nelson.
  • And yes, Senator.
  • Senator, we will.
  • No doubt, **Senator**.
  • **Senator**: No, Senator.

Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical budget recommendations for various state agencies, including the Texas Facilities Commission, which proposed significant funding changes. Chair George Purcell highlighted a reduction in appropriations, along with the introduction of new funds aimed at refurbishing the Rudder Building and supporting facilities operations. Discussions also touched on border security, where it was reported that Governor Abbott formally requested congressional support to reclaim $11 billion in funding for Texas operations. The ongoing dialogue regarding the maintenance and responsibilities relating to border wall constructions was emphasized, noting the complexity and the need for clear allocation of responsibilities as discussions with federal authorities develop. Throughout the meeting, there were notable conversations about operational efficiencies, particularly in the context of expanding cyber threats and the need for improved cybersecurity measures at state agencies. Members engaged in deliberating the future hiring of staff and resources necessary for maintaining effective service delivery amidst increasing demand. The discussions concluded with a commitment to keeping an open line with constituents regarding the implications of these funding decisions and the overall strategic direction of the agencies involved.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's start with Senate Bill 2133, Senator.
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • Senator Sparks sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1071.
  • Senate Bill 2779. All right. Chair lays out Senate Bill 2779.
  • Senator Johnson sends up a committee substitute for Senator Burton.
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

Nominations May 19th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Eckhardt, Senator Goodwin, good morning. Senator Birdwell introduced J.B. Goodwin.
  • Thank you, Senator Alvarado. Senator Paxton.
  • Thank you, Senator Payne. Senator Eckhardt, a quick question?
  • Senator Alvarado. Senator Birdwell. Senator Eckhardt. Senator Hughes. Senator Miles.
  • Senator Paxton. Senator Sparks.
Summary: The committee meeting, focused primarily on the ongoing regulatory reforms following the recent weather-related crises, commenced with the introduction of Thomas Gleason as the new Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Chairman emphasized the need for resilience and proactive measures to improve infrastructure and communications among utility companies, especially in light of recent disasters that impacted service delivery. High-level discussions revolved around HB1500, which mandates stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms for ERCOT, pushing the commission to enhance its monitoring capacity. Several topics of concern, including vegetation management and cost distribution among consumers, were highlighted as priorities moving forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 14th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, Senator Campbell, are you ready to lay out Senate Bill 524?
  • Senator Campbell sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 524.
  • Senator Zaffirini's bill?
  • The Chair lays out Senate Bill 524. Senator Keohokalole moves that Senate Bill 524 be reported.
  • Senator Hinojosa moves.
Summary: The meeting covered multiple bills, primarily focusing on House Bill 2802, which relates to the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund Pension, and House Bill 1056 regarding the establishment of gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Senator Schwartner introduced several committee substitutes aimed at improving provisions in these bills, with the committee discussing amendments and seeking public testimony on the implications of these changes. Notably, the discussion highlighted varying perspectives on the use of gold as a currency and its constitutional implications, eliciting significant public and legislative engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Huffman moves that the Senate not concur.

  • Conference Committee on Senate Bill 1: Senator Huffman

  • Rule 11.10 and Senate Rule 11.18.
  • Senator Perry.

  • Senator.

Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several legislative measures, including important constitutional amendments such as SJR27, which proposes changes to the membership and authority of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The provision aims to enhance public oversight of judicial conduct and eliminate the ability for the commission to issue private sanctions against judges. Following extensive debate, the amendment proposed by Senator Huffman to increase public membership was adopted, leading to the eventual passage of the resolution with a vote count of 27 to 4. Members expressed support for greater transparency within the judicial system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator J.R. Two.
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • I think it makes Senator Gutierrez's day, Senator Paxson's day, and Senator Cook's day.
  • Senator Bettencourt moves that Senate Joint Resolution 2 be reported to the floor of the Senate with
  • Senator Coonerty. Aye. Senator Cook. Aye. Senator Gutierrez. Aye. Senator Nichols. Aye.
Bills: SB4, SJR2
Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 314 and recognizes its author, Senator...
  • go to Senator Hall.
  • Senator Hughes.
  • , or either upon a recess of the Senate or adjournment of the Senate.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services centered around two significant bills, SB25 and SB314, aimed at addressing the growing health crisis in Texas, particularly concerning children. The legislators acknowledged the prevalence of diet-related chronic health issues, including obesity and diabetes, and emphasized the need for a legislative response to improve dietary standards in schools. Senator Kocher championed SB25, which promotes measures like nutrition training for physicians, enhanced food labeling, and physical activity in schools as ways to combat the health crisis. Senator Hughes presented SB314, focusing specifically on prohibiting certain harmful chemicals in school meal programs and ensuring that children have access to healthier food options during school hours.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran AffairsAudio only. Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ">Senator Hugenboe and Senator Parker move that Senate Bill 2007 be reported back to the full Senate
  • Senate, let the chair recognize Senator Menendez here.

  • Senate Bill 2938 by Senator Menendez.

  • Senator Parker moves that Senator...

  • Senate Bill 2938 does pass.
Summary: The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee meeting focused on discussing several important bills, including SB210, SB2007, SB2926, SB2938, and SB2543. Each bill was put forth for a vote, and all passed unanimously with no objections. Notably, Senator Parker played a significant role in moving several of these bills to the full Senate for further action. The committee also adopted a substitute for SB2543, clarifying the references to Veterans Cemeteries in the legislation, which showcased the committee's commitment to refining the language and ensuring clarity in legislative texts. The atmosphere was collaborative, with members actively participating in the discussions and decision-making processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal JusticeAudio only. May 25th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Vice Chair Parker, Senator Hinojosa, Senator Huffman, Senator
  • Miles, Senator King, Senator Hagenbuch. 5 ayes and 0 nays, House Bill 2854 will be reported to the full
  • Senate with a favorable recommendation.
  • Senate sponsor, Senator, well, it says Hagenbuch, but it says Creighton, but which one is it? Me.
  • Recognizing the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to

Bills: HB2407, HB3425
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss several important bills including HB2407, HB3425, and HB2854. HB2407, focused on strengthening penalties for repeated failures to comply with sex offender registration requirements, received unanimous support from committee members and was reported favorably to the full Senate. The discussion emphasized the seriousness of these registration laws and the bill's potential to enhance public safety by ensuring accountability among offenders. The hearing also highlighted concerns around doxing with HB3425, which aims to criminalize the unlawful disclosure of personal addresses and phone numbers through electronic communications, thus addressing a significant gap in current legislation. Meanwhile, HB2854 was passed forward with a recommendation, highlighting the committee's commitment to address various legal gaps.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Sep 3rd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move that the Senate concur with House Amendments to Senate Bill 8.
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • to Senate Bill 8.
  • Bill 31, Senator Hughes.
  • Thank you, Senators.
Bills: SB8, SB1, SB2, SB5, SB10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB20, HB18
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several significant bills, including HB20, which aims to prevent and reduce fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters. Representative Perry highlighted the importance of this bill in ensuring that legitimate organizations receive donations while deterring scams that occur in the aftermath of disasters. The bill was passed unanimously with discussions around its necessity and the impact on victims of fraud. Further, House Bill 18 was discussed concerning penalties for legislators attempting to break quorum, a topic that stirred some debate on legislative integrity and rules enforcement. Members voiced varying opinions on the implications of the bill, leading to its eventual passage amid objections from some members who raised concerns about its enforcement mechanisms and potential for misuse. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, with members actively debating key issues while striving for legislative progress on these critical bills. The audience included public stakeholders who expressed their views, showcasing the engagement between legislators and constituents on pressing matters.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Sparks being.
  • Any questions for Senator Hall? Senator Cook.
  • I'm going to go to Senator Sparks, and then Senator Hall. Senator Blanco is present.
  • Senate Bill 1869.
  • Senator Perry?
Summary: The meeting centered on multiple significant legislative proposals aimed at healthcare reforms, notably focused on the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on local pharmacies. Senator Hughes led the discussion on SB1236, which aims to regulate PBMs to prevent anti-competitive practices that have led to the closure of numerous community pharmacies. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including pharmacists, highlighted the challenges posed by current PBM practices, such as aggressive audit tactics and contract terms that disadvantage small pharmacies. The bill was generally supported in the committee due to its potential to restore balance and fairness in pharmacy operations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is a somewhat familiar bill for the Senate because it has passed out of the Senate before.
  • And we'll open testimony on Senate Bill 1386.
  • Senator Judith Zaffirini, you are recognized.
  • Senator Paul Bettencourt, you are recognized.
  • The Chair lays out Senate Bill 311 and recognizes the bill's author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was marked by significant discussions surrounding several bills, primarily focusing on jurisdictional changes within the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. One of the key bills discussed was SB1210, which aims to clarify the roles and jurisdictions of these two courts, ensuring that when constitutional interpretations are at issue, the Supreme Court serves as the final authority. Testimony was provided by various stakeholders including judges and legal experts, who articulated both support for and concerns about the potential implications of these changes. The conversation highlighted the historical context of the dual court system in Texas, outlining its benefits and drawbacks, particularly in ensuring consistency in the application of constitutional law.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="0">Senator Hancock,

    Senator Hall,

  • >Senator Blanco,

    Senator Sparks.

  • You may begin, Senator Sparks.
  • Senator Cook.
  • Senator Blanco, Chair recognizes Senator Blanco as being present.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several significant bills aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Texas's Medicaid and long-term care systems. Notably, SB457 seeks to ensure that a substantial portion of Medicaid funds is allocated directly to patient care in nursing facilities, addressing concerns about the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Various testimonies were provided from key stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by nursing homes and the pressing need for reform. Notably, AARP Texas endorsed SB457, emphasizing the critical need for improvements in care quality, especially in light of staffing shortages and neglect issues prevalent in some facilities.

Research Filters

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