Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'highway projects'

Page 24 of 42
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="451" data-time="2700"> The work group includes the Family Law Foundation, the Family Freedom Project
  • It prevents Texas contractors who bid on and perform work at local construction projects from being fired
  • leaders and constituents about predatory contracting practices for large out-of-state contractors on projects
  • contractors to litigate in foreign jurisdictions, requiring disputes to be settled in the county where the project
  • Texas disputes are handled by Texas courts, should encourage economic growth, and allow for more projects
Summary: The Committee meeting involved significant discussions around several bills concerning property law and contractor protections. Notably, Senate Bill 1975 and Senate Bill 1734 were at the forefront, where SB1975 focused on protecting Texas contractors from being forced to litigate in foreign jurisdictions, ensuring local disputes are resolved within Texas. The testimony highlighted the need for such protections due to the previous challenges encountered by local contractors when large out-of-state entities imposed unfavorable contractual terms. The bill passed without any opposition during the committee session, highlighting its urgent importance for the local construction community. In addition, the committee addressed Senate Bill 1734, which aims to provide property owners with a systematic approach to remedy deed fraud. This discussion included public testimonies shedding light on the recent rise in fraudulent deeds, emphasizing the need for legislative measures to streamline the rectification process. The public's input, especially from those in the title insurance industry, offered critical insights into the practical implications of the bill. The committee's deliberations were comprehensive and featured no substantial challenges to any of the bills, leading to a productive session overall.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I can see if we have done projections on that.
  • I just want to clarify that our projections are based on data from the agency, not the agency's projections
  • And what do you project?
  • By what year do you project that it will finally be resolved?
  • I can go see if we have done projections on that.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • thriving economy have created a strong fiscal outlook for the state budget, and this includes a projected
  • This legislation takes a portion of that projected $28.5

  • ...that's based on, because if that kind of ROI is projected
  • Of any single project calculated at the time of investment
  • The dollar amount of capital committed or invested in a company project, the dollar amount of capital
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in detailed discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, notably focusing on HB2054 and HB4601. HB2054 was discussed in the context of addressing financial support for victims' families during declared emergencies, removing existing procedural barriers. Representative Manuel presented HB4601, which aims to assist Texas veterans in purchasing affordable housing by creating a down payment assistance program financed through a dedicated tax fund. This program is essential to simplify homeownership for veterans facing financial challenges in the current housing market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • >

    Today, we're at about 50%, and in 2027, that number is projected

  • The slide also shows projections for the upcoming transitions to Bexar County, Harris County, and then
  • The challenge that we had in Region 3B is that that blend is based on projecting how many kids are at
  • I think the department agrees that some of those projections did not accurately reflect the acuity of
  • There's some good actuarial work being done to project what the rates for each of the levels will be.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding child welfare and community-based care, focusing primarily on SB1398 and HB5396. Notably, representatives expressed concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the current system, emphasizing the need for stronger documentation and accountability measures in handling cases of children and families. Senator Davis discussed the implications of SB596, which seeks to enhance data collection regarding outcomes of cases handled by the Department of Family and Protective Services, aiming to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable children. Public testimony was heard from various stakeholders, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding throughout the legislative process, which ultimately aims to better support families and prevent the need for child removal from their homes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm an attorney and senior fellow for the Family Freedom Project.
  • The Family Freedom Project is a statewide advocacy

  • come today to speak about the KinCare Project, as it is
  • to create the Kin Care Project, which began in 2024.
  • We are not and have not ever been a grandparent or non-parent rights project.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We think this is good recognition that residential development projects are often planned years before
  • I've verified several projects myself with unit costs that I know.
  • APA Texas works closely with the people that are designing, regulating, and developing projects all over
  • Delays in approval increase overall project expenses and prolong exposure to grid outages for many.
  • In some cases, you can see projects approved in a week to two weeks.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing bills concerning housing and municipal regulations. Notably, House Bill 2225, presented by Representative Buckley, aimed to improve transparency regarding impact fees, which have been increasingly burdening homebuyers in Texas. The bill proposes that political subdivisions must present land use plans at least 60 days prior to hearings, giving stakeholders ample time to review. The discussion highlighted the significant effects of rising impact fees on housing affordability, with testimonies from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for accountability and clearer processes. The bill stirred a lively debate, with proponents arguing for increased transparency and opponents expressing concerns about the ramifications of the proposed changes on local governance and infrastructure funding. House Bill 2304 was another crucial point of discussion, seeking to streamline the approval process for residential backup power systems. The bill faced support from numerous witnesses, including energy industry representatives, who touted its potential to enhance energy resilience and efficiency. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency for revisiting these issues in future sessions, as committee members and advocates for both bills anticipated more rigorous discussions ahead in light of the housing market challenges in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • ="73" data-time="432"> Registered as Chris Gundu, co-founder and executive director of Texas Jail Project
  • marker="118" data-time="702"> Who registered as Dan Terry, testifying as a volunteer with Texas Jail Project
  • I am a volunteer for the Texas Jail Project, which is a statewide
  • I'm a volunteer for Texas Jail Project.
  • We have you registered as Becky Dillon, representing Texas Jail Project and SELF, testifying for the
Summary: The meeting focused on significant legislative proposals primarily centered around public health and criminal justice reforms. Notably, discussions centered on HB3841 and HB5108, which aim to enhance transparency and accountability in death investigations within county jails. Representatives shared compelling testimonies involving the necessity for improved oversight following recent incidents of in-custody deaths, highlighting the emotional impact on affected families. Witnesses from advocacy groups passionately urged the committee to approve the bills to foster trust in the system and uphold public safety standards. Additionally, various members addressed HB5611, which would empower emergency services districts to provide preventative healthcare services, contributing to the prevention of unnecessary 911 calls.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It broadens the pool of eligible reviewers to include architects while explicitly prohibiting project
  • span> It raises the insurance requirements for non-residential projects
  • data-time="1458"> Regulatory authorities have three business days for residential plans and 15 for other projects
  • And this is important, especially for smaller scale projects
  • And finally, it cleans up insurance requirements to make sure that larger projects have appropriate minimum
Bills: SB1708, SB2523, SB1450
Summary: The meeting involved discussions primarily around SB1450, SB2523, and SB1708. The highlight was SB1450, which seeks to streamline the review process for building permits by allowing licensed third-party professionals to conduct inspections. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including local housing advocates and property developers, indicated strong support for the bill, as it addresses the ongoing housing crisis by reducing permitting delays. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on county regulatory authority, emphasizing the need for counties to retain oversight in the review process, especially regarding flood insurance and safety regulations. The committee members showed proactive engagement in addressing amendments to the bill aimed at safeguarding public interests, while also facilitating efficient housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All projects under section 2306.1.
  • I own 43 apartment projects in the Houston area.
  • In fact, one project showed moderate income with someone who makes 160% of AMI.
  • Next up, Alicia Castillo, Texas Civil Rights Project, testifying against the bill.
  • I'm the Associate Director of Policy for the Texas Civil Rights Project and...
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant issues regarding housing funding mechanisms, particularly surrounding the complexities of Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs). Members voiced their concerns about the financial impacts these HFCs have on local government revenues, given that many property tax exemptions are given while maintaining market-rate rents. This discussion was sparked by alarming statistics indicating a rapid increase in tax dollars removed from local jurisdictions due to HFC activities, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to preserve affordable housing without financially jeopardizing municipalities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Developers clearly know the costs associated with their project. What is it? Is it bureaucracy?
  • We're also raising 75% of the cost of that project so the city is not having to fund upfront, so.
  • It's a great project, and we're proud of it, but you know
  • When you look at it, does Texas have money available to a private entity to invest in these projects
  • manage the project successfully over the long term.
Summary: The recent meeting of the Natural Resources Committee covered significant discussions primarily focused on various water-related bills, notably HB685, HB1918, HB2601, and HB2608. Representative Wally introduced HB1918, which seeks to limit water rate increases for Class A utilities to a maximum of 20% every 36 months. The bill is in response to alarming reports from constituents who experienced drastic increases in their water bills, leading to concerns about financial sustainability for residents on fixed incomes. Supporters emphasized the need for better regulations to protect consumers, while opponents argued that the bill could dissuade necessary investments in utility infrastructure, jeopardizing service quality. Public testimony was a vital component, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to the proposals under discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, due to projected growth in certain student populations, WADA is projected to continue to increase
  • The SCP is projected to decrease by 6.8 cents from Fiscal
  • TEA and the comptroller will provide updated projections on both ADA and district property values in
  • A decrease of $4.7 billion results from projected district property value growth.
  • It's about $35 per square foot in this projection.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing updates and recommendations related to education funding and legislative measures for public schools. Significant discussions included the implications of the new educational budget proposal, as well as public testimonies advocating for increased funding to support school districts facing financial difficulties. Notably, there was a strong emphasis on adjusting the basic allotment to accommodate inflation and ensure that school funding is based on student enrollment rather than attendance, to better support districts struggling with deficits and operational challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 24th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 22" data-time="126">The first requires municipalities to approve or deny permits for LIHT housing projects
  • municipality offers an accelerated review process for residential building permits, LIHTC housing projects
  • delays create significant risk for affordable housing projects
  • sampling banks or other financial institutions who might otherwise be wary of affordable housing projects
  • When permitting takes months or even longer, it adds real costs and uncertainty to our projects.
Summary: The meeting focused heavily on discussions surrounding affordable housing, particularly through the lens of House Bill 4398. Representative Garcia-Hernandez presented the bill, which aims to streamline the permitting process for low-income housing projects, thus reducing the timeline municipalities typically take to approve or deny permits by 50%. This bill is viewed as critical given the pressing issues related to low-income housing availability in Texas. Public testimony included supportive evidence from various stakeholders, highlighting the urgent need for expedited permits to align construction timelines with strict tax credit requirements. Experts from the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers also underscored that permitting delays create significant financial risks, complicating the completion of necessary housing units.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 20th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All project funding must come from private donations, which I'm happy to report they already have the
  • Hefner: Another question is, when a project like some of these could take place, not only is it...
  • That talks about not financing any projects over 50 years
  • If this project was so important, if it was such a good idea, why hasn't it been built?
  • It's a $5 billion project.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by dynamic discussions surrounding various legislative bills, notably SB1283 aimed at enhancing security in senior retirement communities following tragic incidents in the past. The bill, presented by Ms. Garcia-Hernandez, outlined essential measures including mandatory background checks for staff and a clear communication policy on criminal activities. The meeting also saw vigorous debates on multiple financial resolutions related to the statewide budget surplus, emphasizing the need for strategic allocation to property tax relief, as voiced by several committee members. Tensions arose as representatives questioned local government spending, reflecting a broader concern over escalating taxes across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 10th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This also includes TEA's projections for fiscal years 25 through 27.
  • In previous years, we also did projections, is that correct?
  • Are the projections accurate in previous years, or did they change slightly?
  • What is your projection for 2025-2026? So we have probably a slight...
  • And then we're projecting 67.4 billion for the year after that.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting covered a wide range of topics, focusing primarily on pending legislation and various policy issues facing the committee. Discussions were notably animated surrounding several bills, with members expressing both support and concern over their implications. Witness testimonies were heard, shedding light on different perspectives regarding the legislation in question, indicating a robust public interest and engagement in the topics discussed. Members collaborated to address constituents' concerns while seeking solutions that align with the committee's objectives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Bail Project, which was the recipient of...
  • The Bail Project or the sheriff of Harris County never told OCA that this was going on, so there's no
  • But we also have a statement from the Bail Project

  • We do have representations from the county from the Bail Project that these were all refunds and that
  • The Bail Project says, well, we don't even do business in
Summary: The meeting of the Senate addressed significant legislative changes regarding bail procedures and the use of public funds in bail payments. Notably, the committee reviewed SB9 and SB40, both aimed at tightening regulations surrounding bail bonds and enhancing public safety. Senator Huffman presented an amendment to SB9 that allows judges to reassess bail after indictments, especially in cases of violent offenders, reiterating the need for strict bail practices to protect victims and communities. Additionally, SB40 introduces restrictions on the use of public funds by local governments to cover bail for defendants, addressing public concerns over the transparency and safety implications of such practices.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • then projected inflation for building construction costs.
  • The FY25 projection is 29%.
  • This project would also include infrastructure improvements.
  • FY22 was 26% with projections of 26% in FY25, 29% in FY26, and 32%.
  • Texas Southern has submitted a $120 million capital project.
Summary: The meeting focused on key funding initiatives related to mental health and higher education in Texas, highlighting the importance of sustaining the loan repayment program for mental health professionals. Public testimony underscored a significant 600% increase in applications resulting from recent funding and legislative changes, positioning Texas as a critical area for addressing mental health provider shortages, particularly in rural communities. The discussion also touched on the Behavioral Health Innovation Grant Program, which remains unfunded despite its potential to further strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...a statutory framework for projects involving the capture
  • And all of that kind of stuff, the multibillion-dollar project

  • With them, but these projects are very important because
  • In an era when key national security and cutting-edge technology projects are...
  • We’ve got Sempra completing a project in the Beaumont area right now.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on several key legislative initiatives, including the implementation of new regulations concerning geothermal injection wells as per SB786, and the jurisdiction over brine mining clarified by SB119 and SB1186. Commissioner Christy spoke about the achievements of the Railroad Commission of Texas in regulatory standards and emphasized the importance of updating environmental practices that safeguard groundwater and surface water while facilitating economic growth. Senators expressed their concerns regarding operational impacts on various sectors, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between agencies to address challenges related to water management and environmental compliance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • deployment review responses for accuracy, adding an extra layer of accountability for high-dollar projects
  • San Antonio, from DIR, and the private sector who can elaborate on workforce pipelines, fiscal projections
  • The bill addresses major water transmission and generation projects
  • or other projects, for that matter.
  • needs to be done completely by AI, but the projects that might be easiest to do with AI, or would be
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:
  • of the Stargate Project in Abilene, which is, as far as we
  • Right now, as Michael mentioned, we are building this project in Abilene.
  • As one participant in the data center industry, we are involved in several projects that could exceed
  • The long-term vision of the project is that we...
  • We're asking just to put a time clock on these important projects at the Commission, too.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on SB6, which is aimed at facilitating greater liability and addressing the challenges associated with load interconnection. The chair reopened discussions on the bill, engaging with several public testimonies. Among the 27 registered witnesses, many expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its significance in ensuring accurate load visibility and addressing issues in the energy sector. Notably, Lee Bratcher from the Texas Blockchain Council commended the committee's efforts while highlighting concerns related to transmission costs and their potential impact.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • from being able to bid on projects and save taxpayers money.
  • I'll give you an example: If there is a company that's already gotten a project within BuyBoard, and
  • Just a short note on strategic projects.

  • Bush building, and five stories of underground parking, that's a massive, iconic project.
  • We are in the latter stages of a massive IT modernization project.
Bills: HB10, HB12, HB675
Summary: The meeting featured extensive discussions surrounding the Local Government Purchasing Cooperative, emphasizing approaches to enhance procurement processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Representatives from Pearland City Council provided firsthand insights regarding their experiences with cooperative purchasing. Key topics included the complexities of contracts, the challenge of aligning with state procurement laws, and the importance of supporting local vendors through cooperative initiatives. The session also included invited testimony, exploring how the cooperative model influences municipal and educational budgets across Texas.

Research Filters

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