Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legislative transparency'

Page 24 of 57
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to address critical issues surrounding victim protection and human trafficking legislation. The meeting opened with the chair, Senator Flores, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Texas laws to protect victims of sexual assault and trafficking. Key bills on the agenda included SB955 and SB957, which aim to strengthen legal repercussions against traffickers and provide support for survivors. Notably, the committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials and advocates, who underscored the challenges faced by trafficking victims and the necessity of legislative reform.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't know yet of any other state that has legislation they're contemplating this way.
  • If the state of Texas, have you seen the legislation? Yes, we have.
  • I just want to understand and shed some transparency to get to the bottom of this.
  • Chairman, for your support of this legislation.
  • You're considering legislation that takes away my parental rights and I cannot...
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

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Firstly, it provides governmental transparency and accountability provisions, including a required annual
  • if there's disagreement between the legislative bodies and
  • So you legislate to structure, not to personality. That's how it's supposed to be.
  • When we stand up and pass this legislation, we'll do everything in our power to expedite it because we
  • This good legislation, we will get them moving in as well
Summary: The meeting focused on several legislative measures concerning alcoholic beverages, ethics, and the protection of free speech. Notable discussions included the presentation of Senate Bill 2633, which aims to modernize the framework for alcohol sales in local communities and allow local option elections within designated zones. Additionally, Senate Bill 2713 garnered significant attention, addressing ideological discrimination in professional associations based on political beliefs, urging a need for greater protection of free speech in Texas. Public witnesses provided testimony, with a mix of support and concerns regarding various bills, indicating a vibrant discourse among committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 12th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislative measure responds to the revelations

  • AATB accreditation assures that anatomical suppliers undergo strict scrutiny, promoting transparency
  • Legislation should allow AATB certified anatomical suppliers to operate in the state and collaborate
  • of the TMA's Council on Legislation.
  • We see that as disingenuous to the public and as non-transparent.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Public Health was centered around discussions on several significant bills, including HB4175 and SB2721. HB4175 seeks to expand mental health leave policies to cover a wider range of qualified employees, including peace officers and parole officers. The motion for HB4175 was approved with a roll call vote showing a majority in favor. Conversely, SB2721 sparked extensive dialogue concerning the regulation of anatomical donations. Testimonies revealed public concerns over unclaimed bodies and the necessity for informed consent in body donation practices. The bill underwent substantial scrutiny, highlighting the balance between supporting medical education and protecting family rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 19th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Legislative restrictions and demonstrations of the offense.
  • I did help draft this legislation, which I think is very important.
  • Hopefully, this legislation, both of these approaches...
  • Thank you, Chairman Hughes, for sponsoring this legislation.
  • This is my sixth legislative session to come and participate. I am an official TCUP patient.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee focused on several significant bills, notably HB4145, HB2820, and HB4157, which address healthcare billing practices, charitable bingo operations, and protections for employees in the commercial spaceflight industry, respectively. Each bill received attention from members of the committee, with public testimony highlighting both support and concern among stakeholders. For instance, testimony on HB4145 underscored the importance of timely healthcare billing to prevent patient financial distress, while discussions surrounding HB2820 illuminated the challenges charities face in maintaining sufficient reserves amidst outdated regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I just wanted to say really quickly regarding the criminalization of littering: last legislative session
  • I think that the work that was done helped lead to this legislation, but I know that was certainly an
  • By providing a more reasonable window for renewal, this legislation upholds accountability while reducing
  • This bill recognizes the need for this new legislation,
  • which will promote transparency in municipal waste contracting.
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical environmental bills primarily related to regulatory processes and emissions management. Key discussions included a thorough examination of HB3997, which aims to streamline LNG terminal permitting processes to boost development efficiency and compliance in Texas. Matt Barr of Chenier Energy emphasized the need for clarity in regulatory timelines to better support export operations and maintain Texas's leading position in LNG exports. Additionally, multiple bills were proposed concerning vehicle emissions testing and transparency requirements in waste management contracts, highlighting the varied approaches lawmakers are taking to environmental regulation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nowhere is doomed because of this legislation. Just the way Cal...
  • I do want to be very transparent.
  • Again, this committee heard it during the 88th legislative session.
  • Again, this committee heard it during the 88th legislative session.
  • Again, this committee heard it during the 88th legislative session.
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Regarding the bill, it is a legislative council draft, which
  • When the two new public members are added to this legislation, that would at least guarantee the two
  • This bill will improve transparency for all Texans receiving medical care.
  • This legislation is missing the element of equity between the landlords and the tenants.
  • This method of delivery emphasizes the necessity for transparency in the eviction process.
Summary: The meeting of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee included discussions on critical bills impacting public safety and tenant rights. Representative Garcia-Hernandez presented HB923, which aims to add two public members to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel, thereby enhancing informed consent for medical procedures. This move sought to enhance transparency and public trust, especially since the panel previously lacked any public representation. The committee also received testimonies both for and against the bill, highlighting the importance of public input in health-related decisions. The bill faced opposition mainly due to concerns about balancing medical expertise with public representation. Another significant discussion revolved around HB32, which seeks to streamline the eviction process in Texas. While proponents argue that the bill addresses inefficiencies affecting landlords, opponents, including activists and legal experts, expressed concerns that the bill could exacerbate homelessness and undermine tenant rights. They stressed the need for adequate protections and due process for tenants. As the committee moved through multiple bills, the need for careful consideration of both landlord and tenant rights remained a focal point of debate, indicating the complexities surrounding housing legislation in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I look at this as a transparency bill, so this is a...
  • It's about transparency.
  • So I think they're pretty transparent as it is.
  • But it is another transparency bill and this is the case.
  • This creates a significant barrier to transparency for the royalty owners.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussion of several bills, primarily focusing on environmental and transparency issues related to oil and gas operations. Notably, a bill introduced by Representative Rosenthal (HB5105) aimed to enhance transparency for royalty owners concerning suspension of payments, requiring operators to notify them of any reasons for such suspensions. During the meeting, multiple witnesses testified, emphasizing the necessity of protecting landowners' rights and ensuring responsible management of hazardous waste from oil operations. Additionally, the committee heard about HB4572, which aimed to require landowner consent before the burial of waste on their properties, highlighting the importance of land and groundwater protection amidst growing concerns of contamination from reserve pits used in the oil and gas industry.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You, the legislator, have de-incentivized delinquent taxes.
  • Worked on that legislation, and that helps seniors

  • What this legislation does is it targets the lowest

  • I am in favor of the legislation.
  • I can't delegate the cost between the two of them because this legislation removes my ability.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs meeting was predominantly focused on several pivotal bills, including HB3783, HB4213, and HB1916. Notably, the chair initiated discussions on HB3783, which aims to regulate court-ordered counseling practices, particularly targeting what is known as 'reunification therapy.' The bill generated significant attention due to allegations surrounding its misuse, with multiple witnesses providing testimonies both for and against the measure. Concerns were raised about the practices involved, particularly regarding forced separations from custodial parents which many argue could lead to further trauma for children involved in high-conflict situations. The meeting also saw robust discussions regarding HB4213, aimed at revising child support interest rates and improving compliance levels for non-custodial parents, highlighting the financial burdens these families face. Each bill was left pending for further consideration at future meetings, reflecting the complex nature of the topics discussed and the need for deeper examination of possible implications.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session Aug 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...95% of the property tax legislation.
  • 85" data-time="504"> governmental entities, and even here in the state of Texas, we had various legislation
  • I would, members, I'm just saying what I think, and that is that this type of legislation.
  • You know, it's not lost on me that as a male legislator, I want to make sure...
  • As legislators, we took an oath to serve the people of Texas and to...
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 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Sep 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB2, SB5, SB10, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1
Summary: The meeting hosted by the Senate Select Committee covered several bills, with members actively engaging in discussions that highlighted various concerns. Notably, the committee focused on HB1 regarding youth camp emergency preparedness and HB20 aimed at preventing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters. Senator Hughes moved to suspend certain rules to expedite the consideration of these bills. During the proceedings, Senator Johnson expressed concerns regarding the implications of some bills, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the outcomes. The atmosphere remained collaborative as members aimed to address pressing issues through the proposed legislation. Furthermore, a moment of personal reflection was shared by one senator, acknowledging past insensitive remarks and encouraging a respectful dialogue among colleagues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 5% financial incentive for appraisal districts to impose such penalties and provides additional transparency
  • In addition to meeting the current in-person requirements, this would continue under the new legislation
  • terminated for misconduct and requires severance agreements to be publicly available and posted for transparency
  • This is literally a transparency bill.
  • Honestly, they may not get the transparency needed when they're
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by significant discussions on multiple bills aimed at enhancing governance and protecting taxpayer interests. Among the notable legislations was SB1951, where Senator Paxton emphasized reforms to reduce erroneous penalty notices imposed by appraisal districts, eliminating the financial incentive for such penalties. The session concluded with public testimonies that highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in taxpayer dealings. Additionally, Senator Middleton presented SB1504 and SB2237, focusing on the operational frameworks of local authorities and executive severance payments, respectively, both of which sparked considerable debate among committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Parker, are you ready on your legislation?

  • This bill is a refile of SB1537 from the 88th legislative session
  • Coordinating Board to adopt rules necessary to implement these measures will also be a component of this legislation
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, particularly Senate Bill 1741, which aims to tackle espionage and intellectual property theft within Texas public institutions of higher education. Senator Parker took the floor to present the bill, highlighting its importance in safeguarding the state’s educational institutions from foreign threats. The conversation around this bill was substantive, with public testimonies being invited to gather a range of opinions on the proposed regulations. Another critical aspect discussed was Senate Bill 724, which addresses the attendance of governing board members in person during meetings, a vital issue raised post-COVID due to a lack of quorum in past gatherings. The committee's chair, Senator Kolkhorst, emphasized the necessity for physical presence to maintain the integrity of board meetings and deliberations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill also seeks to create more transparency surrounding faculty.
  • Senate Bill 37 will ensure this transparency and accountability.
  • And so the lack of transparency...

  • And thank you for the transparency. You did everything you said you would.
  • legislative education equity coalition.
Summary: The meeting convened with significant discussions centered around higher education legislation in Texas, particularly focusing on research security and curriculum governance. Senator Brian Hughes introduced SB1273, which aims to establish a Higher Education Research Security Council to bolster security practices against potential espionage while promoting collaboration among Texas Tier 1 research institutions. Witness testimony included insights from Dr. Kevin Gamache of Texas A&M University, who underscored the importance of safeguarding academic resources to maintain Texas’s leadership in research. The committee unanimously adopted a substitute for the bill which elevated its scope to include private institutions as well, reflecting a broader approach to research security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Workforce Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation intends to solve the problem of retaliatory taxes that Texas-based insurance companies
  • Now, judges do their things, and legislators do theirs.
  • I also used to work for the Legislative Council for years when I was a young lawyer, so it's kind of
  • It will also recommend transparency rules for AI vendors, develop guidance on independent reviews of
  • The result of the study will be completed ahead of the next legislative session.
Summary: The meeting of the committee included significant discussions centered around various bills, particularly those related to workers' compensation, opportunity youth, and sexual harassment. Representative Patterson spearheaded a discussion on HB2369, a bill aimed at reforming the workers' compensation system for first responders, stressing the need for swift evaluations and treatment to facilitate quicker recovery. Several members voiced their support, citing the bill's importance in ensuring that injured first responders can return to work more efficiently. Public testimony highlighted personal stories that underscored the critical impact of the legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This district was formed in 2019 and the legislation contained consent provisions and was negotiated
  • It amends the enabling legislation of Hunter Ranch Improvement District No. 1, and as you heard before
  • On both of these, the city has adopted a resolution supporting the legislation amendment as it did on
  • On this great bipartisan legislation.
  • And we believe in accountability, transparency, notification, and all of those things.
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured several active discussions regarding various bills, with notable emphasis on matters of affordable housing and local governance. House Bill 3753 was a focal point, aimed at addressing the allocation of low-income housing credits, which raised concerns among members over its implications for local communities. Representative Cunningham provided compelling arguments for the bill, emphasizing its potential benefits for teachers and residents struggling with housing issues, triggering a dialogue on transparency and accountability in housing decisions. Additionally, the committee reviewed House Bill 293, which proposed uniformity in transparency requirements across different housing tax credit programs, underscoring the complexity of legislative processes in housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also included in this legislation are policies designed to increase transparency.
  • Is it transparency in medical records?
  • Now, it's not transparent.
  • Thank you so much for this legislation.
  • That your legislation allows for a process.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on various bills primarily aimed at enhancing parental rights within the educational system. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 204, which mandates the creation of a user-friendly handbook for parents detailing their rights regarding their children's education, and Senate Bill 609, designed to hold school districts accountable to parents and ensure transparency in educational practices. A significant amount of public testimony was offered both for and against these measures, reflecting the contentious nature of the subject matter. Senators emphasized the importance of parental involvement and education reform, fostering a robust dialogue among committee members and constituents alike. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address all bills thoroughly and attentively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and Vice Chair,

    HB 3258 aims to provide transparency

  • While we're spending valuable legislative time on this bill, there are other parts of the tax code that
  • transparency, fairness, or compliance with the law.
  • I've repeatedly tried to allow public discussion of our unlawful practices and lack of transparency,
  • That would create a little bit more transparency.
Summary: The meeting addressed multiple pieces of legislation related to property appraisal, primarily focusing on HB1952, HB4703, and HB3524. There was a lively discussion surrounding HB1952, which proposes to increase the number of elected members on appraisal boards, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. Public testimony included varied perspectives, with residents expressing a desire for more representation in appraisal decisions, while some members voiced concerns about the potential politicization of these boards. The committee left the bill pending for further scrutiny, indicating the complexity of the subject matter and the differing opinions within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But should that not occur and other legislation moves forward, that would prevent
  • But should one piece of legislation move forward, that would give exclusivity in statute to one particular
  • Tell me, why do we have to do legislation, if you know

  • They said that is up to the legislation.

  • That is up to the legislators. That is Joe.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by detailed discussions on four significant bills, notably HB5597, HB2462, HB4420, and HB4429. Each bill was thoroughly examined, with representatives offering insights and public representatives providing testimony. One of the standout moments was when Representative Leach presented HB2462, which seeks to allow pregnant drivers to use HOV lanes, described as a step toward elevating motherhood and supporting life in Texas. The committee enjoyed robust dialogue around the implications of this legislation, leading to inquiries about potential impacts and reception from the public and other stakeholders. As the meeting progressed, urgent matters pertaining to the other three bills were deliberated, with various opinions being voiced about their respective benefits and drawbacks. Notably, discussions included concerns regarding safety, economic implications, and community impact. After addressing all bills, the meeting concluded with plans for upcoming sessions to explore these topics further. The committee encouraged continued public engagement and input on the matters discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing community needs through thoughtful legislation.

Research Filters

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