Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'private civil rights'

Page 24 of 60
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs Jul 22nd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right now, the testing goes to a private lab.

  • I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project
  • That's right.
  • Right. That's correct.
  • That's exactly right. You're right.
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12
Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions surrounding public safety and health, particularly in relation to the regulation of THC products through Senate Bills 5, 11, and 12. A significant point of contention was Senate Bill 5, which sought to regulate THC products to prioritize child safety, with law enforcement officials arguing that existing regulations have failed to protect youth adequately. The committee heard several testimonies from both supporters and opponents of the legislation, emphasizing a deep divide on the efficacy of regulation versus prohibition. Lawmakers debated the implications of these bills, with some members advocating for a complete ban while others called for more moderate, regulated approaches to address the concerns surrounding THC consumption and its impact on mental health. Notably, the meeting concluded with a series of votes indicating a strong push towards tightening regulations on THC products to ensure public safety.
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:
  • All right, thank you.
  • All right.
  • All right. Thank you.
  • All right, thank you.
  • All right.
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

Criminal Justice May 20th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Every child has the right to walk safely on Texas soil. Thank you very much for being here.
  • All right.
  • Right to the point, we like that.
  • This gives investigators time to investigate these felonies, right?
  • All right.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss a wide range of bills, focusing particularly on topics related to sexual assault, victim compensation, and oversight of parole violators. The meeting was characterized by a series of bills being introduced, each accompanied by testimonies from experts and public advocates. Notably, HB2355, which aims to enhance protections for victims of crime, saw extensive discussion, highlighting how the proposed changes intend to close existing loopholes in current law, ensuring that necessary records are kept confidential and victims' details are handled with the utmost privacy. Other significant bills included HB305, which addresses competency restoration for defendants, and HB47, an omnibus bill centered around sexual assault survivors' protections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll observe the right to close.
  • I think he's going in the right direction.
  • Right? Exactly. Exactly. Exactly.
  • Is that right? I appreciate you very much.
  • Right. So that can be done in the documentation.
Summary: The meeting addressed several key pieces of legislation, with significant focus on bills related to property owners' associations and the Texas Workforce Commission's training programs. Representative Harris-Navila presented HB517, which aims to allow property owners' associations to impose fines for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions. The committee adopted a community substitute for this bill before moving it forward with a recommendation for passage. Meanwhile, HB2791, highlighted by Chairwoman Button, focusses on vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities, with provisions that require efficient operation to avoid lapses in service.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right. Thank you, sir. I'll reserve the right. The chair calls up Holly Jeffries.
  • All right.
  • That's right, yeah.
  • All right. We'll reserve your right to close.
  • Right here, it says...
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance was a significant gathering that focused on various health-related bills, including HB138, AB388, HB1942, and others. The committee heard testimony from multiple stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Medical Association, who emphasized the importance of health insurance transparency and compliance. Notably, HB1818 garnered attention as it aims to enhance the oversight of utilization review processes, which has previously faced challenges from both insurers and healthcare providers. The committee also discussed measures to improve the prescribed burning insurance under HB2563, a critical topic due to the increasing risk of wildfires in Texas. Several witnesses provided insights into the urgent need for a robust insurance framework to support prescribed burn managers, highlighting the current limitations and risks posed by the lack of coverage in the market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Garibald, reserve your right to close. I reserve my right to close.
  • All right.
  • All right, Chair Machine, we'll reserve your right to close. Thank you, sir.
  • I said, do I have a right?
  • All right.
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills, notably House Bill 2189, which aims to address healthcare workforce challenges in Texas. Representative Howard presented the bill, emphasizing its components that seek to align educational programs and reduce duplication of efforts for students entering the healthcare field. The discussion included concerns regarding the costs associated with advancements in technology for training programs, with suggestions to share laboratory resources between schools and higher education institutions. Public testimony supported the need for a cohesive strategy to prepare Texas students for careers in healthcare while addressing the shortage of qualified professionals in the state. Another important bill discussed was House Bill 295, aimed at expanding the definition of bullying in school policies to include anti-Semitic actions. Chairman Shaheen highlighted the increase in anti-Semitic incidents and reiterated the importance of creating a safe learning environment. The bill garnered bipartisan support, with testimonies reflecting a deep concern over rising hate incidents. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the urgency of these legislative issues and ensure quality education and safety for all Texas students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, this bill reinforces private property rights by providing

  • But this is not private property rights.
  • All right, okay, right.
  • Right, we agree. Yes. Right.

  • The price is right.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on the discussion of several significant bills including HB3526, which aims to improve transparency in local government bond obligations. Advocates from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association and Texas Public Policy Foundation emphasized the importance of this legislation for making financial information accessible to taxpayers and policy makers. Furthermore, the meeting included deliberations over HB148 and HB762, which seek to enhance the regulatory framework around appraisal district board training and limit executive severance packages in local government, respectively. Public testimonies reflected a range of perspectives, underscoring the complexities surrounding property rights and fiscal responsibility in governance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Feb 26th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's all right.
  • You've got this one right.
  • At $10,000 right now. Hold your point right there.
  • Did I understand that right? Ready? I'm just trying to make sure I understood it right.
  • All right. Thank you for that.
Summary: During this meeting, the Texas Senate discussed the pivotal CSSB26, aimed at addressing the rights and compensation of public school educators. The bill represents a significant shift in financial support for teachers, marking a historic commitment to permanently allocate resources for teacher salaries while removing existing constraints on district funding. Senator Creighton emphasized the need for comprehensive support not only for teachers but also for support staff such as librarians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. The meeting notably featured discussions on the implementation of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and the introduction of new protection measures aimed at enhancing the teaching environment and ensuring educator safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I respectfully request the right to close.
  • I humbly reserve the right to close.
  • All right. Thank you.
  • All right. And so ASL remains the best way.
  • They have a fundamental right to...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on three significant bills: HB1151, HB1155, and HB1041. A notable discussion arose surrounding HB1151, which aims to protect parental rights regarding medical decisions for children, especially in foster care settings. Supporters highlighted concerns about coercive practices by Child Protective Services that could label parents as neglectful for refusing certain medical treatments. Several witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for parents to retain autonomy over their children's medical care. There was also a compelling narrative shared regarding a family's struggle with the complexities of health decisions under CPS supervision, further underscoring the importance of this legislation. The committee also reviewed HB1155, aimed at providing temporary financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families who have completed their service plans for the reunification of children removed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. The sentiment in favor of this bill echoed the challenges faced by families trying to navigate the system while meeting their basic needs. Furthermore, HB1041 was discussed, which seeks to prevent non-family caregivers from being named beneficiaries on life insurance policies of individuals under their care, highlighting a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think you're right on that regard.
  • Wilson relating to the private rights of action arising from
  • Right. Yeah.
  • I have the right to close. I reserve the right to do so.
  • Right on time. Thank you very much.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development convened to discuss a range of bills addressing workforce policies, business practices, and data privacy issues. A highlight was the presentation of HB5146, aimed at expanding subsidized childcare eligibility to include parents pursuing non-credit workforce training, which drew significant support from both committee members and witnesses. Additionally, SB2121 was introduced to rectify clerical errors within the data broker law, ensuring better consumer protections around the collection and use of personal data. Various other bills saw quick passages with unanimous support, reflecting broad agreement among members regarding workforce development and operational efficiency.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We gotta get this right. The Honorable Jimmy Blacklock.
  • All right, so on to the suggestions.
  • But the thing is, there's another provision right next to it in the code that allows termination of rights
  • Termination of parental rights...

  • ...is the civil death penalty.
Summary: The meeting focused notably on judicial salaries and the importance of retaining qualified judges in Texas. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock discussed the need for a significant pay increase for judges, citing that their base salary has not risen since 2013 despite rising inflation. He made a compelling case that increasing judicial salaries would attract better candidates to serve the public as judges. The Chief Justice emphasized that the state's judicial system relies on highly capable individuals to uphold the rule of law and deliver fair justice to Texans, especially in family law cases where outcomes dramatically affect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 10th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That one probably ought to go to the floor or okay, all right.
  • We're not going to deal with you, right?
  • All right. How about resources?

  • It's hard to speculate, but you know what's in the social media environment, right?
  • Go over here to my left, your right, introduce yourself, and give us your testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs focused on various legislative bills, including SB1346, which seeks to address challenges in the Texas Lottery resulting from fraudulent activities. Senator Hughes, the bill's author, highlighted recent investigations regarding an international syndicate's attempt to purchase nearly all possible winning tickets for a $95 million jackpot, thus undermining public trust in the lottery system. The committee engaged in a deep discussion about the bill's measures to prevent similar future occurrences, suggesting strict penalties for licensed retailers involved in such schemes. The testimony included endorsements from several stakeholders, emphasizing the bill's significance for fair lottery practices in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right now, that's electric utilities, private sector industries
  • Right now, that's electric utilities, private sector industries, and private sector businesses.
  • That's right. 2030. That's right. Uh, and I...
  • I mean, it's risky, right?
  • All right. Thank you, panel.
Summary: In this committee meeting, a wide range of topics were addressed, notably the advancement of nuclear energy in Texas. The committee discussed Senate Bill 2967, aimed at exploring innovative energy technologies and the role of nuclear power in ensuring energy security. Several expert testimonies were heard, including insights from former PUC Commissioner Doug Robinson, who emphasized the potential of modular reactors and necessary state support to navigate the financial challenges commonly faced by nuclear energy projects. The committee's focus was on understanding current nuclear technology stages, determining required state incentives, and assessing the overall energy landscape in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right. My name is Meredith McIver.
  • personal representative on its own motion by qualified delivery method, which includes personal service, private
Summary: In this meeting of the committee, significant discussions were held regarding various bills, particularly focusing on the issue of deed fraud, as highlighted by Senate Bill 1734. Senator Hughes advocated for this legislation as a self-help solution for property owners affected by fraudulent deeds, underscoring its timely relevance given the recent uptick in such incidents. Public testimony included supportive statements from a Texas title industry representative, explaining how the bill would streamline the process for victims to clear their titles in a cost-effective manner. The meeting also addressed Senate Bill 1975, which seeks to protect Texas contractors from unfavorable litigation practices imposed by out-of-state general contractors; however, no public testimony was provided on this bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right.

  • Yeah, right here. It is right down there.
  • All right. I just show you Kevin Winters with...
  • Bringing it forward, private property rights obviously are
  • rights leaders and activists who risked their lives to fight for equal rights for all Americans, and
Summary: The meeting covered several legislative bills focused primarily on environmental impact and economic incentives, with significant attention given to HB3728, which aims to establish numeric salinity standards for Texas's bays and estuaries. Proponents argued that these standards would help protect delicate ecosystems while allowing for necessary industrial expansion, particularly in desalination. There was passionate testimony from environmental advocates emphasizing the potential long-term benefits for both the economy and local communities reliant on these waters. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of past subsidies as found in discussions surrounding HB4568, which faced opposition from the public and prominent committee members who criticized the use of state funds to support the film industry without demonstrating sustainable economic return on investment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, all right, all right. Thank you.
  • Unfortunately, right now, a part of Texas law allows the state to terminate a parent's rights just because
  • Rights had been terminated.
  • I know it's hard for people to do what's right in this world because whenever you do what's right, you
  • All right. Thank you. Any questions by members of the committee?
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by rigorous discussions focused primarily on child protection legislation, particularly HB116. The bill seeks to amend existing laws that allow for the termination of parental rights under vague circumstances, often without sufficient due process. Kate Murphy, Director of Child Protection Policy at Texans Care for Children, delivered a heartfelt testimony supporting the bill's intent to prioritize family preservation and ensure that parents facing challenges receive adequate support rather than facing punitive measures. This stirred considerable discussion among committee members about the implications of the current legal framework and how it disproportionately affects families without proven endangerment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right here. Oh, he's over here. Burwell's over here. Right. We're good. We've got six.
  • Article 1, section 15 of the Texas Constitution commands that the right to a civil jury trial shall be
  • Constitution provides in the Seventh Amendment, which says that the right to a civil jury trial should
  • Right?
  • The private pay keeps coming up; it's a recurring theme for private pay.
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll jump right in.
  • I reserve my right to close.
  • All right.
  • Right?
  • All right, please proceed.
Summary: The meeting was characterized by detailed discussions surrounding several key bills, including HB1464, HB4012, and SB916. Representative Tallarico provided an overview of HB1464, which establishes a state drug purchasing pool aimed at reducing prescription costs for Texas consumers. Multiple stakeholders offered testimony, emphasizing the potential savings and expressing support for the bill. On the other hand, the discussion around HB4012 elicited differing opinions, particularly related to its implications for fraud enforcement in private insurance, with opponents warning against government overreach in private business dealings. Senator Spillers presented SB916, focusing on consumer protections against surprise billing from emergency medical services, indicating collaborative efforts with various health plans to strengthen patient protections without imposing financial burdens on them. Throughout the meeting, representatives and witnesses engaged in constructive dialogue about healthcare costs, insurance reforms, and consumer protection measures. The committee concluded with several bills left pending for future consideration, indicating ongoing concerns and a commitment to further deliberation on these important legislative matters.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We at least need to know about that, right?
  • Right.

  • These provisions affect two significant sections of the civil...
  • Right.
  • But thank you, right?
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss three critical bills, primarily centered around national security concerns and their implications on civil liberties. Notably, Senate Bill 2514 drew significant scrutiny and opposition from various witnesses who raised alarms about how the bill could infringe upon free speech rights and privacy. The bill aims to establish a framework for identifying and monitoring foreign influence operations against Texas, specifically targeting adversaries like China and Russia. Proponents argued that such measures are necessary to protect the integrity of state governance and prevent malign foreign influence, while opponents warned that it may lead to excessive governmental oversight and potential abuse of power.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.

  • Coastal County right now. They're in Austin.
  • They've had a lot of vacancies right now and they've struggled to fill those.
  • You're on 2571 too, right?

  • All right. Thank you.
Summary: The committee meeting revolved around important discussions regarding two significant bills, SB2530 and SB2571, intended to address the funding challenges faced by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Senator Milton highlighted the need for reforms due to escalating reinsurance costs that have risen to over 60% of premiums. A notable focus was the proposed dynamic funding model, which aims to reduce reliance on fixed assessments and public securities tied to the current Probable Maximum Loss (PML) structure, allowing funding to adjust based on actual needs. Both bills received mixed responses, with public testimonies citing the potential for increased financial burdens on insurance companies if the assessments were restructured without careful consideration of market conditions.

Research Filters

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