Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public policy'

Page 24 of 61
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If not, we'll proceed to public testimony.
  • Concerned Women for America is the largest public policy women's organization in the nation, with hundreds
  • Yes, I am the Director of Public Policy for Human Coalition.
  • policy.
  • female are in your policy.
Summary: The committee meeting featured intense discussions surrounding HB5510 and HB229, both of which generated significant public testimony. Various witnesses expressed strong opposition to HB5510, particularly highlighting concerns over its potential to threaten equitable access to healthcare and its implications for women's rights. Testimonies revealed the emotional weight behind these bills, with speakers advocating for compassion towards vulnerable populations rather than punitive measures. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, as proponents and opponents alike provided firsthand accounts and perspectives that underscored the complexities surrounding these legislative issues. In contrast to the discussions on HB5510, commentary on HB229 mainly revolved around defining gender and safeguarding women's spaces. Many witnesses emphasized the bill's potential discriminatory effects on transgender and non-binary individuals, arguing that the legislation could fracture community relations rather than promote safety and dignity for all. Ultimately, despite the passion displayed in rebuttals from both sides, the meeting concluded with some bills left pending, leaving room for further consideration and debate in the future.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • can enforce such a policy.
  • Public testimony is closed.
  • We'll open public testimony.
  • We'll open public testimony.
  • We'll open public testimony on Senate Bill 3014.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened for a detailed examination of SB1065. The session was marked by comprehensive discussions surrounding the potential implications of this legislation. Members engaged in dialogue regarding the bill's objectives, with presentations from the bill's author and various stakeholders, highlighting differing perspectives on its necessity and impact. Public input was also sought, allowing for a range of opinions to be expressed, which enriched the deliberative process. Notably, Senator Haldeman emphasized the importance of the bill for improving community resources and addressing urgent needs in public services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Administration May 7th, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now open.
  • radio for public service announcements.
  • Public testimony is now open.
  • Okay, we'll open public testimony.
  • Now open public testimony for HCR 107.
Summary: The meeting focused on the consideration of multiple House Concurrent Resolutions and House Bills, specifically those that recognize Texas's cultural and historical contributions. Notably, HCR 6 and HCR 50 were discussed, designating Galveston as the official Juneteenth capital and Mardi Gras capital of Texas, respectively. Each resolution was accompanied by public testimony, revealing strong community support for these recognitions. Senate sponsor Senator Milton elaborated on the importance of these designations, which aim to highlight significant cultural events and contribute to local pride.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is David Dunmore with the Texas Public Policy

  • The way we think about this at the Texas Public Policy

  • With that, we're going to open public testimony and close public testimony and leave HB1545 pending.
  • Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony and then close public testimony and leave HB 5331
  • The Chair opens up public testimony.
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I serve as a technology policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • It's being offered with an insurance policy.
  • That would be on a health policy or life insurance policy?
  • That's why it's good balanced policy.
  • If not, we'll close public testimony.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss a wide range of bills, including key pieces of legislation such as HB1922 and HB145, which address utilities' wildfire mitigation efforts. There was a notable emphasis on the importance of strengthening Texas' approach to dealing with electric utility liabilities and improving operational strategies in the event of wildfires. Public testimony was heard, with various stakeholders advocating for and expressing concerns about elements of the proposed regulations, highlighting the nuanced positions citizens and organizations hold regarding energy management and environmental safety. Additionally, several bills were reported favorably to the full Senate, indicating a smooth legislative progress during the meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 13th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • >Sixteen inches is an arbitrary number and serves no legitimate public
  • /span>

    I had a client who was doing a photo shoot out in public

  • So they started selling all these M1 Garands and M1 carbines to the general public.
  • Congress took necessary public safety action to regulate these firearms many years ago, during the Prohibition
  • Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding Senate Bills 1505 and 1596. The session began with an overview of SB1505, related to the Compassionate Use Program, which was moved favorably to the full Senate following extensive testimony. This bill garnered a positive reception among committee members, showcasing a unanimous vote for its advancement. Notably, public testimony highlighted various perspectives on the effectiveness and necessity of the Compassionate Use Program, contributing significantly to the discussions later in the meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, we've also passed bills to make public camping illegal.
  • Members, my name is Chuck DeVore, I'm with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, here to testify in support
  • Hearing none, the public testimony is closed.
  • We are having to restrict the information the public can get for public use.
  • Public testimony is now closed.
Summary: The meeting involved several key discussions surrounding new legislation, notably SB801, which addresses barriers faced by unhoused young adults in obtaining necessary documentation like birth certificates. Witnesses, including Maria Benavides from SA Youth, testified on how these hurdles impact access to jobs and housing, emphasizing the importance of removing financial barriers to obtaining identification. Additionally, the committee examined SB1200, aimed at increasing transparency in lawsuits against defense contractors connected to foreign adversaries, highlighting national security concerns. Senator Cole Corse articulated the bill's aim to disclose relationships between plaintiffs and adversarial nations, promoting accountability in litigation funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 8 simply requires that public entities establish a policy designating private spaces owned and controlled
  • My name is Mollie Boyles, I'm the Director of Public Policy
  • I'm the Public Policy Advisor for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, in which we have over 2,800
  • I'm the public policy advisor for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, in which we have over 2,800
  • As you've heard, the Ethics and Public Policy Center found that about 10% of mifepristone users require
Bills: HB7, SB8
Summary: Simultaneously, SB8 initiated thorough debates over privacy and safety concerns in public restrooms. Supporters argued for the necessity of maintaining biologically separated spaces to protect women and children, while opponents highlighted the discrimination and potential harm caused to transgender individuals. Various stakeholders, including business representatives and community activists, voiced their opposition to SB8, emphasizing its negative implications for Texas's reputation as a welcoming state. The session concluded without any definitive resolutions, with both bills remaining pending for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this is Chairman Capriglione's bill that prohibits the use of public money for legal services
  • We've had policies that have been proposed in this committee to build more transmission and distribution
  • And our decisions here, from a policy perspective, are not binary.
  • After all, being a good neighbor isn't just good policy, it's the Texas way.
  • I'm a taxpayer and a public servant. I serve Kendall County as a county...
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of bills, highlighting legislative efforts to address energy efficiency, border security, and public safety. Notably, the discussions surrounding HB3824 focused on establishing fire safety standards for battery energy storage systems, inciting concerns about their proximity to schools and hospitals. Members expressed varying opinions on the technology while considering public safety and infrastructure requirements. The meeting also saw the passage of multiple bills, including HB1554, which prohibits the use of public funds for legal services for unlawfully present individuals, showcasing a strong political consensus on border-related issues. Overall, the session was marked by substantial public engagement and the intent to address critical legislative priorities effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Again, from public view.
  • This is just good public policy. I respectfully ask for the opportunity.
  • Put it to a vote of the public.
  • safety in these public.
  • This isn't just bad policy; it's a breach of public trust, and during this Easter season, I urge you
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various bills addressing public safety, administrative efficiency, and regulatory frameworks affecting counties in Texas. Notably, Representative Kerwin introduced HB3087 aimed at establishing child safety zones and was met with mixed reactions, including strong opposition from advocates who argued it would unfairly restrict residents' rights. Additionally, bills like HB3234 were discussed, which seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for county construction projects, aiming to streamline processes and save costs for rapidly growing counties like Bexar and Travis. Public testimony played a crucial role in the debates, with numerous witnesses voicing their support or concerns over the proposed legislation, showcasing the vibrant community interest in these measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And if you're here for public testimony, that's...
  • shall adopt this policy.
  • Seeing none, public testimony is now closed.
  • All right, seeing none, we're going to open it up to public testimony.
  • Hearing none, let's open up public testimony on Senate Bill 1163.
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the discussion of various bills aimed at addressing key issues related to housing development and youth tobacco use. Notably, SB1882 was brought to the floor by Senator Betancourt, which aims to reassess the regulations surrounding moratoriums on residential and commercial property development. Several industry representatives testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the necessity of increased transparency and more robust guidelines for imposing moratoriums. The discussions highlighted the economic impact that open-ended moratoriums can have on local builders and potential homeowners, urging the need for legislative changes to protect development rights and housing availability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several notable pieces of legislation, focusing particularly on SB650, which requires electronically readable information for verifying purchasers' ages in alcohol sales. The bill was substituted and subsequently reported favorably with unanimous support. Another key piece of legislation was SB1376, aimed at enhancing code enforcement by allowing trainees to operate unsupervised in towns lacking registered officers, crucial for effective zoning and sanitation enforcement. Following discussions, the committee agreed to leave SB1346 related to lottery regulations pending as further considerations were necessary. The meeting concluded with a collective acknowledgment of the importance of these bills in addressing both public safety and regulatory clarity in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 24th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These comments are left by the public on each agenda item in our hearings.
  • Comments are open until the end of the public testimony period.
  • We'll proceed to public testimony.
  • That concludes our public testimony.
  • Someone's going to have to drive to, I guess, the Department of Public Safety?
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on HB5337, which aimed to implement stricter voter identification requirements in Texas. During the session, various stakeholders, including members of the public, expressed their concerns regarding the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly among older citizens and tribal populations. Critics of the bill highlighted that many Texan citizens might not possess the necessary documentation to comply with the new requirements, resulting in unintended consequences at the polls. Notably, representatives raised questions about the practicality of enforcing these regulations without negatively impacting voter turnout, especially for vulnerable demographics.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do we have any cards, public cards?
  • So it's just good policy. Good policy, good bill.
  • We'll go ahead and close public testimony.
  • public testimony.
  • If not, we'll open public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance included the introduction of SB1337 by Senator Krayton. This bill aims to provide a fair and accurate system for calculating tax obligations, mandating the comptroller to assess penalties only on the net tax due from a taxpayer rather than allowing overpayments to offset underpayments under limited circumstances. Senator Krayton elaborated on how the bill ensures that taxpayers who overpay can use that surplus to cover any underpaid taxes of the same type, ensuring fairness for both the state and taxpayers. Several discussions ensued regarding the administration of the bill, with contributions from various members including representatives from the Comptroller's Office.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, good public policy would dictate that those resources be used first for the purposes...
  • What are, since you do public works, what are the...
  • public right-of-way.
  • of the city for that public works project to be forced to change either.
  • Lastly, there would be the public works bucket that we mentioned, including facilities, public arenas
Summary: The Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband convened to discuss several important bills aimed at improving broadband infrastructure and managing the financial responsibilities associated with utility right-of-way relocation. Notably, Chair Morales advocated for HB3953, focused on assessing broadband availability in multifamily housing, highlighting significant gaps observed during the COVID-19 pandemic where families struggled to access necessary internet services for education. Testimonies were provided by various stakeholders, underlining the critical nature of broadband accessibility for vulnerable populations, including low-income families and students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 12th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is good policy. Thank you. I'll answer any questions if needed.
  • ...to protect the public, promote public confidence, and
  • option of a private sanction so that all issued sanctions will be transparent and available to the public
  • ...public citizens that have the final say with support from
  • All right, seeing none, the chair opens public testimony.
Summary: This meeting of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee addressed multiple bills, focusing notably on mental health provisions and judicial accountability. SB1164 was a significant topic, discussing amendments to emergency detainer processes for individuals with severe mental illness. Witnesses provided compelling testimonies highlighting issues within the current mental health system, stressing the need for a compassionate approach to assist those refusing treatment. The discussion revealed tensions surrounding the legislative changes, with concerns from various stakeholders about potential overreach and effectiveness of proposed measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Feb 27th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are no public witnesses wishing to testify on Senate Bill 688.
  • We encourage evidence-based policies that will prevent youth access to these harmful substances.
  • We will be hearing public testimony after Mr. Withers.
  • We'll open public testimony.
  • Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed. The bill is left pending at this time.
Bills: SB18, SB19, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several legislative measures, notably focusing on youth protection regarding the sale of nitrous oxide and regulations pertaining to 'Drag Queen Story Hours' in public libraries. SB666 aims to prevent the sale of nitrous oxide to individuals under 21, highlighting its health risks, particularly on developing brains. Public health advocates supported the bill, emphasizing the necessity for age restrictions and mandatory state registrations for retailers. The testimony underscored significant concern about the accessibility of nitrous oxide for minors and the urgent need for regulation to mitigate associated health risks. Additionally, SB18 addressed issues related to drag queen performances in libraries, aiming to restrict public funding for libraries that host such events. This proposal stemmed from safety concerns following reports of inappropriate participants being involved in children's activities. The committee displayed a collaborative spirit, with bipartisan support for the bills aimed at safeguarding children from potentially harmful influences. The meeting concluded with plans for public testimony in the next session, indicating ongoing engagement with community perspectives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development May 5th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • HHSC lists its goals to help their clients and dependents on public health.
  • All right, hearing none, let's open for public testimony.
  • Hearing none, we'll open for public testimony. The chair calls Chuck Ross.
  • There being none, public testimony is closed.
  • There being none, public testimony is now closed.
Summary: The meeting of the Economic Development Committee focused on various bills aimed at enhancing workforce development and economic incentives in Texas. One of the key discussions centered around Senate Bill 2603, which proposed a collaboration between businesses receiving state and local economic development incentives and local workforce development boards to improve job placement outcomes for participants. Public testimony highlighted the importance of connecting job seekers, especially those receiving public assistance, with potential employers to reduce reliance on state support systems. Additionally, Senate Bill 2607 emphasized interagency cooperation to better serve individuals engaged in workforce reentry programs, ensuring streamlined access to vital services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The public testimony is closed.
  • The reason I'm here is because this is smart policy.
  • There being none, public testimony is closed.
  • We have no one from the public registered to testify.
  • There being no public testimony, the session is closed.
Summary: The meeting primarily centered around significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB188, HB265, HJR35, and HJR47. Members highlighted the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in the energy-producing regions of Texas, particularly focusing on the economic contributions and challenges faced by local communities impacted by the oil and gas industry. The committee witnessed a strong show of support for House Bill 188 from representatives who stressed its importance for reinvesting severance tax revenues back into communities that greatly contribute to the state’s economy. Testimonies from local economic development officials and community leaders reinforced the necessity of these investments for ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

Research Filters

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