Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Bell County'
Page 25 of 50
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine risk management, credit, and rural business views on the agricultural economy, focusing on views from the field. Mar 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
More than 70 percent of all counties in this country
- constituent, Caleb Hopkins, who hails from Halber, Iowa, which is a tiny, tiny little town in Carroll County
- Going Forward supports young producers like Jordan Brewer from LaRue County, Kentucky.
- Hopkins, last summer, lenders like yourself started sounding the alarm bells that getting fined...
Keywords:
farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management
Summary:
The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Energy Resources May 12th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Energy Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- span marker="46" data-time="270"> What the bill effectively does is ban these fuel depots in border counties
Specifically in Hidalgo County, we have what we refer
- The chair recalls Rose Benavides, President of Stark County Industrial. Welcome, Ms. Benavides.
- President, Stark County Industrial, and you're here testifying neutral on SB 2949. Is that correct?
- We in Economic Development for Stark County don't work necessarily directly with the market bridge, but
Keywords:
LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, HB2, SB2949, fuel regulations, gas facilities, Texas-Mexico border, public safety, illegal fuel operations
Summary:
The meeting featured robust discussions surrounding several bills, particularly focusing on HB2 and SB2949, which aim to establish better regulations for gas facilities and address concerns over fuel transportation. Representative Rosenthal introduced HB2, explaining its intent to improve protocols for gas installations, and shared a personal account of safety concerns that arose from similar incidents in his area. SB2949 was discussed with emphasis on curbing illegal fuel operations while protecting legitimate trade across the Texas-Mexico border. The bill drew attention due to a rise in fuel-related crimes and the need for effective tracking of fuel movements. Both bills left pending, highlighting the committee's commitment to revisiting and refining the proposed measures.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Aug 12th, 2025 at 10:08 am
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
Clerk, ring the bell.
Keywords:
disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, disaster response, mass fatality, emergency management, justice of the peace training, volunteer management, criminal history checks, state health services, emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, emergency communication
Summary:
In this meeting of the legislative committee, members gathered to discuss pressing issues, including critical flood response legislation that could significantly impact families and communities affected by recent disasters. Despite the efforts to address these urgent matters, a quorum was not present, preventing any formal actions from being taken. The absence of a sufficient number of members meant that discussions were limited and centered around logistics for the upcoming sessions to ensure that necessary votes could be conducted in the near future. The chairman expressed concerns about the operational costs related to these absences and emphasized the continuous tracking of taxpayer dollars being spent in response to the critical situations faced by communities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Facility, Victoria County, and Beaumont Baptist.
- And so for a county that doesn't have any beds associated, like my county doesn't have any beds, but
- Jail is essentially the largest mental health institution in the county.
- County area, and currently those counties surrounding Bexar
- County are covered by the model.
Keywords:
legislation, public testimony, committee discussions, fiscal responsibility, community impact
Summary:
The meeting involved a series of discussions around various legislative matters, focusing primarily on proposed bills and amendments. Members of the committee voiced their opinions on the implications of each bill, and several public witnesses offered testimony supporting and opposing different initiatives. Notable conversations revolved around fiscal responsibilities and the impact of these legislations on local communities. Overall, the dialogue was constructive, highlighting the differing perspectives among committee members and witnesses.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Aug 8th, 2025 at 01:08 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
Clerk, ring the bell.
Bills:
HB4
Keywords:
redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, quorum, attendance, administrative policies, civil arrest, flood recovery, infrastructure funding, legislation
Summary:
In this meeting, key discussions revolved around the enactment of new measures to manage member attendance and address quorum issues. The chairman addressed the ongoing challenges presented by absent members and introduced administrative policies impacting pay and expenses for those not present. He emphasized the need for all members to return expeditiously, or face consequences, including potential civil arrest for those evading attendance. The significance of HB3, a priority legislation concerning flood recovery and infrastructure funding, was highlighted as essential for restoring communities affected by recent flooding, following extensive testimonies from impacted citizens.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- cybersecurity and three for county election training.
- And so, on the team side, that's the two cybersecurity for the three counties.
- There are currently 22 FTEs providing team oversight to the counties.
- The agency is requesting general revenue to expand to an additional five counties.
- You can write about the counties that exist.
Keywords:
appropriations, budget adjustments, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, mental health resources, community supervision, elderly inmates, funding challenges
Summary:
The meeting of the appropriations committee focused on a range of topics including budget adjustments for various state departments and agencies. Key points of discussion included the Texas Department of Criminal Justice budget, which saw considerations for funding adjustments to support both community supervision and correction programs. The committee members exhibited keen interest in mental health resources, with some discussions revolving around a proposed additional funding for staff and programs aimed at improving support for vulnerable populations in the justice system. Additionally, there were discussions regarding the adequacy of existing resources for elderly inmates, and the potential need for policy changes around this issue.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
Representative Bell.
- of Atascosa, Comal, and Medina counties.
- And they range from Orange County up to Hunt County where the reservoir where the river basin starts.
- Economic growth in Orange County all the way up to Hunt County and Sabine.
- Augustine, and Newton County, they qualify for the contract. That's how poor of a county they are.
Keywords:
water management, desalination, Corpus Christi, drought, Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus, state funding, economic impact
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- span> I run peer centers and after school programs in Fort Bend County
- In consultations with county and district clerks, we will have a committee.
- We show you registered as John Warren, testifying on behalf of the county and district clerks association
- collaborated to make sure that we're doing everything we can to help the citizens of all of our counties
- Let the record reflect that Chairman Bell is present.
Bills:
HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122, HB4876
Keywords:
property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance, sustainability, water conservation, shrimp, restaurants, food service, imported shrimp, domestic shrimp, consumer protection, notice requirements, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, ticket sales, event tickets, transparency
Summary:
Additionally, the committee reviewed HB4531, aiming to protect property owners from fraudulent ownership claims, which generated extensive discussions on real estate fraud and the support mechanisms for citizens lacking legal representation. Testimonies from various stakeholders pointed out the bill's potential to streamline the process for dispute resolution and protect vulnerable property owners, furthering the overarching goal of ensuring justice and accountability within the property systems. The committee concluded with the discussion of HB4903, which seeks to enhance workforce support through better child care initiatives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know in Bell County it's posted, but in some counties, they don't actually post the notice of this
- And in Bell County, for instance, we've had to actually bring
- Well, of course, every county has four county commissioners precincts, but each county...
- Six counties, but in Tarrant County, I did the Tarrant County
- This is from Hayes County, Tarrant County, and Harris County.
Keywords:
early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, election reporting, candidate percentages, voting results, transparency, electoral reform, election procedures, civil penalty, public officials, election standards, Texas Election Code, voter registration, online application, acknowledgment, elections
Summary:
The House Committee on Elections convened to discuss HB3709, a bill focused on reforming the post-election audit process. Representative Dialo presented the bill, emphasizing its bipartisan support and the critical need for modernization to enhance the integrity and transparency of the voting process. The existing auditing method, which relied on random precinct selection, was criticized for being outdated and inefficient. The proposed changes aim to standardize audits across various voting methods, allowing election officials to evaluate results by voting locations instead of individual precincts, and thus improving accuracy and efficiency.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Congressional Redistricting, Select Aug 1st, 2025 at 10:08 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Travis County, Polk County, Trinity, or Houston County?
- out through Rockwall County, through Collin County, and then captures Rains and Upshur counties out
- I'm the McLennan County judge. In McLennan County, Waco is our county seat.
- Louie Minor is registered to testify on behalf of Bell County, Precinct 4, and Sealth against House Bill
- The only area out there was just one county, Lubbock County.
Keywords:
redistricting, HB4, congressional maps, public testimony, demographics, transparency, representation
Summary:
The meeting focused heavily on congressional redistricting, centering around the discussion of HB4, a bill that aims to revise the congressional map based on population shifts and other demographic factors. Notable was Vice Chair Rosenthal's critique of the process and the lack of transparency regarding the bill's plans which he characterized as a 'rigged matter'. Multiple public hearings were conducted prior to this meeting, allowing citizens to register opinions about the congressional lines, and numerous testimonies were presented both for and against the proposed changes in the districts. The testimony revealed significant concern over how the redistricting could impact various communities and representations moving forward.
Discussions included the implications of changing demographics, and members addressed how the modifications aimed to promote fair representation while considering historical voting patterns. As the committee adjourned, there were hints of continued deliberation on the matter with members expressing intention to finalize the bill in a subsequent session. The meeting demonstrated the committee's commitment to addressing public sentiment and legislative responsibility regarding district boundaries.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And the rate of change for the city and county is literally...
- Kendall County. Booming, yeah.
- I was the Travis County Auditor for 24 years. I'm now retired.
- It isn't for city or county taxes or community colleges.
- The 3.5% that's on cities and counties is about 30,000.
Keywords:
property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, property tax relief, homestead exemption, SB4, SJR2, public testimony, local government spending, Texas economy
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources (Part I) May 21st, 2025
Senate Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Over 500 feet tall and it does not apply to counties with
- a population over 500,000 or a county with a city over 300,000.
- counties like Matagorda.
- I think that would be a more targeted approach than all of the county and the county next to it.
- ...facility proposed to be located within Lee County.
Keywords:
oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes, environmental safety, beneficial use, motor vehicle, air quality, energy source, engine, state implementation plan, construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights
Summary:
The committee meeting covered several significant bills with a focus on environmental concerns and public health implications. Notably, House Bill 2440 was discussed, which aims to prevent state agencies from restricting vehicle ownership based on energy sources, ensuring Texans can choose the vehicles that suit their needs. Representative Curry presented the bill, emphasizing the need for consumer choice and the protection of personal freedoms in transportation policies. The bill left the floor pending after no public testimony was provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Bell? Present. Representative Lujan? Present. Representative Pagani?
- Oh, Chairman Bell, Chairman Bhojani, I just wanted to tell you I looked through this bill and it also
Keywords:
heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, administrative penalties, employee training, occupational health, heat illness prevention, workplace safety, advisory board, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness
Summary:
The meeting held by the committee focused on several bills aimed at improving worker safety and economic support for rural communities. Key discussions included the introduction of HB446, which aims to establish a Heat Illness Prevention Advisory Board to address the increasing number of heat-related worker deaths in Texas. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the need for heat safety standards and the emotional impact of heat-related illnesses on workers' lives. HB1609 was also presented, seeking protections for volunteer firefighters during declared disasters to prevent job loss while responding to emergencies. The committee expressed strong support for these initiatives, suggesting a collective understanding of their importance amid rising temperatures and demands on the workforce.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, Representative Keith Bell is sponsored by Senator Schwartner.
- p>
Uplift has the lowest student-to-advisor ratio in Dallas County
Keywords:
education funding, Texas State Technical College System, constitutional amendment, capital projects, workforce education, mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, vendor contracts, school district, criminal offense, conflict of interest, educational governance
Summary:
The meeting largely centered on discussions about House Bill 120, which aims to improve career and technical education in Texas, particularly focusing on rural students. The bill was introduced as an innovative approach to enhance educational pathways for high-demand jobs, including programs for military readiness and industry-based certifications. Various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Career and Technical Association of Texas, provided testimonies in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to address the workforce requirements of the state. Conversely, concerns regarding the bill's implications were raised by several witnesses, primarily focusing on the potential unintended consequences for students with disabilities and the importance of maintaining a collaborative educational approach rather than a punitive one.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Education K-16 (Part I) May 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
The Chair calls Sarah Crockett, Timothy Bell, Elseth
- This must include instruction on the roles of government officials at the state, county, city, and local
Keywords:
foster youth, education, state college tuition, House Bill 1211, support, committee meeting
Summary:
During this committee meeting, a total of 16 bills were discussed, covering various topics mainly focused on education and support for vulnerable populations. Notably, House Bill 1211 was a significant highlight, aiming to remove the 25th birthday deadline for former foster youth to utilize state college tuition benefits. This bill garnered strong support from multiple members, including personal testimonies from individuals who benefited from such educational support. The conversation around HB1211 emphasized the challenges faced by former foster youth, including lack of awareness and support, which aligns with the bill's objective of extending opportunities regardless of age.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
Bell.
- in Texas that already have no printed newspaper in their county.
- ...who look for bids in any county or any city in Texas.
- Depending on the county, the cost of running the ads in local newspapers.
- , with an amazing Wharton County Junior College with satellite campuses.
Keywords:
social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB1093, self-service storage, advertising requirements, public notice
Summary:
In this meeting, the focus was on HB1093, which addresses the advertising requirements for self-service storage facility lien sales. The bill, presented by a representative, advocates for updating outdated newspaper notice requirements that have been in place since 1984. The representative emphasized that many areas in Texas no longer have access to printed newspapers, making it crucial to adapt the law to allow for advertising on publicly accessible internet platforms and other methods to ensure transparency and access to information regarding lien sales. Several stakeholders and witnesses shared opinions on the merits and potential drawbacks of the bill, leading to a lively discussion.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , Hardin County, Tyler County, and Jasper County at just under 4,000 square miles.
- I'm the County Commissioner for Precinct 4 in Hays County, Texas, and I'm here testifying on behalf of
- Most cities in Wise County are small; the county seat has fewer than 7,000 residents, making it nearly
- the county.
- I'm a County Commissioner in Johnson County, Precinct 4.
Keywords:
water infrastructure, regional collaboration, Senate Bill 1169, water accessibility, Texas Senate Committee, public testimony, small communities, water shortages
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee was notably focused on critical infrastructure bills, particularly dealing with water resource management in Texas. Discussions centered around SB1169, which proposes a regional collaboration model to enhance water accessibility, particularly for small, rural communities facing significant water shortages. Advocates from various sectors provided testimony highlighting the urgency of addressing water supply issues exacerbated by population growth and climate challenges. Senator Hinojosa and other committee members expressed strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the need for expanded solutions and proactive legislation to secure Texas's water future.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It is very specifically bracketed to Laredo, Texas, and Webb County, and no other county in the state
- , not just counties of 250,000 and above.
- Noeli, it’s open to Webb County peace officers.
- I'm not associated with the county at any level.
- I called some of my friends at Webb County...
Bills:
HB1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023
Keywords:
employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, law enforcement, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database
Summary:
The committee meeting convened to discuss various issues pertinent to recent legislative proposals. Notably, several bills were reviewed and debated, with members expressing differing opinions on their implications and potential impact on the community. Discussions ranged from public safety measures to resource allocation, reflecting the committee's broad mandate and the importance of legislative oversight. Engaging testimonies from citizens and stakeholders underscored the significance of the proposed legislation, bringing personal perspectives and expert opinions into the dialogue.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If we had, for instance, in the county jails, there's roughly 4,000...
- We serve approximately 50 different counties.
- are currently 121 counties represented.
- Currently, we have a total of 646 civilly committed clients from 121 counties.
- Michael Bell, who is a regional vice president for the Management and Training Corporation.
Keywords:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice, rehabilitation programs, budget cuts, recidivism, inmate education, employment training
Summary:
The House Committee on Corrections convened to discuss various operational issues and concerns surrounding the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Notably, Executive Director Brian Collier highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance inmate rehabilitation services, including job training programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates. While the session was not dedicated to voting on bills, the committee reviewed the budget cuts impacting correctional facilities, which raised questions regarding the potential effects on facility operations and inmate management. Concerns were also aired about maintaining standards for educational programs within the correctional framework.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- No counties like Senator Blanco's county and your county.
- Currently, that notification is required in counties with a population of less than 300,000.
- span marker="325" data-time="1944">The prior legislation that I passed applies to the following six counties
- : Cameron, Brazoria, Bell, Galveston, Nueces, and Lubbock County.
- As co-chair of the Dallas Opioid Strike Force, we brought together stakeholders in our city, county,
Bills:
HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783
Keywords:
peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense
Summary:
The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.