Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'First Amendment'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll first call upon Robert Smith. Have you testified?
  • First and foremost, I am in favor of SB540.
  • We would like to amend the grounds by removing the word...
  • M is a statute that we amended a couple of sessions ago.
  • I'd like to first of all say I really like the bill.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee, several key bills were debated, most notably HB3281, which addresses the grounds for terminating parental rights. The discussion revolved around significant concerns presented by various members regarding the language change in the bill that requires serious bodily injury for termination, a shift that many find troubling. Witnesses also testified, with some advocating for amendments to ensure child safety, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach without unintended consequences. Additionally, HB4696 was introduced, focused on improving access to protective orders through remote testimony, further engaging committee members and experts on the necessity of such reforms for survivors of domestic violence.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Certify real-time communication and access for first responders.
  • Darby, which one do you want to do first? HB48 before the game?
  • It was the first bill we heard earlier today.
  • And this will be without amendment. OK.
  • Representative Darby moves that Senate Bill 3 be reported without amendment.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed multiple bills related to emergency preparedness and flood prevention, with significant discussions on HB48, SB3, and HB75. Representative Darby opened the meeting by advocating for the creation of a nine-member alert notification system to address public saturation with emergency alerts and to streamline the notification process by evaluating the effectiveness and coordination of existing systems. Testimonies from various stakeholders underscored the necessity of reducing alert fatigue among residents while enhancing the state’s overall readiness for impending natural disasters. The meeting featured robust support for HB75, aimed at establishing stricter safety standards for youth camps located in flood-prone areas following recent tragic flooding incidents that highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate SessionOpening Day of the 89th Legislature Jan 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm proud to be here today with the fabulous First Lady

  • I first found that out when about, oh, 11 years ago, I was summoned by Montgomery County.
  • And what did **Brandon Creighton** first do when he

  • Dad duties first, right?
  • The secretary will call the roll and for our three new senators, this is your first vote.
Bills: SCR7
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee was marked by a robust discussion focused on Senate Bill 1760, which centered around crucial tax relief measures. Senator Creighton, the sponsor of the bill, passionately shared his experiences and the importance of tax cuts for the constituents of Texas, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and community support. The Senate also witnessed nominations for key leadership positions, setting forth a collaborative tone for the upcoming session. Governor Abbott's address highlighted the importance of unity and effective governance amidst the challenges ahead, including managing the state's substantial budget surplus.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 19th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, first, let me say not too many people come in and say they want less discretion.
  • HB 4157 amends Texas law to align with federal.
  • and the requirement under the law to submit a bill to a patient or other responsible person by the first
  • The way it's written, it needs to be significantly amended in our opinion.
  • I would love to see this bill amended, and I'll be happy to follow up with Senator Perry's office on
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll do 2915 first, and then we can go back here.
  • Specifically, the bill will amend Section 3.03(b) of the Penal Code to allow consecutive sentences.
  • If the crime is punishable as a felony of the first degree, the punishment for that offense may not be
  • While the First Amendment protects the right to film law enforcement interactions, that right should
  • Protesting and recording police officers are both protected speech under the First Amendment and should
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussing various bills addressing public safety and criminal penalties within Texas. Notable discussions included the introduction of HB544, which aims to expand consecutive sentencing for crimes against children and vulnerable adults. Representative Gervin Hawkins highlighted the urgent need for this legislation by referencing a shocking case in Bexar County involving severe abuse, illustrating the limitations of current law in imposing adequate penalties. The bill received public support and raised awareness of the ongoing issues surrounding the safety of vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the first column, you've got the current recapture that they're sending to the state.
  • In the second column, you have the amendment.
  • First off, were your recapture payments...
  • First of all, let me say thank you. Thank you, Senator Creighton, to you and your team.
  • towards the floor with a potential amendment.
Summary: The meeting focused on advancing several significant pieces of legislation, particularly those pertaining to education and school finance. Notable discussions included the adoption of committee substitutes for various Senate Bills, such as SB2392, which introduced new reporting requirements for educators regarding misconduct cases. The committee also addressed SB1635, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of high coastal insurance costs on school districts, which included provisions for credits against required recapture payments. Senator Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of responding to the challenges faced by local districts, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure fair funding in coastal areas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Laura, if I could ask you to go first.
  • We're saying at first blink, what is your impression of the environment?
  • And again, I just think it's the first good step.
  • Because if we want to amend this to do 10, 20 hours, let's do that.
  • Any amendment you'd like to make?
Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Justice held a meeting focusing on several legislative bills that address implicit bias in the judicial system. A major highlight was House Bill 1363, which seeks to implement mandatory bias training for judges to ensure fairer judicial outcomes and enhance public trust in the system. This discussion included testimony from various stakeholders who articulated the significance of addressing unconscious biases that could affect judicial decisions. There was considerable debate about the effectiveness and required duration of the training, with suggestions for extending the training frequency from two years to annually to ensure continual awareness and education amongst judges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, SB 500 amends the Family Code to establish clear

  • First of all, I may need to have a resource witness to answer this question, but I'm going to go ahead
  • Name, not the first name, so any information is not redacted
  • SB 1266 will amend the Government Code so that the providers
  • This bill amends current law relating to group home

Summary: The Committee on Human Services meeting was marked by meaningful discussions on multiple bills affecting the welfare of children and senior citizens in Texas. Notably, SB500 was presented to establish clearer timelines for adoption processes, aiming to decrease the wait times significantly from several months to within a few weeks for critical health and personal history reports. This bill was met with positive feedback from committee members and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of expediting adoption to ensure permanency for children in foster care. Additionally, the committee discussed SB1522, which modernizes regulations for continuing care retirement communities to enhance consumer protections and clarify definitions that have long created confusion in the marketplace. Stakeholders emphasized the need for greater transparency in advertising and regulations, underscoring the bill's potential to better safeguard seniors.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Resolution 5 by Hughes, amending the permanent rules
  • data-time="155">Senate Resolution 5, which bears my name, which I now lay before the Senate, would amend
  • I have to yield to you from the dean first.
  • And I'll never forget my very first times meeting her.
  • She was so kind and out there as a warrior during my very first race for the legislature.
Bills: SB2, SB10, HB27, HB18, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB18, SR1, SR2, SR5
Summary: The meeting convened to address significant resolutions, including the formation of a committee to investigate the catastrophic flooding events in July 2025 that resulted in tragic losses across Texas. Senator Flores introduced Senate Resolution 2, aiming to conduct a comprehensive examination of the flooding's impacts and the effectiveness of immediate legislative responses. The resolution was adopted unanimously, indicating a shared commitment to understand and improve future disaster preparedness. Additionally, Senate Resolution 5 was discussed, which proposed amendments to the Senate rules regarding committee structure, particularly in creating a new combined committee for Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. This resolution also received unanimous support, showcasing a collaborative effort to streamline legislative functions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Miles: Um, line 23, first page, public property located
  • Senator Miles: My mistake then, can we do a floor amendment
  • I guess I'm asking if he can take it to the Senate floor and amend it back if he wants to, but right
  • SB1858 aims to amend the eligibility criteria for the bulletproof vest grant.
  • Modification or amendment was made.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss several key legislative bills, focusing significantly on public safety and law enforcement. Among the prominent bills discussed was SB1858, which aims to amend the eligibility criteria for a law enforcement body armor grant program to include independent school districts (ISDs). This bill addresses safety concerns surrounding school resource officers by allowing them access to necessary protective gear. The committee also reviewed SB1723, which received a favorable recommendation for local non-contested status without any opposition. In total, a number of bills were passed with unanimous votes demonstrating bipartisan support for enhancing community security measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nelson, which cites the waiver occurrences as violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the
  • I have an amendment proposed, and they're in blue.
  • When I read these numbers for the first time, I cried.
  • The First Amendment prohibits government officials from wielding their power selectively.
  • First, I wanted to thank.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, significant discussions revolved around Senate Bill 618, which seeks to establish civil penalties for election officials who fail to adhere to the Texas election laws. Proponents, including Dr. Laura Pesce from True Texas Elections, passionately advocated for the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity in the electoral process. The committee heard testimonies underscoring the importance of consistent application of election laws and the necessity to deter violations that undermine public trust in the elections. Many witnesses detailed personal experiences with administrative overreach and violations of election law that directly affect voters and candidates alike. In addition to SB 618, the committee also reviewed Senate Bill 1999. This bill was met with considerable opposition, particularly from advocates arguing that it would promote discrimination against transgender students and exacerbate bullying within schools. Testimonies portrayed stark contrasts between supporters who claimed it would uphold religious freedom and critics who argued it would harm vulnerable youth by legitimizing discrimination based on gender identity. Ultimately, the meeting evidenced the varied views on legislative intent and societal implications surrounding these bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lastly, we recommend amending the data sharing process.
  • Once we get out, there's no more amendments, correct?
  • The bill amends the Penal Code by adding Section 4.12.503.
  • And so a first degree felony doesn't? I thought a first degree felony had a minimum of five years.
  • Senator Hinojosa, that's the first question.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered several significant legislative proposals aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of the Texas criminal justice system. Lead discussions focused on SB2405, which received attention for its comprehensive approach towards modernizing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and addressing recommendations made by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The bill includes provisions for enhanced staff planning and updated rehabilitation programs that are expected to yield substantial cost savings while promoting public safety. Senators engaged actively, expressing their support and raising questions about the implications of the proposed changes, especially concerning parole processes and facility management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State AffairsAudio only. Sep 2nd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The House sent over two amendments.
  • We have removed those amendments, and this is the same bill that we have passed out.
  • into the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in the regular session, and then off the floor once in the first
  • Again, that removes the amendments that were put on in

Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills: HB15 and HB7. Senator King led discussions on HB15, which seeks to address the confidentiality of police officers' files by dividing them into department and personnel files. This bill has seen multiple discussions in previous sessions and was once again favorably reported after discussions removed certain amendments made during its time in the House. Notably, the bill received bipartisan support, although some members voiced concerns during the voting process. Meanwhile, Representative Leach's HB7 addressed the issue of illegal abortion pills entering Texas, receiving wide support from pro-life groups, including the backing of Catholic bishops, while medical groups remained neutral. The meeting concluded with positive sentiments from members towards ongoing legislative efforts and gratitude towards departing committee staff, concluding a session marked by significant dialogue on sensitive legislative matters.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • in context, if you take that formula and plug it in arithmetically, what you get is $10,000 for the first
  • If you take it to $25,000, at the end of the first thirty

  • And when they continue to pump and the supplier gets hit with a $25,000 a day fine, when the first time
  • So get those to a group, talk to them, and if it's amendment city, it's that time in the session where
  • We can make it better with amendments. I'm open to them. So get those... I want to make sure.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee had a thorough discussion centered around various Senate Bills primarily related to groundwater management and water utility regulations. Notably, Senate Bill 2661, introduced amendments to enhance penalties for over-pumping water, highlighting the growing concern over depleting aquifers and ensuring compliance with existing water use regulations. Multiple senators voiced their opinions regarding the necessity of tougher penalties and the implications for both water users and conservation methods. Public testimony was heard, with some arguing against the proposed penalties, stating they could unfairly burden farmers and landowners.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) May 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Expenses like rent and serious repairs are the first priority.
  • Wharton, first and foremost,...
  • But first, I'd like to share my children's observations.
  • I think Senator King was probably first. Go ahead, Senator King.
  • First, strengthening our teacher workforce by investing.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused prominently on the discussions surrounding HB2, which entails significant investments in public education and aims to reform funding mechanisms to better support students and teachers. Multiple stakeholders, including educators and policymakers, conveyed their support while also voicing concerns about the bill's potential shortcomings. Witnesses discussed the urgent need for increased funding for special education and the necessity of expanding pre-K eligibility for students with disabilities. The testimony highlighted the historical context of the funding model and emphasized the importance of creating equitable solutions for all public school districts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first, it essentially goes to what Representative

  • Without amendments, be reported to the full House with the
  • With that, amendments be reported to the full House

  • It seems like under the current law, the provision that you're amending, we have a...
  • The one that, the first one, was a major...
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive deliberations on several bills, most notably House Bill 1110, concerning civil suits against individuals reporting suspicious activity in good faith, proposed by Chairman Shaheen. The committee expressed unanimous support for the bill, and it was reported to the full House without amendments. Additionally, House Bill 865, introduced by Speaker Moody, addressing civil liability related to firearm hold agreements, also garnered unanimous approval, underscoring a collaborative effort among committee members. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding proposed bills, specifically criticisms of House Bill 1748, aimed at exempting municipal courts from language certification requirements, which raised significant opposition related to equitable access to justice for non-English speakers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At first, the candy rolls along a conveyor belt at a leisurely pace.
  • Hang on because I don't have anyone registered, but I'll ask if there are any questions first, members
  • The first is that the fee; there is a fee under this bill that is mandatory and it's not...
  • And Representative Jones, would you prefer to do which bill first, yours or Ms. Davis'?
  • Because all my ex-husband had to do was beat me the first time, and I knew he would beat me.
Summary: The committee meeting featured comprehensive discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at reforming laws related to criminal justice and individual rights. Notable among the bills was HB2309, which intends to update the civil asset forfeiture laws in Texas, empowering the Attorney General's office to pursue forfeiture in serious cases like human trafficking and organized crime. Representative Villalba presented this bill, emphasizing the need for state-level resources to address broader criminal enterprises effectively. The bill's testimony included insights from witnesses associated with the Texas Attorney General's office who affirmed the necessity for such changes to enhance law enforcement's capabilities across jurisdictions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The court recognized that mandatory fees violated an employee's First Amendment rights.
  • First responders are the only group that...
  • The first is the need for government efficiency.
  • of the First Amendment of the U.S.
  • and Fourteenth Amendments.
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured extensive discussions surrounding SB2021 and SB2330, both of which sparked notable debate among members and stakeholders. SB2021, aimed at regulating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), faced scrutiny for potentially creating barriers to integration and increasing costs for consumers. Advocates highlighted the bill's intention to clarify operational standards and improve accountability, while opponents raised concerns about excessive red tape hindering innovative energy solutions. SB2330 sparked similar contention, particularly regarding its implications for public employee unions and the suggested removal of government involvement in dues collection processes. Testimonies expressed worries that this would limit educators' access to professional resources and advocacy, crucial for their roles in the education sector.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Laws that we enforce are unconstitutional for First Amendment
  • Amendment rights.
  • Generally speaking, people have First Amendment rights to lie.
  • We delivered phase one, the first two buildings, the George H. C.
  • But first, I just wanted to say a couple of things.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the activities and initiatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) since the last legislative session. Key discussions included the implementation of Senate Bill 1929 regarding large crypto miners in Texas, which has led to 12 companies registering with the PUC and a projected demand of around 4,000 megawatts. Additionally, the committee addressed system resiliency plans authorized by HB2555, which allows electric utilities to file these plans to better handle extreme weather events and security threats. The meeting showcased the ongoing efforts to ensure infrastructure can meet growing demands, particularly in the rapidly expanding Permian Basin, and highlighted the need for minimum standards for utility infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance to improve resiliency against adverse conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jan 15th, 2025 at 10:01 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Instructions for viewing amendments will be placed on your desk tomorrow.
  • 1650"> And additional staff support will be on the floor to assist members in accessing the Floor Amendment
  • First, thank you, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, for

  • First, thank you, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, for presiding
  • helped us take care of the overflow locations with TVs to ensure our visitors could be included on the first
Summary: The meeting commenced with acknowledgments and thanks from the speaker for the staff's efforts in ensuring the session's success. Several members expressed their gratitude for the law enforcement presence which contributed to the safety of all attendees. The chair recognized members for various announcements, including a birthday celebration for a colleague, which contributed to a familial atmosphere within the chamber despite the busy schedule. Notably, Representative Guerin introduced SCR 7, which authorized the legislature to adjourn for more than three days, allowing for a planned break in procedures until the following Wednesday.

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