Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'change authority'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Senator Miles, to explain the changes.
  • authority.
  • We thank Senator Blanco for authoring and bringing forth this Senate bill.
  • Do you know what might have caused the change?
  • Senate Bill 1777 Substitute for Senate Bill 1777 and recognizes its author.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services primarily focused on several pieces of legislation aimed at improving mental health care in Texas, especially for vulnerable populations. Notable discussions were held around SB719, which seeks to conduct a comprehensive assessment of inpatient psychiatric bed capacity in Texas, addressing the significant shortages faced by facilities. There was widespread support from committee members and public testimonies praising the need for improved mental health resources and proactive measures to enhance service delivery. Witnesses highlighted the critical situation surrounding mental health admissions, emphasizing the human impact of ongoing bed shortages and the tragic consequences for patients awaiting treatment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, I'm here to explain a slight committee substitute change to HB 360.
  • That's the only change to this bill.
  • While it looks like a lot of added changes, most of this is protective technical change to ensure that
  • The substitute makes some technical changes that align the bill language with industry terms.
  • Just for clarification, to the author, it doesn't take effect until 2027, is that right?
Summary: The meeting was characterized by a thorough examination of various bills, with particular focus on House Bill 5247, which dealt with capital cost recovery mechanisms for utilities and featured discussions on its implications for consumers. Senator Campbell presented the bill, emphasizing its balanced approach and necessity for clarity in existing utility provisions. Multiple members expressed support, leading to a unanimous vote for its approval, showcasing a collaborative atmosphere within the committee. Additionally, HCR 102 was highlighted, which sought to call attention to the importance of federal tax credits for sustaining and expanding nuclear energy in Texas. The testimony from industry experts reinforced the bill's significance as Texas seeks to maintain its leadership in energy production amidst rising demands and competitive pressures from international markets.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Intergovernmental Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're trying to change it.
  • Any other questions of the bill's author?
  • I recognize your authority.
  • Situations change.
  • tax base changes, your population.
Bills: HB26, HB73, SB14, HB46
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility in local governments, particularly the implications of House Bills 46 and 73. Proponents argued that these bills would help limit unnecessary spending and ensure that expenditures are tied to inflation and population growth, addressing taxpayer concerns about rising local budgets. However, numerous city officials and representatives from various organizations voiced strong opposition, claiming that these measures would hinder essential services and infrastructure improvements, particularly in rapidly growing areas. Current spending practices were deemed inadequate for meeting the demands of public safety and community services, especially in light of increased costs in areas like public water systems and emergency response. The meeting was characterized by passionate debate, as stakeholders lined up to express their views both for and against the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Immigrants to the border, but it's always a change in theater
  • Changes in federal policy have led to a big shift.
  • Now, the numbers have plummeted, but what hasn't changed
  • With the change in administration, what we recommended to
  • ...depend on forces, but on those authorities.
Summary: The meeting of the Border Security Committee was marked by intensive discussions surrounding the ongoing initiatives related to Operation Lone Star. Members shared updates on border security measures, underscoring the significant operational changes resulting from shifts in federal policies. General Salter provided extensive insights into the deployment of state resources, highlighting the 5,000 active personnel engaged in various border control operations. The various strategies employed for enhancing surveillance and interdicting drug smuggling were also covered, emphasizing the importance of strong collaboration between state and federal agencies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 19th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • >

    In 2019, the Legislature passed House Bill 2624, which authorized

  • Assay misdemeanors for, one, the authority responsible for
  • And for an election commits an offense if the authority

  • I don't really want to change it because Susan's a peer. It's not that...
  • I just want to be clear, my position on the TCUP and the Compassion Use Program has not changed.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee focused on several significant bills, notably HB4145, HB2820, and HB4157, which address healthcare billing practices, charitable bingo operations, and protections for employees in the commercial spaceflight industry, respectively. Each bill received attention from members of the committee, with public testimony highlighting both support and concern among stakeholders. For instance, testimony on HB4145 underscored the importance of timely healthcare billing to prevent patient financial distress, while discussions surrounding HB2820 illuminated the challenges charities face in maintaining sufficient reserves amidst outdated regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These changes primarily deal with new programs that were created last session.
  • Pages 25 to 27 show the funding changes by strategy for general revenue funds.
  • We have authority over monitoring our grant recipients.
  • The only rider changes on page 7 are conforming changes, and Appendix A on page 9 lists funding recommendations
  • Many of the major funding changes detailed in this table...
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on the funding recommendations for public health-related institutions and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. During the session, significant discussions were held around the $4.2 billion in total funding recommended for the 2026-27 biennium, which reflects a notable decrease compared to the previous biennium. Key highlights included an increase in funding for various educational support programs like the Graduate Medical Education expansion, and the need for modern data systems in colleges to ensure educational programs meet workforce demands. Testimonies from representatives highlighted both concerns about budget cuts and optimism for enhanced funding initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...change.
  • So this is what you're trying to change.
  • The bill does not otherwise change the renewal procedures.
  • This statutory change would make it a felony of the third degree.
  • I encourage you to continue working with the author.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss several major legislative bills, focusing particularly on enhancing law enforcement's ability to respond to missing children and addressing increasing border security concerns. One significant bill discussed was HB908, which mandates that law enforcement agencies report missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within a strict time frame. Testimonies primarily supported the urgency and need for swift action regarding missing children, with members underscoring the imperative to streamline procedures to ensure every case is handled urgently. Additionally, discussions on HB674 centered around adjusting the penalty structure for criminal trespass incidents related to avoiding law enforcement checkpoints, seen as a crucial measure to deter illegal crossings and enhance border security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You've changed the name. The name has been changed now to K through 12, right? K through 16.
  • by law or expressly authorized to assist...
  • This is acceptable to the author.
  • For that, it's acceptable to the author.
  • Members, this is acceptable to the author.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The meeting focused extensively on the amendments and discussions pertaining to SB2, which is aimed at establishing an education savings account program. Various members presented and debated amendments that targeted transparency, accountability, and potential conflicts of interest within the private education sector. Notably, Senator Cook proposed an amendment to require educational service providers to make their budgets public, while Senator Blanco highlighted the need for disclosures relevant to parents of special education and English language learners. The bill saw intense discussion around protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that the provisions did not segregate or discriminate against students within the program. Throughout the meeting, the committee demonstrated robust engagement with both proponents and opponents of the bill, examining the implications of the proposed amendments critically. The overall atmosphere suggested a strong desire to balance educational freedom with accountability and oversight. The meeting concluded with calls for diligence in ensuring that public funds are appropriately utilized, setting the stage for future discussions as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations May 5th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state doesn't get to change federal standards for air quality, water quality, etc.
  • I do realize it is a great authority. Every time I sign the creation of a...
  • The answer was often, you know, that is not under our authority.
  • How did it change what TCEQ did?
  • TCEQ to do and what the legislature has actually authorized TCEQ to do.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions regarding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) oversight and regulations concerning Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). Several members expressed concerns about the rapid growth facilitated by the creation of MUDs, with particular emphasis on the legislative authority over such entities. Senator Birdwell highlighted the importance of legislative control over MUD creation, discussing the second and third-order impacts on local communities and infrastructure. The discussion was characterized by a view that the current approval processes may lack necessary scrutiny, leading to community concerns about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain as new developments arise. Public testimony revealed a sense of urgency among constituents regarding environmental regulations and the role TCEQ plays in managing the challenges of population growth. Members of the committee raised issues around the clarity of TCEQ's powers and responsibilities, advocating for more transparency and proactive community engagement from the agency. As the meeting concluded, the need for improved communication and the importance of ensuring compliance with state law were emphasized, with a promise from TCEQ representatives to address these concerns moving forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation (Part I) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And those numbers don't change.
  • So, if this bill is going to change for a reason, I would implore you not to change it because you think
  • That day in Fort Worth changed our lives.
  • Our daughter's death changed our lives forever.
  • Please, please don't change this law.
Summary: During the committee meeting, significant discussions revolved around three main bills: SB39, HB19, and SB2246. Senator Bettencourt laid out SB39, aimed at revising the admission rule related to commercial vehicle collision cases. The intention behind this bill is to standardize trial procedures by limiting the evidence admissible in the first phase, ensuring that unnecessary complexity does not cloud the issue of fault. Various stakeholders, including trial lawyers and business representatives, provided insights into the impact of these changes, highlighting concerns over insurance costs and practical implications on litigations. Public testimony reflected a mix of support and opposition, showcasing the contentious nature of the bill's modifications. Additionally, the committee addressed SB2246 regarding salvage auto dealers and the process of obtaining titles for vehicles that will not return to the road, which was met with relatively little challenge as stakeholders recognized the necessity for clarity and efficiency in this process. The meeting concluded with promises from members to continue discussions on these important legislative measures, indicating an ongoing commitment to addressing the complex issues at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will make that change.

  • It doesn't change its use in the future.
  • I think we can probably go back and make some changes to deal with their...
  • This change is permissive. It does not mandate a contribution rate increase.
  • Do we have permission to change your registration? Absolutely. Absolutely.
Summary: The meeting was focused on a range of significant legislation including discussions on retirement benefits for public safety officers and specific bills aimed at addressing current challenges in the pension systems. Representative Busey introduced HB2802, aimed at stabilizing the Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund, which received support from various stakeholders including Mayor Kirk Watson, reflecting months of collaborative effort. Testimony emphasized the need for proactive changes to prevent future financial crises in the fund. Additionally, HB4029, proposed by Chairman Guillen, generated appeals from various members about the necessity of addressing retirement needs for peace officers in public schools, linking it directly to their recruitment and retention challenges in the current environment. Issues regarding recruitment and the financial sustainability of the Houston Fire Department were also highlighted with HB2688, enabling timely action on pressing pension reform to retain skilled personnel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you so much for making that change.

  • Senate Bill 14 passed last session authorizing this and having the parent authorization on this particular
  • It will just change the cost.
  • These changes include requiring HHS to conduct electronic data on lottery winnings and a change in voter
  • Any questions for the bill author?

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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The specific purpose for which the bonds were authorized under
  • certain conditions is the primary change of the bill.
  • for M&O, and these things are authorized for INS."
  • Certainly, refinancing may occur and that can change the picture, but I'm not sure how you...
  • , it will also state the estimated interest for the debt obligations to be authorized.
Bills: SB414, SB621, SB2395
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key bills impacting public funds, particularly regarding the use of unspent bond proceeds and mandated transparency during bond elections. Notably, Senate Bill 621 was discussed, which seeks to prohibit political subdivisions from establishing public banks, emphasizing core governmental functions and preventing taxpayer exposure to financial risks. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted concerns about the appropriateness of using public funds for non-essential projects, which led to vigorous debate amongst committee members. Additionally, Senate Bill 414 was addressed, which requires clear disclosures about estimated interest costs in bond proposals, aiming to enhance voter awareness and accountability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • When they pulled it up, they had changed their computer, or someone had changed my mailing address to
  • It has to be changed by the appraisal district.
  • changed.
  • Ago, where it was changed, somehow the address was changed
  • We made that change.
Summary: The committee meeting focused heavily on evaluating a series of bills aimed at improving fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government borrowing. A significant discussion centered around HB19, which proposes reforms to debt issuance by local governments. Members expressed concerns that some provisions could hinder local government operations. Some stakeholders acknowledged positive aspects of the proposed reforms but highlighted potential impacts on public safety and ongoing projects due to stricter debt limits. Throughout the meeting, various representatives voiced differing opinions, contributing to a robust dialogue on improving taxpayer protections while ensuring local governments can meet community needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill authorizes certain cities to change the date on which
  • Some changes that would be helpful, and those are the changes
  • It sounded like the author had experienced something where she was in line.
  • You could change it. You could do all kinds of stuff.
  • Are you registered, and are you going to change? OK. I'm here anyway.
Summary: The meeting of the committee saw significant discussions revolving around several bills focused primarily on election laws and voter regulations. Chair Shaheen led the session, where the committee debated House Bill 3909, which proposed to amend the election code regarding the use of wireless communication devices near voting stations. Concerns were raised about the practicality of the existing regulations and the potential implications for electoral integrity. Additionally, House Bill 4253 drew attention due to fears of voter suppression, particularly how it might disproportionately affect communities of color. Testimony from members of the public highlighted the tension between maintaining election security and protecting citizens' voting rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Department transit authorities.
  • They are exclusively owned and operated by transit authorities.
  • I would like to thank Senator Perry and the co-authors for authoring this bill.
  • We want to thank Senator Perry for authoring Senate Bill 1377 for Rural EMS.
  • Does this not change?

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

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any other questions for the bill's author?
  • Members, any questions for the bill's author?
  • This does not change discretion. Discretion to do this, this, this, and that.
  • Do you want to change your position to being on the bill?
  • Members, are there any questions for the bill's author?
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

Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think that just changed.
  • We need the capital authority so we can pay for part of it.
  • There's been a change in policy and regulation that requires this process to change to accommodate additional
  • So what does changing your PIN do?
  • Recommendations include substantive changes to five riders.
Summary: The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee focused on the budget and operational needs of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with a particular emphasis on addressing the significant issue of SNAP benefit theft. Key discussions included the challenges faced by the agency in combating fraud, the need for increased support for state peace officers, and the implications of rising health concerns such as congenital syphilis, which has seen an alarming increase in Texas. Representatives expressed their concerns about handling these issues effectively and discussed the importance of resource allocation to prevent further fraud and provide adequate care to Texans in need.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are a couple of big changes in here.
  • But it's going to provide much-needed change in how

  • Obviously, this is a big change and I think that extra two years would help with that a lot.
  • Change to the bill when the agency was moved to being more
  • to implement these changes.
Bills: SB2122, SB2050
Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss developments regarding SB1150, related to the plugging of inactive wells. Senator Middleton presented the committee substitute for the bill, detailing key adjustments, including extending the effective date by two years to September 2027 to provide operators and the Railroad Commission adequate time for implementation. The discussions sought to address concerns regarding compliance complexity, particularly for wells inactive for more than 15 years. The relaxed timeline was intended to mitigate an initial rush before escalating requirements were imposed on stakeholders. In addition to the new timeline, revisions were made to enhance the clarity of reporting standards for operators regarding inactive wells.

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