Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Bell County'

Page 26 of 50
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • an emergency opinion request to the AG's office, along with Representative Gates and Representative Bell
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government focused on evaluating a series of bills crucial to local governance and housing development. A notable highlight was the advancement of various bills, including SB2250 and SB375, both of which received unanimous support from committee members. Additionally, SB867 was passed with the introduction of a committee substitute, demonstrating the committee's willingness to adapt and negotiate terms to ensure suitable legislation. The members voiced their opinions on the importance of these bills in addressing housing and community development needs while ensuring efficient use of resources.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • on which county you're interacting with and the nature of your question.
  • Although Texas counties are providing the same or similar duties, the methods and processes each county
  • County clerks can gain instant, auditable access.
  • SB 143 wisely authorizes two county pilots, one urban and one rural.
  • A county judge from Matagorda County apparently felt that the law didn't recognize geothermal energy
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative proposals with notable discussions surrounding bills aimed at improving transparency in public information access, adapting workforce policies for state employment, and addressing public health workforce shortages in Texas. The key highlights included HB4214 which seeks to centralize public records request processes for better accessibility, and HB1803 aimed at enhancing the state's dental workforce through participation in a compact with other states. Several members presented arguments highlighting the necessity of these legislative initiatives in light of ongoing economic and social challenges facing Texas. Public testimonies supported these bills, demonstrating stakeholder engagement and community concerns regarding transparency, workforce efficiency, and health access.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm always concerned about the smaller counties.
  • We have many counties; let's take one rural county and one urban county and then figure out, for those
  • Dallas County, the county clerk there, did a study.
  • a very small rural county.
  • and in urban counties, so just two counties to start, and determine...
Summary: The meeting held by the committee involved significant discussions surrounding various bills, notably focused on transparency and budgeting processes. There were multiple testimonies from public citizens advocating for improved access to local budgets, emphasizing the need for transparency within governmental operations. One speaker highlighted that enabling public access to finalized budgets within three business days can ensure that community voices are heard prior to important votes, enhancing local governance and accountability. The committee members engaged actively, with questions posed to witnesses to clarify points made regarding public access to financial documentation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Mar 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a great partner in the House, Keith Bell.

  • day, the Supreme Court issued another opinion on another Ten Commandments display out of McCreary County
  • Okay, so I think that's as clear as a bell. You can have in Senate Bill 11. You agree?
  • We have supporters in all 254 counties of the state, and I've been involved in this work for over 20
Summary: The Senate Education Committee meeting addressed several bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in Texas, notably focusing on virtual education and its implications. Senate Bill 569, introduced by Senator Betancourt, garnered considerable support, emphasizing the need for accessible high-quality virtual education. The committee heard public testimony from various stakeholders, including educators and students, who highlighted the significance of flexible learning environments in meeting diverse student needs. Key testimonies underscored that virtual education is not just beneficial for struggling learners but also advantageous for high-achieving students seeking more flexibility in their academic pursuits.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • an attorney member of this committee, and also Representative Ray Lopez, both of them from Bexar County
  • Additionally, I serve House District 55, which is a portion of Bell County, not the portion that hosts
  • other county Veteran One Stop Shops across the state of Texas.
  • I also want to mention that with the Veteran County Service Officers, we help to crack down on...
  • Not every county has a County Veterans Service Officer, but over 220 do, and we work with our partners
Summary: The meeting of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee served as the inaugural session for the legislative year, focusing on various significant veteran issues and programs. Chairman Cortez led discussions around the upcoming legislative workload, with an estimated 75 bills anticipated for review. Members acknowledged the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges within the defense forces, with insights on necessary facility upgrades and the impacts on local communities. Collaborative efforts, such as home loan programs and the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, were highlighted to demonstrate the support provided to veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The committee emphasized the vital role of outreach initiatives to ensure veterans are aware of available services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • to county, but also from city and county to state.
  • to county, but also city, county to state, and to be ready for any federal support that comes in.
  • We're the county seat and really the only city in Aransas County.
  • County, Bexar, Tarrant, and Travis.
  • county.
Summary: The meeting of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs Committee fostered extensive discussions primarily focused on the ongoing border security issues. Members of the committee, chaired by Rep. Huffman, emphasized the shifting strategies under the new federal administration and highlighted the successful implementation of SB4, which seeks to curb illegal entry into Texas. Notably, the Attorney General's Office reported a 54% decrease in illegal crossings over the past year, signaling a change in the migration trends impacting Texas, largely due to new state and federal cooperation efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed the development of Operation Lone Star, which is now a statewide initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and crime associated with it.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Chair lays out House Bill 1540 and recognizes Representative Bell
  • >

    Seeing no questions, the Chair recognizes Representative Bell

  • The Chair recognizes Representative Bell to close.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussing several bills pertinent to public safety and regulatory standards for emerging technologies, specifically autonomous vehicles and charter school oversight. Notable discussions surrounded HB3837, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Texas. Vice Chair Bajani highlighted the rapid advancements in the autonomous vehicle industry and the necessity for updated regulations that ensure safety while promoting innovation. Additionally, SB2425 was examined for its proposals to enhance public safety while balancing industry interests, garnering support from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. There was considerable concern regarding previous incidents involving autonomous vehicles and their implications for public trust and safety standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 18th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations Committee

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 we
  • ...services to counties that don't have beds.
  • How do we provide services to those counties?
  • This is for the Bexar County area, and currently, those counties surrounding Bexar County are covered
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in a county the size of Harris County.
  • Whether it's a big county or a small county, there's not a county that's too big to receive assistance
  • So we're there to fill the gap in these counties, whatever it may be.
  • What do you do if there's not a printed paper in a county or a city?
  • run in that county.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My father was a citrus and fruit farmer from Stark County.
  • We distributed 88 grants to rural cities and counties at $500,000 each.
  • On the county side, you can double that.
  • ...all the feral swine from Dalham County, which is where
  • The right to farm was great, but while county road and bridge infrastructure Keywords: legislation, community services, public testimony, member discussions, opposition
Summary: The meeting covered various topics and was characterized by in-depth discussions among the members. There were significant dialogues about the implications of recent legislation and its impact on community services. The chair facilitated input from multiple members, allowing for both support and opposition to be voiced regarding key issues. Additionally, there were several public testimonies that added to the discourse, reflecting diverse perspectives on the matters at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Feb 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • report done during the SPED Finance Commission, and I'll have to rustle up, but this is ringing a bell
  • report done during the SPED Finance Commission, and I'll have to rustle up, but this is ringing a bell
  • data-time="7002"> Currently, I am enjoined on two different lawsuits for two different years by a Travis County
  • my district in the ports, in the oil and gas industry, industries, and the warehouses in Chambers County
  • Self-sufficient wage is by county.
Summary: The House Committee on Public Education convened a comprehensive meeting focused on critical issues impacting education in Texas. Chairman Buckley emphasized the committee's commitment to providing the largest public education investment in the state’s history while addressing pressing concerns such as funding disparities, teacher retention, and legislative changes impacting the educational landscape. Notably, Commissioner Mike Morath presented an extensive report detailing the current state of public education, highlighting a pressing need for adequate funding aligned with student needs and the challenges posed by deficit budgets in various school districts stemming from overreliance on temporary federal funding sources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Stan Parker, the sheriff in Howard County.
  • Our county alone gets...
  • We probably have 20 disposal wells in our county alone.
  • And especially you, Sheriff Parker, for making the trip from Howard County.
  • But it doesn't cover the southern portion that includes Howard County.
Bills: SB766, SB290, SB494, SB1145
Summary: The meeting focused on significant issues surrounding oil field theft in Texas, specifically through the discussions on Senate Bills 494 and 766. Key testifiers included law enforcement representatives who outlined the challenges they face in combatting organized oil theft. Notably, Sheriff Stan Parker shared that his county reports upwards of 1,500 barrels of oil stolen monthly, highlighting the complexity of jurisdictional coordination and the demand for increased resources to tackle these crimes effectively. The committee recognized the need for improved communication and collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the oil industry.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Feb 26th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, you've got Blue Bell in the back room, Mr.

  • that's contiguous with a county that touches those corridors, there's not a lot of growth.
  • I've looked in Bexar County; there are two urban districts that fall...
  • span> Because today, for the first time in history in Harris County
  • We do not know of any other case in Harris County.

Summary: During this meeting, the Texas Senate discussed the pivotal CSSB26, aimed at addressing the rights and compensation of public school educators. The bill represents a significant shift in financial support for teachers, marking a historic commitment to permanently allocate resources for teacher salaries while removing existing constraints on district funding. Senator Creighton emphasized the need for comprehensive support not only for teachers but also for support staff such as librarians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. The meeting notably featured discussions on the implementation of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and the introduction of new protection measures aimed at enhancing the teaching environment and ensuring educator safety.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I am here representing the county.
  • Both of these are from Bell County, a part of the state that you haven't talked about yet.
  • Wilson County is also one of the original 33 counties where streamlined expedited release, or SCR, has
  • , the eastern half of the county, with our folks of East Bexar County, where rapid growth is pushing
  • the county.
Summary: The committee meeting was centered around critical discussions on various bills aimed at improving water management and mitigating losses in municipal water systems. Notably, Senate Bill 1190 sparked significant conversation regarding the high water loss rates among large utilities, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for stringent, consistent validation measures and penalties. The chair expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts to enhance groundwater management through Bill 1855, which aims to clarify the certification process for groundwater availability, addressing concerns on the ambiguities in the previous legislation. Public testimonies were heard, with supportive sentiments towards improving water conservation strategies and accountability measures within water utilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs Aug 11th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in law enforcement, most of which was spent in the fight against human trafficking at the Clinton County
  • and then we added a couple of other provisions that have come up— a local matter involving Grayson County
  • Then, for an Algo County, there's a court being created, and we're moving up that creation date to line
  • p>And I do, just so you know, I did specifically go to Travis County
  • Counties in Texas are maternal deserts.
Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6
Summary: The committee meeting featured discussions on several key legislative issues, particularly focusing on human trafficking and related victim protections. Notably, Senate Bill 10 was presented by Senator Parker, aiming to provide an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking charged with crimes committed under coercion. The bill garnered significant support as witnesses provided personal testimonies highlighting the struggles faced by survivors, emphasizing the need for legal recognition of their circumstances. Additionally, Senate Bill 6 concerning the regulation of medication used in abortions was debated, with concerns raised about its potential implications on women's health rights and judicial protections for healthcare providers. The meeting included a robust exchange of views, reflecting a wide array of stakeholder interests including public health and law enforcement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm in Northwest ISD, Denton County, Texas.
  • Denise Bell from Moms for Liberty Harris County spoke at a Houston ISD school board meeting and...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on the controversial HB1655, which aims to prohibit public school employees from facilitating or promoting the social transitioning of students. Testimonies for the bill emphasized parental rights and concerns about the mental wellbeing of children undergoing social transition without parental knowledge. Witnesses highlighted alarming cases, invoking examples of children being socially transitioned in schools that negate parental involvement, framing it as dangerous and deceptive. Conversely, opposition testimony raised concerns that the bill infringes upon the rights of transgender students to express their identities in supportive environments, highlighting the mental health implications for LGBTQ+ youth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chambers County is right along the Gulf Coast, and they play a vital role in...
  • of southern Orange County as part of these projects.
  • And then the relationship between the city, the county... let me backtrack.
  • There are five district directors on each county board.
  • I ask you to continue to sound the alarm bells for that. It's critically important to the state.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues, notably focusing on funding appropriations for the Gulf Coast Protection District and infrastructure projects, including the Alamo complex. Members expressed concerns over budget constraints, with requests for substantial funds aimed at supporting environmental initiatives and the upcoming biennium. Discussion points included the efficacy of previous funding and the anticipated impact of new capital on local communities. Public testimony was encouraged at various intervals throughout the meeting, adding robust dialogue amongst members and stakeholders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2.6% Hispanic according to the 2020 census, whereas DeWitt County is 34.8% and Lavaca County is 19.4%
  • County, you split the county in half.
  • Between Tarrant County and Dallas County.
  • Which also included Bexar County, Travis County, and the
  • There's one in Houston and one in your county, Dallas County.
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of HB4, which pertains to redistricting. Chairman King emphasized the legal compliance of the proposed map and elaborated on its political advantages, stating that the map improves compactness while benefiting Republican candidates. The meeting saw extensive public testimony, with numerous participants voicing concerns about the map's legality and its implications on minority representation. Representative Smith highlighted that the overwhelming majority of public submissions expressed opposition to the redistricting bill, arguing that it disregards the constituents' voices. Debate ensued regarding the necessity and legality of the changes made, particularly concerning minority districts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the Texas Sovereignty Act by Representative Cecil Bell that was voted out.
Summary: The meeting of the committee brought forward several bills, including notable discussions on HB5082 and HB5510. During the meeting, concerns regarding local governments' ability to adopt decriminalization policies were addressed, particularly as these have led to legal actions involving the state. Witness testimonies presented both support and opposition to the bills, with strong sentiments expressed on both sides. Representative Leach advocated for stricter regulations on abortion drug trafficking and the need for better protections for women. An emotional debate ensued addressing the implications of these regulations on women's health and rights. Additionally, the committee debated the repercussions of the bills on local governance and public health outcomes.

Research Filters

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