Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'border counties'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 11th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of those counties.
  • about Tarrant County.
  • Listen, what a great privilege it is for me to represent Tarrant County. I'm a Tarrant County...
  • here, DeWitt County.
  • Along with our incredible business leaders, we are joined by our county judge, county commissioners,
Summary: The meeting consisted of a comprehensive discussion of several resolutions and bills, with notable emphasis on education and community engagement. Senator Hinojosa recognized the Texas State Technical College for its significant contributions to the education system and workforce development in Texas, highlighting the importance of providing vocational training for students. Members expressed gratitude towards various educational institutions and acknowledged their role in fostering economic growth and skilled labor in the state. The meeting also welcomed a British delegation, reaffirming the strong ties between Texas and the United Kingdom, which have historically supported job creation and bilateral cooperation. Throughout the meeting, various senators took the opportunity to promote significant local initiatives, resolutions, and educational institutions impacting their districts. The tone was collaborative, with appreciation for public service. The meeting concluded with resolutions being adopted unanimously and calls for continued support of educational initiatives and partnerships.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of County Election Officials.
  • or two per election, per county.
  • that county.
  • Judges in this county, I'm not going to say which county, were instructed how to do that.
  • This is a Dallas County recount.
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:
  • Kinney County, a rural county spanning 1,360 square miles
  • My county lost its hospital.
  • I'm the Lamb County judge.
  • : Stevens County, Palo Pinto County, Cook County, and Coleman County, which cover over 4,000 square miles
  • Bastrop County, as you all are quite aware.
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

Environmental Regulation May 8th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we touch Tarrant County, we receive Tarrant County waste. Travis County here...
  • The Coleman's property is in southeast Johnson County, close to the Ellis County line.
  • I'm from Hood County.
  • , the Johnson County judge.
  • , Johnson County.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various environmental legislative bills, notably HB1341, which sets maximum allowable ground level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, and HB1674 regarding PFAS regulations in biosolids. Representative Reynolds presented HB1341, emphasizing the health risks associated with hydrogen sulfide and the need for clear regulatory standards to protect communities near industrial operations. This received support from health advocates and oversight bodies, highlighting the urgent need for regulations to safeguard public health. Meanwhile, HB1674 faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental organizations which argued that the bill's provisions could disrupt biosolid disposal processes and increase costs significantly. Many testimony segments reflected concerns regarding the adequacy of scientific understanding related to PFAS and its implications for agricultural safety and water quality.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We don't have data for administrative orders by county, but we have polluting facilities by county.
  • They attract rodents, present fire hazards, and are costly for counties to deal with, leading to county
  • Most counties do supersede it, but there are about 17 counties in the state with more than 40,000 people
  • Calhoun County in 2012 recovered $50 million. Dallas County recovered $560,020.
  • In 2021, Orange County recovered $3.1 million. In 2022, Brazoria County recovered $118 million.
Summary: The meeting of the Environmental Regulation Committee delved into various bills concerning environmental safety and regulatory measures. One significant point of discussion was HB1949, introduced by Representative Howard, aimed at amending the Texas Clean Air Act for improving oversight on incineration facilities, such as crematories. Concerns were raised regarding the discharge of pollutants impacting public health, with the bill seeking to install greater accountability measures for these facilities to enhance compliance reporting. The committee also discussed HB1682, which is designed to aid local governments in reclaiming funds from civil penalties associated with environmental disasters, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by communities dealing with contamination and public health risks from industrial activities. This bill aims to ensure recovery funds are properly allocated for environmental remediation rather than reverting to the state’s general fund.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Harris County is the only one that keeps track of that.
  • Ligon in Montgomery County...
  • , or Dallas County, or Travis County, or Bexar County.
  • Galveston County and posted bond.
  • I have not talked to county leaders.
Summary: The meeting focused on public safety and criminal justice reforms, particularly addressing bail reform bills spearheaded by Senator Huffman and supported by the Lieutenant Governor. Testimonies from family members of crime victims highlighted the urgent need for reforms to prevent violent offenders from receiving bail, emphasizing personal stories of loss and the failures of the justice system. Participants expressed their commitment to passing the package of bills and mentioned having support from various stakeholders in the community, including public officials and advocates. A sense of urgency was palpable, with assertions that these issues are life and death, impacting countless families across Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The city or county, right?
  • They can represent from a county representative; they can be anywhere in the county.
  • In Chambers County, the county commissioner and the superintendent
  • surrounding counties of the Houston region.
  • Fort County, but is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Houston metro area, Mr.
Summary: The meeting of the committee effectively reviewed and voted on multiple bills pertaining to public safety, affordable housing, and local governance. Notably, Senator Cook introduced SB2262, which grants municipalities authority to regulate automated defibrillators, aiming to enhance public health responses in urban areas. Public testimony was heard on several bills, illustrating community support and concerns, particularly around affordable housing issues raised by Senator Menendez's SB2137, which seeks to improve access to low-income housing by altering existing criteria used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Additionally, the discussions also touched on the impact of various bills on local governance and property rights, highlighting the committee's aim to address essential services within communities effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • that are accessible from 75% of the waterway in Galveston County, and the other 25% is in Chambers County
  • Cedarport will be the first port in Chambers County.
  • There's also a co-pilot association in Chambers County.
  • , while the Port State Service now is in Harris County.
  • that they don't touch, but they service those counties.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by detailed discussions on four significant bills, notably HB5597, HB2462, HB4420, and HB4429. Each bill was thoroughly examined, with representatives offering insights and public representatives providing testimony. One of the standout moments was when Representative Leach presented HB2462, which seeks to allow pregnant drivers to use HOV lanes, described as a step toward elevating motherhood and supporting life in Texas. The committee enjoyed robust dialogue around the implications of this legislation, leading to inquiries about potential impacts and reception from the public and other stakeholders. As the meeting progressed, urgent matters pertaining to the other three bills were deliberated, with various opinions being voiced about their respective benefits and drawbacks. Notably, discussions included concerns regarding safety, economic implications, and community impact. After addressing all bills, the meeting concluded with plans for upcoming sessions to explore these topics further. The committee encouraged continued public engagement and input on the matters discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing community needs through thoughtful legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're overseeing 11 counties.
  • decisions for Wise County.
  • County Chamber of Commerce.
  • of Wise County...
  • of Harris County.
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • At the county level, it's the county judge.
  • like Kerrville, or the county judge in Kerr County, would be the actual decision maker in a small county
  • That's not just Kerr County; that's all of the impacted counties.
  • Unless it was a county road. Well, the county road is public.
  • County this session.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical bills related to disaster response and water conservation. Senate Bill 1, the Natural Disaster Omnibus Bill, was extensively discussed, with testimonies reflecting on recent flooding incidents in Texas. Senator Perry emphasized the need for policy solutions to prevent future tragedies following historic flooding that resulted in significant loss of life. The committee adopted the committee substitutes for both SB1 and SB13 without objection, highlighting the broad support for these initiatives aimed at water conservation and improved emergency response protocols. Additionally, members expressed the importance of training and educating officials involved in disaster management to ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • A county can levy a hotel occupancy tax by ordinance, but counties
  • Childress County Judge, Judge Jones, was unable to join us here today; she has a county commissioner’
  • to county.
  • In our county alone, we have 21,000 acres in Bell County alone.
  • Rural counties like Falls County are poor, and they say, okay, we'll take 20%.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on various bills aimed at workforce development and economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Key discussions revolved around Senate Bill 2448, which aims to support rural small businesses and enhance technical assistance in workforce development. Testimonies from several stakeholders underscored the necessity of aligning education with local workforce needs, showcasing the lack of resources in rural regions. The testimony highlighted how the proposed bills could bridge the gap between education and employment opportunities for Texans, especially focusing on youth who are disconnected from education and the workforce.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • over to Bexar County up I-34.
  • County.
  • I also met with Tarrant County and received a letter of no opposition to Tarrant County MUD Number Two
  • When you do a MUD, let's say in a county, the county can't require you to do it under current law.
  • And again, some counties—I can't speak for the counties.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding the challenges faced by municipalities in managing growth and public safety. Bills such as HB447 and HB3897 sparked conversations on the impact of Municipal Utility Districts in high-density areas and the necessity of thorough traffic impact assessments before approving new developments. Representative Cook highlighted concerns over a specific project related to HB3671, which aimed to dissolve a municipal district due to contradictory prior agreements. Public testimonies included concerns from residents, signaling the tension between development needs and public safety requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Mar 27th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • counties than voter registrations.
  • In Brazos County, a group challenged more than 1,000 voters. Collin, Hayes, and Tarrant County...
  • ...populous county in Georgia, we had a county commission
  • It's always Harris County.
  • Harris County is a big place, y'all; it often takes more than an hour to get across the county.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on various election-related bills, with significant discussions revolving around HB1783, HB1090, and HB1478. Notably, HB1783 faced opposition from representatives of the Texas Civil Rights Project, who argued that the bill would impose undue restrictions on local governments regarding ballot proposition language, potentially hindering timely responses in elections. Another contentious bill, HB1090, proposed prohibitions on certain individuals serving as volunteer deputy registrars, which drew criticism for its implications on accessibility and fairness in the electoral process. Public testimony included voices both in favor and against these bills, highlighting the ongoing debates over election integrity and administrative efficiency.
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:
  • County.
  • I represent Precinct 4 in Hayes County, the fastest growing county and the fastest growing precinct in
  • that county in the U.S.
  • At the county level, in Hayes County at least, we've been
  • One is the main authority counties.
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

Criminal Justice Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We don't care whether you're a county jail of 25 or a county
  • That's just in Harris County.
  • Chambers County, Comal County, Calhoun County; there's an alphabetical order list.
  • It will end up with Washington County, Walker County, and Wilbarger County.
  • ...county out of 254 counties.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered a range of legislative measures focusing primarily on the improvement of mental health services and clarifying procedural aspects of emergency detention for individuals experiencing mental illness. Key bills, such as SB1164, which aims to enhance emergency detention procedures, were discussed. Testimonies from both supporters and critics highlighted the need for clear standards in mental health emergencies to ensure that due process is maintained while providing necessary care. The committee also addressed concerns around legislation impacting community supervision and administration, exemplified by SB663, and how it could streamline budget processes for local agencies. Overall, the discussions emphasized balancing public safety with mental health needs and ensuring fair representation in the judicial process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 21st, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our district occurs in the four counties.
  • We've entered into interlocal agreements with three of our four counties.
  • I am the County Commissioner for Parker County Precinct 2.
  • wells in the last 20 years than any other county in the state.
  • Cameron and Willacy counties.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources was convened to review several bills concerning water regulation and development. Chairman Harris facilitated discussions on SB1965, SB2885, SB2440, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, and SB612. Notable was the acknowledgment of rising concerns over groundwater availability and the regulatory framework surrounding it. The members emphasized the essential nature of the decisions being made, particularly in light of recent developments in water conservation and infrastructure. The bill SB1855 emerged as a focal point, addressing ambiguities in prior legislation about groundwater certification, which has caused confusion among local officials and developers alike. Testimonies were provided by representatives from various counties, emphasizing the necessity for clear guidelines and standards to protect water resources and support sustainable development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 28th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • commissioner for Webb County, is that correct?
  • were small counties.
  • We're trying to provide for our county taxpayers.
  • As administrator, I oversee our county departments.
  • I know Dallas and Denton County, which are a little larger, actually, very large counties, do have that
Summary: The meeting of the committee was productive, centered around discussions for three key bills: HB5127, HB4477, and HB5126. Representative Galo emphasized the necessity of HB4477 to enhance the accountability of county purchasing agents, arguing that the current system under the Board of Judges lacks the required oversight. The committee members engaged in a detailed dialogue regarding employment protections and the operational effectiveness within county offices. As the members took turns to articulate their perspectives, they highlighted the importance of maintaining fair employment practices within the Sheriff's Civil Service and the need for resource adequacy within related commissions. Public testimonies were welcomed, reflecting the various concerns surrounding the implications of these bills on local governance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chambers County is situated just east of Harris County. The county has a long and colorful history.
  • Chambers County became a...
  • leaders, including Chambers County Judge.
  • Jimmy Sylvia, County Commissioner; Jimmy Gore, County Commissioner
  • ; Mark Tice, County Commissioner; Tommy Hammond, and County Commissioner Ryan Dagon.
Summary: The meeting involved discussions surrounding several legislative resolutions, including SR42 which recognized February 12th as Coastal Bend Day and highlighted the importance of the Coastal Bend region and its contributions to Texas. Senator Hinojosa introduced the resolution, welcoming local leaders and acknowledging the cultural and economic significance of the area. The session featured a vibrant celebration of the Coastal Bend’s unique identity, including recognition of its industries, communities, and ongoing efforts to promote economic growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • County judges do not.
  • I'm not calling out the county.
  • We've done that in Tarrant County.
  • A large urban county such as Bexar County, Dallas County
  • , or even a suburban county like Collin County.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key bills related to property tax appraisals and education funding. Notable discussions included House Bill 2786, which proposed annual reappraisals to ensure property values reflect current market conditions. Representative Turner highlighted concerns around inconsistent appraisals that could adversely affect funding for local schools, particularly in Tarrant County. The session also saw testimony from representatives and concerned citizens advocating for the bill, emphasizing the importance of fair and accurate appraisals for maintaining educational funding and taxpayer equity. The committee members discussed the overall impact of property tax policies on local districts and pushed for a resolution to this ongoing issue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My bill would allow a county with a population of less than 400,000 to use county funds to increase the
  • In Travis County, it was 20 days, and in Bexar County, it was 22 days.
  • In Dallas County, in 2023.
  • and Bexar County.
  • Something I keep hearing in common is Harris County, Houston County.
Summary: The meeting of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee included discussions on critical bills impacting public safety and tenant rights. Representative Garcia-Hernandez presented HB923, which aims to add two public members to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel, thereby enhancing informed consent for medical procedures. This move sought to enhance transparency and public trust, especially since the panel previously lacked any public representation. The committee also received testimonies both for and against the bill, highlighting the importance of public input in health-related decisions. The bill faced opposition mainly due to concerns about balancing medical expertise with public representation. Another significant discussion revolved around HB32, which seeks to streamline the eviction process in Texas. While proponents argue that the bill addresses inefficiencies affecting landlords, opponents, including activists and legal experts, expressed concerns that the bill could exacerbate homelessness and undermine tenant rights. They stressed the need for adequate protections and due process for tenants. As the committee moved through multiple bills, the need for careful consideration of both landlord and tenant rights remained a focal point of debate, indicating the complexities surrounding housing legislation in Texas.

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