Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'constitutional authority'

Page 26 of 55
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Constitution, and the Voting Rights Act.
  • There's also nothing in the Constitution that requires that.
  • and the United States Constitution.
  • Stop allowing Trump to desecrate our Constitution any further.
  • It is not something mandated by our Constitution.
Summary: The meeting of the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting primarily focused on public testimony regarding the proposed revisions to the congressional redistricting plan known as C-2193. Various members of the public expressed their concerns about potential racial implications of the redistricting process, particularly the impact on black and brown communities. Testimonies highlighted the urgency for the legislature to prioritize flood relief and infrastructure instead of redistricting mid-decade, arguing that it undermines representative fairness and could disenfranchise many voters. The session saw active engagement from constituents who emphasized the importance of public input and transparency in a potentially transformative legislative process. The chair outlined a two-phase hearing plan to gather comprehensive public feedback before moving forward with legislative drafts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislature passed Senate Bill 1743, which authorizes
  • Harris County, I think it's a constitutional violation.
  • 3.3 million are authorized to independently utilize this
  • ...occur, that would constitute an affirmative defense to
  • I will speak with the bill's author because I know this isn't your bill, and you were struggling, and
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several legislative bills aimed at enhancing public safety and criminal justice reforms. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 2595, which aims to criminalize acts of concealing identity while committing harassment or intimidation, with provisions for affirmative defenses. Additionally, Senate Bill 1980 was discussed, aiming to increase penalties for assaults on peace officers and extending legal protections to community supervision officers. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for enhanced protections for vulnerable groups, including victims of trafficking.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Administration Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="40" data-time="234"> Members, any questions of the author
  • SB31 has been removed by the author.

  • Okay, we've got a couple of authors who weren't here. Were there...?
  • Do they have the authority to do private activity? Currently...
  • The author is on his way.
Bills: SCR3, SCR30, SB2375, HCR35
Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration convened to discuss several important bills, notably SCR30, SB2375, HCR35, and HCR64. Senator Cook presented SB2375, which is related to non-substantive codification of laws and ensures that existing codes are accurately maintained without substantive changes. The committee reported favorably on this bill, recognizing the significant cleanup it provides within the statute. Furthermore, SCR30 was discussed, aiming to designate Matagorda County as the Birding Capital of Texas, emphasizing the area's rich ecological diversity and the promotion of ecotourism. Public testimony supported the designation, highlighting local pride and environmental conservation efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • fact that the state did not present proof adhering to trigger the many provisions within our constitutional
  • Clearance rates rose in 2024 for the Supreme Court, Constitutional County, and Municipal Courts.
  • court does is that we don't have an inherent grant of power under the Constitution.
  • " data-time="4572">HGR 165 was introduced, and that was an amendment to Article V of the Texas Constitution
  • ...extended our authority, and there's been a constitutional
Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence convened for its organizational hearing, marking the beginning of the 89th Legislative session. Chairman Dutton expressed his dedication to strengthening Texas's civil justice system and ensuring access for all Texans. Notable discussions revolved around judicial compensation, with concerns raised about the growing gap between judge salaries and those in executive roles, indicating a potential crisis in recruiting and retaining qualified judges. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock provided insight into the justice system's challenges and emphasized the importance of legislative support in enhancing the judicial framework, highlighting the committee's ongoing commitment to equal access to justice.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 14th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It also creates the authorization for the revocation

  • of authority by DPS for the terrorist offender.
  • I would make as private companies that are beneficiaries of a state-authorized eminent domain procedure
  • or is that a court ruling that resulted in eminent domain authority?
  • The other is constitutionally mandated by the state constitution.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee included crucial discussions surrounding various bills pertaining to transportation and public safety. Notably, House Bill 647 was presented to streamline the process for individuals who have undergone corrective eye surgery, allowing them to update their driver's licenses without needing to visit the Department of Public Safety in person. This bill was celebrated for potentially decreasing traffic at DMV offices and optimizing resources, with members expressing general support and a positive sentiment surrounding its passage. Additionally, public testimony was gathered for House Bill 2003, concerning high-speed rail projects, where witnesses voiced differing opinions, emphasizing the bill's relevance to current transit challenges and community impacts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="121" data-time="720"> What it does is it gives us, as the child placing agency, the authority
  • This gives us the authority to say, "You will request it now.
  • A primary impetus for this bill is to address a lack of understanding regarding what constitutes a CCRC
  • If providers are concerned or confused, about what constitutes
  • SB 1522 addresses this issue by updating what constitutes
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

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:
  • Just briefly, I'd like to talk about at the bottom here; there are three different authorities, which
  • It could be VA services, it could be private, or it could be the local mental health authority.
  • So a constitutional amendment was passed that allowed the...
  • ...involved in constitutional issues.
  • So, I am here to discuss these constitutional issues.
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 1st C.S.

State Affairs Jul 22nd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now they are federally authorized. The bill authorizes this.
  • Members, any other questions for the author?
  • ...maximum authority within constitutional limits.
  • It's the legislative action where you're taking a power not authorized by the Constitution and giving
  • it because it has to be expressly authorized.
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12
Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions surrounding public safety and health, particularly in relation to the regulation of THC products through Senate Bills 5, 11, and 12. A significant point of contention was Senate Bill 5, which sought to regulate THC products to prioritize child safety, with law enforcement officials arguing that existing regulations have failed to protect youth adequately. The committee heard several testimonies from both supporters and opponents of the legislation, emphasizing a deep divide on the efficacy of regulation versus prohibition. Lawmakers debated the implications of these bills, with some members advocating for a complete ban while others called for more moderate, regulated approaches to address the concerns surrounding THC consumption and its impact on mental health. Notably, the meeting concluded with a series of votes indicating a strong push towards tightening regulations on THC products to ensure public safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jan 27th, 2025 at 04:01 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This resolution authorizes adjournment for more than three
  • You got your schedule in the mail or email, and the resolution authorizes the House or Senate to adjourn
  • A record vote is required by the Constitution. Clerk, please ring the bell.
  • This resolution authorizes adjournment for more than three
  • A record vote is required by the Constitution. Clerk, please ring the bell.
Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on legislative business, highlighting several resolutions and bills for discussion and voting. Notable discussions included HCR 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days, a matter that was adopted with a significant majority. Furthermore, HR 114 was presented to commemorate January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, brought forward by Representative Rosenthal, who shared personal insights into his family's heritage and emphasized the importance of remembrance and combating anti-Semitism.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Mar 4th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • been other case law on this issue, I believe the prohibitions in these bills fall within the constitutional
  • " data-time="160"> It is the intent of the Chair to lay out all five bills at once, recognize the authors
  • If the conduct also constitutes an offense under another

  • Any questions for the author?
  • This book also has a disclaimer on the publisher's page that says the authors and publisher expressly
Bills: SB20, SB1621, SB412, SB441, SB442
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice focused on legislative measures aimed at enhancing the protection of minors against the evolving threats posed by artificial intelligence and technology in the realm of child exploitation. Multiple bills, including SB20 and SB1621, were introduced to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM), particularly concerning AI-generated content and deep fakes. During the session, committee members highlighted the importance of these initiatives, emphasizing that the current legal framework must adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. The discussions emphasized the commitment of the committee members to protect children and the integrity of these legislative efforts. Public testimony brought forth a sense of urgency from both law enforcement and advocacy groups highlighting widespread concerns about the misuse of technology to exploit children.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're aware of that in our Constitution, the Texas Constitution.
  • 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

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill provides clear statutory authority for addressing

  • We need legislation that protects students of faith, but one that also upholds constitutional standards
  • This bill authorizes an institution to immediately fire a professor for discriminating against a student
  • fight anti-Semitism and religious discrimination within all levels of education, and I thank the author
  • As a future attorney, I'm taught to uphold the Constitution
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Education Committee, multiple bills were discussed, focusing on educational policies and procedures. Notably, Senate Bill 1241 was introduced by Senator Middleton, which proposed a committee substitute for establishing standardized college entrance exams accepted by Texas public universities. The committee engaged in significant dialogue about the necessity of addressing concerns surrounding exam equivalency standards, and the need for a data-driven approach to admissions decisions. Various committee members voiced their support for the enhancements proposed in the substitute, leading to its unanimous adoption and favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It gives the Attorney General sole authority to enforce violations with a curative period.
  • Yeah, feel free to talk to the author, have your additional concerns.
  • ...with the author for additional input.
  • Any other questions for the author?

  • Protecting children online must not compromise constitutional rights.
Summary: The meeting held by the Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development involved a variety of discussions centered around multiple bills aimed at improving workforce development and addressing contemporary challenges in digital spaces, particularly concerning youth and technology. A notable point in the meeting was the presentation of HB 4196, which aims to modernize Texas's manufacturing sector through digital integration and automation, enhancing job creation and addressing barriers to innovation. Committee members engaged in extensive dialogue with witnesses advocating for and against various bills, with many emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with the protection of consumer rights, particularly in the realm of children's safety online. Committee Chairwoman Button guided the discussions and maintained an efficient pace to cover a considerable number of bills. Several bills passed with bipartisan support, showcasing a collective interest in fostering economic growth through strategic legislative measures. Public testimonies were incorporated into the proceedings, with representatives from various sectors, including education and technology, providing their insights, which enriched the discussions and highlighted community concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, feel free to talk to the author, have your additional concerns.
  • ...with the author for additional input.
  • It would be great to work with the author.
  • And that's how I avoid constitutional issues.
  • Protecting children online must not compromise constitutional rights.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide array of bills focusing primarily on workforce development, manufacturing improvements, and online safety for children. Notably, provisions were discussed under HB4196, aimed at modernizing the manufacturing sector through increased digital integration and automation strategies. Witnesses from various sectors, including manufacturing companies and educational representatives, offered their perspectives on the importance of creating a skilled workforce able to adapt to new technologies. Additional discussion highlighted the pressing need for legislation that protects minors in the digital landscape, with testimonies emphasizing the adverse effects of unfiltered online content on children’s mental health, as encapsulated in HB4901.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I feel like this constitutes a form of discrimination.
  • The bill doesn't... if your bill is constitutional.
  • authority to prevent obstruction of this proceeding.
  • Constitutional.
  • Constitutions.
Bills: HB7, SB8
Summary: Simultaneously, SB8 initiated thorough debates over privacy and safety concerns in public restrooms. Supporters argued for the necessity of maintaining biologically separated spaces to protect women and children, while opponents highlighted the discrimination and potential harm caused to transgender individuals. Various stakeholders, including business representatives and community activists, voiced their opposition to SB8, emphasizing its negative implications for Texas's reputation as a welcoming state. The session concluded without any definitive resolutions, with both bills remaining pending for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

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

Transcript Highlights:
  • Estimated appropriation authority from that strategy.
  • One was for increased authority to spend money.
  • That is what we ask you to do, and that authority is quite broad, is it not?
  • There are, we do in pain management, but that is coming from statutory authority to do that.
  • And then, as mentioned, you're given broad authority.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on budgetary recommendations and exceptional item requests from various state agencies, with a significant emphasis on enhancing staffing and operational capacities. Key discussions revolved around the funding requests that support improved service delivery, particularly for the Funeral Service Commission and the Veterinary Medical Examiners. Members expressed concerns regarding staff retention and the need for salary adjustments to align compensation with market standards, seeking to decrease turnover rates and maintain effective service levels. Public testimonies reflected support for the agencies' requests while also raising some concerns about fee increases to accommodate budgetary needs. The chair concluded with expectations of further discussions on residual budgetary items in subsequent meetings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 25th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe the bill's author has spoken.

  • I'm Tom Glass with Texas Constitutional Enforcement,

  • has been usurped away by federal bureaucracy at the behest of Big Pharma, and I think it's a constitutional
  • That's the idea behind the bill, and as you know, we're always testing the limits of federal authority
Summary: The meeting held by the Committee on State Affairs focused on two significant bills, HB3441 and HB3385. HB3441, aimed at holding vaccine manufacturers liable for harm caused by their advertised products, generated considerable discussion among committee members and witnesses. Senator Hall presented the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and drawing attention to the lack of liability for vaccine manufacturers under current federal law. The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders, expressing both support and concern regarding the implications of this bill on public trust and medical practices. Following extended dialogue, HB3441 was reported favorably to the full Senate with a recommendation to pass, gathering a vote of nine ayes to one nay.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At its core, it rebalances institutional authority and strengthens the appropriate oversight for the
  • The university scrutinized our constitution simply because we...
  • Instead of bowing to political authorities, please don't pass SB37.
  • The beauty of the Texas Constitution, that's the way it's set up.
  • Our Senate constitution mandates us to re-examine.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on heated discussions surrounding SB37 and HB4848, with numerous testimonies given by concerned citizens, educators, and students. Advocates for SB37 emphasized the need for educational reform, arguing that current higher education standards are overly influenced by political ideologies and do not adequately prepare students for the workforce. Opponents voiced strong concerns about the bill's potential to undermine academic freedom and lead to the removal of essential courses from the curriculum, which would diminish the quality of education in Texas. The meeting highlighted a clear divide on the future of educational policies and governance in universities, reflecting broader social and political tensions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • to take action or not take action under the Constitution.
  • You know, what about the port authority in Beaumont?
  • Fair redistricting upholds constitutional safeguards.
  • Representative Guillen, you are a co-author of that bill.
  • Do ordain and establish this our Constitution.
Summary: The House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting convened to discuss a revised congressional redistricting plan as part of a special session. The meeting focused on public testimony regarding potential revisions to the redistricting map due to concerns about representation for Congressional Districts 2, 7, 8, and 9. Several witnesses testified against the proposed changes, expressing worries about gerrymandering and the disproportionate impact on minority communities. Notably, Deborah Allen, a former city council member, implored the committee members to heed the concerns of constituents who fear losing representation during this critical redistricting process. The atmosphere was charged as multiple lawmakers and public members voiced their frustrations about the perceived political motives driving the redistricting efforts rather than addressing urgent local needs. The committee faced questions regarding the lack of concrete maps available for public commentary, raising concerns about transparency in the redistricting process. Some members argued that the hearings should prioritize community engagement across the state rather than being limited to a few locations. Various testimonies highlighted fears that the redistricting plan might undermine the gains made in voter representation, particularly among marginalized groups. As the meeting concluded, it became clear that the committee might need to hold further hearings to ensure the public's voice was adequately represented before moving forward with any decisions.

Research Filters

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