Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'tax refund'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we're asking for property tax relief in this bill so we can reimburse our counties for those costs
  • span marker="385" data-time="2304"> ...tell you that this bill is going to lead to a massive property tax
  • We don't lack extra capacity, because that's wasted tax dollars.
  • who could be working, who could be paying taxes, who won
  • Conditions are bad enough as it is, and giving tax dollars for...
Summary: The committee meeting centered around numerous bills related to criminal justice reform. Notably, discussions included House Bill 2341 focusing on awarding diligent participation credits to defendants in state jail facilities, which was favorably reported with minimal opposition. Additionally, House Bill 2756, referred to as the Jovian-Motley Act, aimed at improving training for correctional officers and staff, reflecting broader concerns about public safety and officer preparedness. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including law enforcement representatives, emphasizing the need for effective measures in managing inmate populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • your income taxes at your kitchen table, there's no reason
  • an accountant should be barred from doing someone else's taxes in their home office.
  • doing the on-the-side retail sales or someone who does taxes
  • Regular property tax owners or possibly on the land.
  • By day, I'm actually a partner in one of the largest law firms in the world where I am the head of tax
Summary: HB2464, presented by Representative Heffner, seeks to reduce unnecessary local regulations on home-based businesses, supporting Texans' abilities to operate no-impact businesses from their residences. The discussions highlighted the balance between enabling entrepreneurship and ensuring community standards are upheld, along with concerns regarding potential impacts on existing zoning laws. The meeting concluded with a call for more clarification and a focus on ensuring the bill protects local interests while promoting small business growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Texas business would seek changes to the inventory tax
  • or the franchise tax.
  • designed to reduce costs, fees, and taxes, and yes, we do
  • The focus on decreasing the inventory tax is important, but the number one benefit offered by employers
  • You know, a tax impact statement, depending on what kind
Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance convened a meeting focusing on critical legislative objectives aimed at insurance reform. Noteworthy discussions emerged around HB138, which aims to address cost reduction in health insurance and increase transparency in the reporting of private insurance costs. The committee members emphasized the need to identify cost drivers and cut unnecessary regulations while also working on effective methods to deliver insurance benefits efficiently. There were extensive remarks made regarding the implications of insurance mandates on overall costs, bring forth a call for a thorough evaluation and revision of existing mandates that may result in unintended consequences.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • charity can retain in its bingo account to help pay for the increased costs of bingo supplies, property taxes
  • This is Mark Westerman, CPA from Victoria, here on Tax Day
  • In addition, state and local governments have received approximately $300,000 per year in prize fee tax
  • directly to the local tax base.
  • All the taxes will be paid.
Summary: The committee meeting was held to discuss a variety of bills concerning state regulations and community needs. Key discussions revolved around HB2885, which aims to allow local political subdivisions to call for option elections regarding alcoholic beverage sales. The bill was well received, passing favorably without amendments. Another notable bill discussed was HB2996, relating to gambling offenses, which also passed favorably, indicating a broader support for regulatory improvements in these sectors. Public testimony was provided on several bills, emphasizing community engagement and the importance of local governance in decision-making processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • issue by requiring food service establishments that charge any mandatory fee or surcharge other than taxes
  • All those fees add up, and fees are just taxes.

  • It's just a nice way of saying tax.
  • So, if you're going to be taxed, you need to know prior

  • to engaging in commerce that you're being taxed.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Employment held a meeting focused on various bills related to workforce development, consumer protection, and business regulations. Notably, HB5317, aimed at establishing a self-insured retention fund to lower insurance costs for state agencies, received significant attention, with discussions on its potential fiscal benefits. The committee also reviewed bills concerning unemployment benefits, regulation of food service surcharges, and property rights for homeowners, particularly in the context of water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions. Public testimony highlighted concerns over transparency in mandatory fees charged by food service establishments, with stakeholders advocating for clearer disclosures to protect consumer trust.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Feb 13th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • was staffing this committee for Senator, before moving to Senator Bettencourt's Committee on Property Tax
  • years, when you were our general counsel while Senator Perry and I were on a roadshow about property taxes
  • marker="202" data-time="1206"> You know, it's one thing because we take a lot of calls on property tax
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance focused on reviewing budget recommendations from various agencies, particularly the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Significant discussions included the authorization of an additional $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, which was noted as a critical component for managing the state's energy needs. Chairman Thomas Gleason highlighted the importance of funding for regulatory and oversight roles, ensuring that the PUC continues to effectively manage Texas's growing electricity and water demands. Additionally, representatives from various agencies presented their specific funding requests, emphasizing the need for increased staff to handle rising workloads and maintain efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Feb 4th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • " data-time="2538"> language that empowers the agency to pursue a short-form application to allow a tax
  • what y'all are saying, and I'm deciphering all this inflation in other areas, such as your property tax
  • , unemployment taxes, and some employee benefits.
  • I'm trying to parse that out, and you know, obviously, property taxes are a huge driver.
  • The last time that tax was increased was 41 years ago, so if I go...
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical issues, primarily surrounding funding for mental health services in Texas. Various stakeholders, including representatives from mental health organizations and community service providers, provided testimonies advocating for increased investments in mental health resources, particularly for children's mental health initiatives and support systems. One prominent discussion was around the need for family preservation funding to maintain support for families in crisis. The evidence presented highlighted an alarming rise in food insecurity, which underscored the necessity of legislative action to protect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 11th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With tax dollars, we want you to eat healthy.
  • With tax dollars, and you know, due to health issues that I've had for a long time, I don't have now.
  • So I am limited to only capturing costs for true depreciation, mortgage interest, and property tax.
  • Tax with zero markup.
  • As part of your reallocation process, I'm assuming you would go pull a property tax record.
Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24
Summary: The committee meeting centered around special education funding and safety provisions for children with disabilities. Key discussions were led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the transformative potential of SB568, which proposes a transition to an eight-tier service intensity funding model. This model is designed to better accommodate the needs of special education students, ensuring they receive the necessary services tailored to their unique requirements. The bill received strong support from stakeholders and included testimony from educators and advocates highlighting the importance of early intervention and the need for ongoing funding support.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • However, we must recognize that these funds are tax

  • ...We want you to be healthy with the use of tax dollars,
  • When it comes to our tax dollars, we should have a say in whether we support healthy food options or
  • I'm limited to only capturing costs for true depreciation, mortgage interest, and property tax.
  • tax with zero markup.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several significant bills aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Texas's Medicaid and long-term care systems. Notably, SB457 seeks to ensure that a substantial portion of Medicaid funds is allocated directly to patient care in nursing facilities, addressing concerns about the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Various testimonies were provided from key stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by nursing homes and the pressing need for reform. Notably, AARP Texas endorsed SB457, emphasizing the critical need for improvements in care quality, especially in light of staffing shortages and neglect issues prevalent in some facilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • many software programs I have or how many databases I use that require a paid subscription, using my tax
  • dollars, your tax dollars, and the county tax dollars.
  • ...taxed out totaling between $10,000 to $100,000 by allowing
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Department of Treasury and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Tax, and Trade Bureau reports that about 98% of the
  • Would it not be a better use of resources and tax dollars to address issues facing more people in Texas
  • ...and that's our school property tax dollars paying for
  • that my tax dollars are being wasted on something like
  • The Texas budget, since property taxes are a significant
Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussions regarding various bills, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 240, which aims to address safety and privacy concerns for women and children in public restrooms. Numerous testimonies were heard both in support of and against the bill, highlighting the emotional and polarized nature of the discussions. Proponents argued for its necessity in safeguarding women's rights, while opponents raised concerns about the potential harms and discrimination it may perpetuate against transgender individuals. The atmosphere was tense but respectful, evidence of the deeply personal stakes involved in such legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have you registered as a Travis County tax assessor and on behalf of yourself against SB8.
  • I am currently serving as a Travis County Tax Assessor Collector.
  • The tax office is the most customer-facing entity within
  • I pay taxes. I laugh and I cry just like you do. Please don't make my life harder.
  • My tax dollars should fund public schools, not be drained by your cannery.
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 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Sep 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Parker, just like tax policy has to be done on an incremental basis, and...
  • ...our tax dollars.
Bills: HB18
Summary: The committee meeting focused on House Bill 18, which aims to establish penalties for lawmakers who intentionally break quorum to obstruct legislative processes. Senator Hinojosa presented the bill, explaining that it prohibits absent legislators from fundraising and incurs civil penalties for violations. Public testimony was taken, with supporters emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency among legislators. Discussions among committee members highlighted the bill's implications and raised questions about its efficacy in preventing planned quorum breaks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • >

    I start by saying SNAP benefits are not paid for by state tax

  • This is a common-sense measure that ensures tax dollars

  • And so just to say that, you know, as if these are poor people, and then we always want to say our tax
  • Well, I pay taxes too, and I don't have a problem with it.
  • He's the Tarrant County tax assessor, but he was a Gladney baby as well.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of legislative proposals, with significant focus on addressing child welfare, language access, and transparency in funding for children's advocacy centers. Representative Richardson presented HB5136, aimed at strengthening governance and accountability in child advocacy centers, reflecting concerns over transparency due to recent scandals. The bill was discussed extensively as members expressed the need for better oversight in organizations receiving public funding. Additionally, HB4838 was championed for enhancing language access in emergency services, with witnesses emphasizing its critical importance for non-English speakers during crises. Overall, strong engagement from both representatives and the public was evident, with passionate testimonies highlighting the necessity of these legislative measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...state, obviously one of the lowest tax states in the entire
  • Undocumented folks in Texas pay over $19 billion in state and local taxes.
  • unique status of green card holders who have undergone extensive vaccinations, pay federal and state taxes
  • Lawful permanent residents legally earn income, pay taxes
  • when it comes to hiring, training employees, or in how our government makes decisions or distributes tax
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing legislative issues, with a significant emphasis on immigration-related bills such as HB256 and HB253. Witnesses provided differing perspectives on the implications of these bills, particularly concerning privacy and familial integrity in the context of immigration law. Notably, there were arguments against the invasive DNA testing proposed in HB256, highlighting concerns about accuracy and the potential consequences of errors leading to wrongful separations of families. This discussion revealed a palpable tension between security measures and the preservation of individual rights, prompting the committee to consider the ethical ramifications of such legislation. Additionally, House Bill 4552 was introduced, aimed at ensuring equal treatment in government contracting, which spurred further debate on the balance of meritocracy and social equity in public sectors.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to recognize you for your past support of the 1D1D on agricultural tax valuation.
  • Most of our bee population, but that 1D1D agricultural tax
  • I probably got hung up over property tax. No sub on it?
  • It is a very taxing toll on mental health, and that's something we've been very, very mindful of.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs was marked by critical discussions surrounding several agricultural bills aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the farming community in Texas. Notably, House Bill 43 was presented, which seeks to update the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority to improve financial support for farmers experiencing crisis due to extensive agricultural losses, exacerbated by drought and supply chain issues. The committee heard testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need for these reforms to help secure the agricultural industry’s future and ensure support for farmers during these trying times. Another significant topic was House Bill 4163, which aims to relieve agricultural operations from excessive municipal regulations concerning land management along public roadways, highlighting the burdens placed on farmers by local governments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 11th, 2025 at 01:08 pm

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Can you just kind of explain to me the correlation between the taxes we already pay for drainage discharges
  • Yeah, they currently have a tax that they charge, right

  • But we can't get any buy-in in the communities to add a tax to their tax liability throughout the year
Summary: The meeting of the committee emphasized the urgent need for effective flood mitigation strategies in response to recent severe flooding events in South Texas. Local officials, including Commissioner David Fuentes and General Manager Raul Sassin, presented the devastating impacts of heavy rainfall that inundated homes, destroyed infrastructure, and led to significant loss of life. They discussed the importance of projects like the Delta Region Water Management initiative, which aims to manage stormwater effectively while also addressing future water supply challenges. The legislators reiterated the legislature's ongoing commitment to funding and implementing robust flood management policies, underscoring the significance of community involvement in these efforts. The discussions also highlighted innovative approaches to capturing floodwaters for potable use as part of a broader water management strategy.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance May 20th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It exempts the Texas Windstorm Association Fund (TWAF) from insurance premiums and maintenance taxes.
  • It exempts TWIA from insurance premium maintenance taxes under .017.
  • overall, eliminates $27.7 million in state revenue, according to the LBB estimate, due to the premium tax
Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530
Summary: The committee meeting held extensive discussions on multiple pieces of legislation focused primarily on insurance and healthcare. A significant portion of the meeting revolved around SB1643, which proposes changes to how property and casualty insurance rates are regulated in Texas by requiring prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for any rate changes exceeding 10%. Members expressed mixed feelings about this proposal, with concerns that it might lead to increased costs for consumers while discussing the balance between consumer protection and maintaining a competitive insurance market. Witnesses offered testimony both in favor and against the bill, highlighting the importance of thoughtful regulatory frameworks amidst rising insurance costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 12th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, the Texas Lottery is a very regressive tax,
  • show that what we're doing is we are funding the state on the backs of the poor with this regressive tax
Bills: HB668, HB677, HB766, HB3133
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation including HB677, HB3133, HB668, SB2819, and SB3070. Notably, HB677 prohibits county election administrators from holding other appointed positions while serving in their role, with no public testimony registered against it, leading to its pending status. Conversely, HB3133, which addresses the issue of explicit deep fake material on social media, drew significant attention but was left pending without public testimony as well. The discussion of HB668 included provisions for a one-year grace period for licensed handgun owners after expiration, a relatively straightforward bill that also registered no public testimony. Meanwhile, SB2819, a companion to HB677, emphasizes the strict regulations surrounding election administration, seeking to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest. Lastly, SB3070 sparked conversations about lottery regulations and transparency in operations, prompting discussions around its implications and garnering witness testimonies in favor of the bill.

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