Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'cost disclosure'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If there's anything beyond opportunity cost, then these things need to stay up.
  • I do want to make everybody aware we do offer at no cost.
  • However, it will cost all of us $10,000 to serve that demand.
  • Gas turbines cost over two thousand dollars a kilowatt these days.
  • We already are facing the most expensive equipment costs that we ever have, as well as material costs
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on State Affairs was convened with a quorum present, led by Chair King. A primary focus of the meeting was on House Bill 3782, which addresses the shift from physical newspaper publications to digital platforms for public notices. Chairman Smithy introduced a committee substitute for the bill, highlighting the necessity for government entities to adapt to the declining availability of physical newspapers. The bill proposes allowing these entities to meet public notice requirements through qualified digital publications, ensuring they meet certain standards, including an audited paid subscriber base and reporting on local news.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • And as the witnesses today know better than most, ratepayers will bear the brunt of those costs.
  • The prescriptive 49% or 50% subsidy creates problems when actual construction costs come in and differ
  • The cost of removal is extraordinary, but the cost of not
  • Similarly, the cost of getting all the lead out is

  • When we started in Michigan, I think the average cost was $5,000 to remove a lead service line.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Feed costs are a concern.
  • That is exactly what our farmers have to do every year with all of their input costs.
  • The FDA to help cover these delivery costs have not kept
  • For example, a cotton picker costs $1.5 million.

  • What I can say is that it is challenging with costs being...
Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're just going to—any time they get a federal dollar, they will lapse the cost.
  • **General Paxton**: As far as costs.
  • We didn't have the money to pay the experts, so they front all the costs.
  • They had to fund ongoing costs. We didn't fund any of that.
  • They had to fund ongoing costs. We didn't fund any of that.
Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 17th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That would also include the cost of a ticket management system, the cost of hiring 38 extra staff members
  • You mentioned an estimated cost of $7 million.
  • However, we have not estimated the cost.
  • It would cost about $4,000, and that's if TRWA...
  • That is an 8-1-1 cost to us if when we go out and locate that. When you say the cost to you?
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative discussions, prominently featuring HB1285 and HJR107, which aimed to address significant issues around energy production and damage prevention. Key discussions involved providing the Railroad Commission with additional tools for inspection and responding to incidents, as articulated by proponents emphasizing the benefits for public safety and efficiency. Members voiced their concerns about balancing energy production with environmental protection, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic development and ecological sustainability. Testimonies from industry experts and environmental advocates framed the debate, with strong support for maintaining Texas's status as a leader in energy while ensuring public health is not compromised. Throughout the meeting, several members expressed their intent to refine policies surrounding utility damage prevention and excavation standards, as current laws have reportedly not evolved to address modern challenges. There was a clear acknowledgment of the technological advancements that necessitate an update to existing regulations. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of optimism for proactive legislation and apprehension regarding potential impacts of energy-related developments. As discussions drew to a close, there was a commitment to revisit these topics in future sessions to ensure thorough consideration of both industry and community perspectives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 7th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , deferred maintenance, and IT costs.
  • How much is it going to cost?
  • , we can't overlook what it costs us.
  • Yeah, it costs you money.
  • We've got to get that cost down.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by an in-depth discussion on various funding requests and program expansions across agencies. Notably, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) presented its plans to enhance disaster readiness and response capability, emphasizing an increase in funding to support initiatives under the Keeping Texas Prepared program. The discussion also involved the significance of leveraging federal funds for disaster recovery and the importance of precise tracking of these funds. Key stakeholders, including representatives from various state agencies, were called upon to detail their funding requirements and the anticipated impact of their requests on public safety and community resilience.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With that, the total insurance cost was going to be $168,000.
  • This money could have gone directly into paying claims and reducing the cost of reinsurance.
  • You can't do a cost-benefit analysis of a policy by considering only the benefits.
  • back, but that costs would become too high so that coverage would lapse.
  • I don't have those costs with me. I don't think we know what they are.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed several key bills, with significant discussions surrounding HB778, which focuses on insurance coverage for individuals undergoing gender transition and those wishing to detransition. During the presentations, the bill's author, Chairman Leach, emphasized the importance of ensuring coverage for potential adverse effects from gender transition procedures. However, concerns were raised by various witnesses regarding the potential implications of limiting coverage for transgender care, leading to heated debates and a range of testimonies from both supporters and opponents of the bill. HB2517 and HB2213 also received attention, with discussions centered on insurance premiums and board eligibility for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, respectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state flood plan costs around $54.5 billion.
  • I don't know if you guys track the increase in cost year over year.
  • Do you track the increase in cost per project in some cases?
  • We certainly look at analyzing those cost-increased trends.
  • Is there also any information in relation to the cost to the consumer?
Summary: During this meeting of the Texas House Natural Resources Committee, critical discussions centered on various legislative proposals impacting water management and conservation in the state. Chairman Harris emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with conservation efforts, noting the urgency of addressing Texas's finite water resources. Several members raised concerns about the administrative processes governing water laws, and a variety of bills were presented, including a definition cleanup bill and modifications to reporting requirements. The committee heard testimony from multiple stakeholders who provided insights on existing issues and proposed solutions to enhance water management in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance May 20th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I think we got some attention on finding ways to reduce the cost.
  • need to do as a body to find ways to bring down the cost of
  • But we do what we can to actually lower the cost.
  • The issue with having this system of file and use is that when there are excessive rates, it costs a
  • That way, the insurance cost that we're trying to buy would be less.
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

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and IT costs.
  • We hear a lot about increasing costs.

  • , IT costs, and software subscriptions.
  • That's why 90% of our annual budget supports personnel costs.
  • We've absorbed a lot of the costs of the training in the past.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical funding and legislative matters regarding various state initiatives, notably focusing on workforce development, health services, and emergency management. The discussions revealed the heightened importance of supporting community colleges and addressing workforce shortages in healthcare, especially considering the increased demand for veterinary services as pet ownership rose due to the pandemic. Representatives from various organizations presented their requests for funding, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing educational outcomes and preparedness programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is time-consuming, costs money, and prolongs the application process.
  • So the applicant now will bear that cost for these inspections.
  • Again, the cost will be borne by the applicant.
  • I think adding regulation always adds cost.
  • If we can reduce the cost, we can reduce the burden on all the taxpayers.
Summary: The recent committee meeting addressed various critical bills, focusing primarily on water management and flood control across Texas. Notable discussions included House Bill 1177, which proposes introducing stricter penalties for floodplain violations, aiming to deliver swift accountability for ongoing offenses. Representative Cunningham highlighted the urgency of this issue, emphasizing that current enforcement mechanisms lead to prolonged legal challenges, which can heighten flood risks for vulnerable communities. This bill sparked numerous inquiries from members, showcasing the committee's commitment to improving flood management legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Flores, a quick question: Is there a mechanism to determine the cost of.
  • The administrative costs for this program are kept

  • No, I understand there are costs.

  • stipulates a percentage of that donation goes to those costs.
  • That administrative cost.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The cost of doing that is $1.5 million.
  • We would hope the dorm would allow us to bring people to move into that area at a low cost or no cost
  • Everyone is well aware of the costs associated with per diem rates going up and the cost of mileage reimbursement
  • Do we know how much that cost?
  • Do we know how much that cost?
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 10th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • Since December of 2020, our highway cost index has grown 62%, meaning what?
  • ...Cost us $1 to build in 2020 now costs us $1.62.
  • And so we're fighting the highway cost index that is growing. We're also fighting...
  • those cost increases may be.
  • One of the options that was presented to us included estimated costs.
Summary: The meeting of the Standing Subcommittee on Transportation addressed crucial issues relating to state transportation funding, focusing primarily on Propositions 1 and 7. The discussions, led by Chairman Canales, highlighted the significant contribution these propositions make to Texas's transportation budget and the impending challenges tied to a projected funding shortfall of $15 billion. Mark Williams, Executive Director of TxDOT, along with Stephen Stewart, CFO, emphasized the importance of sustained funding to support Texas’s growing infrastructure needs amidst rising costs and diminishing revenue sources, notably due to changes in vehicle fuel efficiency and increased reliance on electric vehicles. Notable public testimony from Pete Sepulveda from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority provided insights into local funding mechanisms and their role in enhancing the regional transportation networks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just help me understand that a little bit more, that the size of the project is what drives the cost,
  • This gap allows local entities to mandate PLAs, which can increase project costs.
  • Studies have shown that PLAs can inflate construction costs by 12 to 20 percent.
  • How can they be more cost-effective?
  • There are two factors with the cost of living.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around several bills, most notably House Bill 1951, which provoked significant debate among members and public witnesses concerning the implications of project labor agreements (PLAs) for public works projects in Texas. Advocates for the bill argued that it aimed to create a more competitive environment for bidding on government contracts, thereby ensuring taxpayer dollars were spent effectively. Opponents, including labor representatives and apprentices, voiced concerns that the removal of PLAs could jeopardize worker safety, fair wages, and job opportunities for local craftsmen, particularly those engaged in union and apprenticeship programs. Testimonies from various workers highlighted the critical role PLAs play in maintaining quality standards and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 09:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • would affect customers who pay for streaming services, and I'm sure almost all, if not all, of the costs
  • Effectively, this shifts the cost burden from multinational corporations to local taxpayers because,
  • It has to be repaired, so it's not like the cost goes away just because some folks don't want to pay
  • their fair share of those costs.
  • That's a big part of the cost of all the planning.
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband included significant discussions surrounding Senate Bill 924, which addresses cable service providers and their financial obligations related to franchise fees. Council Member Julian Ramirez opposed the bill, emphasizing its potential fiscal impact on cities like Houston and Austin by restricting franchise fee collections, thus threatening vital public services funded by these fees. Public testimony supported his stance, highlighting the financial realities these cities face, particularly in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • and probably a higher cost to society.
  • So that's another cost to the counties.
  • cover the associated costs.
  • , if not all of those costs.
  • And it comes with a heavy cost.
Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • What does that cost? How much room does that take up?
  • What does that cost to store? What does that cost the state to store that?
  • Including 3PL costs, including everything that we've been discussing so far.
  • Estimated cost, what did you tell them?
  • The burden of its excess cost falls on the state of Texas.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the Transportation Committee focused on several key bills addressing transportation infrastructure and policy reforms. Notable discussions included a heated debate over HB1234, where members expressed concerns regarding funding allocations and the environmental impact of proposed projects. Several witnesses were called to provide testimony, balancing arguments both for and against the bill, showcasing the ongoing tensions between development and environmental sustainability. Additionally, SB5678 received broad support with discussions highlighting its potential to enhance public transit efficiency across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Encountering right now with TWIA is the reinsurance cost has
  • and reduce the high cost of windstorm insurance.
  • storm insurance costs.
  • We wouldn't be looking at having to increase the PML to cover these costs and these problems.
  • This represents a significant cost savings to TWIA, and I've had some numbers run. Thank you.
Summary: The committee meeting revolved around important discussions regarding two significant bills, SB2530 and SB2571, intended to address the funding challenges faced by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Senator Milton highlighted the need for reforms due to escalating reinsurance costs that have risen to over 60% of premiums. A notable focus was the proposed dynamic funding model, which aims to reduce reliance on fixed assessments and public securities tied to the current Probable Maximum Loss (PML) structure, allowing funding to adjust based on actual needs. Both bills received mixed responses, with public testimonies citing the potential for increased financial burdens on insurance companies if the assessments were restructured without careful consideration of market conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Of those startup costs as they change their profession, they
  • Some of that is just the stress of the cost of gaining that certification.
  • It's because it's a study; it wouldn't add a cost.
  • of school districts on the cost of inflation.
  • This preparation does come with a cost. It's difficult to spend all day in a classroom.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The Senate Education Committee's meeting focused heavily on HB2, which proposes an historic investment of $8 billion into Texas public education. Senator Creighton led the discussion, explaining the components of the committee substitute and emphasizing the importance of increasing funding beyond past measures, highlighting that this package exceeds any previous investment in public education. The committee heard testimonies from public witnesses who expressed strong support for the bill, including educators discussing the positive impacts of the Teacher Incentive Allotment. The meeting adjourned after a vibrant discussion about the various provisions included in HB2, such as adjustments in funding allocations for both traditional and charter schools, and the ongoing issues related to educational equity across districts in Texas.

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