Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'severance tax'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know we've graduated several groups, but right now this...
- and passed a tax that they tax themselves, that somehow
- Tax dollars, if I... it's in the range of $35 million a year that we give.
- ...taxes. What we do is straightforward.
- However, in the Metroplex, there are several key health systems that also have.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, higher education funding, STEM programs, opioid crisis, budget requests, workforce development, community colleges, infrastructure
Summary:
The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on budget requests and legislative priorities from various educational institutions. Each institution expressed the need for increased funding to support academic programs, STEM education, and critical health initiatives. For instance, representatives from UT Dallas highlighted the importance of their Fentanyl Protection Initiative and advances in pain therapy, reaffirming their commitment to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. Other notable discussions included the need for updates to campus infrastructure and the request for new programs aimed at enhancing workforce development across various fields, particularly healthcare and technology. Topics such as the restoration of Institutional Enhancement Funds and the increase of appropriations for research initiatives were also extensively discussed. The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among universities to strengthen Texas's overall higher education landscape.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- of fuel tax.
- The man was asked to leave several times, but he refused.
- He remained parked there for several days.
- We've had several of these over the past few years in my small town.
- I am in support of this bill for several reasons. I also have some of the...
Keywords:
HB1414, driving with suspended license, criminal justice reform, financial impact on Texans, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on the discussion surrounding HB1414, presented by Representative Bowers on behalf of Representative Dr. Alma Allen. The bill aims to eliminate the Class B misdemeanor penalty for driving with a suspended license (DWLI) for those with prior convictions, allowing county courts to dedicate resources to more serious offenses and potentially preventing many Texans from facing excessive debt and jail time. Representatives and witnesses provided insights into the bill's implications for individuals unable to afford civil surcharges that lead to license suspensions, highlighting the financial burdens placed on lower-income families.
TX
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
- Now, part of the reason I do that is you'll notice in the presentation, I outlined several states' pay
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, Senate Committee on Finance, Public Utility Commission, Texas Energy Fund, budget recommendations, state energy needs, increased staffing, regulatory oversight
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
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- years, I've interviewed several families about their birth
- rising, particularly among Black women in Texas, who face the greatest challenges, experiencing 134.4 severe
- Cancer treatment can be one of the most taxing procedures on the human body, leaving patients in pain
Keywords:
maternal health, mortality review, health committee, obstetrics, public health, Medicaid, cancer treatment, healthcare reimbursement, physical therapy, dental services, protheses, compression garments, maternal health, mortality, morbidity, Medicaid, doula services, disparities, Black women, maternal mortality
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on addressing critical maternal health issues through discussions of two main bills, HB2140 and HB2610. Representative Simmons presented HB2140, which proposes to add two doula seats to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, emphasizing the importance of including diverse perspectives in discussions about maternal health. Testimony from various witnesses highlighted the positive impacts doulas can have during pregnancy and postpartum care, particularly for vulnerable populations. The bill left pending after debate reflects the committee’s commitment to enhancing maternal health outcomes in Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, okay, and they're jointly and severally liable for...
- Oversights can lead to infertility, severe complications, and even death.
- I don't want my tax money to be spent prosecuting my neighbors.
- As a taxpayer living far from her county, I do not want my tax...
- I also do not want my tax dollars spent on litigation around this absurd issue.
Keywords:
biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, flags, display, state law, municipalities, government buildings, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, private civil right of action, destruction of property, qui tam action, HB5510, HB229, public testimony, women's rights
Summary:
The committee meeting featured intense discussions surrounding HB5510 and HB229, both of which generated significant public testimony. Various witnesses expressed strong opposition to HB5510, particularly highlighting concerns over its potential to threaten equitable access to healthcare and its implications for women's rights. Testimonies revealed the emotional weight behind these bills, with speakers advocating for compassion towards vulnerable populations rather than punitive measures. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, as proponents and opponents alike provided firsthand accounts and perspectives that underscored the complexities surrounding these legislative issues.
In contrast to the discussions on HB5510, commentary on HB229 mainly revolved around defining gender and safeguarding women's spaces. Many witnesses emphasized the bill's potential discriminatory effects on transgender and non-binary individuals, arguing that the legislation could fracture community relations rather than promote safety and dignity for all. Ultimately, despite the passion displayed in rebuttals from both sides, the meeting concluded with some bills left pending, leaving room for further consideration and debate in the future.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Feb 11th, 2025 at 02:02 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- > Members, we have several
- We have several county officials and local leaders with us in the gallery.
- Today, as we turn our attention to the gallery, Texans for Vaccine Choice founder Michelle Evans and several
Today, the Quero Chamber has brought several of their
- represents more than 1,400 members who are a key part of an industry that generated $6.8 billion in tax
Keywords:
Texas Legislature, resolutions, community recognition, Miss Texas, local achievements, Bastrop County Day, Tarrant County Day
Summary:
The meeting commenced with a series of resolutions presented by various members, including HR214 honoring Bastrop County on February 11, 2025, and HR206 congratulating Annette Adiobo on her selection as Miss Texas 2024. The members engaged in highlighting local entities and achievements during these resolutions, fostering a sense of community and pride. Additionally, individuals from Tarrant County were acknowledged, and resolutions were adopted without objection.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- El Paso, we've referenced the court case in El Paso several
The racial and ethnic breakdown is split among several
- redistricting for several reasons.
- We're going to proceed with several more witnesses on this panel in addition to Stephanie Wilkins.
- Would he sacrifice it for a tax... Cut for the rich.
Keywords:
redistricting, congressional districts, DOJ letter, voter suppression, gerrymandering, public testimony, community representation
Summary:
The Senate special committee convened to address issues related to congressional redistricting, particularly focusing on the implications of a recent DOJ letter concerning majority-minority districts. Various senators expressed strong concerns about the motivations behind the proposed redistricting efforts, asserting that they may infringe on the rights of black and brown communities across Texas. Numerous members of the public provided passionate testimony, voicing their fears over potential voter suppression and gerrymandering, while others pushed for greater representation of underrepresented communities in the redistricting process. The committee aims to gather this public input as part of its overall redistricting considerations during the special session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Senate Bill 215 will help move taxes forward into the
- Many of those are in the districts of several of us, and they represent a lot of other stores in this
- It simply exempts us from the road tax or that portion.
- Members, currently there are several criteria used to determine whether a commercial driver is an employee
- I know we've got several people from DMV here.
Keywords:
education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, digital identification, Texas, Department of Public Safety, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee focused extensively on several bills, including discussions surrounding public safety and road management in Texas. A notable bill discussed was SB1351, which aims to designate a section of U.S. Highway 281 in honor of a fallen Border Patrol agent. Hearing emotional testimonies from family members highlighted the community's support for this tribute. Additionally, the committee progressed through multiple bills including SB2589 and SB2707, both addressing local governance issues and emergency response improvements, with discussions on operational practices and compliance with safety standards involving transportation.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am
House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- For the most part, well, first of all, we've been involved in this issue for the last several sessions
- We are excited to have freed up the funds to pull a tax ... rates and other fees.
- I've heard several people talk about the bad actors.
- They are paying higher electric bills, and they are paying their property taxes as property owners.
- I've talked to several of them. I will say that I would highly encourage all.
Keywords:
telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, telecommunications, electric cooperative, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, broadband, pole attachment, electric cooperatives, legislation, HB3448, telecommunications, rural Texas, infrastructure investment, Chairman Darby
Summary:
The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband centered around significant issues regarding broadband deployment in rural Texas. Notably, discussion focused on HB3448, which aims to address barriers related to pole attachment rates charged by electric cooperatives, which have historically operated under different regulatory standards compared to other utilities. Chairman Darby emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in pricing to accelerate broadband deployment, especially given the state’s substantial investments in infrastructure. Several stakeholders, including representatives from electric cooperatives and broadband providers, expressed varied opinions on the proposed bill, with some highlighting concerns about the existing disparities in pole attachment costs and others advocating for cooperative protections against undue financial burdens from legislative changes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Our priorities are severely misplaced if this is what we are doing.
- I pay taxes. I am not the only...
- THC could be taxed, and it could boost our economy.
- We've listened adamantly to testimony over the past several months.
- Now that child is at a severe disadvantage, especially if they aren't adopted.
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, lobbying, public funds, political subdivisions, government accountability, transparency, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects
Summary:
This meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills, with strong expressions of support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, SB8, a controversial bill concerning gender identity and access to bathrooms, drew extensive public testimony. Many speakers voiced concerns about the implications of such legislation, emphasizing the potential harm to transgender individuals and the necessity for an atmosphere of safety and inclusivity. In contrast, other members supported the bill, arguing for the protection of women's spaces. The committee also discussed SB15 regarding police records, which sparked debates on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the committee members voting favorably on several bills, despite ongoing public dissent and calls for more urgent discussion on flooding relief efforts and community safety.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You raised several good points, so I'm going to address your question in two ways.
- At a time when Texas faces a severe teacher shortage, we should...
- I have for several years as a TA.
- This creates several problems.
- We all pay our taxes, but it's the parents who are funding the schools.
Keywords:
parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, school district, grievance procedure, public education, diversity and inclusion, funding penalties, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, parental rights
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on various bills primarily aimed at enhancing parental rights within the educational system. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 204, which mandates the creation of a user-friendly handbook for parents detailing their rights regarding their children's education, and Senate Bill 609, designed to hold school districts accountable to parents and ensure transparency in educational practices. A significant amount of public testimony was offered both for and against these measures, reflecting the contentious nature of the subject matter. Senators emphasized the importance of parental involvement and education reform, fostering a robust dialogue among committee members and constituents alike. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address all bills thoroughly and attentively.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know several members have questions.
- I'm thinking specifically about a mother whose child had severe eczema.
- And we, as a legislature, changed what qualified as neglect over the last several sessions.
- We mentioned this before at several committee hearings.
- With Leading Edge Taxes, are you neutral on the bill?
Bills:
HB741, HB1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, nursing facilities, assisted living, power outage, health and safety, emergency generator, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, power source
Summary:
The committee meeting encompassed a comprehensive discussion regarding various legislative matters, including the critical examination of HB741, HB341, HB582, and HB471. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented HB741, aimed at enhancing financial support for relative caregivers, ensuring an alignment in assistance with licensed foster parents to foster kinship placements. This initiative was met with supportive testimonies from several stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of keeping children connected with their families for stability. Furthermore, representatives voiced differing views on the proposed regulations in HB341 and HB582, leading to a vibrant debate where several public members provided insight into practical implications and potential consequences of the bills.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Environmental Regulation May 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am
House Environmental Regulation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- From the CHIPS Act and the 25% investment tax credit, I have
- received $1.2 billion in state and local grants, and well over $100 million in tax incentives.
- Location, which is several miles away, is that 4.8 miles?
- I can't probably emphasize the severity of the operational cost.
- So it does have very severe operational expenditure costs.
Keywords:
rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, environmental regulation, SB2203, SB1898, PFAS, semiconductor industry, aggregate production, public testimony, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Summary:
The Committee on Environmental Regulation convened to discuss several bills relating to environmental issues and industry regulations. Notable discussions revolved around SB2203, which focuses on the certification of discovery issues related to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and SB1898, which addresses the regulation of PFAS or 'forever chemicals.' The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including representatives from the semiconductor industry and environmental advocates, particularly regarding concerns over the impact of aggregate production on local ecosystems and industries. The meeting highlighted the need for careful consideration of regulations that balance industrial growth with environmental protection.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am
House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- and the $200 federal tax stamp paid for and obtained.
- tax stamp is repealed, it will limit state law enforcement's
- She suffers extreme nerve damage and severe PTSD.
- You just have to pay the federal government $200 for the tax stamp. It serves no...
- There are several firearms, and this is one of the safest
Bills:
HB259, HB1128, HB1337, HB1506, HB1794, HB2215, HB2470, HB2771, HB2882, HB2993, HB3053, HB3428, HB3669, HB3789, HB3924, HB4201, HB4675
Keywords:
healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, legislation, firearms, gun control, public safety, short-barrel firearms, Texas law, firearms, gun control
Summary:
The committee meeting featured a rigorous discussion on several bills, most notably House Bill 4201, which aims to expand firearm carry rights for licensed individuals on government-owned properties, including schools. The proponent of the bill, Representative Schatzlein, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans. However, multiple witnesses testified against the bill, arguing that it could lead to increased risks, particularly in sensitive locations like educational institutions, where the presence of firearms could exacerbate safety concerns. Testimonies from representatives of various organizations, including Texas Gun Sense and Moms Demand Action, highlighted the potential dangers such legislation could introduce, and many witnesses shared personal stories that reinforced their opposition to the bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the law for the purpose of winning an opening passage of a bond, promoting a candidate, or getting a tax
- span> Worse still, professional lobbyists, sometimes funded with tax
- The transparency amendment requires that on your local tax
- bill, the taxing unit disclose on that bill how much was spent during that tax year to compensate or
- We heard about it in the Sunset Commission several times about individuals that had large fines for very
Keywords:
public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, public retirement systems, fiduciary responsibility, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions
Summary:
The meeting conducted by the committee featured an extensive discussion on multiple bills, particularly focusing on the ethics reform via SB2403, aimed at enhancing the structure and enforcement processes of the Texas Ethics Commission. The conversation revolved around establishing a three-tier system categorizing violations and enhancing procedural fairness and accountability in ethics investigations. Senator Mayes introduced a committee substitute, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that enforcement processes are transparent and just, particularly relating to minor infractions. Public testimonies in favor of the bill highlighted the need for reform, while concerns were raised about maintaining integrity in oversight mechanisms.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Land & Resource Management Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:03 am
House Land & Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- span>
Renewable energy is a growing source of revenue, with several
- ...and University Lands is able to supply water to several
- producing thousands of jobs and commercial activity, in addition to generating millions of dollars in state tax
- wastewater utilities, and drive housing costs down so that it isn't front-loaded, but rather paid as a tax
Keywords:
housing affordability, Texas population growth, regulatory burdens, development processes, land use, supply shortage, collaboration, testimony, legislative measures
Summary:
The Committee on Land and Resource Management convened to address pressing issues surrounding housing affordability in Texas. Central to the discussions was the testimony of various stakeholders, including housing developers, local officials, and advocates who highlighted an acute shortage of over 300,000 homes due to rapid population growth. The committee explored legislative measures aimed at reducing regulatory burdens that contribute significantly to housing costs, particularly related to the development and construction processes. A theme of collaboration with local governments and state agencies was a pivotal point, emphasizing the need for an organized approach to address housing supply while balancing local infrastructural concerns.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Pouring this out is taxing, and it takes a toll on us. And I know sometimes we...
- Once you know whether they've told you or not, tell them whether taxes will continue to be a...
- He's just got one witness, and so, and you've got several, so let me...
- Chairman and members, I have several witnesses. I'm available to answer your questions.
Well, I am generous, but we've got several...
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, digital services, reporting requirements, children's protection, sex offender registration, indecent assault, educator-student relationship, criminal justice, legislation, crime victims, compensation fund, information disclosure
Summary:
The meeting of the Juvenile Justice Committee on March 26th focused on multiple significant bills aimed at enhancing the juvenile justice system. Noteworthy discussions included House Bill 1831, presented by Vice Chair Johnson, which seeks to expand juvenile eligibility for drug court programs with a goal of increasing access to rehabilitative treatment for youth. The bill received strong support, passing with a vote of 9-2, and was recommended for favorable reporting to the full House. Additionally, House Bill 2147, introduced by Chairman Van Dever, allows for remote juvenile depositions and court proceedings to increase access and efficiency in the legal process, also passing unanimously with a vote of 10-1. The committee members engaged in thorough debates regarding the impact of these bills on families and juveniles, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation over punishment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They've done several studies through their universities.
- You'll see that actually in several places in the budget.
- And when we increased the wage, they ended up eating the FACA tax.
- Another lady was beaten, kicked in the head, choked several times.
- I was on several conference calls fighting for our school districts' funding.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, child welfare, kinship care, community-based care, foster care, Senator Alvarado, Senator Hinojosa, legislative budget
Summary:
The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Finance (Part I) Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- data-time="324">Moving to fiscal programs on page 17, the technical adjustment related to mixed beverage tax
Moving to item number eight, pertaining to the tax credit
- It has several subcomponents here and on the next page.
- To vote on the fuel tax, item number four, adjustment to
Keywords:
budget adjustments, salary increase, public defender, Senate Bill 9, workforce optimization
Summary:
The committee also reviewed workforce optimization projects and critical capital improvements, underscoring the importance of maintaining and enhancing state infrastructure. A work group revision related to Senate Bill 9 was adopted, further demonstrating the committee's proactive approach to addressing fiscal responsibilities and ensuring effective allocation of state resources. The meeting concluded with an overview of adopted items and a commitment to continue enhancing services for the public.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Fish and Wildlife, NOAA, and several other federal agencies— including the Food and Drug Administration
- After 9/11, several— I can't give you the exact numbers, but several agencies were involved.
- In 2002, I joined the Air Marshals along with several other local police officers that had...
- So, these are powers and opportunities that we already offer to several other federal agencies?
So this is problematic for several reasons.
Keywords:
firearm acquisition, gun smuggling, criminal offenses, ammunition, terrorism, public safety, driver's license, vision correction, medical verification, Texas Department of Public Safety, renewal fees, weapons, community supervision, law enforcement, retired officers, prohibition, criminal liability, public safety, missing children, law enforcement
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss several major legislative bills, focusing particularly on enhancing law enforcement's ability to respond to missing children and addressing increasing border security concerns. One significant bill discussed was HB908, which mandates that law enforcement agencies report missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within a strict time frame. Testimonies primarily supported the urgency and need for swift action regarding missing children, with members underscoring the imperative to streamline procedures to ensure every case is handled urgently. Additionally, discussions on HB674 centered around adjusting the penalty structure for criminal trespass incidents related to avoiding law enforcement checkpoints, seen as a crucial measure to deter illegal crossings and enhance border security.