Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'transparency in voting'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Sep 3rd, 2025 at 06:09 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Leo-Wilson voting aye. Show Mr. Kitzman voting aye. Have all voted? Have all voted?
  • It's trust in the Texas House, and I urge you to vote now on the concurrence.
  • Darby voting aye, Mr. Fidel voting nay. Ng voting aye, Meyer voting aye.
  • You are willing to vote for this knowing it has problems. The problem lies in your hands.
  • What did all four of those have in common? They all had to do with voting rights.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding several bills, including HB8, which faced significant scrutiny for its approach to educational assessments and accountability. Representative Garcia Hernandez voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the bill's reliance on high-stakes testing and the lack of meaningful stakeholder engagement, particularly from educators and parents. She urged the committee to pause the bill for further consideration, advocating for a more inclusive reform process. The discussion highlighted a growing concern over the implications of school testing standards and the balance of state versus local control in education. Chairman Bonin presented a conference committee report for SB5 related to disaster funding, underscoring its significance for future preparedness and local government support following recent flooding events. The bill was adopted without significant contention, reflecting bipartisan agreement on its importance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 15th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a reminder, anyone wishing to testify before the committee, please register at the kiosk located in
  • If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
  • These comments are left by the public on each agenda item in our hearings.
  • the state of Texas, but it is physically located in San Antonio.
  • , the one we’re currently going to vote on.
Bills: SB3059
Summary: The meeting of the committee began with Chairman Metcalfe introducing the members present, which included Vice Chair Flores and Representatives Cole, Ayala, Kerwin, and others. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing SB3059, which focuses on the establishment of the Alamo Commission tasked with the preservation and protection of the Alamo. Members engaged in passionate discussions regarding the responsibility of maintaining such an iconic landmark, with acknowledgment of the need for transparency in the management of public funds allocated for this purpose. Ultimately, the bill was reported favorably to the full house without amendments after thorough deliberation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • not going to change anybody's vote in my district.
  • ...on how they vote in the next election, but it really confuses
  • I keep saying this is new, but this was the Senate plan that we voted off the Senate floor in 2023 several
  • That will be very clear and transparent; it couldn't be any more sunshine on it in our Texas state budget
  • Higginbough submitting a motion in writing voting aye

Bills: SB26
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education featured an extensive discussion on Senate Bill 26, aimed at reforming teacher compensation in Texas. Notable highlights included testimonies emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful salary increases for teachers across the state. Members discussed the historical nature of the proposed pay raises, which would establish a permanent salary allotment for teachers, allowing for dispatches of nearly $5 billion aimed at boosting educator retention. The importance of addressing teacher safety and equality across various educational roles was also a significant point of focus during this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • supports the transparency provisions and tenant protections in HB21.
  • in Kyle.
  • To many Texans, by voting against HB530, we stand in defense of these life changes.
  • By voting against HB530, we send a clear message that we believe in community-driven solutions.
  • a transparent and legally compliant hiring process in the public sector.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant issues regarding housing funding mechanisms, particularly surrounding the complexities of Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs). Members voiced their concerns about the financial impacts these HFCs have on local government revenues, given that many property tax exemptions are given while maintaining market-rate rents. This discussion was sparked by alarming statistics indicating a rapid increase in tax dollars removed from local jurisdictions due to HFC activities, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to preserve affordable housing without financially jeopardizing municipalities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Education K-16 Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the college and university systems in Florida, Arkansas, and Wyoming, have already voted for this to
  • For this reason, I ask the committee to vote in favor of SB 1241.
  • Chairman, in order for the bill to go to the floor, if I vote present, does it make sure it goes to the
  • in our state.
  • To reach this goal, it is imperative that we invest in and acknowledge the one in four adults in our
Summary: The meeting focused on significant education reform, particularly the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M system. Senator Kohlkorst led the discussions, highlighting the historical context of the partnership and the challenges ahead in transitioning governance, especially regarding accreditation and technical support. Community leaders expressed their support, emphasizing the need for alignment with regional industry needs to enhance educational programs that would ultimately benefit both students and the local economy. Notably, testimony from James Hallmark and Dwayne Crocker highlighted both the potential growth for the region and the collaborative spirit of the involved institutions in implementing this transition.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All those in favor of the amendment vote aye. All those opposed to the amendment vote nay.
  • If you're in favor of the amendment, vote no on the motion to table.
  • All those in favor vote aye; all those opposed vote nay. The clerk will ring the bell.
  • All those in favor say vote aye; all those opposed vote nay.
  • All those in favor of extending the time, please vote aye.
Summary: The meeting facilitated a thorough examination of various legislative matters including the passage of significant bills such as HB451, which focuses on enhancing screening for children at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Representative Thompson advocated for the bill by highlighting Texas's ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and safeguard vulnerable children in foster care and the juvenile justice system. The bill passed with unanimous support, indicative of a strong consensus on the need for protective measures. Additionally, the committee addressed HB120, which aims to expand career and technology education, emphasizing its crucial role in preparing students for high-demand job markets in Texas. This bill also passed, furthering the committee's commitment to improving educational outcomes for students across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I grew up in a small town, Hominy, in Osage County.
  • America, here in Texas.
  • He turned himself in to authorities just two days ago in Osage County.
  • in Texas was that...
  • to gather, it's one in six, with 7.5 million children in this state.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussions of three key bills: HB865, HB1928, and HB748. Notably, HB865, presented by Speaker Moody, received significant attention as it aims to clarify liability protections for federal firearms licensees, emphasizing its importance for supporting veterans' mental health and safety. Testimonies were provided by various stakeholders, including city council members and law enforcement representatives, who underscored the pressing need for legislative support in the wake of alarming suicide rates among veterans. The committee engaged in comprehensive discussions, highlighting the bill’s potential impact on improving public safety and mental health support within the veteran community. Throughout the session, the committee showed commitment to addressing issues within the statutory probate court system as well, referring HB1928 directly to a relevant subcommittee for further evaluation. The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration among committee members and public input, setting the stage for further review and action on these significant legislative proposals. Overall, the meeting was efficient and well-attended, with active participation from both committee members and the public.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 09:15 am

Senate Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I promised a vote, to ask for a vote in this committee today
  • In the year 2024 alone, in one of those interviews, Mr.
  • In fact,... We've had some in the past.
  • Martin in response to this questionnaire.
  • Attorney in the United States of America.
Summary: The committee meeting was focused on the nominations of Brett Shumate and John Eisenberg for significant positions within the Department of Justice. Notable discussions arose over recent public disclosures that questioned the integrity of the nomination process, particularly surrounding Mr. Martin, a candidate whose past comments and associations have raised concerns among committee members. Tensions flared as members addressed potential biases and the implications of Martin’s statements regarding law enforcement and political groups. The meeting concluded with several committee members advocating for more thorough scrutiny of nominations to ensure the integrity of the process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Feb 4th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in El Paso.
  • Today, my son’s in kindergarten, participating in group activities, and even performing in school events
  • In 2009.
  • In 2024, my son spent one month in Houston HCA hospital and three months in a behavioral hospital.
  • In 2024, my son spent one month in the hospital, a Houston HCA hospital, and three months in Ben Taub
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on public testimony regarding key health and human services issues affecting various groups in Texas. Notable discussions included funding requests for recovery housing, maternal health programs, and behavioral health services. Testimonies addressed the urgent need for additional resources to improve recovery housing availability, with advocates pushing for an increase in the number of accredited recovery homes and mentioning that Texas currently ranks low in recovery housing access. Similar testimonies highlighted the rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among minority populations, and the necessity for robust funding for maternal health initiatives. The session also saw voices advocating for better support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the critical need for transformed waiver services and improved provider accountability.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • In a suit to divide certain property not divided or awarded

  • prepared in conjunction with the whole, what we voted on.
  • line with what's in the budget.
  • But everything is in order now. It's all open and transparent.
  • Misinformation in this building.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on multiple bills, with notable discussions occurring primarily around HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, and HB3180. Each bill was moved forward favorably to the full Senate, reflecting a collaborative spirit among committee members. Senator Johnson took the lead on several bills, advocating for their passage and ensuring that proper substitutes were adopted where necessary. The meeting witnessed a smooth flow of discussions, with all proposed bills being approved without significant opposition. Additionally, there was a sense of urgency as members sought to clear the agenda efficiently.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have the Arlington T-PID expiring in September 2026, San Antonio in December 2026, Dallas in September
  • break in Galveston, but how can we bring occupancy up in areas in Galveston where we've had lower levels
  • in the past.
  • Voucher success rates are 70% in August, 64% in Austin, 64% in Houston, 57% in Fort Worth, 63% in Baltimore
  • , 70% in Bexar County, 56% in Galveston, and just 44% in Montgomery.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2021, we had a situation in Williamson County, in my county, where the city of Austin purchased a
  • Please vote in favor of House Bill 4491. Thank you very much.
  • I've been in business for 30 years in North Texas.
  • In 2024, I spent the first six months in defense of our 30-year record.
  • In recent years, rodeo is in the crosshairs.
Summary: The committee meeting revolved around significant discussions regarding various housing and firefighter-related issues in Texas. Prominently, House Bill 3171 aimed to reinstate bargaining tools for firefighters that were invalidated by a recent Supreme Court ruling. The bill sparked diverse opinions among stakeholders, with testimonies highlighting the need for effective labor negotiations and concerns about financial implications from local government representatives. House Bill 2142 focused on addressing homelessness through innovative solutions like tiny home shelters, emphasizing collaboration between state, local, and university resources. This bill sought to provide critical mental health services and other supportive measures to the homeless population in Texas, which is notably large and growing.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2021 and 2023, including a vote of 30 to 1 on SJR 44 in 2023
  • little girl in just any casket in any plot.
  • in.
  • These bills go the distance in requiring greater transparency

  • When you have someone booked in for felon in possession of a weapon, that's a felon in possession of
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions of Senate Bill 9, focusing on bail reform and the recent trends affecting public safety in Texas. Multiple witnesses provided testimony, both in support of and against the bill, highlighting the implications of current bail practices. Supporters argued that the bill would enhance public safety and reduce the release of violent offenders, while opponents raised concerns about due process and the potential negative impact on low-income individuals unable to pay bail. The chair acknowledged the heartfelt testimonies from victims' families, emphasizing the emotional weight of the legislative changes being considered. The meeting was marked by a passionate discourse about balancing public safety with individual rights in the judicial system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll lean in.
  • The way that we do that is through a process that begins here with votes in both chambers and then ends
  • They didn't just throw up their hands and say, "Oh, well, maybe vote them out in four years."
  • Transparency goes a long way in any system. It has its own natural accountability.
  • We'll discuss that in the parking lot in about 30 minutes.
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the legislature puts guardrails and transparency in place, such as bonds, and tax increases are clear
  • All right, there's a vote in the Commissioner's Court

  • She votes to do a TRE, okay? And then somebody comes in and...
  • I want to also point out that this was voted on in 2020, before COVID supply chain issues, inflation,
  • on in 2020.
Summary: The meeting of the committee covered significant legislative matters, emphasizing the discussion around several bills such as HB2025, which aims to streamline the process of filing plats with tax receipts to prevent rejections. Representative Tepper and Senator Hughes led extensive discussions to clarify the implications of this bill, which resulted in public testimony that was ultimately closed with no opposition. Additional discussions included SB3065 regarding the creation of specific municipal management districts, where the committee expected to reconcile drafting errors in a forthcoming committee substitute. Besides, the committee reviewed HB4506, which proposes electronic delivery of zoning notices to enhance communication efficiency in municipalities. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a focused approach towards improving housing and governance-related processes within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, it's a tough time in the alcohol business in general, and wine in particular.
  • In those in-person events, we raised $8.8 million last year.
  • spirits in limited areas in addition to beer and wine.
  • In clear transparency, it received a veto from the governor.
  • In addition, these employers in your state and others are disadvantaged in hiring and employment when
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on several key bills, including HB2286, HB1562, and HB1732, which were reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation that they do pass and be printed. Representative Hernandez notably contributed to the discussions on HB1562 and HB1732, both concerning massage therapy regulations. Furthermore, the committee heard discussions on HB491 regarding civil penalties for massage therapy violations and HB11 relating to occupation licensing reciprocity agreements. Most bills passed with unanimous support, indicating a strong consensus among committee members on these legislative issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • not only in Texas, but in other parts of the country.
  • in the jails.
  • In 2023, Texas ranked third in the U.S. for deaths. Texas is ranked in the top three.
  • In House Bill HB1766.
  • Over the years, I think we've been very successful and transparent in that, as well as
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 2nd C.S.

Public Education Aug 21st, 2025 at 08:08 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so there's no transparency in that process.

  • in four years.
  • And it's way more transparent in this bill.
  • in our approach.
  • in Houston ISD.
Bills: HB8
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on House Bill 8, which seeks to reform the public school accountability and assessment system in Texas. Key discussions included the repeal of the STAAR test and its replacement with a series of shorter assessments throughout the school year, aimed at reducing the high-stakes nature of a single day test. Educators and advocates provided testimony on the need for assessments that better reflect student progress while ensuring accountability measures are fair and based on diverse community needs. Members raised concerns about the implementation timeline and the necessity of teacher involvement in the development of assessment items to enhance trust in the system. Overall, the atmosphere was collaborative, with many participants eager to improve educational outcomes for Texas students.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2018, Governor Bowman voted to deregulate some of the largest
  • I would also like to thank my mother-in-law, Linda, and my late father-in-law, Thomas, who also served
  • this country in uniform and was a proud veteran.
  • Like most prosecutors in the DC U.S.
  • In my first three years in the office, I prosecuted domestic violence and sexual assault cases, which
Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.

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