Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senate committee'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Natural Resources Committee will come to order.

  • Senator Hancock moves adoption of the committee substitute. Is there any objection?
  • We also appreciate all committee members for considering this Senate Bill.
  • Thank you, senators and the rest of the committee.
  • Senator Birdwell sends up a committee substitute.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Natural Resources Committee centered around several key pieces of legislation, particularly focusing on the energy and infrastructure sectors. Discussion highlighted Senate Bill SB2037, aimed at expediting the LNG export terminal permitting process, receiving strong support from industry representatives. Notably, SB1758 and SB1759 were also discussed, addressing the contentious interactions between aggregate production operations and semiconductor wafer manufacturing, with testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the need for careful regulatory oversight to cater to all parties involved. Concern was voiced regarding the vibrations caused by mining operations, potentially impacting manufacturing processes, particularly in Grayson County.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order.

  • Let's see, there's a proposed committee substitute. Senator West sends up the committee.
  • Senator Gutierrez sends up the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1921. The Chair...
  • On the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1921.
  • Thank you, Senator Bettencourt. Thank you, committee members.
Summary: The committee meeting on [date] focused on several key pieces of legislation, primarily addressing land use and city governance issues. Prominent discussions included SB1579, which seeks to empower municipalities in El Paso County to manage abandoned properties through a court-appointed receiver process. This bill aims to tackle long-standing challenges posed by undeveloped and neglected land parcels that hinder community growth. Public testimonies highlighted concerns regarding safety, illegal dumping, and the economic potential of reclaiming these properties for housing and development. Notably, Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr. of Socorro expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need for a clear process in handling unoccupied land. Additionally, SB1851 was discussed, aimed at addressing audit compliance for Texas cities to improve financial transparency and accountability. Senator Nichols presented this bill, arguing for its necessity in ensuring cities cannot raise taxes without adhering to established audit requirements. Public testimonies underscored the experiences of city officials facing obstacles due to outdated audit practices, with calls for legislative action to protect taxpayers while enforcing compliance. The meeting was characterized by substantial participation from public officials, showcasing a collaborative effort to address these pressing issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 12th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Hancock, would there, and Senator Middleton, would there be some merit in considering a committee
  • We are testifying in support of Senate Bill 1150 and the committee substitute.
  • Senator Alvarado sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 763. We won't...
  • Members of the Senate Natural Resource Committee, my name is Rich...
  • I'm here to testify in support of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 763.
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of SB1150, which is designed to address the issue of inactive wells in Texas. Senator Middleton presented the bill, highlighting the concerns surrounding the current regulations that allow wells to remain inactive indefinitely, which poses various risks to health, safety, and the environment. The proposed legislation includes requirements for owners to plug or return inactive wells to production after certain timelines, with a compliance plan to be evaluated by the Railroad Commission. Several stakeholders participated in the discussion, expressing their support and emphasizing the importance of addressing the rising costs associated with orphaned wells and the financial burden on taxpayers. The bill is seen as a critical step toward sustainable oil and gas management in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • committee substitute for Senate Bill 1262.
  • Senator Paxton sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2252 in recognition.
  • Senator Paxton moves adoption for the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2252.
  • Senator Hinojosa moves adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1459.
  • substitute by Senator Campbell, and the committee.
Summary: The meeting focused on key legislative measures aimed at enhancing school safety and student communication technology. Senator Nichols discussed SB1262, emphasizing its role as a follow-up cleanup bill on previous measures that improved public school safety through House Bill 3. The committee adopted a committee substitute which includes provisions for the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers for school safety purposes, thereby enabling better collaboration with local law enforcement in case of emergencies. The discussions were enriched by testimony from resource witnesses, including security professionals from the Texas School Safety Center.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Bettencourt sends up the committee substitute to Senate Bill 2206, and we will hold to adopt
  • Vice Chair, committee members, and McKinney Senators.
  • Senator Hinojosa sends the committee substitute to Senate Bill 214.
  • I don't see any, so we'll open public testimony on the Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2066.
  • Senator Huffman moves that the committee steps to Senate

Summary: The meeting focused on several key pieces of legislation, including Senate Bills 2018, 2206, and 1901. SB2018 aims to establish a tax credit for businesses contributing to non-profits that promote family stability, while SB2206 proposes a transition in Texas' R&D tax structure to support innovation and small businesses. Each bill drew significant attention and public testimony, highlighting their potential economic impacts and the importance of supporting local communities. Notably, public testimony revealed strong support and concerns regarding SB2206, particularly in relation to new job creation and economic growth versus the need for fiscal responsibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Nichols sends up the committee to the sub-committee organized in lieu of a substitute: Senate
  • Senator Campbell sends up the committee substitute for House Bill 149.
  • on this committee, Senator Menéndez and Senator Campbell, for your leadership.
  • Senator Nichols sends up the committee substitute for HB1545.
  • There is a committee substitute; Senator King sends it to the committee substitute.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several legislative items, including significant discussions about cybersecurity and the implementation of new technology in state operations. Key bills such as HB1500, which restructures the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to enhance cybersecurity measures and modernize its functions, were discussed extensively. There was consensus among members regarding the importance of safeguarding Texas's information infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the need for streamlined governance, a focus on artificial intelligence capabilities, and improved IT procurement processes. The members also addressed public testimony that raised important points concerning the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. Consequently, multiple bills, including HB2467 and HB4310, were favorably reported to the Senate without objections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Perry moves the adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill SB636.
  • Committee substitute Senate Bill SB636 is favorably reported.
  • Senator Miles sends up the committee substitute.
  • Senator Hancock sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1864 and recognizes its author, Senator
  • Senator Hancock sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1232. You got it?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services primarily focused on several pieces of legislation aimed at improving mental health care in Texas, especially for vulnerable populations. Notable discussions were held around SB719, which seeks to conduct a comprehensive assessment of inpatient psychiatric bed capacity in Texas, addressing the significant shortages faced by facilities. There was widespread support from committee members and public testimonies praising the need for improved mental health resources and proactive measures to enhance service delivery. Witnesses highlighted the critical situation surrounding mental health admissions, emphasizing the human impact of ongoing bed shortages and the tragic consequences for patients awaiting treatment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will come to order

  • We want to welcome Senator Cook to our great committee.

  • And Senator Cook, welcome to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.
  • We do have that committee substitute. Senator Perry sends up the committee substitute.
  • The Chair lays out the committee substitute for Senate Bill 314 and recognizes Senator Hughes again.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services centered around two significant bills, SB25 and SB314, aimed at addressing the growing health crisis in Texas, particularly concerning children. The legislators acknowledged the prevalence of diet-related chronic health issues, including obesity and diabetes, and emphasized the need for a legislative response to improve dietary standards in schools. Senator Kocher championed SB25, which promotes measures like nutrition training for physicians, enhanced food labeling, and physical activity in schools as ways to combat the health crisis. Senator Hughes presented SB314, focusing specifically on prohibiting certain harmful chemicals in school meal programs and ensuring that children have access to healthier food options during school hours.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 30, as we previously heard, Senator Schwertner sent up a committee substitute and explained
  • Senator Schwertner sends up that committee substitute.
  • be voting aye on Committee Senate Bill 30?
  • ADL supports SB 2595 and urges the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee to favorably vote it out of committee
  • A committee substitute for Senate Bill 3013, which Senator
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee involved deliberations on a series of significant bills addressing issues such as election procedures, mental health crises, and the interplay between homelessness and public safety. Notably, Senator Parker presented Senate Bill 2487, focusing on creating infrastructure for mental health crisis management in urban areas, emphasizing the need for crisis service centers. Testimonies were heard from various stakeholders about the impact of mental health on homelessness, with supporters advocating for more comprehensive care while opposing viewpoints cautioned against conflating mental illness with criminal behavior. Another prominent discussion was around Senate Bill 2876, which proposed increasing penalties for rioting, specifically targeting those who conceal their identities. This stirred public outcry as civil rights advocates raised concerns about potential profiling and freedom of expression.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Hancock sends up a committee substitute. The chair lays out the committee...
  • Okay, Senator Hancock moves the adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1388.
  • Yes, I am in favor of Senate Bill 1388. You're for Senate Bill 1388, committee substitute.
  • Senator Perry sends up the committee substitute.
  • Senator Perry moves for the adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1558.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services addressed several significant pieces of legislation focused primarily on health and welfare issues in Texas. One of the central topics was SB1233, which aims to provide perinatal palliative care information to families receiving diagnoses of life-threatening conditions. Testimonies highlighted the importance of immediate access to support resources, as speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the emotional and medical implications of these diagnoses. Additionally, SB1368 was discussed, focusing on emergency preparedness within assisted living and nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for actionable contingency plans to protect vulnerable residents during power outages and emergencies. The committee explored how to ensure compliance with new standards while considering the realities faced by these facilities, especially in determining the appropriate levels of emergency power backup requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • No nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 897 does
  • the committee substitute for SB 1271 does pass and be recommended to the full Senate.
  • Chairman Hancock, Senate committee members, and fellow veterans, including Senator Hagenbuch and Senator
  • Good morning, Chairman Hancock, committee members, and esteemed veteran senators, Senator Hagenbuch and
  • Good morning, Chairman Hancock, committee members, and fellow veterans, Senators Hagenbuch and Hall.
Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will come

  • There's Senator Kolkhorst to explain it. I do understand there is a committee substitute.
  • You've seen this bill through Senate Bill 961, which passed out of this committee.
  • Senator, I understand there's a committee substitute.
  • Senator Perry moves that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the Chair.
Summary: The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 25th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's good to have you in the committee, Senator.

  • The Dean of the Senate sends up a committee substitute.
  • Thank you, Senator Hughes. Good afternoon, members of the committee.
  • Senator Hancock, House Bill 3385, Senator Hancock.
  • Senator Schwertner moves that we adopt the committee substitute which was laid out earlier.
Summary: The committee meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills, notably HB220, HB3336, and HB4904. HB220, which addresses access to emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault, sparked intense debate among committee members and witnesses. Various stakeholders testified for and against the bill, emphasizing the importance of immediate access to such services while also raising ethical concerns regarding contraception. Public testimony was robust, showcasing strong opinions on both sides of the legislation, with many advocating for the rights and protections of survivors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 14th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will come to order

  • Thank you, Madam Chair, committee members, and Senator Perry.
  • Senator Perry moves for the adoption of the committee substitute for House Bill 138.
  • The Chair lays out the committee substitute for Senate Bill 719 and recognizes its author, Senator Eckhardt
  • Senator Cook moves the adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 719.
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured a series of discussions primarily focusing on various bills aimed at enhancing accountability and safety in the healthcare sector. Notable highlights included the passage of HB694, which aims to promote transparency in the operations of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by shortening the notification timeline for significant events from ten days to 48 hours. This bill received unanimous support from all members present, underscoring a strong consensus on improving communication with parents and stakeholders involved in the child welfare system. Another significant topic was the introduction of HB2187, which seeks to amend and update the existing nursing staffing laws to address emerging challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was presented as a response to the increased burnout rates among nurses and aims to provide a more stable working environment to retain talent in the healthcare sector. The committee took testimony from several experts and stakeholders, highlighting the urgency and importance of these legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 21st, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With the Senate Committee on Finance come to order.

  • I do have a committee substitute.

    Right, Senator.

  • Senator Hinojosa sends up the committee substitute to House Bill 3486 for Senator Kolkhorst.
  • Senator Hinojosa, do you have a committee substitute to send up on that one too?
  • You're recognized on the Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 3487.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several house bills, notably those concerning environmental conservation, tax incentives for local businesses, and public safety. Key discussions revolved around HB3486, which introduces a sales and use tax incentive for restaurants purchasing Texas farm-raised oysters. Testimonies highlighted the importance of supporting local oyster farming to mitigate the decline of natural oyster reefs, and several witnesses praised the initiative for its potential environmental benefits. HB2688 also received attention, where representatives emphasized its role in enhancing public safety through improved support for police officers, echoing the community's need for stable recruitment and retention strategies in law enforcement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...on the committee or the other senators in the body.
  • Senator King.
  • Senator West, we welcome you to the committee today

  • That legislation is prepared and being passed out in the Senate committee.
  • amendments with specific recommended changes for the committee to consider or for the Senate as a whole
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Congressional Redistricting focused primarily on the discussion of HB4 and SB4, concerning the redistricting process based on the 2020 Census data. Chairman King opened the session, expressing gratitude to the committee members for their attendance and emphasizing the importance of completing redistricting within the special session's 30-day timeframe. Public testimony was a major component, with numerous individuals voicing their opinions both in favor and against the proposed redistricting maps, emphasizing issues of representation and concerns of racial injustices inherent in the process. The majority of witnesses highlighted the need for immediate attention to pressing issues such as flood relief instead of focusing solely on redistricting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 20th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee of Criminal Justice has come to order

  • Good morning, Chairman Floyd, members of the committee, and my senator, Trinidad-Joseph.
  • Senator Endoso, Chairman Flores, and members of the committee, my name is Seth Bell.
  • Senator Miles moves it and recommends that the committee substitute for House Bill 170.
  • Senator Hinojosa recommends that the committee substitute

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss a wide range of bills, focusing particularly on topics related to sexual assault, victim compensation, and oversight of parole violators. The meeting was characterized by a series of bills being introduced, each accompanied by testimonies from experts and public advocates. Notably, HB2355, which aims to enhance protections for victims of crime, saw extensive discussion, highlighting how the proposed changes intend to close existing loopholes in current law, ensuring that necessary records are kept confidential and victims' details are handled with the utmost privacy. Other significant bills included HB305, which addresses competency restoration for defendants, and HB47, an omnibus bill centered around sexual assault survivors' protections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order.

  • On the Senate Finance Committee chaired by Chairman Huffman
  • Now, because of the good work of this committee and the Senate and the House, etc.
  • I commend this committee; I commend Senator Benton

  • , Senator Cook, in her first motion in the committee, moves that the committee stand in recess, subject
Bills: SB4, SJR2
Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Mar 4th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice will come to order.

  • Senator Parker sends up a committee substitute for SB 412.
  • Senator Middleton is recognized to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill
  • Bill 20, Senate Bill 1621, or the committee substitute for Senate Bill 412?
  • There being six ayes and no nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 412 is reported favorably.
Bills: SB20, SB1621, SB412, SB441, SB442
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice focused on legislative measures aimed at enhancing the protection of minors against the evolving threats posed by artificial intelligence and technology in the realm of child exploitation. Multiple bills, including SB20 and SB1621, were introduced to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM), particularly concerning AI-generated content and deep fakes. During the session, committee members highlighted the importance of these initiatives, emphasizing that the current legal framework must adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. The discussions emphasized the commitment of the committee members to protect children and the integrity of these legislative efforts. Public testimony brought forth a sense of urgency from both law enforcement and advocacy groups highlighting widespread concerns about the misuse of technology to exploit children.

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