Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'occupation tax'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 20th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="1252" data-time="7506"> the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and rejoin the Occupational
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

Public Education Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • lower the amount of taxes.
  • That was basically then-Governor Bush's tax relief program.
  • And by the way, that's tax relief.
  • That's what Governor Bush campaigned successfully for president on, is tax.
  • Cities, this is your tax base. We're seeing a declining educated workforce.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on legislation related to educational funding and support for students with disabilities. Testimonies were heard regarding HB2, which aims to enhance special education funding and improve the overall educational environment for students. Advocates stressed the importance of investing in mental health services within schools, emphasizing that a holistic approach to student welfare is essential for fostering a safe learning environment. Concerns were raised about charter school funding and the lack of accountability in financial expenditures related to such institutions. Additional discussions highlighted the urgent need for updated policies that reflect current economic realities in education, especially regarding the basic allotment for school funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So not only that, but in Florida's tax

  • tax dollars that you mentioned, came from the surplus.
  • , property taxes can be spent to hire lobbyists, and unfortunately...
  • the tax dollars. Thank you so much, Chairman.
  • Senator Menendez mentions protection of tax dollars.
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The meeting focused extensively on the amendments and discussions pertaining to SB2, which is aimed at establishing an education savings account program. Various members presented and debated amendments that targeted transparency, accountability, and potential conflicts of interest within the private education sector. Notably, Senator Cook proposed an amendment to require educational service providers to make their budgets public, while Senator Blanco highlighted the need for disclosures relevant to parents of special education and English language learners. The bill saw intense discussion around protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that the provisions did not segregate or discriminate against students within the program. Throughout the meeting, the committee demonstrated robust engagement with both proponents and opponents of the bill, examining the implications of the proposed amendments critically. The overall atmosphere suggested a strong desire to balance educational freedom with accountability and oversight. The meeting concluded with calls for diligence in ensuring that public funds are appropriately utilized, setting the stage for future discussions as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So how is this not a participatory poll tax imposed

  • Now I've taken it upon myself to protest this tax.

  • or any other tax.
  • We had several candidates get knocked off the ballot for not paying this poll tax or other tax.
  • I live in a Republican county, in a Republican state, in a Republican nation, and my taxes are way too
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB4309, aimed at allowing third parties to handle filing fees similarly to major political parties. Witnesses from the Libertarian Party, including Wes Benedict, expressed the need for equitable treatment in political financing, highlighting how fees imposed on them currently do not assist their party in any meaningful way like they do for Republicans and Democrats. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of accountability for fees collected from third parties, with committee members discussing potential oversight mechanisms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • So these are tax dollars subsidizing private projects, is that right?
  • are being taxed out of their homes every day in the state—to consider more free market alternatives
  • like cutting severance taxes and reducing regulations on all providers?
  • we've already allocated, that's money that we could use for other purposes such as reducing property taxes
  • Including reducing property taxes, right?
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the public utility sector, with significant attention given to the Texas Energy Fund and its anticipated expansion. Discussions highlighted the funding strategies for public utility programs, with representatives questioning the necessity of further taxpayer investments in projects that have not proven their effectiveness. There was substantial debate over the management of resources and efficiency, particularly emphasizing the regulatory responsibilities of the Public Utility Commission. Member concerns were vocalized around the impact of increased spending on local taxpayers, and whether alternative measures could suffice without additional funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in student enrollment this year, we will still expect to send about $30 million of local property taxes
  • This is about 77 percent of our M&O taxes collected locally.
  • For the current 24-25 school year, Port Aransas ISD assessed $39 million in local M&O property taxes
  • Are either one of y'all not recapture districts because of that tax bill?
  • Real fast, but if it's in combination with a property tax
Summary: The meeting focused on advancing several significant pieces of legislation, particularly those pertaining to education and school finance. Notable discussions included the adoption of committee substitutes for various Senate Bills, such as SB2392, which introduced new reporting requirements for educators regarding misconduct cases. The committee also addressed SB1635, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of high coastal insurance costs on school districts, which included provisions for credits against required recapture payments. Senator Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of responding to the challenges faced by local districts, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure fair funding in coastal areas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...tax receipts while an appeal is pending?
  • our sales taxes: it's both unnecessary and unintentionally punitive.
  • But if it isn't, sales taxes are a key part of our budget.
  • They're one of the three legs of our stool, along with property taxes and utility revenues.
  • And this constituent looked at me and said, "What do I pay taxes for?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce centered around critical legislation including SB2858, SB324, and several others pertaining to regulatory consistency and enforcement in local governments. Notably, SB2858 was introduced to address the apparent noncompliance of some cities with state laws by empowering the Attorney General to enforce regulations more effectively. The members deliberated on the implications of this bill, with public testimony highlighting the need for stronger measures against local governments that ignore state mandates. Aside from regulatory discussions, SB2610 was well-received as it aimed to provide cybersecurity protections for small to medium-sized businesses, encouraging compliance with industry standards while simultaneously minimizing potential legal repercussions for companies against data breaches. The committee aimed to strike a balance between ensuring business security and avoiding undue burden on smaller enterprises.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans

  • and legislation imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property taxes.
  • marker="61" data-time="360">Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of tax
  • dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations that lobby the legislature.
Summary: The meeting of the 89th Legislature featured discussions primarily centered around several key bills, including SB648 concerning protections against title theft and deed fraud, SB1253 which addresses impact fees for builders incorporating water conservation measures, and SB2878 related to the administration of the judicial department. The session began with a prayer acknowledging the devastating floods that affected Central Texas, followed by a message from Governor Greg Abbott calling for the special session. Members engaged in robust debates on the importance of the proposed legislations, particularly focusing on community recovery efforts following recent natural disasters. Public testimonies were elicited, highlighting the varied perspectives on the bills under discussion and underscoring the significance of legislative action in response to constituents' needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 1st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, in 1937, despite the therapeutic use of this plant dating back to 2700 BCE, the Marijuana Tax Act
  • "973" data-time="5832">And then, when Representative Drew Darby asked them, "How will, how does the tax
  • And that's done with our own tax dollars, by the way.
  • They've lobbied against property tax relief.
  • They even lobbied against the safety of women and children in private spaces with your own tax dollars
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12
Summary: The committee meeting held a vigorous debate primarily concerning Senate Bills 11, 12, and 5, each addressing significant legislative issues including taxpayer-funded lobbying, election integrity, and the regulation of hemp-derived THC products. Proponents of SB12 defended it as necessary for transparency and fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the suppression of taxpayer-funded lobbying as a means to protect taxpayer interests. In contrast, opponents raised concerns that the bill would silence local government voices and hinder advocacy from smaller communities, arguing that it undermines local control and representation in the legislative process. Throughout the discussions, key testimonies illustrated the political divides over these legislative priorities, generating significant public interest and engagement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The tax code allows rentals up to 180 days, but the collision damage waiver statute in the Business and
  • It is a mystery to our team why the tax code and the Business and Commerce Code definitions do not line
  • This was made up of money from a variety of sources, including taxes, custom duties, and National Park
  • ... taxes, but actually by money that has grown—money on our
  • You know, we're a different investor because it's tax-related.
Summary: This meeting featured discussions regarding various legislative issues that are currently affecting the community. Members debated a number of bills, taking into account public opinions and expert testimonies. Key highlights included a pointed discussion about environmental regulations and the implications of new policies on local businesses. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of recent legislation pertaining to healthcare reforms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Independent School Districts, which are exempted from demonstrating the impact of the no-new-revenue tax
  • What are the implications this might have for sales tax?
  • I wrote down income tax.
  • I wasn't even thinking about sales tax in Texas.
  • Income tax. Sure. When the framers added the Second Amendment to the U.S. Bill of Rights...
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss a wide range of bills, including key pieces of legislation such as HB1922 and HB145, which address utilities' wildfire mitigation efforts. There was a notable emphasis on the importance of strengthening Texas' approach to dealing with electric utility liabilities and improving operational strategies in the event of wildfires. Public testimony was heard, with various stakeholders advocating for and expressing concerns about elements of the proposed regulations, highlighting the nuanced positions citizens and organizations hold regarding energy management and environmental safety. Additionally, several bills were reported favorably to the full Senate, indicating a smooth legislative progress during the meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They produce oil and gas, they pay severance taxes, and severance taxes go into the treasury.
  • They pay sales taxes, they pay ad valorem taxes, and they pay to plug wells.
  • To put that in context, $27 billion in taxes and royalties was paid last year.
  • ...And of course, state severance taxes.
  • This results in lost taxes and other beneficial economic activity that comes with it.
Summary: The House Committee on Energy Resources held its inaugural meeting where members emphasized their commitment to addressing critical issues facing the energy sector in Texas. Chairman Darby initiated discussions focused on legislative priorities, notably the management of inactive and orphaned wells, which have become a significant economic and environmental concern. The committee also discussed the balance between regulatory oversight and industry growth, emphasizing collaborative efforts among members and stakeholders to create effective policy. Testimonies highlighted the importance of tackling concerns related to produced water and ensuring sustainable practices in Texas's vast energy landscape, including innovations in hydrogen production and recycling.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At the 24-25 school year, Port Aransas ISD assessed $39 million in local M&A, no property taxes, and
  • of the basic allotment per student in insurance premiums, while also affording $30 million in local tax
  • marker="118" data-time="702"> As a recapture district, we send a large portion of our locally raised tax
  • exemptions such as the gross receipts tax exemptions for utilities.
  • ...from tax exemptions, as I mentioned, such as the gross
Summary: The committee meeting included discussions centered around educational bills, notably focusing on enhancing inclusivity and accountability within Texas public schools. One significant bill was House Bill 2354, aimed at aligning laws governing charter schools with those of traditional public schools, which received favorable testimonies emphasizing its importance for equal treatment of educational institutions. Representative Morales' House Bill 178 provided a platform for advocates to discuss the need for ethnic studies courses to be counted towards social studies credits, which was met with broad support, showcasing a commitment to diverse educational content. Additionally, House Bill 5201 stirred debate regarding construction oversight for school projects, highlighting the ongoing concerns over management failures in large-scale school construction and its implications for taxpayer funds.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • > In the 86th legislative session, we passed and signed into law the prohibition of local and state tax
  • Abortion tax dollars should not facilitate travel to another
  • I urge you to support Senate Bill 33 to prevent this abysmal use of tax dollars.
  • But cities haven't stopped trying to use tax dollars to fund abortion.
  • But to get to the bottom of things, I'm tired of my tax dollars going to persons who flout...
Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33
Summary: The committee meeting was centered around the discussion of two key bills: SB33 and SB11. SB33 received significant attention as it aimed to close loopholes related to local government funding for abortion travel, which several representatives argued was an overreach of governmental power. Testimonies from supporters highlighted the need for this bill to clarify taxpayer protections, while opponents raised concerns about infringing on local autonomy and access to healthcare. The discussion featured passionate inputs from various stakeholders, emphasizing the societal implications of legislations regarding reproductive rights and healthcare services. At the conclusion of deliberations, both bills were left pending, indicating that further consideration is required before moving forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • dollars per year from state sales tax revenue and depositing
  • We neither levy taxes nor receive state appropriations.
  • And keep in mind, my only goal here is that if increasing costs are 10 to 20 percent, and if you tax
  • Um, do y'all, as a PUA, have tax...
  • Only two of those actually have taxing authority.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For instance, religious institutions qualify for sales tax and
  • ad valorem tax exemptions.
  • entities to recover lost revenue due to their tax exemption.
  • or ad valorem tax exemption that is higher than the rate established for other entities that receive
  • or ad valorem tax exemption.
Summary: The recent meeting of the Natural Resources Committee covered significant discussions primarily focused on various water-related bills, notably HB685, HB1918, HB2601, and HB2608. Representative Wally introduced HB1918, which seeks to limit water rate increases for Class A utilities to a maximum of 20% every 36 months. The bill is in response to alarming reports from constituents who experienced drastic increases in their water bills, leading to concerns about financial sustainability for residents on fixed incomes. Supporters emphasized the need for better regulations to protect consumers, while opponents argued that the bill could dissuade necessary investments in utility infrastructure, jeopardizing service quality. Public testimony was a vital component, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to the proposals under discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • > ...industrial corridors, hosting projects that generate jobs, tax
  • That then takes it off our tax rolls, and that land sits there for multiple years.
  • We do not have... we do not levy a tax against them.
  • So these are not tax payments, but they are payments to the port.
  • They're a contract that we've entered into with industry to avoid their requirement to pay taxes for
Summary: The meeting focused on various transportation-related bills, including discussions around essential infrastructure for flood control, electric bicycles, and safety measures for cyclists. Representative Martinez introduced HB3544, highlighting the flooding issues in the Rio Grande Valley and the need for proper stormwater management. The bill garnered attention as it addresses urgent concerns for local emergency services and community safety. Additionally, CSHB4089 outlined regulations for electric bicycles in state parks, promoting access and safety for all park-goers. There was a significant public turnout, with testimonies both in support and against various proposed bills, reflecting community engagement and interest in transportation safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Feb 5th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • lived in a district that didn't have a toll road and it was likely never to have one, and yet your tax
  • Many of them are fantastic schools, but make no mistake: we are moving public tax dollars into private
  • It really doesn't do a whole lot of anything except take public tax dollars and transfer them to private
  • Why are our tax dollars paying for vouchers? What do they even cover?
  • Apply that Texas tax money to a public school student that
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative issues, with committee members engaging in detailed discussions regarding proposed bills and their implications. Key points included debates on economic policies and public safety initiatives, with members expressing differing viewpoints on certain legislative measures. The atmosphere was collaborative, as various stakeholders provided input on the legislation under consideration. Public commentary was encouraged, contributing to a robust dialogue among committee members and attendees.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 11th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We issue licenses, collect excise taxes, and ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Code, handling
  • are not going to end up being distributed into retail where someone could possibly cheat on their taxes
  • That includes excise taxes and license fees; $255 million of that is from excise taxes, and then $56
  • Excise taxes are collected there, and those auditors ensure that distributors and the wholesalers that
  • are paying excise taxes are doing so correctly.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on legislative discussions surrounding House Bills 11 and 3579, with a significant emphasis on regulatory measures concerning lottery ticket couriers and modernization of licensing systems for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Various committee members engaged in lively debates, particularly around the implications of using couriers within the lottery framework, as this raised concerns about regulatory gaps and the need for clearer oversight. Additionally, there was mention of the agency’s efforts to combat human trafficking through updated regulations and enforcement actions, indicating a priority agenda for the session.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, the law prohibits us, in the tax bill that Senator Cantwell referenced, from looking at Social
  • In fact, the law prohibits us, in the tax bill that Senator Cantwell referenced, from looking at Social
  • and take out of Social Security and give tax breaks to billionaires
  • billions of dollars out of Social Security to give to a tax
  • In fact, the law prohibits us, in the tax bill that Senator Cantwell referenced, from looking at Social
Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.

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