Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'cannabis legislation'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm AJ with the Legislative Budget Board.
  • Have you been personally contacted by legislators about these plants?
  • As it relates to legislators, you have no idea how many have contacted you.
  • Lastly, the legislation created the Water Utilities Technical Assistance.
  • You gave us everything that was in the legislative appropriation request.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting included a comprehensive discussion on various upcoming budget recommendations impacting the Railroad Commission and water funding allocations. Significant dialogue focused on Senate Bill 30, which addresses water funding appropriations crucial for developing and maintaining the state's water infrastructure amidst growing demand. Testimonies from various stakeholders emphasized the urgency of addressing water resource issues in Texas, given the state's increasing population and the forthcoming infrastructure needs. Additionally, climate change impacts and funding challenges were heavily underscored by the participants, showcasing a collective concern over future water supply and management. The committee also reviewed the implications of Senate Bill 8 and Senate Joint Resolution 75 regarding the creation of new funds and programs for water management and development. Importantly, the potential for a dedicated revenue stream was raised, echoing the sentiment that a historic investment in water infrastructure is critical. The meeting adjourned with plans for a follow-up to further evaluate and confirm budget appropriations, reflecting a strong commitment to tackle Texas's pressing water challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:
  • This calls Andrea Nikic with the Legislative Budget Board.
  • My name is Eric Schroeder with the Legislative Budget Board.
  • So we don't know at this point if legislation is.
  • My name is Amit Patel with the Legislative Budget Board.
  • My name is Samantha Brock with the Legislative Budget Board.
Summary: The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee focused on the budget and operational needs of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with a particular emphasis on addressing the significant issue of SNAP benefit theft. Key discussions included the challenges faced by the agency in combating fraud, the need for increased support for state peace officers, and the implications of rising health concerns such as congenital syphilis, which has seen an alarming increase in Texas. Representatives expressed their concerns about handling these issues effectively and discussed the importance of resource allocation to prevent further fraud and provide adequate care to Texans in need.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation reflects...
  • We are aware that some legislators...

  • We will institute a reporting regimen to ensure legislative insight and my accountability.
  • ...on this important legislation.
  • With legislative support, we'll enhance academic excellence.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the transformative impact of House Bill 8, which restructured community college funding to emphasize outcomes that align with workforce needs. Dr. Brenda Kays highlighted the importance of community colleges in building Texas's economy, discussing successful partnerships that have emerged from the new framework provided by the bill. Testimonies from various representatives underscored the effectiveness of dual credit initiatives and workforce training, pointing out that increased enrollment and program development directly address regional skill gaps in high-demand fields such as healthcare and technical trades. The discussions revealed a commitment to ensuring that community colleges adapt to changing economic landscapes by equipping students with the skills necessary for sustainable employment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • But I have also lost respect for many legislators.
  • What happened to legislators serving their constituents?
  • ...legislation that many Texans want, legislation that would
  • That legislation is prepared and being passed out in the Senate committee.
  • What matters are the results of your actions collectively as a legislative body.
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

Education K-16 Mar 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill is not just a letter; it's legislative action.
  • , and at least 14 other states have introduced similar legislation.
  • legislation.
  • Because one of the requirements in this legislation is that...
  • and a legislator afterwards.
Summary: The Senate Education Committee meeting addressed several bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in Texas, notably focusing on virtual education and its implications. Senate Bill 569, introduced by Senator Betancourt, garnered considerable support, emphasizing the need for accessible high-quality virtual education. The committee heard public testimony from various stakeholders, including educators and students, who highlighted the significance of flexible learning environments in meeting diverse student needs. Key testimonies underscored that virtual education is not just beneficial for struggling learners but also advantageous for high-achieving students seeking more flexibility in their academic pursuits.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's just a legislative council draft. Excellent. There is no difference whatsoever.
  • The legislation will be left pending, subject to the call of the chair.
  • The committee substitute makes the bill a Legislative Council draft.
  • We need legislation that protects students of faith, but one that also upholds constitutional standards
  • I think that we have clear procedures for addressing these concerns, and including them in legislation
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Education Committee, multiple bills were discussed, focusing on educational policies and procedures. Notably, Senate Bill 1241 was introduced by Senator Middleton, which proposed a committee substitute for establishing standardized college entrance exams accepted by Texas public universities. The committee engaged in significant dialogue about the necessity of addressing concerns surrounding exam equivalency standards, and the need for a data-driven approach to admissions decisions. Various committee members voiced their support for the enhancements proposed in the substitute, leading to its unanimous adoption and favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do a legislative conference here in Austin in February during the session.
  • But it does not stop elected officials from talking to the legislators.
  • I'm Stephen Aleman with Disability Rights, here in favor of the legislation.
  • on this piece of legislation.
  • of this proposed legislation.
Summary: The committee meeting convened to discuss various proposed legislation, most notably Senate Bill 13, which addresses the management of library materials in school districts and parental rights regarding access to library catalogs. Senator Paxton introduced the bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and appropriate content in school libraries to protect children from sexually explicit materials. Discussions included testimonies from community members and stakeholders, highlighting both support and opposition based on concerns over censorship and parental authority. The committee left the bill pending for further review and discussions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • My legislative director and deputy chief of staff, Dalton Moore, brought him over from the House.
  • We also, of course, like all agencies, have legislative appropriation requests.
  • We have a very large legislative appropriations request, which you have seen, Kelly.
  • What period of time are you referring to, and how many of those were legislatively created?
  • Now, the 2009 legislation was monumental from a perspective of the environment, both brave.
Summary: The meeting, led by Chairwoman L'Oreal Stepney, covered several crucial topics focusing on Texas water management and the associated legislative priorities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) presented its initiatives including the implementation of a 50-hour workweek for Texas Game Wardens, the Cultivated Oyster Mariculture Program, and enhanced funding requests aimed at improving water infrastructure and conservation efforts. Notably, discussions centered around the integration of innovative practices in oyster farming to ensure sustainability and boost coastal resources. Chairwoman Stepney also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to address water quality and supply challenges given Texas's growing population demands. In addition to water management, there was a significant emphasis on expanding the biosecurity program to combat recent agricultural threats and the establishment of a suicide hotline for farmers, reflecting the committee's commitment towards the well-being of agricultural stakeholders. The meeting concluded with a strong sense of collaboration among committee members and commitments to addressing the pressing needs concerning water resources, conservation, and agricultural safety in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation reinforces—will reinforce, I should

  • tried to remedy for the last couple of legislative sessions
  • In 1981, it became model legislation for D.C. and 19

  • This legislation establishes Supported Decision-Making Agreements
  • Chairman and members, this is simply a Legislative Council version of the same bill.
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills focusing on children's welfare, particularly regarding foster care and supportive decision-making agreements. Notably, Senate Bill 2165 was presented, which addresses the issue of foster children who go missing and the legal implications of dismissing their cases while they are unaccounted for. The bill aims to ensure that courts retain jurisdiction over these cases to provide continuous support and monitoring until the children reach adulthood. Several witnesses, including legal experts and advocates, expressed fervent support for the bill, highlighting the vulnerabilities of youth in the foster care system and the risks of human trafficking associated with missing children. The importance of maintaining oversight and support for these youth was a common sentiment throughout the testimony.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs Aug 11th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you again, Senator Parker, for this important legislation and for being here to lay out exactly
  • But what this legislation is doing here with SB 10...
  • ...all the difference with this kind of legislation going
  • We supported similar legislation in the regular session.
  • passage of other abortion legislation.
Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6
Summary: The committee meeting featured discussions on several key legislative issues, particularly focusing on human trafficking and related victim protections. Notably, Senate Bill 10 was presented by Senator Parker, aiming to provide an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking charged with crimes committed under coercion. The bill garnered significant support as witnesses provided personal testimonies highlighting the struggles faced by survivors, emphasizing the need for legal recognition of their circumstances. Additionally, Senate Bill 6 concerning the regulation of medication used in abortions was debated, with concerns raised about its potential implications on women's health rights and judicial protections for healthcare providers. The meeting included a robust exchange of views, reflecting a wide array of stakeholder interests including public health and law enforcement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 13th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The director at that time wanted to do something immediately, without waiting for legislation, about
  • So the precedent for this legislation already exists.
  • Question from the Senator: The piece of legislation

  • that is working its way through the legislative process.
  • Thank you to Chairman Darby and Senator Sparks for their work on this legislation as well.
Summary: During the meeting, multiple bills were reviewed and discussed, with the most prominent being HB33, known as the Uvalde-Strong Act. This bill aims to improve school safety and preparedness in active shooting situations by implementing stringent security measures and training requirements for law enforcement and educational institutions. The bill generated significant discussion about its provisions, the urgency for enhanced safety protocols, and the lessons learned from previous tragedies. HB1261, which allows for dual publication methods for public notices, was also reported favorably without objections, reflecting a growing need to adapt legislative processes to modern communication standards. The meeting concluded with several bills advancing to the full Senate for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are here in support of this legislation.
  • As their legislative chairman, I am a...
  • So you're saying there's new legislation?

  • The statute is unclear, and so this piece of legislation would clarify that point.
  • John Esparza, President of the Texas Trucking Association, in support of this legislation.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on various legislative proposals, particularly those related to transportation and public safety. A significant point of discussion was Senate Bill 35, which seeks to limit the Texas Department of Transportation's ability to utilize design-build contracts for infrastructure projects. Advocates for the bill expressed concerns over financial implications and the efficiency of project delivery, while opponents emphasized the need for flexibility and innovation in addressing Texas's growing infrastructure needs. Several stakeholders, including the Texas Trucking Association, engaged in debates over the impacts of the proposed limitations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's how that legislative intent was translated into a new chapter with the.
  • My name is Ashley Lehnertz, and I serve as the Legislative Director.
  • And so, as a legislator, I have to try.
  • Y'all have legislated Texans into a mess. Women are dying.
  • Legislative intent says, is that accurate?
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss multiple bills, with a significant focus on HB44, which addresses medical exceptions in abortion law following the recent Dobbs decision. Lawmaker discussions highlighted concerns around the clarity of existing statutes, with several members expressing the need for a unified legal standard to protect both patients and medical professionals. The committee heard compelling testimonies from various industry experts advocating for the bill, emphasizing its importance in preventing confusion that could lead to detrimental health outcomes for women. Another noteworthy action was the committee's favorable recommendation for HB220, aimed at providing emergency contraception to survivors of sexual violence, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing vulnerable communities' health needs. Additionally, discussions included the passage of HB499, which mandates social media warnings regarding mental health consequences, showcasing the diverse array of issues tackled in this session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • But we don't have legislation before us today. There is no bill.
  • that legislation?
  • And legislate...
  • I expect that my legislators...
  • Texas legislators have long...
Summary: The meeting of the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting primarily focused on public testimony regarding the proposed revisions to the congressional redistricting plan known as C-2193. Various members of the public expressed their concerns about potential racial implications of the redistricting process, particularly the impact on black and brown communities. Testimonies highlighted the urgency for the legislature to prioritize flood relief and infrastructure instead of redistricting mid-decade, arguing that it undermines representative fairness and could disenfranchise many voters. The session saw active engagement from constituents who emphasized the importance of public input and transparency in a potentially transformative legislative process. The chair outlined a two-phase hearing plan to gather comprehensive public feedback before moving forward with legislative drafts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 27th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With the city's legislative program, I am here to testify in opposition to House Bill 2149.
  • Thank you to Representative Zwiener for filing this legislation.
  • We look forward to working with her on this bill and other pieces of legislation.
  • There is a lot of legislation out there this session they're going to work on that.
  • So if the MUD is created through legislation, then this will not apply.
Summary: The meeting addressed significant bills with a focus on housing and property rights, specifically discussing HB2149 and HB2559. Representative Tepper introduced HB2149, which aims to amend amortization and non-conforming land-use procedures to better protect private property rights. The bill received testimony supporting its intent to maintain a balance between property development and municipal zoning regulations. Furthermore, Representative Patterson discussed HB2559, emphasizing the need for establishing reasonable protections against development moratoriums that affect homeowners and builders, highlighting the necessity for adequate notice and a higher threshold for moratorium approvals. Both discussions prompted vigorous dialogue and engagement among committee members as well as the public, illustrating the complexities involved in balancing growth and regulation in real estate development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We provided two legislative reports: one in 2022 and one in 2024.
  • We're proud of our legislators.
  • We've got some great legislators; we had conversations with all of them.
  • We go see every one of our legislators before we even start a discussion.
  • And just to say it again, with this historic water funding legislation...
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please note that the adoption of this would have to come in conjunction with the passage of legislation
  • So, has it been in prior legislation? Yeah.

  • That's, this rider is essentially giving that legislative
  • E-process to fulfill legislative mandates.
  • There was an initiative last legislative session.
Summary: The meeting of the appropriations committee focused on a range of topics including budget adjustments for various state departments and agencies. Key points of discussion included the Texas Department of Criminal Justice budget, which saw considerations for funding adjustments to support both community supervision and correction programs. The committee members exhibited keen interest in mental health resources, with some discussions revolving around a proposed additional funding for staff and programs aimed at improving support for vulnerable populations in the justice system. Additionally, there were discussions regarding the adequacy of existing resources for elderly inmates, and the potential need for policy changes around this issue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please tell us about this fine piece of legislation.
  • That's a great piece of legislation.

  • Based on what I understand, this is new legislation right here.
  • You know, I don't come down here; I don't typically get involved in legislation.
  • our legislation, our requests happen.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, K-16, revolved around multiple bills, notably HB1188, HB2856, HB3126, HJR5, and HB6. Key discussions highlighted the importance of early intervention for families with special needs through HB1188, which aims to provide better resources for parents. Public testimony included compelling narratives that underscored the personal impact of such legislation. Additionally, the committee engaged in important dialogue concerning student discipline, specifically focusing on vaping in schools and its consequences under HB6.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 19th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation addresses a long-standing issue.
  • I'm Zeke Silva, a physician in San Antonio, and I am also the Chair of the TMA's legislation.
  • Campbell passed legislation last session which dealt with what's known as the Physician Health Program
  • Again, House Bill 1998 from the 88th legislative session was a very, very important piece of legislation
  • This legislation is sponsored out of the Senate by Senator Chui Hina.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding mental health and homelessness, particularly through the lens of SB2487, which aims to provide better mental health services and support systems for individuals in crisis. Testimonies highlighted the shortcomings of current interventions, which often lead to incarceration rather than treatment, and emphasized the need for a centralized hub to assist people experiencing mental health crises. Various stakeholders, including city officials and social service representatives, voiced their support for the bill, citing its potential to improve access to care and reduce the burden on emergency services, such as jails and hospitals. However, concerns were raised regarding the implementation and the potential for coercion in treatment options, suggesting that the bill could undermine established rights to voluntary mental health care. The committee also addressed SB437, which pertains to modernizing training for substance use disorder providers in Texas, and SB660, regarding safety measures for emergency rooms. The overall tone of the meeting reflected a commitment to reforming how the state handles mental health crises and the intersection of homelessness, with a clear push for systems that prioritize compassionate care rather than punitive measures.

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