Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'county authority'

Page 30 of 56
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Administration Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any questions of the author?

  • Members, are there any questions of the author?

  • As the marriage capital of Texas, Rockwall County is

  • Members, are there any questions of the author of the resolution?
  • Judge Herman was first elected as the judge of Travis County.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Administration commenced with a quorum established, led by Chairman Hall. The committee discussed and voted on several bills, including SB2232 which promotes an annual 'Unplug Texas Day' aimed at encouraging outdoor activities and community interactions among Texans. Senator Hinojosa presented the bill, highlighting its potential health benefits and community strengthening. Testimonies were invited but none were provided, leading to a smooth passage of the bill to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Chair calls Susan Cumby, Dallas County GOP and herself.
  • Two of the counties selected must have a total population of less than 300,000, and two of the counties
  • The chair calls Ed Johnson with Harris County.
  • counties that have...
  • We think this will help us do these tests consistently from county to county and help us be able to explain
Summary: The committee meeting centered on various bills addressing election integrity and transparency. Key discussions included HB5256 which aims to regulate the number of polling places in representative districts, gaining favorable votes after the adoption of a committee substitute. Additionally, HB4288 was presented, focusing on the public inspection of election records, which unfortunately failed to gain support. Noteworthy was SB827, which sought to introduce a more robust auditing process for electronic voting systems, fostering a substantial public testimony segment with both support and opposition evident. The atmosphere was characterized by critical debates on ensuring the democracy and accountability of the electoral processes in the state, reflecting public concerns about election security and accessibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's bracketed to counties with 1.2 million and above.
  • I'm sorry, so it's paid for by the counties. We're telling the counties they must do this.
  • And I think the point is the county jails and the...
  • this is laid out, yes, the county would be paying for it.
  • ...end up in the county jail, but I guess... the county jail
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="13" data-time="72"> opening remarks, and we're actually neighbors together in Fort Bend County
  • Allocated to counties and communities impacted by Hurricanes
  • The Board for Lease of University Lands has authority

  • This is at the local level, whether it be city or county,
  • But there's other authority related to the provision of water, sewer, utilities.
Summary: The Committee on Land and Resource Management convened to address pressing issues surrounding housing affordability in Texas. Central to the discussions was the testimony of various stakeholders, including housing developers, local officials, and advocates who highlighted an acute shortage of over 300,000 homes due to rapid population growth. The committee explored legislative measures aimed at reducing regulatory burdens that contribute significantly to housing costs, particularly related to the development and construction processes. A theme of collaboration with local governments and state agencies was a pivotal point, emphasizing the need for an organized approach to address housing supply while balancing local infrastructural concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I rise to ask the author—thank you for your kind words there—I rise to ask the author some questions.
  • And he said, his answer was, there are 19 counties in this county, and I have six on file.
  • A question to the author. Do you yield? I yield.
  • Counties in my district, members, Southeast Travis County
  • , Caldwell, and Guadalupe County were impacted by the July 4th flood.
Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4
Summary: The meeting focused on the discussion and passage of SB1, known as the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, which aims to implement critical safety measures for youth camps following a tragic flood incident that resulted in numerous fatalities. Senator Perry led a profound dialogue stressing the importance of ensuring that all campers and camping facilities are adequately prepared for emergencies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evacuation plans and safety standards. Members expressed heartfelt sentiments toward the families affected by the tragedy, and many voiced their commitment to preventing such an event from occurring again in the future. The overall tone was somber yet dedicated, with a strong emphasis on moving forward in honor of those lost.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Mar 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • keep using Harris County because I know that more since that's my district.
  • They're not all the same; the rural counties are different than the urban counties.
  • Sometimes you get state and county health insurance, and you get state and county pensions.
  • because you get a county pension and a county salary.
  • ...between Cass County and Bowie County to preside in four
Bills: SB260, SB263, SB293, SJR18
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions on Senate Bill 260, which aims to enhance school safety through increased funding. Senator Huffman highlighted the initiative to double both the per-student and per-campus safety allotments. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including educators and mental health advocates, underscored the importance of addressing both physical safety and mental health needs in schools. The discussions revealed a strong consensus on the necessity of adequate resources for effective school safety measures while acknowledging the financial challenges faced by districts in meeting legislative mandates. The meeting concluded with a positive recommendation for the bill's passage to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any questions for the bill author?
  • Currently, Bexar County is an offline county, but they

  • are transitioning over to an online county.
  • With offline counties, um, not that I can think of.
  • versus offline counties?
Summary: The committee meeting centered around important legislative discussions involving several bills aimed at supporting military personnel and their families. Representative Isaac led the meeting and pushed for swift deliberations on various bills, including those related to veterans’ benefits and licensing for military spouses. Notably, House Bill 5629, presented by Colonel Wilson, sought to streamline the licensing process for military spouses, allowing them to work more effectively in Texas by recognizing their out-of-state licenses. The committee also addressed House Bill 3359, which aims to enhance outreach to veterans by facilitating identification processes, thereby ensuring they receive the benefits to which they are entitled. The meeting concluded with motions for several bills to be scheduled for full committee consideration, demonstrating a proactive approach towards supporting Texas veterans and military families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm gonna share with you a story of Norm Adams Wade from Dallas County.
  • Attorney's Office and various authorities.
  • So the bill provides explicit authority for a clerk who suspects fraud.
  • , Rockwall County, and others.
  • I am the clerk for Dallas County.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Employment held a meeting focused on various bills related to workforce development, consumer protection, and business regulations. Notably, HB5317, aimed at establishing a self-insured retention fund to lower insurance costs for state agencies, received significant attention, with discussions on its potential fiscal benefits. The committee also reviewed bills concerning unemployment benefits, regulation of food service surcharges, and property rights for homeowners, particularly in the context of water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions. Public testimony highlighted concerns over transparency in mandatory fees charged by food service establishments, with stakeholders advocating for clearer disclosures to protect consumer trust.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part II) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We had as many jail deaths in Tarrant County as Harris County did last year without nearly as many people
  • we've been in Tarrant County.
  • the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
  • Now, the Harris County DA's office is very large.
  • So for Harris County, it's split your file. Harris County is split your file.
Bills: SB7, SB14
Summary: The meeting centered on a heated discussion regarding SB14, which proposed changes to how police misconduct records are managed and accessed. Numerous witnesses, including representatives from civil rights organizations and concerned citizens, expressed strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it would significantly reduce transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Testimonies highlighted historical failures in police accountability and emphasized the importance of public access to misconduct records to restore community trust. The committee received both emotional appeals and expert opinions, painting a vivid picture of the potential negative impacts of the proposed legislation on police-community relations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We get a letter from a county judge in Blanco County

  • It doesn't serve just one county. It serves a lot of counties around.
  • Is that capital authority just specific for the two buildings or capital authority for facilities?
  • Is that capital authority just specific for two buildings or capital authority for our facilities?
  • Is that capital authority just specific for two buildings or capital authority for facilities?
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 14th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...County is also added as a county that would qualify if it
  • ...And Bell County is one of those counties.
  • In fact, no county in Texas is more disproportionately impacted than Bell County.
  • My county has been made...
  • was not authorized by law.
Summary: The meeting covered multiple bills, primarily focusing on House Bill 2802, which relates to the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund Pension, and House Bill 1056 regarding the establishment of gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Senator Schwartner introduced several committee substitutes aimed at improving provisions in these bills, with the committee discussing amendments and seeking public testimony on the implications of these changes. Notably, the discussion highlighted varying perspectives on the use of gold as a currency and its constitutional implications, eliciting significant public and legislative engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part I) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , say, in Travis County, but the case is tried in Williamson.
  • And the counties have the...
  • It was Don, a fire captain from Orange County.
  • I'm a constituent of Travis County.
  • The author of this bill has stated this is to protect...
Bills: SB7, SB14
Summary: The meeting focused on two primary bills, SB7 and SB14, which elicited passionate testimony from various stakeholders. Many speakers opposed SB7, arguing it disproportionally impacts transgender individuals under the guise of protecting women's spaces. Testimonies highlighted concerns about safety, privacy, and the potential for increased harassment against vulnerable populations, such as transgender youth. Supporters of the bill asserted it was a necessary measure for women's safety, yet critics emphasized that it would create further harm rather than protection. SB14 also saw substantial discussion regarding its implications for law enforcement record transparency, with some stakeholders supporting the need for confidentiality while others warned of accountability risks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there some members' questions of the author? All right, Senator.
  • But it also does away with a few depots in the other border counties.
  • And they went right through the tolling authority.
  • and support investigation efforts through county DAs.
  • the author. Mr.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security convened to discuss SB2949, focusing on the regulation of transportation for motor fuels and hazardous materials. Chairman Birdwell highlighted the urgent need for oversight due to recent increases in fuel-related crimes along the Texas-Mexico border, including theft, illegal documentation, and the operation of unregulated fuel depots. The committee received testimony from several experts, including representatives from the Comptroller's office and law enforcement, who elaborated on the environmental and safety risks posed by the current unregulated fuel transport practices. The discussion centered around how SB2949 aims to tighten regulations and enhance penalties for illegal hauling activities to safeguard public safety and compliance with state laws.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 21st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is... the main author is.
  • My name is Elisa Tamayo, Governmental Affairs Manager for El Paso County.
  • Every one of our counties is impacted.
  • We also have the county attorney's office.
  • We have the Harris County Commissioner's Court and the Conference of Urban Counties supporting this bill
Summary: The meeting of the Economic Development Committee was marked by a series of important discussions surrounding a range of bills, including SB315, SB584, and SB7105. SB2670, which aims to protect businesses from misleading solicitations, was highlighted during the session, where its provisions were debated among committee members. Additionally, SB2637 was presented to tackle misinformation disseminated on social media platforms. Witnesses provided insights into the implications of these bills, specifically focusing on consumer protection and the balance between technological advancement and public safety. The chair urged thoughtful consideration of the bills in the context of their impact on both businesses and residents of the state. The meeting concluded with a call for further analysis of several key bills that were left pending, indicating strong interest in ensuring that legislations align with public interests while addressing modern challenges posed by technology and misleading practices. Attendance was robust, with committee members actively engaging with witnesses and each other to ensure comprehensive discussions were had. Notable commentary emphasized the need for regulations to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and protect citizens from dishonest business practices.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I recognize the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain

  • Instead, the committee substitute authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General.
  • Any questions for the bill authors?
  • The area outside of Bexar County, I know that was 8A.
  • ...also for Fort Bend County and our EMS system.
Summary: The meeting involved in-depth discussions focused primarily on several significant bills aimed at reforming healthcare, improving consumer protection, and enhancing community-based care. Key highlights included House Bill 1919 and House Bill 1763, which address the roles and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Texas. Lawmakers emphasized the need for these bills to create a fairer landscape for independent pharmacies while ensuring patient access to necessary medications. Public testimonies reflected both support for the reforms and concerns regarding their potential implications. Another major topic was Senate Bill 513, which proposes the development of a pilot program for community-based care in rural West Texas, aiming to improve child welfare services in regions facing unique challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 26th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 19 and recognizes its author,
  • County, and they move within that county, but they haven't
  • County and vote at their new address.
  • A new county court law for Maverick County repeals

  • Members, questions of the author? Thank you, Mr.

Bills: SB53, SB54, HB16, SB19
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several significant bills, including SB19, SB54, HB16, and SB2217. A major focus was the potential changes to fundraising rules during special legislative sessions, aimed at aligning policies for regular and special sessions. Senator Bettencourt presented SB19, which prohibits political contributions during special sessions, raising questions about the implications for ongoing fundraising activities. Additionally, the committee reviewed SB54, which seeks to amend recent changes around voting procedures to prevent misunderstandings related to voter registration within counties. The session featured robust discussions, particularly surrounding the balance of regulations and the need for clear public policy. The meeting concluded with several bills moving forward positively, highlighting the collaborative effort among members.
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:
  • And he also says that this could actually encourage counties not to redraw the maps.
  • I think this would encourage counties to draw the map to what the actual data shows.
  • three counties that I represent, and I'll do it right now.
  • I move adoption, and is acceptable to the author.
  • I think that the House has the authority to adjust the rules as necessary.
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • Any questions for the author? All right.
  • side of the county, is that good public policy?
  • Any questions for the author?
  • If they have the authority, what do you think the values would be?
  • They would have the authority to say we're going to, for conversation, go to a stage four.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee had a thorough discussion centered around various Senate Bills primarily related to groundwater management and water utility regulations. Notably, Senate Bill 2661, introduced amendments to enhance penalties for over-pumping water, highlighting the growing concern over depleting aquifers and ensuring compliance with existing water use regulations. Multiple senators voiced their opinions regarding the necessity of tougher penalties and the implications for both water users and conservation methods. Public testimony was heard, with some arguing against the proposed penalties, stating they could unfairly burden farmers and landowners.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the judge of the Family Court of Hayes County, Texas.
  • I have the honor of serving as the judge of the family court of Hays County, Texas.
  • Court of Hays County, Texas.
  • And I think your case, was your case in Williamson County?
  • Travis County, in Travis County.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs meeting was predominantly focused on several pivotal bills, including HB3783, HB4213, and HB1916. Notably, the chair initiated discussions on HB3783, which aims to regulate court-ordered counseling practices, particularly targeting what is known as 'reunification therapy.' The bill generated significant attention due to allegations surrounding its misuse, with multiple witnesses providing testimonies both for and against the measure. Concerns were raised about the practices involved, particularly regarding forced separations from custodial parents which many argue could lead to further trauma for children involved in high-conflict situations. The meeting also saw robust discussions regarding HB4213, aimed at revising child support interest rates and improving compliance levels for non-custodial parents, highlighting the financial burdens these families face. Each bill was left pending for further consideration at future meetings, reflecting the complex nature of the topics discussed and the need for deeper examination of possible implications.

Research Filters

States
Terms / Sessions
Date Range
Chamber Records
Meetings / Events / Calendars