Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'rural small businesses'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Private businesses should be able to determine their policies.
  • Businesses should have the freedom to decide.
  • Texas sells itself as a haven for small business and claims
  • businesses will face fewer barriers to success here.
  • The bundle of sticks that are property rights in Texas for small businesses remain unchanged with this
Summary: The committee meeting featured a rigorous discussion on several bills, most notably House Bill 4201, which aims to expand firearm carry rights for licensed individuals on government-owned properties, including schools. The proponent of the bill, Representative Schatzlein, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans. However, multiple witnesses testified against the bill, arguing that it could lead to increased risks, particularly in sensitive locations like educational institutions, where the presence of firearms could exacerbate safety concerns. Testimonies from representatives of various organizations, including Texas Gun Sense and Moms Demand Action, highlighted the potential dangers such legislation could introduce, and many witnesses shared personal stories that reinforced their opposition to the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 25th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate moves to excuse Senator West on important business in the district.
  • Thank goodness someone's back home taking care of business. But we appreciate y'all being here.
  • Members, we're going to move along with our business.
  • and Rural Affairs, and Health and Human Services.
  • leaders coming out of its great business school.
Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Education Aug 21st, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm assuming it's a fairly small number based on the expense.
  • Small things, but I think it's important.
  • So, some of those small changes.
  • I know you have a busy day, and I really appreciate it.
  • It's the chair's intention to take up pending business.
Bills: HB8
Summary: The committee meeting focused on HB8, which proposes significant changes to the assessment and accountability system in Texas education. Key discussions involved the transition from the previous STAR testing framework to a new instructionally supportive assessment program that aims to provide timely feedback to enhance instructional strategies. Proponents of the bill argue that it encourages a growth-oriented approach, while opponents express concerns about the potential increase in high-stakes testing and the makeup of the advisory committee, which has limited educator and parental representation. Numerous witnesses spoke, highlighting both support and apprehension regarding the bill's implications for students, educators, and accountability standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 5th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is especially true in smaller, more rural areas.
  • I also am a small business owner here in Texas, and I handle a lot of mobile notary services, which includes
  • Go to pending business, vote out a few bills.
  • The Chair lays out as a matter of pending business Senate Joint Resolution 57 by Senator Huffman.
  • Is there any further business for the committee to address? If not, the Chair moves to adjourn.
Summary: During this committee meeting, several important bills were discussed, including HB5632, HB3900, and SJR57. The committee focused on HB1342, which aims to reorganize the priority structure of private activity bonds for residential rental projects, responding to concerns raised by various stakeholders about the efficiency and accessibility of these bonds in supporting affordable housing. Additionally, HB3002 was presented as a consumer protection bill requiring debt collectors to disclose rights in all written and electronic communications, ensuring average Texans are informed of their rights regarding debt obligations. The meeting concluded with a discussion about upcoming bills and the schedule for the next sessions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • No, it's a very small, rural area, kind of a subdivision

Summary: This committee meeting focused on the discussions surrounding SB2476, which proposes the transfer of the Woodlawn Water Supply Corporation to the Angelina and Natchez River Authority. Senator Nichols presented the bill, highlighting its local agreements and the technical capabilities of the River Authority to manage the water supply efficiently. The discussion included inquiries about the implications of this transfer, particularly regarding sunrise accountability and whether the new arrangement would adhere to sunset processes in the future. Members engaged in a collaborative dialogue, reflecting an understanding of the local needs and the importance of maintaining water supply management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've had small school districts call us and say, you know,...
  • ...and had told our contractors that we do business with
  • United States, $8.1 billion of which came from Texas businesses.
  • You just touched upon some of the economic challenges that a lot of the small producers have.
  • Many oil and gas companies now have geothermal business units.
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

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Pending business we'll attend to first.
  • Is it a small caliber pistol, or is it something much more damaging?
  • or give assistance, nor a county that's too small to provide assistance.
  • Digital communication supports sustainable business practices.
  • That concludes today's business. Is there any further business or any comments from the members?
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out Senate Bill 777 as a matter of pending business.
  • As it relates to businesses, business is pretty stable in downtown Dallas.
  • Yes, we have had some businesses at Bank of America.
  • That's how we deal with businesses.
  • If there's not any other business that needs to come before the committee, with no other business coming
Summary: The meeting of the committee effectively reviewed and voted on multiple bills pertaining to public safety, affordable housing, and local governance. Notably, Senator Cook introduced SB2262, which grants municipalities authority to regulate automated defibrillators, aiming to enhance public health responses in urban areas. Public testimony was heard on several bills, illustrating community support and concerns, particularly around affordable housing issues raised by Senator Menendez's SB2137, which seeks to improve access to low-income housing by altering existing criteria used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Additionally, the discussions also touched on the impact of various bills on local governance and property rights, highlighting the committee's aim to address essential services within communities effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs Aug 15th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's still bad for business.
  • If I committed, say, 34 counts of felony business fraud, would I deserve to be raped?
  • The increase in fees is anti-small business.
  • business, which Texas is all about small business, or at least that's what I heard when I was growing
  • Pending business brings up, as a matter of pending business
Bills: SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15
Summary: This meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills, with strong expressions of support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, SB8, a controversial bill concerning gender identity and access to bathrooms, drew extensive public testimony. Many speakers voiced concerns about the implications of such legislation, emphasizing the potential harm to transgender individuals and the necessity for an atmosphere of safety and inclusivity. In contrast, other members supported the bill, arguing for the protection of women's spaces. The committee also discussed SB15 regarding police records, which sparked debates on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the committee members voting favorably on several bills, despite ongoing public dissent and calls for more urgent discussion on flooding relief efforts and community safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 499 is pending business.
  • Chair lays out House Bill 50 as pending business.
  • The provisions in here about an unlicensed facility really deal with rural Texas.
  • I was told they were busy.
  • It's the rural doctors who... we're confused by the law.
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They may be small or property-poor.
  • Eliminating a $3 fee may seem small, but it's a big deal.
  • businesses across the state.
  • That's not anyone's business.
  • It is not the public's business.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by numerous discussions regarding various bills, notably around Senate Bills 1772 and 1816. SB1772, which aims to honor Jose Maria Longoria Sr. by designating a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 2360 as a memorial highway, received unanimous support with no objections from members during the voting process. In contrast, SB1816's committee substitute was adopted without contention, leading to its approval by a vote of seven ayes and no nays. Additionally, discussions around SB1841 centered on privacy issues, culminating in the bill being favorably reported to the full Senate as well. The atmosphere was collaborative, with ample public testimony and participation from various stakeholders, driving meaningful dialogue around the importance of these legislative efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Some pending business before the committee.

  • Chair lays out as pending business House Bill 214

  • I grew up in a small town of 3,200.
  • You might run into a rural agency that may not maintain those records, but any...
  • Is there any further business? To address.
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions around several pieces of legislation aimed at improving law enforcement and addressing social issues in Texas. Notable among the bills was HB2217, introduced by Representative Wharton, which seeks to establish a grant program for equipping law enforcement vehicles with bullet-resistant components to enhance officer safety. The bill received support from multiple members who acknowledged the rising violence against law enforcement. Additionally, HB1775, which focuses on the transparency of the rape kit backlog, was also discussed, highlighting the importance of timely evidence collection in sexual assault cases. The committee heard testimonies both in support of and against various bills, showcasing a vibrant exchange of views on public safety measures and law enforcement accountability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the current climate with tariffs, we need to consider what that means for small businesses.
  • Small businesses are closing, and one of the biggest issues
  • small businesses have today, both small and large, is a workforce—an educated workforce.
  • They have great jobs, and in some cases, they have small businesses.
  • I have a small consulting business where I have been able to hire U.S. citizens and pay them.
Summary: The meeting revolved around discussions on House Bill 232, which seeks to amend the Texas Dream Act regarding in-state tuition for undocumented students. Key testimonies were presented, with numerous advocates opposing the bill, arguing it would harm talented Texas youths by denying them affordable education opportunities. Speakers included community leaders and affected students who shared personal stories illustrating the bill's potential drawbacks, emphasizing the negative economic impact that could result from limiting access to education for Dreamers and the associated societal benefits. The committee also explored House Bill 5154, which updates the Joint Admission Medical Program to improve access for economically disadvantaged students, receiving positive feedback and support from committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're helping to address the critical shortage of primary care doctors in rural communities.
  • Sul Ross State University was established in March of 1917 in Alpine, Texas, to serve West Texas rural
  • Rural Texas is especially at risk as strong science on water availability, recharge, and projections
  • We are in a rural area of Orange. It's the heart of Texas.
  • We do have some great business partners that we work with.
Summary: The meeting primarily revolved around discussions on higher education funding, workforce development, and new program initiatives addressing critical shortages in Texas. Various university representatives presented requests for funds to support expansion in nursing, engineering, and technical programs aimed at meeting the demands of a changing job market. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of combatting healthcare and workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and STEM fields, with calls for increased funding for institutional enhancements and support for significant projects like new education centers and degree programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • primary goal is to simply acknowledge that those are education dollars, that is an extraordinarily small
  • HB 4853, is an expansion of the FCIC's authority over skimming devices as mandated by the Texas Business
  • In my district, we've got a small cemetery in one of our
  • rural towns that is a Perpetual Care Cemetery.
  • I'd be happy to ask questions, but y'all have other business.
Summary: The meeting was focused on a range of significant legislation including discussions on retirement benefits for public safety officers and specific bills aimed at addressing current challenges in the pension systems. Representative Busey introduced HB2802, aimed at stabilizing the Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund, which received support from various stakeholders including Mayor Kirk Watson, reflecting months of collaborative effort. Testimony emphasized the need for proactive changes to prevent future financial crises in the fund. Additionally, HB4029, proposed by Chairman Guillen, generated appeals from various members about the necessity of addressing retirement needs for peace officers in public schools, linking it directly to their recruitment and retention challenges in the current environment. Issues regarding recruitment and the financial sustainability of the Houston Fire Department were also highlighted with HB2688, enabling timely action on pressing pension reform to retain skilled personnel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Colleen Small.
  • Small, just to be clear, you're representing yourself?
  • It is the opposite of small government.
  • By extension, I did not end up applying to Texas law schools due in no small...
  • And with that, the chair lays out pending business.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on heated discussions surrounding SB37 and HB4848, with numerous testimonies given by concerned citizens, educators, and students. Advocates for SB37 emphasized the need for educational reform, arguing that current higher education standards are overly influenced by political ideologies and do not adequately prepare students for the workforce. Opponents voiced strong concerns about the bill's potential to undermine academic freedom and lead to the removal of essential courses from the curriculum, which would diminish the quality of education in Texas. The meeting highlighted a clear divide on the future of educational policies and governance in universities, reflecting broader social and political tensions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This robs money from small and rural districts across the state.
  • I'm Dobie Williams, I'm the Deputy Superintendent of Business and Operations for H-E-B.
  • So, in the business world anyway, we look at groups of ten, right?
  • In business, we have this 20-80 rule. What can you do 20% that...
  • Is there any further business for the committee?
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussing several bills pertinent to public safety and regulatory standards for emerging technologies, specifically autonomous vehicles and charter school oversight. Notable discussions surrounded HB3837, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Texas. Vice Chair Bajani highlighted the rapid advancements in the autonomous vehicle industry and the necessity for updated regulations that ensure safety while promoting innovation. Additionally, SB2425 was examined for its proposals to enhance public safety while balancing industry interests, garnering support from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. There was considerable concern regarding previous incidents involving autonomous vehicles and their implications for public trust and safety standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The business from our posting, we'll hear our bills today. We will begin with...
  • Members, we'll now move to the business from our posting. We'll hear our bills today.
  • The Chair brings up Senate Bill 290 as a matter of pending business.
  • Of pending business.
  • business.
Bills: SB766, SB290, SB494, SB1145
Summary: The meeting focused on significant issues surrounding oil field theft in Texas, specifically through the discussions on Senate Bills 494 and 766. Key testifiers included law enforcement representatives who outlined the challenges they face in combatting organized oil theft. Notably, Sheriff Stan Parker shared that his county reports upwards of 1,500 barrels of oil stolen monthly, highlighting the complexity of jurisdictional coordination and the demand for increased resources to tackle these crimes effectively. The committee recognized the need for improved communication and collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the oil industry.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • to get these other states in the loop, so to speak, and then clear the deck, particularly for very rural
  • similar when the discretionary grant programs at the Department of Transportation weren't reaching some rural
  • span marker="261" data-time="3120">But I think when it comes to an entire state, regardless of the small
  • Through the Fox Grant, OKVU has built a statewide, veteran-centric approach that reaches across rural
  • Guidance recommends Uber and Lyft, yet these services are non-existent in rural communities, and these
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There may be a small handful that don't, and I...
  • The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 1837 by Chairman Tepper.
  • The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 1794 by Chairman Tepper.
  • The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 3140 by Representative Isaac.
  • The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 5014 by Representative Isaac.
Summary: The committee meeting convened to discuss various issues pertinent to recent legislative proposals. Notably, several bills were reviewed and debated, with members expressing differing opinions on their implications and potential impact on the community. Discussions ranged from public safety measures to resource allocation, reflecting the committee's broad mandate and the importance of legislative oversight. Engaging testimonies from citizens and stakeholders underscored the significance of the proposed legislation, bringing personal perspectives and expert opinions into the dialogue.

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