Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Plague of Honor'

Page 31 of 62
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sasser Medal of Honor Highway.
  • Army Specialist 5th Class Clarence Sasser, of course, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service
  • I'm humbled and grateful to be here and testify on behalf of the thousands of friends of the voices of
  • We must honor the sake of trust.

  • of the states.
Bills: HB39, HB227, HB930, HB1078
Summary: During the meeting, the committee deliberated on several bills primarily focused on veteran welfare and transition issues. One of the main highlights was the discussion of HB39, which proposes to improve data collection on veteran suicide rates, addressing the alarming statistics that reveal veterans are dying by suicide at a rate significantly higher than the general population. The bill seeks to mandate the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to submit aggregate data regarding deceased veterans to the Texas Veterans Commission, ensuring proper analysis and reporting on this critical issue. Witnesses, including mental health professionals and veterans, provided their insights, emphasizing the importance of having accurate data to inform better policies for preventing veteran suicides.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • front of you.
  • It is an honor and a privilege to serve the state of Texas
  • This is in front of one of our administrative law judges.
  • I'll give you the Cliff Notes version of all of this.
  • of that.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implementation and impacts of the Texas CHIPS Act, aimed at bolstering the semiconductor industry within the state. Legislators praised its potential to create jobs and capital investment. The discussion also highlighted recent international business development missions undertaken by Governor Abbott, including visits to India, the UK, and Taiwan, to foster stronger economic ties and attract foreign investment. Chairwoman Button emphasized the importance of a robust economic development strategy to maintain Texas's leading position in job and economic growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Sep 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Men of honor can stand above it.

  • and Senator West on matters of important business.
  • The Dean of the Senate moves to dispense with the reading of
  • Hagenbuch, Paul, Hinojosa of New Oasis, Hinojosa of

  • certain aquifers underlying the territory of the nature.
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB10, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1
Summary: The meeting hosted by the Senate Select Committee covered several bills, with members actively engaging in discussions that highlighted various concerns. Notably, the committee focused on HB1 regarding youth camp emergency preparedness and HB20 aimed at preventing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters. Senator Hughes moved to suspend certain rules to expedite the consideration of these bills. During the proceedings, Senator Johnson expressed concerns regarding the implications of some bills, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the outcomes. The atmosphere remained collaborative as members aimed to address pressing issues through the proposed legislation. Furthermore, a moment of personal reflection was shared by one senator, acknowledging past insensitive remarks and encouraging a respectful dialogue among colleagues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm going to call a panel of three and then a panel of two.
  • Honorable members of this committee, I should mention that I am a.
  • Gun Owners of America is in strong support of this bill.
  • Of course, with the last panel, they went through a lot of the legalities of this situation.
  • all of this.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on various legislative proposals, with significant discussions surrounding bills aimed at enhancing legal protections for citizens and jury privacy. Notably, House Bill 1110, presented by Chairman Shaheen, addresses safeguards for citizens reporting suspicious activities, ensuring they are protected from legal repercussions when acting in good faith. There was unanimous support for HB 349, which relates to civil liabilities associated with removing individuals from vehicles, illustrating the committee's commitment to providing social protections amid rising concerns around public safety.
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:
  • I have the honor of serving as the President of Texas State University.
  • My name is Carlos Hernandez, and I have the honor of

  • Sidney Valentine, president of the Lamar Institute of Technology.
  • As of fall 2024, we have a headcount of 6,380 unduplicated students.
  • We are in a rural area of Orange. It's the heart of Texas.
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 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part III) Aug 27th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of dollars.
  • of an office of an elected official.
  • We have a suspension of the regular order of business.
  • It has been the high honor of my life, on par with commanding United States soldiers, to serve my fellow
  • The honor and privilege of the last 15 years did not come
Bills: SB3, SB16, SB2, SB5, SB10, HB17, SB54, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB192
Summary: The meeting featured extensive discussions centered on several legislative bills, particularly focusing on House Bill 8, which aims to reform public school accountability and testing methods in Texas. The bill's sponsor passionately argued for its transformative potential, highlighting the replacement of the STAAR test with shorter, more frequent assessments to better measure student performance. Amendments were proposed to restore social studies testing, emphasizing the importance of history in Texas education. The bill ultimately passed with a vote of 21 ayes and 5 nays, showcasing strong support among the members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's an honor to appear in front of this committee.
  • I would, of course, honor the sanctity of marriage

  • You've given us a lot of examples of where this kind of... it ends up falling out of bounds, I think,
  • Honorable members of the Texas Senate, my name is

  • had the pleasure of presiding over were honorable and doing their very best ethically to represent and
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For over 135 years, it’s an honor to stand on the shoulders of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather
  • We perform all of this free of charge.
  • ...Medal of Honor recipient Roy Benavides in Wharton County
  • This, I would argue, is of that same sort of nature.
  • ...the honor of serving as President of Protecting Texas
Summary: In this meeting, the focus was on HB1093, which addresses the advertising requirements for self-service storage facility lien sales. The bill, presented by a representative, advocates for updating outdated newspaper notice requirements that have been in place since 1984. The representative emphasized that many areas in Texas no longer have access to printed newspapers, making it crucial to adapt the law to allow for advertising on publicly accessible internet platforms and other methods to ensure transparency and access to information regarding lien sales. Several stakeholders and witnesses shared opinions on the merits and potential drawbacks of the bill, leading to a lively discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means May 5th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Dairymen.
  • I'm the Chief of Staff for the city of Waco, here in support of the bill.
  • It was my honor to serve in the defense of this nation for
  • I ask this committee to take up Governor Abbott's top priority of tax relief to honor those...
  • of $3,000 or one-half of the tax burden of the property.
Summary: The meeting covered several key legislative proposals aimed at enhancing property tax relief and supporting community development initiatives. House Bill 2032, which addresses tax exemptions for disabled veterans, was discussed; the bill proposes a proportional property tax deduction based on disability ratings, helping veterans secure housing stability amidst rising property costs. House Bill 4270 was also introduced to revitalize declining neighborhoods by offering property tax exemptions for young families moving into these areas—an initiative prompted by demographic shifts in urban areas such as El Paso. The discussions emphasized the critical need for fostering sustainable communities and supporting vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of the committee, I'm honored to lay out House

  • Well, that's just kind of been my cute way of calling her Charlie.
  • The hearing of this bill is an example of this very mistreatment.
  • of...
  • population of the state of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on the controversial HB1655, which aims to prohibit public school employees from facilitating or promoting the social transitioning of students. Testimonies for the bill emphasized parental rights and concerns about the mental wellbeing of children undergoing social transition without parental knowledge. Witnesses highlighted alarming cases, invoking examples of children being socially transitioned in schools that negate parental involvement, framing it as dangerous and deceptive. Conversely, opposition testimony raised concerns that the bill infringes upon the rights of transgender students to express their identities in supportive environments, highlighting the mental health implications for LGBTQ+ youth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 20th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and honorable members of the committee.
  • of the Third Reich, one of history's darkest chapters.
  • Honorable members of the committee, my name is Randy Willis
  • the Board of Trustees of the school district.
  • Both of these pieces of code or law direct us to teach.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical bills aimed at improving educational standards and student safety in Texas. Notably, the discussions around SB735 concerning Holocaust education highlighted the urgency of addressing rising anti-Semitism and ensuring comprehensive education on human rights histories within public schools. Testimonies from various witnesses underscored the necessity for students to learn from historical injustices to prevent future atrocities. Moreover, SB570, aimed at implementing stricter truancy policies to enhance student attendance, was discussed with testimony supporting its significance in improving educational outcomes for at-risk students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 8th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are vessels that are sunk with very little of the vessel out of the water.
  • up thousands of dollars.
  • Thank you for honoring these folks who really put a lot of love and effort into their jobs.
  • The Battle of Gonzales in 1835, the first conflict of the Texas Revolution, centered on a cannon when
  • to the city of Mineral Wells.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism addressed several key pieces of legislation including HCR142, HB4538, SCR1, HCR89, and SB2139. Notably, HCR142 designates Fort Worth as the official aviation defense capital of Texas for a ten-year period starting in 2035, with no public testimony presented against it. The committee also discussed HB4538, aimed at securing permanent funding for the removal of derelict boats, which pose a significant hazard in local waterways. The bill seeks to allocate $600,000 annually from boat registration fees for this effort, amidst testimony highlighting the urgent need for funding due to increasing safety risks associated with abandoned vessels. Public sentiment appeared supportive of the legislation, with many members expressing concern over the dangers posed by these derelict boats.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I have the honor of serving as the Policy Director for

  • Hello, Chairman, honorable members of the committee

  • I have the honor of serving almost two and a half million Texans.
  • It is my honor to testify before you today in support of Senate Bill 19 by Senator Mays Middleton on
  • behalf of the State Board of Education.
Summary: The meeting revolved around significant legislative discussions primarily focused on SB8 and SB18. Notably, the committee addressed public testimonies on SB18, which targeted drag performances and LGBTQIA individuals. Testimonies highlighted the potential discriminatory implications of the bill, raising concerns that it undermines constitutional freedoms. Various members of the public expressed both support and opposition, fostering a heated debate about its impact on community rights and protections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would take balance out of the system and really twist it in favor of turnover receivers.
  • We have the support of the...
  • the intent of the statute.
  • in support of the bill.
  • of Texas in enforcing.
Summary: The committee meeting included a thorough examination of several bills, notably HB2733, HB3104, HB4325, and HB2495, each addressing significant legal and procedural issues in Texas law. HB2733, presented by Representative Canuccio, sought to modernize existing definitions related to barratry to include digital solicitation methods, and it received no public testimony for or against, suggesting a general consensus on the need for this update. Conversely, HB3104 by Representative McLaughlin focused on the appointment and salary provisions for bailiffs in Webb County, addressing concerns over discrepancies across district courts, while HB2495 clarified the rights of sole managing conservators regarding their children's school enrollment, which generated testimony from family law professionals in support of the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Texas Department of Banking.
  • the Texas Department of Banking, is that correct?
  • And it's an honor to be here to meet some of the members I know, and some of you that we'll be talking
  • ...list of the overview of the department.
  • , it would be the list of our regulated entities.
Summary: The committee meeting covered various legislative topics, with a focus on upcoming bills and their implications for local communities. Members discussed the importance of public input and oversight in the legislative process. Some members expressed concerns about maintaining transparency while navigating complex issues. The session included testimonies from stakeholders, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between legislators and the community. The meeting ended with a call for more comprehensive discussions in future sessions, as well as a commitment to address the feedback received.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • is this a brand new type of thing?
  • the board of directors.
  • I'm president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business. We're the Texas State Chamber.
  • of the card on behalf of the agency, a brief description of the officer depicted on the card, their
  • Chairman and members, ask for your support in support of this piece of legislation.
Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee convened to discuss several proposed bills, primarily focusing on enhancing economic growth, infrastructure, and public safety. Key discussions included HB112, which aims to establish Texas Science Park Districts to foster innovation and secure the state's economic future. Senator Parker presented this bill, emphasizing its potential to support local entrepreneurs and technology leaders while safeguarding Texas jobs. There were no witnesses registered for public testimony for this bill, highlighting the requirement for robust stakeholder engagement moving forward. Additionally, HB3686 was addressed, which involves the recognition of retired peace officers' ranks on their credentials, a measure intended to uphold their dignity and address past oversights in the credentialing process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the legacy of the Honorable Ylma Rangel, a Texas Giant.
  • I appreciate the honor of being able to lay this out for this committee.
  • thousands of tons of copper and cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Korea.
  • at the University of Texas School of Law.
  • Director of the Texas UU Justice Ministry, strongly opposing HB4852 on behalf of all of our people of
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions surrounding several bills focused on immigration, border security, and campaign finance reform. Notably, House Bill 1554 was presented to address the use of public funds for legal services for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., sparking significant opposition from several witnesses who voiced concerns about racial discrimination and the implications for immigrant communities. Other key bills discussed included House Bill 4823, the Campaign Finance Transparency Act, which aims to enhance reporting processes for political contributions, and House Bill 3676, related to energy policy. The committee heard from various stakeholders, both in support of and against the proposed legislation, reflecting a diverse range of opinions on these critical issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
  • I feel like it was one of the great honors of my life to take care of my grandmother.
  • In my estimation, this is hundreds of billions of dollars, if not trillions of dollars of actual total
  • of dementia of 42% over the age of 55, more than double previous estimates.
  • I have the honor and joy of treating patients with all stages of care.
Bills: SB5, SJR3
Summary: The meeting focused on important legislative considerations surrounding dementia and healthcare funding in Texas. Discussions were centered on SB5 and SJR3, which aim to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) and enhance funding for dementia research and prevention efforts. Senators highlighted the urgency of addressing the growing prevalence of dementia, emphasizing that nearly half of nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimer's or other related disorders. Public testimonies from experts and advocates underscored the need for research funding and the dire need for comprehensive care that could affect millions of Texans.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and members of the committee. Always an honor and a privilege to be here.
  • I think it's an incredible honor that each of you is placed on this committee this session, considering
  • Of course.
  • You're talking in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
  • But part of the inability of water in those upper basin locations is part of the shared responsibility
Summary: During this meeting of the Texas House Natural Resources Committee, critical discussions centered on various legislative proposals impacting water management and conservation in the state. Chairman Harris emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with conservation efforts, noting the urgency of addressing Texas's finite water resources. Several members raised concerns about the administrative processes governing water laws, and a variety of bills were presented, including a definition cleanup bill and modifications to reporting requirements. The committee heard testimony from multiple stakeholders who provided insights on existing issues and proposed solutions to enhance water management in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Some of that is just the stress of the cost of gaining that certification.
  • But my concern is that a lot of the inflation, the price of diesel, the price of all of the products
  • Good morning, Chairman Creighton, Vice Chairwoman Campbell, and honorable members of the committee.
  • in the state of Texas, period, end of conversation.
  • Of course, a lot of them do it voluntarily.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The Senate Education Committee's meeting focused heavily on HB2, which proposes an historic investment of $8 billion into Texas public education. Senator Creighton led the discussion, explaining the components of the committee substitute and emphasizing the importance of increasing funding beyond past measures, highlighting that this package exceeds any previous investment in public education. The committee heard testimonies from public witnesses who expressed strong support for the bill, including educators discussing the positive impacts of the Teacher Incentive Allotment. The meeting adjourned after a vibrant discussion about the various provisions included in HB2, such as adjustments in funding allocations for both traditional and charter schools, and the ongoing issues related to educational equity across districts in Texas.

Research Filters

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