Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'University of Houston'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:02 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Texas system and the Texas A&M University systems.
  • Worth area and going north out of the Houston interstate, between Laredo and Houston, and then going
  • I have a small town just south of Houston. We have about a hundred...
  • The City of Houston, the surrounding communities in the City of Houston, or Harris County, I'm sorry.
  • Because what's happening in the City of Houston, obviously there's a lot of leaky pipes, and to the extent
Summary: The meeting focused on significant discussions surrounding the Texas state water planning process and flood mitigation efforts. During the session, experts presented on the need for an adaptive and collaborative approach to manage Texas's water resources. A particular emphasis was placed on the upcoming updates to the state water plan, which aims to address projected shortages and enhance infrastructure to handle both drought and flood conditions. The collaboration involved regional groups who play a vital role in identifying community needs regarding water infrastructure development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Chair of the Board of Regents of Del Mar College, and I'm here in support of Senate Bill 1052.
  • the University of Texas Law School, where I teach Texas Property Tax Law.
  • In Houston, we have two of the largest cities without zoning. So we have some issues there.
  • I'm the Managing Partner of Concentric Community Advisors, a Houston-based real estate advisory firm
  • I'm also a Senior Fellow at the University of Texas, LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Mar 17th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So my Denise works in the—she's a professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
  • our community, of society, of our state, of our country in all sorts of negative ways.
  • 29% of girls over the age of 18.
  • A 2018 study at the University of Pennsylvania randomly assigned students into two categories: one limiting
  • So one of the questions is, well, what are the record-keeping standards of another university?
Summary: The committee meeting welcomed discussions centered on maternal health, particularly relating to the delays in the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee's report. The Commissioner noted significant delays due to a backlog in the review process for maternal death cases and staff shortages, essentially making it difficult to meet statutory deadlines. A proposed bill, HB713, aims to allow nurses to access unredacted materials during the review to expedite the Committee's reporting process and address the increasing maternal mortality rates in Texas. The urgency surrounding this legislation indicates the committee's commitment to improving maternal outcomes in the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You are Brian Green, and you are here on behalf of the Houston Food Bank to testify for the bill.
  • As stated, I'm Brian Green, president of the Houston Food Bank, and I'm here to speak in favor of House
  • A little more context: in the case of Houston Food Bank, it costs about $250,000 to run Houston Food
  • The city of Georgetown is currently working in partnership with Southwestern University to develop a
  • I'm in favor of House Bill 4109 on behalf of the City of Tyler.
Summary: The committee meeting involved a range of discussions focused on local economic development through various House Bills primarily related to hotel occupancy taxes. Noteworthy was the presentation of House Bill 2370, which aims to allow municipalities like Harlingen to use hotel occupancy tax revenue retroactively for convention center expenses, facilitating fiscal responsibility and community involvement via voter approval. Representative Lopez encouraged support for the bill, highlighting its potential benefits for the city's budget and operational flexibility. Testimonies from local leaders, including Harlingen's Mayor, reinforced the need for this legislative change to support vital city projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 31st, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Carbon Center at the University of Texas has been studying
  • on the wording of some of this.
  • A small one on the south side of Houston, called Ellington Field, is a shovel-ready military project.
  • With the University of Texas and those that are managing
  • Therefore, we're very supportive of the idea of a council.
Summary: The meeting of the Energy Resources Committee was marked by extensive discussions on several key legislative bills, particularly those concerning carbon capture, geothermal energy, and oilfield theft. Representative Zwiener laid out HB2612, aimed at creating a carbon dioxide sequestration policy council under the Railroad Commission. The bill's supporters emphasized its potential economic benefits while addressing safety concerns raised by witnesses regarding existing underground injection practices. Notably, there was a strong consensus among proponents that addressing these complex issues proactively is essential for Texas to maintain its leadership in the energy sector. The committee also heard testimony on HB1647, focused on combating petroleum product theft, which remains a growing concern within the state. Witnesses highlighted the pressing need for improved coordination among law enforcement and the establishment of a dedicated task force to tackle this issue effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 13th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • be able to, and of course, both sides of the legislature.
  • of existing?
  • I'm in favor of Bill 12.
  • You know, the case is at the bottom of a stack of files this big.
  • any of them.
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a very small universe of people that do redistricting law.
  • That's the issue of violations of the 14th Amendment or 15th Amendment of the Constitution.
  • ...and the tail just north of Houston, represented by Michael
  • representation of people of color.
  • of the United States and resident of Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting was convened to discuss the redistricting process in light of ongoing concerns over gerrymandering and the potential impact on fair representation, particularly for communities of color in Texas. Chair Phil King welcomed committee members and emphasized the importance of public participation. Throughout the meeting, numerous witnesses provided testimony, raising urgent issues regarding how proposed changes to congressional districts would affect the political landscape, local representation, and disaster response efforts in the wake of recent events. Many speakers highlighted a sense of urgency, as they felt that the focus on redistricting was a diversion from pressing matters such as disaster recovery and climate response.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Education K-16 Aug 6th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Trista Bishop-Watt, and I serve as the Director of Government Relations at Good Reason Houston
  • We expect over a billion dollars to flow into the Houston region of new funding, and that'll have an
  • This story of what's happening in Houston ISD should be getting national attention.
  • of kids in Houston who are performing math at grade level now exceeds...
  • The changes that have happened in Houston are going to give tens of thousands of additional children
Bills: SB8
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened to discuss Senate Bill 8, focusing on revising Texas's statewide assessment system by eliminating the STAR test and replacing it with a more efficient structure. This bill was highlighted as an important effort to enhance student accountability and academic performance through three testing phases: beginning, middle, and end of the academic year, to commence in the 2027-2028 school year. During the meeting, various stakeholders including educators and business leaders presented their support, emphasizing the need for a timely, transparent, and actionable assessment strategy that better serves students' educational needs and alleviates the pressure of over-testing in schools. Furthermore, the committee addressed the importance of ensuring assessments align closely with the Texas educational standards and provide teachers with the resources to adapt instruction based on real-time student data.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I work in seafood procurement for Papa's Restaurants Incorporated out of Houston, Texas.
  • What gets lost in this conversation is the University of
  • You're the CFO for University Medical Center of El

  • nurses and other kinds of medical specialties that we train at University Hospital.
  • You can look at either the University of Texas' February 2024 poll or our most recent...
Summary: The committee meeting focused heavily on evaluating a series of bills aimed at improving fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government borrowing. A significant discussion centered around HB19, which proposes reforms to debt issuance by local governments. Members expressed concerns that some provisions could hinder local government operations. Some stakeholders acknowledged positive aspects of the proposed reforms but highlighted potential impacts on public safety and ongoing projects due to stricter debt limits. Throughout the meeting, various representatives voiced differing opinions, contributing to a robust dialogue on improving taxpayer protections while ensuring local governments can meet community needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 6th, 2025 at 10:02 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Texas and will, to the best of
  • Nestled in the heart of the **Sam Houston National Forest**, and graced by the tranquil waters of **Lake
  • Tuesday in memory of former House members **John Hershey** of Wichita Falls and **Dalton Smith** of Houston
  • Nestled in the heart of the Sam Houston National Forests and graced by the tranquil waters of Lake Livingston
  • ...falls in Dalton Smith of Houston.
Summary: In this meeting of the legislative body, the committee engaged in a series of significant discussions and recognitions. Dr. Lalani honored Prince Rahim for his contributions to education and community service, linking it to a larger narrative of Texas being a global economic powerhouse. Furthermore, numerous resolutions, such as HR 135 recognizing Howard County Day and HR 190 in memory of Antonio Cornelius Baker, were adopted, highlighting community contributions and memorializing impactful individuals. Representative Jones stressed the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness, reflecting the meeting's commitment to societal issues. The session culminated in a call for unity and service to the public from the speakers present.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Brookshire, Texas, located 45 miles northwest of Houston.
  • We show you registered as John Raines and testifying on behalf of Houston Builders State Council, and
  • I am here on behalf of the Houston Real Estate Council.
  • He registered as John Nancy, testifying on behalf of the Houston Real Estate Council and himself.
  • We show you registered as John Nancy, testifying on behalf of the Houston Real Estate Council, and you
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide array of bills focusing primarily on workforce development, manufacturing improvements, and online safety for children. Notably, provisions were discussed under HB4196, aimed at modernizing the manufacturing sector through increased digital integration and automation strategies. Witnesses from various sectors, including manufacturing companies and educational representatives, offered their perspectives on the importance of creating a skilled workforce able to adapt to new technologies. Additional discussion highlighted the pressing need for legislation that protects minors in the digital landscape, with testimonies emphasizing the adverse effects of unfiltered online content on children’s mental health, as encapsulated in HB4901.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Legacy is located 45 miles northwest of Houston.
  • We show you registered as John Raines to testify on behalf of the Houston Building State Council, and
  • I am here on behalf of the Houston Real Estate Council.
  • Um, so, uh, This one is of concern to not only the Houston
  • We show you registered as John Renzi, testifying on behalf of the Houston Real Estate Council.
Summary: The meeting held by the Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development involved a variety of discussions centered around multiple bills aimed at improving workforce development and addressing contemporary challenges in digital spaces, particularly concerning youth and technology. A notable point in the meeting was the presentation of HB 4196, which aims to modernize Texas's manufacturing sector through digital integration and automation, enhancing job creation and addressing barriers to innovation. Committee members engaged in extensive dialogue with witnesses advocating for and against various bills, with many emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with the protection of consumer rights, particularly in the realm of children's safety online. Committee Chairwoman Button guided the discussions and maintained an efficient pace to cover a considerable number of bills. Several bills passed with bipartisan support, showcasing a collective interest in fostering economic growth through strategic legislative measures. Public testimonies were incorporated into the proceedings, with representatives from various sectors, including education and technology, providing their insights, which enriched the discussions and highlighted community concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was fortunate to have known the Strakes, having served with George and the C-Club of Houston.
  • Members, today is the University of Texas Medical Branch

  • Breast cancer impacts 99% of women, but 1% of men.
  • Wednesday in memory of Gordon Johnson of Austin.
  • of members of school district boards of trustees, in front of the Committee on Public Education.
Bills: HJR4, HJR6, HB195, HB13, HB143, HB135
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on H.J.R. 4, a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to prohibit taxes on securities transactions and occupation taxes on securities market operators. Representative Meyer introduced the resolution, explaining its intention to prevent the state legislature from imposing such taxes indefinitely. The proposal received unanimous support from the Ways and Means Committee but faced scrutiny from other members concerned about its implications for equity and taxation in Texas. Key discussions highlighted the potential long-term consequences of locking in tax breaks for wealthier entities, particularly amid rising living costs for ordinary Texans.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is 5 milligrams of CBN, 5 milligrams of CBD, and 5 milligrams of THC.
  • Many of them are women over 55 living in the suburbs around Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth,
  • the nutrients, all of the light, all of the sun, and all of the soil.
  • of Houston, Texas Lyceum; these are polls that are showing that Texans overwhelmingly would like to
  • I'm a member of the Texas Hemp Coalition and a board member of the East Texas Alliance of Hope.
Bills: HB28, SB3
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding HB28, which aims to regulate the hemp market in Texas following the 2018 Farm Bill. The committee heard testimonies from stakeholders including industry advocates and law enforcement representatives. Notably, there were opposing views on the efficacy and safety of the proposed regulations, particularly concerning the potential impact on children and the risks associated with unregulated THC products. Many witnesses emphasized the need for a balanced approach to ensure consumer safety while allowing responsible adult access to THC products.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm chair of the Board of Regents of Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, and I'm here in support of Senate
  • an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Law School, where I teach Texas Property Tax Law.
  • In Houston, we have two of the two largest cities without zoning, so we have some issues there.
  • I'm the managing partner of Concentric Community Advisors, a Houston-based real estate advisory firm
  • I'm also a senior fellow at the University of Texas, LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Summary: During this committee meeting, several critical bills were deliberated, reflecting the legislators' commitment to addressing property tax regulations and groundwater issues in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 325 was introduced to close loopholes created by House Bill 3697, ensuring that subdivisions reliant on private roads must demonstrate groundwater availability, a move praised by representatives from environmental and public welfare organizations. The bill emphasizes the necessity for sustainable development practices to prevent future water shortages. Another significant focus was Senate Bill 2172, which aims to rectify the erroneous interpretation of the tax code regarding homestead exemptions, protecting compliant homeowners from unfair tax burdens. This cleanup bill clarifies reapplication processes for homestead exemptions to prevent confusion among appraisal districts and homeowners alike. Public testimony from various stakeholders echoed widespread support for the bills, highlighting the importance of transparency and fair administration in property-related legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I am proud of the work of the committee.
  • Seal's life ended not because of an unavoidable act of nature, but because of preventable failures on
  • I'm the father of Lucy Dillon from Houston, Texas.
  • She was set to attend the University of Texas to study pre-med and ultimately become a doctor.
  • Category 5 hurricane will hit Houston; it's just a question of when.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussion around SB1, addressing safety reforms in youth camps in light of a tragic flooding incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including family members of the victims, who shared heartfelt stories and the urgent need for reforms to ensure that such a tragedy would not happen again. The testimonies highlighted the importance of establishing better safety measures, including evacuation plans and compliance with new safety regulations. Senator Perry emphasized that the bill aims to create objective standards that protect children attending camps, prompting a strong emotional response from attendees as they reflected on the lives lost during the flash floods.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 7th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the city of Houston, we probably have as many as any.
  • But the largest practice group of neurosurgeons in the city of Houston, on your history form, asks, did
  • Largest neurosurgical group in the city of Houston.
  • Side of that universe, then you try the case on the vagaries
  • , and then if you're not—if you're outside of that universe, then you can't get above this amount that
Bills: HB4806
Summary: The meeting addressed several bills, primarily focusing on HB4806, which aims to reform the legal framework surrounding medical expenses and personal injury claims. The discussions included strong opinions from both advocates and opponents of the bill. Advocates argued that the bill is essential to ensure fairness by allowing juries to see comprehensive evidence regarding medical costs and preventing abuses in the system. Senators and committee members expressed the need for transparency in the medical billing process while addressing concerns that the changes may adversely impact injured plaintiffs seeking justice.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Local Government Aug 1st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The City of Houston basically has a charter amendment that was passed 20 years ago, and it was collecting
  • So with all of this, we're looking at what are the needs of government versus the needs of the taxpayers
  • of the bills.
  • of TAB.
  • There was a lot of public input, a lot of discussion, and a lot of debate amongst the legislators and
Bills: SB9
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to discuss the implications of Senate Bill 9, which focuses on property tax appraisal reforms. The bill's primary goal is to lower the voter-approved tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%. During the meeting, various stakeholders provided testimony, highlighting concerns about the potential impact of the cap on local governments, especially in rapidly growing areas. Senators engaged in extensive discussions about the balancing act between tax relief and the need for robust public services, emphasizing the need for local flexibility to meet constituents' needs. The bill faced opposition from local officials who argued that the cap could hinder essential services like police and fire departments, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 7th, 2025 at 03:30 pm

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...a master planned community just outside of Houston, and
  • I am from the University of North Texas, and when it comes
  • I am an advocate for the recovery community based out of Austin and Houston, Texas.
  • I am a father of one, from Houston, Texas, representing myself, and I testify against the bill.
  • I'm the co-founder and CEO of Bayou City Health Hemp, a Houston-based hemp beverage manufacturer, and
Bills: HB28, SB3
Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Jul 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • three of these districts are right here in Houston-Harris County.
  • one of them being the state of Texas.
  • of Texas.
  • in the best interest of the United States, of Texas, and of my constituents.
  • of Texas of serious concerns regarding the legality of four of Texas congressional districts as stated
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of congressional redistricting, where the committee established the procedures to ensure a fair and transparent process. Led by Senator King, the session focused on adopting a resolution that authorized a special committee dedicated to congressional redistricting and allowed for regional hearings to gather public input via videoconferencing. Concerns were raised about ensuring adequate notice for public participation, especially from marginalized communities potentially affected by proposed changes. Disagreements emerged regarding the timeline for regional hearings and how to address the implications of the redistricting process on minority districts. Overall, participants acknowledged the complex nature of redistricting and the importance of engaging constituents in the legislative process.

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