Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'University of Texas'

Page 31 of 63
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Since almost universal adoption of a handful of social...
  • My name is Kevin Hale, Libertarian Party of Texas. We are.
  • I spend a lot of time in Giddings, Texas, in that district.
  • of Texas.
  • The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the legislature...
Summary: The meeting addressed several key pieces of legislation, including SB1626, which proposes to enhance Texans' ability to pursue legal action against social media platforms for censorship. The bill aims to provide statutory damages, making it easier for individuals to protect their free speech rights. Testimonies were heard from various public representatives expressing support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in maintaining free speech in the digital age. Other bills discussed included SB1719 and SB1494, each receiving varying levels of scrutiny and support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 10th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • maintenance and operations that is sent to the state of Texas in the form of recapture and the percentage
  • You are here on behalf of the South Texas Property Rights Association, and you are testifying for the
  • For a number of years now, the state of Texas has taken a strong stance against illegal immigration,
  • You are here on behalf of the Native Texas Nursery, and you are here to testify for the bill.
  • I am founder of Native Texas, a wholesale nursery operation based here in Travis County.
Summary: The meeting of the committee on ways and means centered on several significant bills aimed at addressing property tax issues, particularly regarding agricultural and border security infrastructure. A committee substitute for HB247 was discussed, emphasizing a voluntary approach with private landowners in light of enhanced border security measures, which reassured many stakeholders previously hesitant about such initiatives. Notably, the bill provides tax exemptions for landowners who allow construction of border security infrastructure, effectively alleviating concerns about increased property values leading to higher taxes. Committee members expressed support for transparency and fairness in how these laws impact stakeholders, especially those along the Texas-Mexico border.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • A lot of y'all were on this committee and were part of that.
  • Army Corps of Engineers.
  • the Port of Houston and some of the metrics on the impact on Texas.
  • I show you registered as Kendall Cowell on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
  • I show you registered as Natalie Ballew on behalf of the Texas Water Development Board.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the consideration of several water-related bills, including HB1618, HB2970, HB3609, and HB3628. Representative Harris introduced HB1618, which aims to facilitate aquifer storage and recovery projects in Williamson County to support growth and address drought issues. Multiple witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for effective water management in a rapidly growing area. The discussion highlighted the increasing water demands along the I-35 corridor. Representative Paul advocated for HB2970, which codifies navigation safety measures for the Houston Ship Channel, a vital component for Texas's economy. This bill is linked to a major federal project intended to protect against storm surges while ensuring two-way traffic on the channel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.
  • the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.
  • Members, this bill relates to prohibiting the investment of the Permanent University Fund, the Texas
  • Obviously, one of them was the Texas Association of Mid-sized Schools, Texas Association of Community
  • We're a convention of over 5,000 churches across the state of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of important issues, particularly focusing on school safety and the impact of certain proposed bills on vulnerable populations. Notably, Senator Creighton presented Senate Bill 2623, which seeks to establish school safety zones by preventing navigation services near schools, aimed at ensuring the safety of children in educational settings. Concerns were raised regarding the potential adverse effects of this bill on homeless navigation centers, with various stakeholders expressing their positions during the public testimony session. The importance of balancing community services with student safety was a recurring theme throughout the discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • or know of at the Texas Education Agency.
  • I am president of True Texas Project. I am here speaking on behalf of...
  • Fund, the Texas University Fund, or money held by a public institution of higher education in financial
  • the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.
  • We're a convention of over 5,000 churches across the state of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical issues regarding educator misconduct and legislative measures to improve reporting standards. Significant discussions revolved around SB1224, which mandates that superintendents report allegations of sexual or abusive conduct directly to law enforcement rather than relying solely on internal investigations. This bill, presented by Senator Sparks, reflects an ongoing effort to close loopholes in the education system that enable misconduct to persist without proper accountability. Senators emphasized the alarming rise in educator misconduct cases and the need for more stringent reporting practices to protect children in schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We showed Jennifer Kelly from the University of Texas

  • You're testifying on behalf of Texas A&M University yourself. On behalf of Texas A&M University.
  • On behalf of self and Texas State University.
  • Self, Student, University of Texas Austin for House Bill 4568.
  • The study will be led by Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical
Summary: The meeting covered several legislative bills focused primarily on environmental impact and economic incentives, with significant attention given to HB3728, which aims to establish numeric salinity standards for Texas's bays and estuaries. Proponents argued that these standards would help protect delicate ecosystems while allowing for necessary industrial expansion, particularly in desalination. There was passionate testimony from environmental advocates emphasizing the potential long-term benefits for both the economy and local communities reliant on these waters. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of past subsidies as found in discussions surrounding HB4568, which faced opposition from the public and prominent committee members who criticized the use of state funds to support the film industry without demonstrating sustainable economic return on investment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by discussions focusing primarily on addressing the housing crisis in Texas. Key bills, including SB208 and SB2778, were thoroughly examined. SB208 aims to create the Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide non-profit builders with zero-interest loans, facilitating the construction of affordable homes for low to moderate-income families. Meanwhile, SB2778 seeks to raise the board approval threshold for emergency service districts from $2,000 to $50,000 to enhance operational efficiency and expedite procurement processes for necessary resources. Various testimonies were heard from stakeholders, including housing authorities and fire chiefs, emphasizing the importance of these bills in improving housing availability and emergency response capabilities in Texas. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further review and discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • students at more than 30 universities in the U.S. found that 58% of respondents were aware of Chinese
  • I think that the state of Texas has done a remarkable job of balancing, and even balancing in favor of
  • Texas is more acutely aware of foreign threats.
  • For congressmen in the state of Texas, it would be relevant that some of the people on that letter.
  • the state of Texas, where you could have people.
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss three critical bills, primarily centered around national security concerns and their implications on civil liberties. Notably, Senate Bill 2514 drew significant scrutiny and opposition from various witnesses who raised alarms about how the bill could infringe upon free speech rights and privacy. The bill aims to establish a framework for identifying and monitoring foreign influence operations against Texas, specifically targeting adversaries like China and Russia. Proponents argued that such measures are necessary to protect the integrity of state governance and prevent malign foreign influence, while opponents warned that it may lead to excessive governmental oversight and potential abuse of power.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • those local taxpayer dollars to the state of Texas.
  • degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
  • I was admitted to the University of Texas at Austin with an academic full ride.
  • of Texas, San Antonio Teachers Academy.
  • This would help benefit a number of school districts across the state of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting included discussions centered around educational bills, notably focusing on enhancing inclusivity and accountability within Texas public schools. One significant bill was House Bill 2354, aimed at aligning laws governing charter schools with those of traditional public schools, which received favorable testimonies emphasizing its importance for equal treatment of educational institutions. Representative Morales' House Bill 178 provided a platform for advocates to discuss the need for ethnic studies courses to be counted towards social studies credits, which was met with broad support, showcasing a commitment to diverse educational content. Additionally, House Bill 5201 stirred debate regarding construction oversight for school projects, highlighting the ongoing concerns over management failures in large-scale school construction and its implications for taxpayer funds.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation Apr 24th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • River is one of the most pristine waterways in Texas.
  • of Texas and that you are in favor of the bill.
  • Texas sends 3.2 million tons of recyclables each year. It's a massive economic loss.
  • Are you here on behalf of the Texas chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council for the bill?
  • types of manufacturers in Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting was focused on several key legislative matters, including the discussion of HB1904 concerning littering associated with balloon releases, which was presented favorably and passed unanimously. Additionally, the elimination of the Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program was discussed within the context of HB5033, with a substitute motion adopted and passed. The meeting featured public testimony, allowing interested parties to share their views during a structured testimony period, ensuring all voices were heard within the limited timeframe. Overall, the members expressed a cooperative spirit aimed at addressing community concerns through legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session Aug 28th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair: This is a signing of the following:

  • Tuesday, September 2nd, 2012, pending the receipt of messages and committee reports and the reading and
  • referral of bills.
  • Tuesday, September 2nd, pending the receipt of messages and committee reports, and the reading and referral
  • of bills.
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB10, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4
Summary: The meeting predominantly focused on the discussion of several bills, including SB3, SB16, and a number of House Bills such as HB16, HB23, HB25, HB26, and HB192. Members engaged in lively debates concerning the implications of these bills, with notable discussions centered around community impacts and administrative implications. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, reflecting a distribution of opinions on the bills being considered. The atmosphere was one of collaboration as members worked through differing perspectives on the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • today as the board president of the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers.
  • We're very proud of that, and we're proud of the relationship that we have with the city of Fort Worth
  • So I'm here to tell you that out in the West Texas town of El Paso.
  • We found that 83% of Texas residents support requiring a
  • Third-party review is a straightforward Texas-focused solution to one of the most persistent challenges
Summary: The meeting of the local government committee covered several important bills, notably Senate Bill 1454, Senate Bill 1237, and Senate Bill 2520. Senator Betancourt presided over the proceedings, guiding the discussion on the multiple committee substitutes proposed for each of these bills. SB1454 focused on tax exemptions for housing authorities, with amendments that included stricter compliance measures for municipalities. The committee unanimously recommended that the bill proceed to the full Senate without objection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025 at 11:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Glenn Hammer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
  • I own the County Line restaurants across the state of Texas and New Mexico.
  • the Texas Association of Businesses at the Texas State Chamber.
  • What we also did as part of this effort was we polled about 700 businesses from across the state of Texas
  • I'm here on behalf of TEBA, the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee convened to discuss House Bill 1606, focusing on public safety and communication regarding vegetation management near power lines. Representative Metcalf presented the bill, highlighting concerns raised by constituents about overgrown vegetation posing risks such as power outages and fire hazards. The bill aims to mandate electric utilities to provide customers with information on how to request vegetation management, thereby enhancing public awareness and safety without imposing new regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to address critical issues surrounding victim protection and human trafficking legislation. The meeting opened with the chair, Senator Flores, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Texas laws to protect victims of sexual assault and trafficking. Key bills on the agenda included SB955 and SB957, which aim to strengthen legal repercussions against traffickers and provide support for survivors. Notably, the committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials and advocates, who underscored the challenges faced by trafficking victims and the necessity of legislative reform.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Electric Companies of Texas.
  • I'm the executive director of the Texas Solar Energy Society.
  • I'm the Executive Director of the Association of Texas Professional Educators.
  • Houston, I'm here on behalf of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas, ABC Texas.
  • Texas, as supporters of the bill, wanted to emphasize.
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured extensive discussions surrounding SB2021 and SB2330, both of which sparked notable debate among members and stakeholders. SB2021, aimed at regulating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), faced scrutiny for potentially creating barriers to integration and increasing costs for consumers. Advocates highlighted the bill's intention to clarify operational standards and improve accountability, while opponents raised concerns about excessive red tape hindering innovative energy solutions. SB2330 sparked similar contention, particularly regarding its implications for public employee unions and the suggested removal of government involvement in dues collection processes. Testimonies expressed worries that this would limit educators' access to professional resources and advocacy, crucial for their roles in the education sector.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is David Jones, CEO of Texas Realtors.
  • or a legislative agency, or the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of
  • In Texas, they are on the cusp of starting.
  • Chairman, because of Texas regulatory rules.
  • For the record, my name is Mark Bell on behalf of AECT, the Association of Electric Companies of Texas
Summary: The Business Commerce Committee meeting was marked by the successful reporting of several bills, notably Senate Bill 783, SB1238, and SB1706, all of which received unanimous support from committee members. The chair facilitated discussions around the potential implications of these bills, with committee members highlighting the necessity for timely updates to current legislation. Public testimonies were heard regarding Senate Bill 1968, emphasizing its efforts to clarify the agent-buyer relationship in real estate transactions through the introduction of written representation agreements. Additionally, concerns were raised about regulations regarding backup generation for energy loads in the Senate Bill 2321 discussion, reflecting ongoing discussions about balancing energy needs with environmental regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part III) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right here in Texas, in particular the University of Texas
  • And so, that's why oversight by the state of Texas in this bill is so important.
  • special interest and concern in Texas, as they represent such a vital part of our economy.
  • The Texas Association of Business Chambers of Commerce Foundation published a study claiming that underwriting
  • The author of the Texas Association of Business.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee featured an extensive discussion on multiple bills, particularly focusing on the ethics reform via SB2403, aimed at enhancing the structure and enforcement processes of the Texas Ethics Commission. The conversation revolved around establishing a three-tier system categorizing violations and enhancing procedural fairness and accountability in ethics investigations. Senator Mayes introduced a committee substitute, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that enforcement processes are transparent and just, particularly relating to minor infractions. Public testimonies in favor of the bill highlighted the need for reform, while concerns were raised about maintaining integrity in oversight mechanisms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 7th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's billions in value to the state of Texas.
  • Texas town, bringing people there from all over Texas and out of state to experience that.
  • I am the Director of Public Policy for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
  • Lubbock is the home of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock Christian
  • of higher education and university systems in the tech.
Summary: The Committee on Ways and Means convened to discuss several proposed bills, including HB4044, HB103, and HB3045, focusing on tax reform and support for local development initiatives. Representative Troxler introduced a committee substitute for HB103, which was subsequently adopted without objection, demonstrating consensus on its merits. HB3045 sought to incentivize spaceport operations with franchise tax breaks for contracts related to the Department of Defense, emphasizing Texas's commitment to lead in the aerospace industry. The meeting concluded with discussions around the importance of the Property Value Study (PBS) and its impact on equitable taxation, with members addressing concerns about the effective administration of property appraisals and future legislative actions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session Aug 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Work within us to do Your will to serve the people of Texas well.
  • Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Ms.
  • 22 of the Texas Constitution states the Attorney General
  • in favor of that.
  • As legislators, we took an oath to serve the people of Texas and to...
Bills: SB10, SB8, SB15, SB12, SB6, SB13, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4
Summary: During this meeting of the committee, significant attention was directed towards several bills, particularly surrounding property tax legislation and its implications for local governments. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the reduction of the voter approval tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%, emphasizing its potential impact on local budgeting and the necessity for local elections to generate funding for essential services. The committee engaged in a heated debate regarding SB8, which concerns the designation of public facilities based on biological sex. Several members expressed concerns about the bill's implications on civil rights and potential conflicts with federal discrimination laws, leading to a division of opinions among committee members. Ultimately, multiple bills were moved to the floor for final passage, reflecting the urgency to address pressing matters swiftly.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part III) Sep 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Texas Hospital Association was brought in, and the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • the risk of manufacturing them in Texas, even for non-abortion?
  • that it supersedes any other provision of Texas law.
  • The vast, vast majority of officers in the state of Texas are good officers.
  • It's the beginning of a rural demise because most of the water exists in rural Texas, and these pumping
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB10, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB17, HB7, HB7, HB15, HB15, HB27, HB1
Summary: The meeting centered around significant discussions concerning groundwater management, specifically focusing on House Bill 27, which relates to a groundwater study affecting the Neches and Trinity Valleys. Senators debated the necessity of a two-year moratorium on new groundwater permitting, highlighting concerns about potential over-extraction and the ecological impact. Senator Perry expressed urgency for a study to understand the interconnectedness of aquifers, emphasizing the importance of scientific data in guiding legislative decisions, which prompted a detailed examination of current water resources in Texas. The bill was passed with amendments after extensive debate and consideration of various regional impacts.

Research Filters

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