Video & Transcript DataContr Research : '89th legislative session'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 15th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We must do more than just pass the legislation.
  • When y'all came for school libraries last session, and again in this session, you have blithely said
  • Legislation should focus on real threats.
  • And when you fail to show up to the 90th legislative session
  • We don't make legislation based on our feelings.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee on state affairs, multiple bills were discussed, with a significant focus on HB186, which aims to implement age verification for social media usage among minors. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding potential invasions of privacy, the overreach of governmental authority, and the impact on children's mental health. Advocates for the bill argued that it protects children from harmful online content, while opponents expressed worries about its broader implications on free speech and social connectivity for young people. The meeting attracted a diverse audience, including experts, advocates, and concerned citizens, each contributing passionately to the dialogue surrounding these important legislative issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 25th, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That would be a cleanup for legislative council.
  • I'm trying to figure out the legislative intent of 38-37.
  • Legislative intent is what a legislator intended when he
  • What's in the legislative record?
  • It's just a legislative...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a range of bills addressing important topics such as artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation laws. Notably, House Bill 235, which aims to add civil and criminal liability for the use of AI-generated deepfake materials, garnered discussion from multiple members and witnesses, including Adrian Shelley from Public Citizen who expressed support for the bill. Concerns about ensuring the legislation's clarity and enforcement were raised. Additionally, House Bill 207 was presented, which seeks to expand definitions within sexual offense laws to include representations involving anatomically correct dolls, eliciting varied perspectives from representatives during the debate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • I present this important legislation.
  • Out on the last day of the session, and there's still a signal
  • I will work with the Legislative Council on court orders and guardianship.
  • It was just late in the session, as it is now, and didn't make it through this time. Exactly.
  • After this session, but that's a different issue.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation would also eliminate the term "non-routine

  • We've had this conversation before this committee and with other members for a number of sessions now
  • I do want to say that there has been a shift over the last couple of sessions.
  • And that will be our last bill of the day before we get to session.
  • This bill was passed through this committee last session with a $950,000 pot bracket.
Summary: The committee meeting saw the discussion of several significant bills aimed at reducing the tax burden on small businesses and addressing public services in municipalities. Notably, Senate Bill 2907, introduced by Senator West, proposes to exempt perishable inventory and pharmaceutical goods from property taxes. This bill received robust support during public testimony, with various stakeholders emphasizing its potential to lower food prices and improve business conditions. Similarly, Senate Bill 1331 addressed the protective measures for smaller municipalities facing threats from petitions to remove municipal services, aiming to reduce the requisite population threshold for such actions. The lively discussions underscored the committee's commitment to supporting local communities and businesses in a challenging economic climate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, I think, long-term, that's going to be up to the legislative body to determine how to continue to
  • Agencies across the state are employing a number of different methods, and we, as a legislative body,
  • Did you say that there was legislation in a previous session that addressed this?
  • filed the exact same bill the next session and it had a fiscal...
  • I filed this bill last session.

Summary: The committee convened to discuss several major legislative bills, focusing particularly on enhancing law enforcement's ability to respond to missing children and addressing increasing border security concerns. One significant bill discussed was HB908, which mandates that law enforcement agencies report missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within a strict time frame. Testimonies primarily supported the urgency and need for swift action regarding missing children, with members underscoring the imperative to streamline procedures to ensure every case is handled urgently. Additionally, discussions on HB674 centered around adjusting the penalty structure for criminal trespass incidents related to avoiding law enforcement checkpoints, seen as a crucial measure to deter illegal crossings and enhance border security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • session as a co-author of the bill passed.
  • This work that this committee and this legislature did last session on Senate Bill 1495.
  • , and I know I had some last session or session before.
  • Later that same session, the legislature...

  • Report of the full session.
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

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This session, I'm looking to expand on the success of that legislation by introducing this legislation
  • Chairman, but this is a common-sense piece of legislation.
  • Members, near the end of the 2023 legislative session

  • During a legislative session, I had a man in a dress

  • Last session, I saw an even greater group.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on Senate Bill 2043, aiming to provide protections for healthcare professionals against retaliation for reporting unethical practices. Chairman Hughes initiated the discussion, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding medical practitioners' rights. Testimonies from various witnesses highlighted real-life implications of the bill, with some expressing personal experiences of facing significant backlash for whistleblowing on unethical practices within healthcare facilities. Supporters of the bill touted it as a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the medical field, particularly concerning the treatment of minors in gender transition procedures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Similar legislation has been endorsed by the National.
  • sessions.
  • During the 88th legislative session, we, uh, the legislature

  • M is a statute that we amended a couple of sessions ago.
  • Since I came in about three years ago, there have been a couple of legislative sessions.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee, several key bills were debated, most notably HB3281, which addresses the grounds for terminating parental rights. The discussion revolved around significant concerns presented by various members regarding the language change in the bill that requires serious bodily injury for termination, a shift that many find troubling. Witnesses also testified, with some advocating for amendments to ensure child safety, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach without unintended consequences. Additionally, HB4696 was introduced, focused on improving access to protective orders through remote testimony, further engaging committee members and experts on the necessity of such reforms for survivors of domestic violence.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part II) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This piece of legislation serves as...
  • That includes legislative investigations.
  • This is the hub for legislative activity.
  • The Texas Civil Rights Project is opposed to the legislation.
  • I mean, a special session feels a little bit rushed.
Bills: SB7, SB14
Summary: The meeting centered on a heated discussion regarding SB14, which proposed changes to how police misconduct records are managed and accessed. Numerous witnesses, including representatives from civil rights organizations and concerned citizens, expressed strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it would significantly reduce transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Testimonies highlighted historical failures in police accountability and emphasized the importance of public access to misconduct records to restore community trust. The committee received both emotional appeals and expert opinions, painting a vivid picture of the potential negative impacts of the proposed legislation on police-community relations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation addresses a very real and frustrating issue.
  • I'd like to defer to him to speak directly to the necessity of this legislation and perhaps answer any
  • This last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation.
  • Okay, so this last session, Senator Huffman passed

  • legislation making it illegal to possess or distribute AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical bills designed to enhance legal protections for law enforcement and children, particularly in response to evolving threats from technology and violent crime. Representative Dyson emphasized the dangers faced by peace officers, advocating for House Bill 1871, which seeks to increase penalties associated with the attempted murder of a police officer. Testimonies from law enforcement officials reinforced the urgency of this legislation, highlighting real-life incidents where officers were ambushed while fulfilling their duties. The committee echoed a strong sentiment towards ensuring justice for those who threaten public safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would urge you to push for legislation to return those back to the public record.
  • This is cleanup legislation, if you will, that improves on some of the aspects of what we did last session
  • Immediately, it could be a big project or a legislative session.
  • to produce clarifying legislation going forward.
  • ...a lot this session.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed several bills focusing on transparency and innovation in Texas governance. A significant portion of the discussions revolved around House Bill 4990, which seeks to establish an open records hotline to better facilitate public access to government information. Witnesses, including local journalists, strongly supported the bill, citing its importance for accountability in government operations. Other bills, such as HB 4751, focusing on technological advancements, were also highlighted as critical to maintaining Texas's competitive edge in the quantum technology industry. Each bill was left pending for further consideration, indicating ongoing negotiations and a collaborative effort among committee members to refine the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then when we... of course, there will be future legislation, but as we expand wildfire mitigation
  • I believe, as we stated in our legislative appropriation

  • Specific to Texas, you'll see that we've addressed that gap in our legislative recommendations.
  • We did pass some legislation.
  • You know, we last session talked a lot about the last two sessions really.
Summary: The meeting convened primarily to discuss HB5066, focusing on energy policy and power generation in Texas. Key discussions revolved around the challenges and opportunities associated with forecasting energy demand and the balance between different types of generation sources, including renewables and thermal energy. Members voiced concerns about the speed at which new power generation can be integrated into the grid, with panelists emphasizing the critical need for effective transmission enhancements to keep pace with increasing demand. Notably, members also scrutinized the historical allocation of a $5 billion fund intended for energy projects, urging a review of previous allocations before committing further funds.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill was brought to my attention last session.
  • Other states have passed similar legislation. Thank you.
  • Session in my district.
  • Did you have this bill or a version of this bill last session?
  • I worked on that legislation last session.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions revolving around HB2343. This bill, presented by Representative Leo Wilson, aims to enhance transparency in the shrimping industry by requiring restaurants to disclose the origin of shrimp served. The bill was met with mixed reactions, especially from the Texas Restaurant Association, which raised concerns regarding the burdensome requirements for menu updates and potential liability issues if inaccuracies were reported. Meanwhile, the committee passed other bills, including HB4204 aimed at protecting older homeowners from unfair contracts, which received support from AARP Texas and sparked discussions about the implications on consumers' rights. In addition to presentation and testimony on bills, the committee also examined HCR76, which urges the federal government to regulate imports of foreign shrimp, reflecting a proactive stance on protecting local industries from unregulated competition. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing economic concerns, consumer protection, and the sustainability of local businesses. The chamber was well attended, and many stakeholders provided public testimony for and against the various proposals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Last session, the legislation for this had 30 senators vote
  • supporting the legislation.
  • No legislators voted against it.
  • Thank you to Chairman Birdwell for carrying this important piece of legislation.
  • Session.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education covered various significant bills focused primarily on improving educational accessibility and accountability in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 2252, aimed at supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy, received a commendable endorsement from the committee, showcasing a unifying approach towards enhancing foundational education. Additionally, Senate Bill 1962, concerning public school accountability, stirred proactive discussions about the challenges faced by school systems, further bringing forth various stakeholder insights during public testimony. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members debated the efficacy and implications of each proposal, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing educational standards across the state. As the meeting progressed, various senators championed their respective bills, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in standardized college entrance exams as highlighted in Senate Bill 1241. The bill proposes to expand acceptable exams beyond the traditional SAT and ACT, reflecting a modernized approach to student assessments. Senators and representatives from key educational organizations contributed testimony, solidifying support for such measures while advocating for the continuous dialogue on educational reforms. With multiple bills reported favorably to the full Senate, the session exemplified a dedicated effort towards fostering educational advancements in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of the Committee, over the last two legislative sessions
  • But I think that's where HHSC does a good job, I think, after every session of updating providers and
  • My name is Sarah Linley Bailey, and I am here to support this important piece of legislation.
  • This bill aligns with Texans for Medical Freedom's broader legislative priority of regaining parental
  • I believe this legislation can help families.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on three significant bills: HB1151, HB1155, and HB1041. A notable discussion arose surrounding HB1151, which aims to protect parental rights regarding medical decisions for children, especially in foster care settings. Supporters highlighted concerns about coercive practices by Child Protective Services that could label parents as neglectful for refusing certain medical treatments. Several witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for parents to retain autonomy over their children's medical care. There was also a compelling narrative shared regarding a family's struggle with the complexities of health decisions under CPS supervision, further underscoring the importance of this legislation. The committee also reviewed HB1155, aimed at providing temporary financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families who have completed their service plans for the reunification of children removed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. The sentiment in favor of this bill echoed the challenges faced by families trying to navigate the system while meeting their basic needs. Furthermore, HB1041 was discussed, which seeks to prevent non-family caregivers from being named beneficiaries on life insurance policies of individuals under their care, highlighting a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part III) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is my third redistricting session, and I know Senator Zaffirini has a lot to say.
  • You know, members, each and every day of the session, we started off with a prayer.
  • started the session.
  • We have a session on redistricting, my friends.

  • Sometimes, when we're sitting here working on legislation, it's just...
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: In the recent committee meeting, the primary focus was on HB4, the congressional redistricting bill. Intense debates ensued regarding the implications of this proposed map on minority voting representation. Senator Zaffirini and other members expressed strong opposition, citing that the redistricting efforts were not only untimely but also undermined the gains made by minority communities in past elections. Significant testimony was provided from the public, showing overwhelming disapproval of the proposed changes, with 98% of the testimonies against the bill. Members highlighted the historical context of disenfranchisement and warned that this redistricting would further dilute the voices of crucial voting blocs in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was established by legislative action.
  • Two sessions ago, I received an email from a librarian at Kilgore College.
  • very process-oriented piece of legislation, right?
  • Again, I try to view this bill as a piece of governance legislation.
  • You don't see anything in the legislation.
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB37, which aims to overhaul the governance and curriculum oversight of higher education in Texas. Representative Shaheen expressed that the bill is intended to ensure that degrees earned in Texas are valuable and properly aligned with workforce demands. Witnesses presented both support and opposition to the bill, presenting various perspectives on its potential impact on academic freedom and educational quality. One associate professor voiced concerns regarding SB37, arguing it could stifle open discussions and critical thinking in classrooms by imposing political oversight on curricula. The discussion highlighted a divide between representatives who support increased legislative oversight and those who fear it will undermine educational integrity.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Can you compare that to last session or the session before?
  • LeMond with Disability Rights Texas, here in favor of the legislation.
  • There was much talk about parental choice during this session.
  • session.
  • However, with parents having greater rights in this legislative session, there could be an unintended
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused prominently on the discussions surrounding HB2, which entails significant investments in public education and aims to reform funding mechanisms to better support students and teachers. Multiple stakeholders, including educators and policymakers, conveyed their support while also voicing concerns about the bill's potential shortcomings. Witnesses discussed the urgent need for increased funding for special education and the necessity of expanding pre-K eligibility for students with disabilities. The testimony highlighted the historical context of the funding model and emphasized the importance of creating equitable solutions for all public school districts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But it will be a comprehensive piece of legislation.
  • Is it beyond belief that legislation must be passed to ensure common decency?
  • This session, we will end it. Final nail?
  • During the legislative session, Senate Bill 2040 was enacted
  • He was in Sunset two sessions ago and nothing's changed in his world, I promise you.
Summary: The Senate meeting featured extensive discussions on significant legislative proposals, primarily focusing on the ethical treatment and regulation of unclaimed bodies in Texas. The committee addressed concerns raised by Senator Parker regarding the alarming misuse of unclaimed remains, urging the necessity for stricter guidelines and accountability for organizations involved in anatomical donations. Public testimonies illustrated harrowing experiences of families affected by these practices, prompting legislators to consider more robust regulatory measures, including possible criminal penalties for bad actors in the industry. The committee exhibited a unified stance in advocating for enhanced protections that would ensure the dignity of deceased individuals is respected.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025 at 04:03 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is my 10th session, so I look at everything that's criminal rights related.
  • I am a trust and estate litigation attorney here in Austin, and I'm the co-chair of legislative.
  • There are several sections of this bill that build on legislation from 2023.
  • Last legislative session, there was a big bill talking about how you transfer cases between courts when
  • We cleaned up most of those references last session, but there was one.
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Judiciary Committee was productive, with in-depth discussions focused on multiple bills that address important aspects of family law. Notable conversations revolved around HB2495, which aims to clarify the rights of parents regarding their children's education amidst existing ambiguities in lower court rulings. Testimony supporting this bill highlighted the necessity for legal clarity to ensure children can be enrolled in school without delays. The committee also discussed HB3181, which seeks to enhance the enforcement of child possession orders by linking repeated contempt findings to custody modifications, reinforcing accountability for parents who violate court orders.

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