Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senator Tim Scott'
Page 32 of 58
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal JusticeAudio only. May 25th, 2025
Senate Criminal Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Parker, Senator Hinojosa, Senator Huffman, Senator
- Miles, Senator King, Senator Hagenbuch. 5 ayes and 0 nays, House Bill 2854 will be reported to the full
- Senate with a favorable recommendation.
- Senate sponsor, Senator, well, it says Hagenbuch, but it says Creighton, but which one is it? Me.
Recognizing the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to
Keywords:
sex offender registration, criminal penalties, law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, public servant, address disclosure, retrieval of information, electronic communication, criminal offense, retaliation, safety concerns, Criminal Justice, HB2407, Sex Offender Registration, HB3425, Doxing, Legislation
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss several important bills including HB2407, HB3425, and HB2854. HB2407, focused on strengthening penalties for repeated failures to comply with sex offender registration requirements, received unanimous support from committee members and was reported favorably to the full Senate. The discussion emphasized the seriousness of these registration laws and the bill's potential to enhance public safety by ensuring accountability among offenders. The hearing also highlighted concerns around doxing with HB3425, which aims to criminalize the unlawful disclosure of personal addresses and phone numbers through electronic communications, thus addressing a significant gap in current legislation. Meanwhile, HB2854 was passed forward with a recommendation, highlighting the committee's commitment to address various legal gaps.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I move that the Senate concur with House Amendments to Senate Bill 8.
- Thank you, Senator.
- to Senate Bill 8.
- Bill 31, Senator Hughes.
- Thank you, Senators.
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several significant bills, including HB20, which aims to prevent and reduce fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters. Representative Perry highlighted the importance of this bill in ensuring that legitimate organizations receive donations while deterring scams that occur in the aftermath of disasters. The bill was passed unanimously with discussions around its necessity and the impact on victims of fraud. Further, House Bill 18 was discussed concerning penalties for legislators attempting to break quorum, a topic that stirred some debate on legislative integrity and rules enforcement. Members voiced varying opinions on the implications of the bill, leading to its eventual passage amid objections from some members who raised concerns about its enforcement mechanisms and potential for misuse.
Overall, the meeting was well-attended, with members actively debating key issues while striving for legislative progress on these critical bills. The audience included public stakeholders who expressed their views, showcasing the engagement between legislators and constituents on pressing matters.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Sparks being.
- Any questions for Senator Hall? Senator Cook.
- I'm going to go to Senator Sparks, and then Senator Hall. Senator Blanco is present.
- Senate Bill 1869.
- Senator Perry?
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, healthcare, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, first responders, emergency response, group homes, local government
Summary:
The meeting centered on multiple significant legislative proposals aimed at healthcare reforms, notably focused on the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on local pharmacies. Senator Hughes led the discussion on SB1236, which aims to regulate PBMs to prevent anti-competitive practices that have led to the closure of numerous community pharmacies. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including pharmacists, highlighted the challenges posed by current PBM practices, such as aggressive audit tactics and contract terms that disadvantage small pharmacies. The bill was generally supported in the committee due to its potential to restore balance and fairness in pharmacy operations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a somewhat familiar bill for the Senate because it has passed out of the Senate before.
- And we'll open testimony on Senate Bill 1386.
- Senator Judith Zaffirini, you are recognized.
- Senator Paul Bettencourt, you are recognized.
- The Chair lays out Senate Bill 311 and recognizes the bill's author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, voter access
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was marked by significant discussions surrounding several bills, primarily focusing on jurisdictional changes within the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. One of the key bills discussed was SB1210, which aims to clarify the roles and jurisdictions of these two courts, ensuring that when constitutional interpretations are at issue, the Supreme Court serves as the final authority. Testimony was provided by various stakeholders including judges and legal experts, who articulated both support for and concerns about the potential implications of these changes. The conversation highlighted the historical context of the dual court system in Texas, outlining its benefits and drawbacks, particularly in ensuring consistency in the application of constitutional law.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- data-time="0">Senator Hancock,
Senator Hall,
- >Senator Blanco,
Senator Sparks.
- You may begin, Senator Sparks.
- Senator Cook.
- Senator Blanco, Chair recognizes Senator Blanco as being present.
Summary:
The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several significant bills aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Texas's Medicaid and long-term care systems. Notably, SB457 seeks to ensure that a substantial portion of Medicaid funds is allocated directly to patient care in nursing facilities, addressing concerns about the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Various testimonies were provided from key stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by nursing homes and the pressing need for reform. Notably, AARP Texas endorsed SB457, emphasizing the critical need for improvements in care quality, especially in light of staffing shortages and neglect issues prevalent in some facilities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
- Thank you, Senator Eckhardt.
- Thank you, Senators. Thank you, Senator Eckhardt, for that lovely introduction.
- Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
- Thank you, Senator.
Keywords:
TCEQ, MUDs, Municipal Utility Districts, legislative control, environmental regulation, infrastructure, community concerns, transparency, growth management
Summary:
The meeting focused on discussions regarding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) oversight and regulations concerning Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). Several members expressed concerns about the rapid growth facilitated by the creation of MUDs, with particular emphasis on the legislative authority over such entities. Senator Birdwell highlighted the importance of legislative control over MUD creation, discussing the second and third-order impacts on local communities and infrastructure. The discussion was characterized by a view that the current approval processes may lack necessary scrutiny, leading to community concerns about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain as new developments arise.
Public testimony revealed a sense of urgency among constituents regarding environmental regulations and the role TCEQ plays in managing the challenges of population growth. Members of the committee raised issues around the clarity of TCEQ's powers and responsibilities, advocating for more transparency and proactive community engagement from the agency. As the meeting concluded, the need for improved communication and the importance of ensuring compliance with state law were emphasized, with a promise from TCEQ representatives to address these concerns moving forward.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator King.
- Senator Hughes, Senator Paxman. And that's when we stood for something.
- Senator West. Oh, okay.
- Chairman, Senator King.
- Senator King. Thank you.
Keywords:
redistricting, HB4, SB4, public testimony, Census 2020, flood relief, representation, special session
Summary:
The meeting of the Committee on Congressional Redistricting focused primarily on the discussion of HB4 and SB4, concerning the redistricting process based on the 2020 Census data. Chairman King opened the session, expressing gratitude to the committee members for their attendance and emphasizing the importance of completing redistricting within the special session's 30-day timeframe. Public testimony was a major component, with numerous individuals voicing their opinions both in favor and against the proposed redistricting maps, emphasizing issues of representation and concerns of racial injustices inherent in the process. The majority of witnesses highlighted the need for immediate attention to pressing issues such as flood relief instead of focusing solely on redistricting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- 651 and recognizes the Senate sponsor, Senator West, to explain the bill.
- Senate Bill 651 will be left pending. Thanks, Senator West.
- Chairman and members for allowing me to lay out Senate Bill 897 for Senator Blanco.
- Senator Gutierrez, Senator Hagenbue, Senator Hall, Senator
- Yes, Senator Higginbotham.
Keywords:
mental health, veterans, community support, grant program, family assistance, veterans affairs, mental health services, Senate Bill 897, Senate Bill 1818, temporary licensing, public testimony, military families, Texas legislature
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs convened to discuss several significant bills aimed at enhancing support for veterans in Texas. The primary focus was on Senate Bill 897, which aims to adjust the funding match requirement for mental health services for veterans. There was substantial public testimony in favor of this bill, as many speakers highlighted the financial burden that large counties face under the current requirements. These discussions underscored the necessity of providing adequate mental health resources to veterans, emphasizing the challenges they encounter in accessing such services. Another notable bill, Senate Bill 1818, introduced provisions for temporary licensing for military spouses, ensuring they can continue their professional pursuits while transitioning to Texas. Testimony supporting this bill was also positive, showing a strong consensus on the need to ease professional transitions for military families.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 12th, 2025
Senate Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator.
- Bill 763 by Senator.
- Senator Alvarado sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 763. We won't...
- Members, are there questions of Senator Alvarado? Senator Hughes, you're recognized.
- All right, Senator Alvarado.
Keywords:
concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, orphaned wells, plugging, replugging, Railroad Commission, liability, oil and gas, spaceports, critical infrastructure, criminal liability, civil liability, aerospace industry, SB1150, inactive wells, oil and gas, Railroad Commission
Summary:
The meeting centered around the discussion of SB1150, which is designed to address the issue of inactive wells in Texas. Senator Middleton presented the bill, highlighting the concerns surrounding the current regulations that allow wells to remain inactive indefinitely, which poses various risks to health, safety, and the environment. The proposed legislation includes requirements for owners to plug or return inactive wells to production after certain timelines, with a compliance plan to be evaluated by the Railroad Commission. Several stakeholders participated in the discussion, expressing their support and emphasizing the importance of addressing the rising costs associated with orphaned wells and the financial burden on taxpayers. The bill is seen as a critical step toward sustainable oil and gas management in Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
That's why Senate Bill 2, Senate Bill 3, and Senate
- full Senate.
- Senator Hall.
- Senate.
- whole Senate.
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, lobbying, public funds, political subdivisions, government accountability, transparency, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects
Summary:
This meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills, with strong expressions of support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, SB8, a controversial bill concerning gender identity and access to bathrooms, drew extensive public testimony. Many speakers voiced concerns about the implications of such legislation, emphasizing the potential harm to transgender individuals and the necessity for an atmosphere of safety and inclusivity. In contrast, other members supported the bill, arguing for the protection of women's spaces. The committee also discussed SB15 regarding police records, which sparked debates on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the committee members voting favorably on several bills, despite ongoing public dissent and calls for more urgent discussion on flooding relief efforts and community safety.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Session (Part II)The Senate of the 89th Legislature, Second Called Session, adjourns sine die. Sep 4th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- appointed by the president of the Senate.
- of the Senate.
- Thank you, Senators.
- Before we adjourn, I would like to yield to Senator King for a memorial resolution. Senator King.
- Parker, Senator Hughes, Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Creighton, Senator Perry, Senator Menendez, Senator
Keywords:
property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, judicial branch, court security, juvenile boards
Summary:
The meeting convened to address significant resolutions, including the formation of a committee to investigate the catastrophic flooding events in July 2025 that resulted in tragic losses across Texas. Senator Flores introduced Senate Resolution 2, aiming to conduct a comprehensive examination of the flooding's impacts and the effectiveness of immediate legislative responses. The resolution was adopted unanimously, indicating a shared commitment to understand and improve future disaster preparedness. Additionally, Senate Resolution 5 was discussed, which proposed amendments to the Senate rules regarding committee structure, particularly in creating a new combined committee for Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. This resolution also received unanimous support, showcasing a collaborative effort to streamline legislative functions.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Education K-16 (Part I) May 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Hinojosa.
- Thank you, Senator Hagen-Booe, Senator Menendez, I appreciate that exchange.
- Senator King, you’re recognized on House Bill 20 on behalf of Senator...
- Senator Hinojosa, no, Senator Menendez.
- Senator... Let's see, Senator.
Keywords:
foster youth, education, state college tuition, House Bill 1211, support, committee meeting
Summary:
During this committee meeting, a total of 16 bills were discussed, covering various topics mainly focused on education and support for vulnerable populations. Notably, House Bill 1211 was a significant highlight, aiming to remove the 25th birthday deadline for former foster youth to utilize state college tuition benefits. This bill garnered strong support from multiple members, including personal testimonies from individuals who benefited from such educational support. The conversation around HB1211 emphasized the challenges faced by former foster youth, including lack of awareness and support, which aligns with the bill's objective of extending opportunities regardless of age.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
The Senate will come to order.
- Senate Resolution Two by Hughes, the rules resolution.
- Committee to notify the House: Senator Creighton, chair; members: Senator Alvarado, Senator Huffman,
- Senator Hughes, Senator Parker.
- Those of you who are named, Senator Creighton, would you—where's Senator Creighton? Right there.
Keywords:
SCR7, State Preservation Board, Plague of Honor, Children of the Confederacy, historical justice, legislative updates, committee assignments
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion surrounding SCR7, which was introduced to direct the State Preservation Board to initiate steps for replacing the Children of the Confederacy Plague with a Plague of Honor recognizing victims of the State's convict leasing system. The resolution sparked notable conversations among members regarding its historical implications and the importance of addressing past injustices. Senators expressed their support for the resolution, recognizing the need for collective acknowledgment of the state's history.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Local Government (Part II) Apr 7th, 2025
Senate Local Government Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1927 by Senator Hinojosa.
- The Chair lays out Senate Bill 1927 by Senator Hinojosa and asks Senator Hinojosa to explain his bill
- Senator Nichols.
- As Senator Hughes said earlier, the significant delays—and Senator Nichols, Senator Bettencourt, I know
- bill and Senator Bettencourt.
Bills:
SB434, SB844, SB898, SB1177, SB1214, SB1454, SB1920, SB1927, SB1935, SB1965, SB2010, SB2046, SB2068, SB2073, SB2183, SB2260, SB3034, SB907
Keywords:
housing authorities, tax exemptions, local government code, multifamily residential development, municipal housing authority, municipal regulation, tree removal, Ashe juniper, military base, property protection, property owners' association, board governance, homeowner regulation, declarant control, assessment limits, guaranteed income, financial assistance, local government, public funds, employment programs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government convened to discuss significant bills, primarily focusing on SB844, which seeks to reform zoning petition processes to enhance property rights and facilitate housing development. Senator Hughes, the bill's author, advocated that current laws overly empower a minority of landowners to block necessary housing advancements, asserting that such regulations hurt overall housing affordability. Concerns were raised about balancing individual property rights against community needs, with testimonies from builders and housing advocates supporting the bill's aims to streamline zoning decisions and reduce impediments to development.
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Troy Meink, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Duffey, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, Emil Michael, of Florida, to be Under Secretary for Research and Eng Mar 27th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Reid.
- Thank you, Senator Cotton.
- Thank you, Senator Kramer.
Senator King.
- Thank you, Senator King.
Senator Budd.
- Thank you very much, Senator Schmidt. Senator Kelly.
Keywords:
Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Business and CommerceAudio only. May 26th, 2025
Senate Business & Commerce Committee
Transcript Highlights:
Senator King? Here.
Senator Blanco? Here.
Senator Parker, or Senator King, moves adoption of the
- Senator King moves that House Bill 2517 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation
- Senator King sends up the committee substitute for House Bill 2963, and Senator Hall, you are recognized
Keywords:
Texas Cyber Command, Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, independent agency, procurement processes, cybersecurity, legislative oversight
Summary:
During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, significant discussions revolved around House Bill 150, which addresses the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command. Senator Parker presented a detailed overview of the bill, emphasizing its independence as a standalone agency that maintains legislative oversight while allowing the flexibility to partner with various state institutions. The members engaged actively, addressing concerns about procurement processes during cybersecurity emergencies and ensuring that local entities retain vendor choices without being forced to adopt particular systems. The committee unanimously supported the bill, moving it favorably to the full Senate.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And certainly, Senator Johnson helped me with an amendment on Senator Parker.
- , Senate Bill...
- Senator Schwertner? Yes.
- Senator Schwertner? Yeah.
- So do you, Senator Kolkhorst and Senator Creighton as well.
Bills:
HB106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213
Keywords:
electric utility, distribution poles, inspection, public safety, compliance plan, wildfire mitigation, utilities, electric service, liability, risk management, self-insurance, Texas Division of Emergency Management, employment compensation, state agencies, salary payments, general appropriations, government efficiency, massage therapy, regulation, licensing
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss a wide range of bills, including key pieces of legislation such as HB1922 and HB145, which address utilities' wildfire mitigation efforts. There was a notable emphasis on the importance of strengthening Texas' approach to dealing with electric utility liabilities and improving operational strategies in the event of wildfires. Public testimony was heard, with various stakeholders advocating for and expressing concerns about elements of the proposed regulations, highlighting the nuanced positions citizens and organizations hold regarding energy management and environmental safety. Additionally, several bills were reported favorably to the full Senate, indicating a smooth legislative progress during the meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate Senator Huckabee.
Senators, any questions for Senator King?
- Of course, this committee and the Senate passed Senate Bill 28.
- Thank you, Senator Hughes.
- Thank you, Senator. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized. The panel is yours.
Keywords:
trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, human trafficking, victim protection, affirmative defense, abortion regulation, Senate Bill 10
Summary:
The committee meeting featured discussions on several key legislative issues, particularly focusing on human trafficking and related victim protections. Notably, Senate Bill 10 was presented by Senator Parker, aiming to provide an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking charged with crimes committed under coercion. The bill garnered significant support as witnesses provided personal testimonies highlighting the struggles faced by survivors, emphasizing the need for legal recognition of their circumstances. Additionally, Senate Bill 6 concerning the regulation of medication used in abortions was debated, with concerns raised about its potential implications on women's health rights and judicial protections for healthcare providers. The meeting included a robust exchange of views, reflecting a wide array of stakeholder interests including public health and law enforcement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Dean Zaffirini, Senator Alvarado, Senator Blanco, Senator
- Flores, Senator- Senator Hancock, Senator Hughes, Senator Parker
- , Senator Sparks.
- The chair lays out Senate Bill 795 by Senator Blanco.
- The chair lays out Senate Bill 795 and recognizes Senator Hancock to explain the bill, but first, Senate
Keywords:
Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, recycling, environment, sustainability, economic development, Texas Recycling Fund
Summary:
The committee meeting focused primarily on several significant legislative proposals, particularly detailing the plans for the Gulf Coast Protection District and various recycling initiatives. Notable discussions were led by Senator Alvarado regarding SB795, which is aimed at establishing a dedicated Gulf Coast Protection Account to secure funding for coastal infrastructure projects critical for flood protection. Stakeholders expressed gratitude for ongoing legislative support, emphasizing the potential for this project to become the largest civil works project in U.S. history. Additionally, testimony was heard on recycling bills including SB2689, which seeks to improve Texas's recycling infrastructure without imposing fees, and SB410 which manages the Gulf Coast Protection District’s operations to ensure safety and navigability within Houston's waterways. Public and expert witnesses contributed insights that highlighted the economic implications and community benefits of these initiatives, demonstrating the state's commitment to sustainable development.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Number two, let the record show that Senator West, Senators...
- Thank you, Senator Parker.
- Senator.
- Thank you, Senator King. Senator West.
- Senator Paxson moves that Senate Bill 26 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that
Bills:
SB26
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, Senate Bill 26, teacher compensation, education, salary increase, Texas teachers, teacher retention, educational reform, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education featured an extensive discussion on Senate Bill 26, aimed at reforming teacher compensation in Texas. Notable highlights included testimonies emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful salary increases for teachers across the state. Members discussed the historical nature of the proposed pay raises, which would establish a permanent salary allotment for teachers, allowing for dispatches of nearly $5 billion aimed at boosting educator retention. The importance of addressing teacher safety and equality across various educational roles was also a significant point of focus during this meeting.