Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas STRONG fund'

Page 32 of 59
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 14th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This subjects Texas to potential loss of federal highway funds and decertification of the state's CDL
  • I am the President of Texas Rail Advocates in Dallas.
  • Nobody's going to tear down the berm, and nobody in Texas at this point.
  • I think the state of Texas will, without any doubt in my mind.
  • Money is dedicated to the Texas Mobility Funds, so people
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee included crucial discussions surrounding various bills pertaining to transportation and public safety. Notably, House Bill 647 was presented to streamline the process for individuals who have undergone corrective eye surgery, allowing them to update their driver's licenses without needing to visit the Department of Public Safety in person. This bill was celebrated for potentially decreasing traffic at DMV offices and optimizing resources, with members expressing general support and a positive sentiment surrounding its passage. Additionally, public testimony was gathered for House Bill 2003, concerning high-speed rail projects, where witnesses voiced differing opinions, emphasizing the bill's relevance to current transit challenges and community impacts.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • related funds.
  • the state of Texas.
  • Because of that budget cut, the Texas Justice Court Training Center, which is funded through a grant
  • Thank you for providing the extra money for the Water Development Board for the Texas Mezzanine Fund.
  • Strong, TCSO said no.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical bills related to disaster response and water conservation. Senate Bill 1, the Natural Disaster Omnibus Bill, was extensively discussed, with testimonies reflecting on recent flooding incidents in Texas. Senator Perry emphasized the need for policy solutions to prevent future tragedies following historic flooding that resulted in significant loss of life. The committee adopted the committee substitutes for both SB1 and SB13 without objection, highlighting the broad support for these initiatives aimed at water conservation and improved emergency response protocols. Additionally, members expressed the importance of training and educating officials involved in disaster management to ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We swapped that from that type of funding to federal funds because federal funds were going to expire
  • We just didn't want you to swap the General Revenue dedicated funds to the General Revenue funds.
  • I want businesses in Texas.
  • They had to fund ongoing costs. We didn't fund any of that.
  • They had to fund ongoing costs. We didn't fund any of that.
Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 11th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Bills: HB3
Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 3, which proposes the establishment of an education savings account program in Texas. This program aims to provide families with the ability to use state funds for various educational expenses beyond traditional public schools, empowering parents to tailor educational choices to their children's needs. The bill was presented with the intent to prioritize children with disabilities or those from low-income households who meet certain criteria. However, discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding the bill's implications for public education and potential inequities in access to private schooling.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 27th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want it to be on every Texas school.
  • a testament to Texas state leadership supporting military children.
  • education in the state of Texas.
  • sooner, enabling the Texas Treasury to invest.
  • It does not reduce the amount of funding available to any other public school in Texas.
Summary: In this committee meeting, various educational bills were discussed, reflecting significant attention on improving public schooling. Notably, the discussion on HB123 focused on foundational literacy and numeracy for public school students, which received widespread support from multiple testimonies emphasizing the need for early intervention in education. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of investing in teacher training to effectively teach critical subjects like math. Additionally, HB1939, aimed at providing financial incentives for school districts to pay recapture payments early, generated a robust discourse around fiscal responsibility and budgeting in education funding. The meeting concluded with all bills being favorably reported to the full Senate for further review.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • How do you do that if we're doing funding mechanisms? How do you have no...
  • It was strong, but it wasn't that strong.
  • doesn't change the laws, liberties, or lives of people in West Texas.
  • I'm here today representing the Texas Department of Health.
  • Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions on several key legislative measures, particularly focusing on amendments to emergency powers and local food vendor regulations. A highlight was the presentation of SJR 40 by Representative Slauson, aimed at redefining how the state handles emergency declarations and asserting legislative authority beyond the traditional session times. This proposal elicited significant interest and debate among committee members, emphasizing the need for a more responsive governance framework to better handle future crises like COVID-19. In regards to food regulations, House Bill 2844 was discussed, seeking to streamline licensing requirements for food trucks operating across multiple jurisdictions. Testimony included perspectives from both supporters advocating for fewer regulatory hurdles and critics warning about potential public health risks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Houston Pilots and the Galveston Texas City Pilots have strong support from our respective home ports
  • We do simulations for Texas City, Texas International Terminal.
  • It's been funded.
  • can say it's fully funded, but the engineering part may not be fully funded.
  • ports. $53.46 is returned to Texas for every $1 invested in Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on significant discussions surrounding various legislative bills, particularly those affecting infrastructure and navigation regulations in Texas. Notable among these was HB4148, which aims to modernize outdated regulations impacting navigation districts and port authorities. Vice-Chairman Peruzza presented this bill emphasizing its importance in enhancing operational efficiency and updating management practices to better serve Texas's economic needs. Additionally, the chair laid out HB3332, which addresses regional mobility needs and aims to expedite infrastructure projects, reflecting the growing pressures on local communities due to population influx and outdated facilities. The meeting featured public testimonies that highlighted the urgency for legislative action to support infrastructure developments crucial for economic vitality in the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas decision.
  • I've lived here in Texas since 1978.
  • Texas and how it was decided.
  • Texas.
  • I am the president of True Texas Project, and I am here representing myself and True Texas Project in
Summary: The committee meeting covered various issues, including bills aimed at mental health reforms and criminal justice. A significant discussion centered around HB2777, which proposes to exempt individuals with severe mental illness, particularly schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, from the death penalty. Testimonies from multiple stakeholders expressed support for the bill, emphasizing that individuals with severe mental illness may lack the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, and executing them contradicts moral principles and contemporary neuroscience. The committee heard from advocates who argued for compassionate treatment in the justice system, while also maintaining accountability for offenders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill would require the Texas Department of Insurance, in consultation with the Texas Traumatic Brain
  • Texas leads the states in billion-dollar weather events.
  • In Texas, we're not allowed to do that.
  • the employee, and one-third comes through grant funding from the Texas Department of Insurance.
  • It's the only kind of program in Texas.
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance meeting covered multiple bills focused on healthcare regulations and patient accessibility. Notably, House Bill 3057 was highlighted in testimony from citizens advocating for expanded access to CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown effectiveness for blood cancers. Testimonies were given by affected individuals, emphasizing the need for local treatment options without the burden of travel to distant medical facilities. Similarly, House Bill 4603 was laid out with the intent to align arbitration options and ensure that consumers receive timely resolutions in disputed medical charges. Overall, the committee demonstrated an active engagement with the public and various stakeholders while navigating key issues affecting health insurance and patient care in Texas.
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:
  • And so we want to preserve those funds.
  • The Texas property.
  • I'm testifying on behalf of the Texas.
  • and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
  • After gathering this data, TLSC applied for and was awarded funding by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation
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

Insurance Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is about protecting Texas patients and Texas safety net hospitals.
  • That is completely funded out of those 340B funds? Sure, so you mentioned something...
  • So yes, 340B funds get to the patient.
  • He's treated at Texas.
  • We are a Texas-only company.
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance convened to discuss multiple bills aimed at enhancing consumer protection and improving access to essential services. Notable discussions included HB2528, which seeks to eliminate prior authorization requirements for medications treating substance use disorders, thereby expediting access to crucial treatments for Texans. Representative Boosie laid out HB722, addressing transparency in auto insurance valuation processes, prompting engagement from various witnesses on how current practices potentially exploit consumers. Members voiced concerns about the intersection of bureaucratic delays and the urgency of addiction treatment, emphasizing the bill's potential life-saving implications.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • believe that judicial compensation is approaching emergency status for the state of Texas.
  • We're all proud that Texas is the nation's strongest job creator and that the Texas miracle has
  • probably coming up on number seven given how strong our growth is.
  • I encourage you to increase the base pay for Texas judges.
  • , Northeast Texas.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding judicial reform, specifically addressing issues such as judicial accountability, compensation, and the backlog of cases. Members expressed concerns over the lack of sufficient compensation for judges, which has hindered their ability to attract qualified candidates to the bench. Witness testimonies highlighted the significant workload judges face and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on court operations. There was a concerted effort among committee members to ensure judges are held accountable while also providing them with fair compensation and resources to effectively manage their caseloads. The gathering concluded with commitments to further discuss proposed legislation and its potential effects on the judicial system in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think Texas is not...
  • claim in Texas.
  • Not Texas companies.
  • I want to take the panel to West Texas, out to Kermit, Texas.
  • I live in Barney, Texas.
Summary: In the recent meeting, the Judiciary and Cellular Disturbance Committee convened to discuss several critical issues, highlighted by the testimony surrounding HB1761. The committee chair emphasized the importance of the bill, gathering a panel consisting of key witnesses who offered various perspectives. Notably, Kathy Ward from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct voiced concerns regarding potential pitfalls of imposing sanctions on false complaints, advocating for a more inclusive process that considers mental health perspectives. Jacob Putnam, a District Attorney, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the bill's implications for public service recruitment and the necessity for competitive pay in public positions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...and predictable for Texas insurers.
  • Council of Texas. Good afternoon, Mr. Betts.
  • appraisal for Texas insured.
  • The Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel report for the 88th Texas Legislature Regulation 1 preserved
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association and yourself registered for SB458, is that correct?
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding SB458 and its companion bill HB4570, which address appraisal provisions in insurance policies. Chairman Dean emphasized the importance of preserving consumer rights regarding appraisals in dispute resolution and thanked stakeholders for their involvement. Testimonies were presented by various experts who supported the bill, highlighting how it could help consumers by providing a more efficient alternative to litigation in settling claims and potentially leading to higher awards for policyholders. The bill aims to streamline the appraisal process and ensure timely resolutions for insurance claims related to both personal and auto insurance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 6th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the executive director of the Texas Indigent...
  • We cannot have a strong nation without having.
  • I'm a family law attorney here in the great state of Texas.
  • Now think how that expands throughout the state of Texas.
  • I'm with the Libertarian Party of Texas, and I serve...
Summary: The committee meeting predominantly revolved around several significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety and enforcing stricter laws regarding child custody interference and animal control. Key discussions included Senate Bill 2794, which proposes a three strikes law for parents interfering with court-ordered custody, thereby establishing more rigorous consequences for repeated offenders. Public testimonies highlighted the emotional and legal hardships faced by families navigating these situations, emphasizing the widespread support for the urgency of such legislation. Additionally, the Ramon Najera Act was discussed, focusing on stricter regulations for dangerous dogs following a tragic incident, reinforcing the need for community safety measures against violent animal attacks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • workable Texas-specific formula, something even the Texas Electric
  • , another cooperative in East Texas.
  • Texas is coming to the forefront now because Texas is deploying
  • We're located in Littlefield, Texas.
  • It does need to be factored into whatever form of that Texas, if Texas decides to move forward with one
Bills: HB3445, HB3448
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband centered around significant issues regarding broadband deployment in rural Texas. Notably, discussion focused on HB3448, which aims to address barriers related to pole attachment rates charged by electric cooperatives, which have historically operated under different regulatory standards compared to other utilities. Chairman Darby emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in pricing to accelerate broadband deployment, especially given the state’s substantial investments in infrastructure. Several stakeholders, including representatives from electric cooperatives and broadband providers, expressed varied opinions on the proposed bill, with some highlighting concerns about the existing disparities in pole attachment costs and others advocating for cooperative protections against undue financial burdens from legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
  • We have several breeders who are in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma who share a strong commitment to animal
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • We have provided $3.5 billion in funding to over 70,000 small businesses nationwide, and here in Texas
  • Our average deal in Texas is about...
Summary: In the recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, multiple significant bills were discussed, with House Bill 912 and Senate Bill 1003 receiving favorable recommendations for further consideration. Senator Zaffirini played a pivotal role in moving several bills through the committee process, including Senate Bill 748, which also received support with a unanimous vote. Public testimonies were taken for various bills, notably SB 2113, which focuses on improving legislative access to information, fostering a more transparent government. The committee's discussions were marked by an emphasis on good governance and the importance of legislative oversight.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was born and raised in Austin, Texas.
  • Texas public schools need your help.
  • Funding allotment or that special ed funding versus adding
  • I chaired the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding.
  • You know, the funding per kid.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The Public Education Committee meeting primarily focused on discussions related to House Bill 2, which addresses public education funding and the need for increased Texas teacher salaries. Testimonies were provided by various educators and stakeholders expressing concerns about the existing funding levels, particularly highlighting the inadequacy of the proposed $220 per student increase, which many believe falls short of what is necessary to meet inflation and the growing costs of education. During the testimony, members emphasized the need for a substantial increase to at least $1,300 per student, citing a critical shortage of certified teachers and the impact this has on student learning outcomes. Witness statements indicated that without a significant funding overhaul, students and teachers would continue to suffer from underfunded programs and resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • step, and adding a funding provision to provide flexible funding
  • Texas Arts Education Campaign.
  • We've had fires in Texas, we've had hail in Texas, we've had tornadoes. We had...
  • need for Texas to fully fund special education services
  • districts in Texas.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 2, which aims to reform funding for special education in Texas. Various stakeholders, including educators and administrators, testified on the importance of the bill, highlighting current funding gaps and the need for increased resources to adequately support students with disabilities. Testimony revealed that many school districts are experiencing a significant funding shortfall, forcing them to seek additional local funding sources to cover the costs of necessary services. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a new tiered funding system, which was met with cautious support due to the ambiguities surrounding its implementation.

Research Filters

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