Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas counties'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • County.
  • which Senator Nichols represents, along with Lamar County and Hopkins County.
  • All right, Christy Gessler, Texas Realtors; Jeff Burdette, NFIB; Carl Walker, Texas Taxpayers and Research
  • Association; and John McCord, Texas Retail.
  • Carl Walker, Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.
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

Local Government (Part II) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Liberty County Commissioner's Court passed a resolution of support.
  • My name is Carl Walker with the Texas Research Association.
  • Since 2013, Texas counties have been creating local provider participation funds with the approval of
  • the Texas legislature.
  • In order to continue the Denton County LPPF, the Texas Legislature must approve an extension.
Summary: The meeting of the committee included vigorous discussions on various bills, particularly Senate Bills aimed at creating municipal management districts and local improvement initiatives. Senate Bill 3048, presented by Senator Birdwell, was notably passed with unanimous support, establishing a management framework for a 448-acre community called Blue Bonnet Hills. Concurrently, attention was drawn to SB2559, which received public testimony related to development moratoriums that have affected local businesses, emphasizing the need for legislative safeguards against prolonged restrictions on development projects. The session concluded with plans to continue deliberating on various local bills aiming to amend district management provisions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...this place, in the Texas Senate.
  • Proclamation by the Governor of the State of Texas to all whom
  • Governor Abbott, governor of the state of Texas, by the

  • Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.

  • Senators from the state of Texas to the Congressional Redistricting and Special Committee.
Summary: This meeting of the Texas Senate during the second called special session focused on a variety of pressing legislative issues. Notably, the session included discussions on multiple Senate Bills including SB2, concerning disaster preparedness measures, and SB3, which aimed to improve early warning systems in flood-prone areas. The Governor's announcement to convene the special session triggered robust debates, particularly regarding the incorporation of stricter regulations on hemp products and funding allocation for disaster relief. The members of the Senate participated actively, with motions proposed for immediate hearings on several bills following their introduction, emphasizing the urgency of the issues at hand. The dynamics were marked by a sense of collaboration among members while grappling with complex topics affecting their constituents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 24th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do support this bill getting water on the ground, solving the problems with Texas water in Texas.
  • or South Texas or North Texas just as easily out of the Midland-Odessa area.
  • Right now, I think I cover almost 21 counties of West Texas
  • I get to go all over Texas and teach.
  • the Texas side.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on the discussion and advancement of several key bills, notably HB1285, HB2890, HB1971, and HB1169. Chairman Darby opened the session by presenting HB2890, addressing the economic impact of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, particularly in light of recent federal pauses on LNG projects which have affected Texas significantly. The committee heard testimonies regarding the necessity of increasing communication between Gulf states to protect the industry, illustrating the importance of unified action against federal regulations that may harm Texas's LNG sector.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas. Our citizens, these are Texas citizens, you know, and so this is not tough on them.
  • Texas 2036 ran a poll on this question to Texas voters, and we asked Texas voters a very simple question
  • A study from Texas shows increased mortality.
  • I want to give you an example of how Texas law...
  • Dominic from Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting was focused primarily on voting and discussions surrounding a range of house bills, particularly those related to criminal justice reform and the structure of educational programs within correctional facilities. Significant bills discussed included HB1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers and HB5261, which aims to transfer the administration of post-secondary education for inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to the Windham School District. The committee members expressed varying levels of support for the bills and highlighted the need for improvements in the correctional system, particularly in education and health standards for inmates. Additionally, public testimony underscored the urgency of air conditioning in prison facilities, citing recent court findings regarding extreme temperatures as a violation of inmates' rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Ways & Means Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I can't locate a single voter approval tax rate in the state of Texas for a city or county that's
  • When Texas called for the recent floods in Kerr County at the Guadalupe River, Carrollton Fire Rescue
  • : Dallas County, Denton County, and Collin County.
  • Firefighters in Texas—municipal, county, ESD, volunteer—all
  • I'm in Ector County, Texas, Odessa. We are not a blue county.
Bills: HB17, HB23, SB10
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills, particularly HB17 and SB10, both of which address property tax regulations in Texas. HB17 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in taxpayer notifications regarding property tax rate changes, requiring taxing entities to provide detailed information in notices. The bill received mixed reactions, with some supporting its intention to empower taxpayers while others criticized it as an unfunded mandate. Meanwhile, SB10 proposes to lower the voter approval tax rate for larger municipalities from 3.5% to 2.5%, sparking debates about its potential impact on public safety funding and local governments' financial flexibility. The discussions delved into the challenges posed by budget constraints and the need for efficient local governance in the face of rising costs and public safety demands. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, featuring robust discussions and a variety of perspectives around key legislative initiatives affecting Texas residents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 12th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and the primary force behind the Texas Miracle.
  • I'm also a fourth-generation land and mineral owner in Webb County, Texas.
  • and help the nuclear cycle in the state of Texas.
  • to give jobs to Texas and provide clean energy to Texas and America as a whole.
  • I'm glad you're in Texas.
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • program, Harris County, Vice Chair Wu, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Hunt County, and El Paso County
  • Texas counties, 40-50% of property seizures, including firearms, were not accompanied by any criminal
  • In those counties that have county courts at law.
  • I'm an assistant district attorney in Montgomery County, Texas.
  • It's used almost every day in 254 counties in Texas, and I don't think we can calculate how many innocent
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a range of topics surrounding criminal justice reform, with significant emphasis on House Bills 3166 and 3330. Representative Cook presented HB 3166, which proposed a system for prosecutor-initiated resentencing, allowing courts to adjust the punishment for inmates based on changing circumstances. This bill aims to rectify injustices in cases where new evidence arises. Public testimony included support from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for a more flexible justice system that can consider circumstances affecting individual cases, particularly for nonviolent offenders. On the contrary, HB 3330 faced opposition from the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, which argued that it would undermine key protections established by the Michael Morton Act, designed to prevent wrongful convictions for innocent individuals. Testimonies highlighted concerns about the potential for setbacks in protecting the rights and dignity of the accused, creating a heavy atmosphere during discussions on the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 22nd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • heard a couple of weeks ago relates to the expunction of arrest records and files by a statutory county
  • heard a couple of weeks ago that deals with the cremation authorization procedures in just those counties
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative bills, primarily concerning criminal justice reforms and procedural changes. Notable discussions included House Bill 2151, which pertains to sex offender registration requirements; the bill was reported favorably with unanimous support. Additionally, House Bill 2180 concerning evidence preservation waivers sparked some debate, ultimately passing with a majority vote. There were other bills discussed which included updates to juvenile justice policies and criminal penalties for offenses related to family violence and sex crimes. Several bills were adjourned for further scrutiny, reflecting the committee's commitment to thorough legislative review.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Provide counties an opportunity to operate county assistance
  • districts without the county needing to commit significant resources.
  • News Texas Cable Association against the bill.
  • Current law is unclear whether counties and municipalities.
  • Texas pedestrian traffic deaths increased by 20 percent.
Summary: The meeting focused on the presentation and discussions around several House Bills, notably HB769, which aims to enhance pedestrian safety by providing funding for the construction of sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure in disadvantaged areas. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill passionately, highlighting the necessity of sidewalks as basic infrastructure that supports community health and mobility. Testimony from various stakeholders, including local officials and community advocates, supported the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for improved pedestrian pathways due to rising pedestrian fatalities in Texas. Several bills were left pending as discussions were extensive, indicating ongoing negotiations and considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas Association of City and County Health Officials.
  • I represent Hendricks County in West Texas and drove six hours to come and testify.
  • Katie, Texas. That's what they tell me. Which county do you live in?
  • Almost 50% of Texas counties are considered medical care deserts.
  • There's about 46% of counties in Texas that are rural and
Summary: During this meeting of the health committee, several key bills were discussed primarily focusing on health care practices and patient rights in Texas. In particular, House Bill 4553 drew significant attention as it aims to improve transparency in midwifery practices and ensure the safety of out-of-hospital births. Testimonies were presented both in support and opposition, with concerns raised by midwives regarding the implications of the bill on their practice and autonomy. Additionally, House Bill 3708, designed to assist those burdened by medical debt, was strongly supported by several witnesses bringing forth personal stories underscoring the need for improved access to charity care information. The meeting also covered discussions on organ transplant eligibility and informed consent related to vaccines, echoing larger public health considerations in the post-pandemic era.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, just this week in Cass County, here in Texas, the same technology located a murder suspect
  • Ellis County is just south of Dallas County in North Texas, and we have an all-DJI fleet.
  • Both are born here in Texas and are going to school in Texas.
  • Texas is...
  • I create a lot of jobs in Texas, and I love Texas.
Summary: The Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety and Veterans Affairs meeting focused on multiple legislative proposals primarily addressing issues related to safety, security, and law enforcement. Chairman Heffner led the committee through discussions on various bills including HB2318, which establishes a statewide Human Trafficking Data Repository, and HB2363, which expands the authority of peace officers to arrest individuals without a warrant outside their jurisdiction. Testimonies from various stakeholders were heard, emphasizing the importance of these measures in combating crime and enhancing public safety in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Jennifer Fleck, I'm the Travis County GOP Chair, and I serve on the Republican Party of Texas
  • Travis County is the fifth largest county.
  • And Travis County is in Texas?
  • Alarmingly, 54 out of 254 counties in Texas are maternal deserts.
  • Texas is...
Bills: HB7, SB8
Summary: Simultaneously, SB8 initiated thorough debates over privacy and safety concerns in public restrooms. Supporters argued for the necessity of maintaining biologically separated spaces to protect women and children, while opponents highlighted the discrimination and potential harm caused to transgender individuals. Various stakeholders, including business representatives and community activists, voiced their opposition to SB8, emphasizing its negative implications for Texas's reputation as a welcoming state. The session concluded without any definitive resolutions, with both bills remaining pending for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm with the Texas Hospital Association and I'm here on behalf of our members.
  • They have 10 facilities across the state of Texas that provide...
  • It expands upon current Texas law and codifies existing...
  • in Central Texas as the local mental health.
  • I represent the Texas Association of Business Administrators, but also myself.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss several significant bills, including SB968, SB966, and SB437. Senator Zaffirini presented SB968, which aims to modernize podiatry regulations in alignment with current practices, while SB966 involves the licensing and regulation of podiatry, addressing outdated provisions following a 2017 transition to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Both bills indicate a necessary clean-up of statutory language to better reflect contemporary standards in healthcare regulations. Additionally, Senator Hinojosa proposed SB437, which focuses on providing effective regulatory frameworks for chemical dependency treatment facilities, highlighting an urgent increase in demand due to rising substance abuse rates post-COVID-19.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 5th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Medicaid would not cover this because they're in county jail or they're under the county authority.
  • They would be in the county jail.
  • We currently serve families in eight Texas counties.
  • Red River, Delta, and Fannin Counties in Texas and three
  • Paris, Texas.

    Oh, Paris, Texas.

Summary: The committee meeting included a range of discussions on various bills, notably focusing on mental health and public safety. Senate Bill 528, aiming to improve accountability in mental health treatment for individuals found incompetent to stand trial, received significant support from public testimonies. Witnesses emphasized the need for better coordination and transparency in service provisions, shedding light on the backlog of individuals requiring forensic mental health services in Texas. Additionally, Senate Bill 1388 was discussed as a means to enhance the Thriving Texas Families Program which supports women and families facing unplanned pregnancies, garnering both endorsements and concerns about its implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas is a state of...
  • County.
  • I represent one of the fastest-growing regions in north central Texas in Johnson County.
  • Hayes County, Texas, Precinct 4, in support of the bill.
  • In Kerr County and across central Texas, it is highlighted how critical early warning systems are to
Summary: The committee meeting addressed multiple bills related to emergency preparedness and flood prevention, with significant discussions on HB48, SB3, and HB75. Representative Darby opened the meeting by advocating for the creation of a nine-member alert notification system to address public saturation with emergency alerts and to streamline the notification process by evaluating the effectiveness and coordination of existing systems. Testimonies from various stakeholders underscored the necessity of reducing alert fatigue among residents while enhancing the state’s overall readiness for impending natural disasters. The meeting featured robust support for HB75, aimed at establishing stricter safety standards for youth camps located in flood-prone areas following recent tragic flooding incidents that highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas is one of only three states to do that.
  • Fannin County is a small rural county in North Texas that sits next to the DFW Metroplex.
  • In Texas, there's a slew of rights...
  • We have you registered as a County Court at Law Judge for County Court at Law Number Six, and you're
  • I'm the presiding judge of County Court at Law Number 6 here in Travis County, Texas.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding HB2234, which aims to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Texas. There was a strong consensus among witnesses advocating for the change, citing the psychological and social implications of prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults. Several testimonies highlighted the damages inflicted by adult incarceration on youth, recommending a shift towards juvenile systems that provide rehabilitative support tailored for younger individuals. Chairman Dutton acknowledged the historical significance of this session's discussion, emphasizing the need for legislative change to align Texas with national trends and prioritize youth rehabilitation over punishment. The committee remains engaged in discussions on how to effectively implement this legislation, considering fiscal impacts and community needs. The meeting concluded with the bill left pending due to ongoing concerns regarding the financial implications for counties and the judicial system. A diverse panel of advocates, including youth service organizations and legal professionals, reinforced the argument that raising the age is not merely a matter of policy but an essential aspect of ensuring fair treatment and rehabilitation for young individuals in the justice system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in a county the size of Harris County.
  • It's not national news because it happens every day in Houston, Texas, Dallas, Texas, and San Antonio
  • , Texas, where officers are running.
  • Whether it's a big county or a small county, there's not a county that's too big to receive assistance
  • run in that county.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • " data-time="162">My name is Carla Jackson, and I'm a registered interior designer in the state of Texas
  • span> My grandfather actually immigrated from Germany to Central Texas
  • in 1845, right before Texas became a state.
  • I graduated from Texas Tech University in 1982 with a

  • In 1991, when Texas passed the Interior Design Title

Summary: The meeting of the committee predominantly focused on several key bills aimed at addressing significant social issues, particularly around human trafficking and workforce development. Among the notable discussions was House Bill 491, which seeks to empower local attorneys to collect penalties from illicit massage parlors to fund anti-human trafficking efforts. Testimonies revealed the alarming rise of such establishments in Texas and underscored the importance of effective legislative solutions. There were also discussions surrounding House Bill 1757, introduced to create an additional pathway for CPA licensure, addressing workforce shortages in the accounting field, which has become increasingly urgent as Texas experiences a population boom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Abram for Carnes County, Texas, here to testify in support of Senate Bill 1377.
  • Robertson County EMS strongly supports Texas Senate Bill 1377, authored by Senator Charles Perry.
  • I'm the Lamb County judge.
  • : Stevens County, Palo Pinto County, Cook County, and Coleman County, which cover over 4,000 square miles
  • East Texas has...
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance included the introduction of SB1337 by Senator Krayton. This bill aims to provide a fair and accurate system for calculating tax obligations, mandating the comptroller to assess penalties only on the net tax due from a taxpayer rather than allowing overpayments to offset underpayments under limited circumstances. Senator Krayton elaborated on how the bill ensures that taxpayers who overpay can use that surplus to cover any underpaid taxes of the same type, ensuring fairness for both the state and taxpayers. Several discussions ensued regarding the administration of the bill, with contributions from various members including representatives from the Comptroller's Office.

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