Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Veterans of Foreign Wars'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • C of the bill.
  • coffers of large out-of-state financial institutions.
  • For the $100 worth of groceries, the issuing bank would keep roughly $3, by far the highest of any of
  • We're talking about the calculation of fees in the course of...
  • of it.
Summary: The meeting exhibited a heated discussion on the implications of House Bills 4124, 4061, and 40. Chairman Darby emphasized the importance of reducing credit card swipe fees that adversely affect small businesses in Texas, presenting HB 4124, which aims to exempt sales tax and gratuities from being subject to these fees. Various witnesses, including representatives from the Texas Retailers Association and the National Restaurant Association, supported HB 4124, arguing that it would alleviate financial burdens on local businesses and promote economic fairness. However, several opposing voices raised concerns regarding potential complications and regulatory hurdles that could complicate the business landscape further.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Mar 10th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, she serves as chairwoman of the Board of the United Way of the University of Minnesota.
  • as servants of the state of Texas.
  • This was actually a veteran-started business from our tier-one operators who thought of the idea.
  • We've spent tens of millions of dollars on litigation as a result of it.
  • Many of them become more of a question of politics rather than business.
Summary: The meeting revolved around various critical discussions, primarily focusing on school safety and the challenges surrounding border security. Key testimonies highlighted the significant strides made in reducing illegal crossings but emphasized the need for continued vigilance against crime and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Members expressed gratitude towards the Texas Senate's supportive role in funding for safety measures and strengthening resources to keep the state safe. Conversations also centered around the implementation of new safety protocols in schools, including the establishment of the Office of School Safety and Security, and how schools are addressing vulnerabilities identified from assessments. Furthermore, the importance of mental health resources was underscored as a complement to physical security improvements within educational institutions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the bill.
  • of Texas.
  • It makes no sense for Texas to be forced to resolve claims out of state under foreign laws.
  • So we needed to attract foreign insurers; by foreign, I mean overseas, with bigger buckets of money and
  • A lot of the sort of stuff that was done in the industry, and kind of a little bit of a race to the bottom
Summary: The committee meeting revolved around key discussions on several proposed bills, particularly focusing on HB3211, which aims to improve patient access to optometrists. Multiple stakeholders participated, expressing their views and concerns regarding the impact of the bill on vision care networks. The discussions highlighted the need for a clearer application process for optometrists to be included in vision plan networks, reflecting a powerful sentiment from both healthcare professionals and patients about access to care. The meeting also encapsulated varying perspectives on the legal aspects surrounding HB2275, addressing arbitration provisions for surplus policies, illustrating the committee's diligence in scrutinizing regulatory frameworks for consumers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 4th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Nursing.
  • Ronnie Merritt, the president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the pastor of the First
  • of Tarrant County in mourning the loss of the Honorable L.
  • One of you go.
  • some of the...
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of topics, including memorial resolutions in honor of influential figures such as L. Clifford Davis and Reverend Dr. William Lawson. Senator West spoke warmly about Judge Davis, highlighting his contributions to civil rights, while others praised Reverend Lawson for his community service and leadership. These discussions underscored the committee's focus on recognizing individuals who have shaped Texas's history and values, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's heritage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am the Chief Legal Officer of Favor Delivery, a subsidiary of HEB, and I'm here on behalf of Favor
  • of this bill.
  • All of the elements of the bill are important, but one of the most significant provisions.
  • I'm the owner of St. Elmo Brewing Company, and I'm here in support of HB4773.
  • I am president of the Beer Alliance of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting was held to discuss a variety of bills concerning state regulations and community needs. Key discussions revolved around HB2885, which aims to allow local political subdivisions to call for option elections regarding alcoholic beverage sales. The bill was well received, passing favorably without amendments. Another notable bill discussed was HB2996, relating to gambling offenses, which also passed favorably, indicating a broader support for regulatory improvements in these sectors. Public testimony was provided on several bills, emphasizing community engagement and the importance of local governance in decision-making processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so this bill has a lot of great things in terms of the modernization of requiring the agencies to
  • Just to give you an idea of some of the offenses that are currently not included are all of the Title
  • out of time.
  • harm or loss of life.
  • It's kind of hard, because of the hour; it's hard to know.
Summary: The committee meeting featured comprehensive discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at reforming laws related to criminal justice and individual rights. Notable among the bills was HB2309, which intends to update the civil asset forfeiture laws in Texas, empowering the Attorney General's office to pursue forfeiture in serious cases like human trafficking and organized crime. Representative Villalba presented this bill, emphasizing the need for state-level resources to address broader criminal enterprises effectively. The bill's testimony included insights from witnesses associated with the Texas Attorney General's office who affirmed the necessity for such changes to enhance law enforcement's capabilities across jurisdictions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of that.
  • So this really defines kind of a minimum set of standards, and really some level of credentialing of
  • of the vaccine versus the risk of the illness.
  • days of the birth or of the outcome.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs.
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

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the court interest findings of fact and conclusions of law goes up to the court of appeals.
  • of a crime.
  • fact and conclusions of law in a reasonable period of time after the granting of the mistrial.
  • I was one of the 20 witnesses that spoke in favor of...
  • of Texas.
Summary: The meeting focused on several key pieces of legislation aiming to address legal representation issues, specifically regarding indigent defendants and the implications of artificial intelligence in legal matters. Notably, House Bill 3694, introduced by Representative Raymond, sought to regulate the use of AI in creating non-consensual explicit media, establishing stricter penalties. Additionally, House Bill 507, presented by Representative Gervin Hawkins, aimed to enhance the quality of legal representation for indigent defendants in capital cases by establishing stricter standards for appointed attorneys and promoting transparency in legal processes. Testimonies were heard for and against various bills, highlighting strong community engagement and varying opinions on these critical issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Jan 27th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you know what percentage of the clients represented in those counties are veterans?
  • I don't know what percent, but I know there's a good number of veterans.
  • , but I'm not sure what percent of indigent criminal defendants are veterans.
  • not sure what percent of indigent criminal defendants are veterans.
  • not sure what percent of indigent criminal defendants are veterans.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Finance Committee was marked by extensive discussions around the budget proposals for various judicial services and the impact of proposed salary increases on staffing. Notably, there were concerns raised regarding a significant attorney shortage in rural areas, which has seen a 27% decline in attorneys taking positions compared to previous years. Scott Ehlers highlighted a crucial $12 million funding request aimed at addressing this shortfall to maintain the adequate operational capacity of indigent defense services across the state. The committee members, led by Chairman Hinojosa, emphasized the importance of finding solutions to improve legal access and representation in underserved areas to respond effectively to this critical issue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jun 2nd, 2025 at 11:06 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is sort of like the passing of the crown kind of thing here.
  • I had the honor and privilege to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs
  • of you know him, my Chief of Staff, Zack.
  • There aren't many of us that are here that are veterans.
  • ...she's responsible for working on many of our veteran
Summary: In this meeting, the committee primarily focused on the conference committee report for SB293. Representative Leach highlighted the collaborative efforts of both the House and Senate conferees in crafting a historic legislative package that aims to provide significant pay raises for Texas judges, a move deemed essential for maintaining a strong judiciary in the state. The discussion underscored the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving meaningful legislative outcomes. Additionally, there was a recognition of the hard work put in throughout the 89th session, with various members expressing pride in their achievements, particularly in public education reform.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 20th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Stewart, a member of the Convention of 1836 and a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • This streamlines the process for veterans to get better service out of our county offices.
  • of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution for an order of non-disclosure of criminal history
  • administration of the Board of the Department of Licensing and Regulation.
  • used to prevent, detect, respond to, or investigate a hostile act of a foreign adversary of the United
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by dynamic discussions surrounding various legislative bills, notably SB1283 aimed at enhancing security in senior retirement communities following tragic incidents in the past. The bill, presented by Ms. Garcia-Hernandez, outlined essential measures including mandatory background checks for staff and a clear communication policy on criminal activities. The meeting also saw vigorous debates on multiple financial resolutions related to the statewide budget surplus, emphasizing the need for strategic allocation to property tax relief, as voiced by several committee members. Tensions arose as representatives questioned local government spending, reflecting a broader concern over escalating taxes across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 21st, 2025 at 12:04 pm

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Texas, approximately 47.8% of those veterans experiencing

  • of State, much of this information?
  • of age.
  • standard of care and the lack of...
  • hundreds of thousands of patients here.
Summary: The Committee on Public Health convened to discuss various bills related to mental health, public health initiatives, and animal care. Notably, representatives presented House Bill 2264, which aims to facilitate communication between mental health patients and their families, allowing family members to provide important medical information during emergencies. The bill sparked a substantial discussion, with advocates from the National Alliance on Mental Illness supporting its intention to improve patient outcomes. Other significant bills included HB 1747, introduced to create a council for mental health and substance use, fostering collaboration among affected systems, and HB 2684, which focuses on palliative care options for parents facing life-limiting diagnoses for their unborn children. Public testimonies supported these measures, highlighting their importance in enhancing care and support for vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the low-income families of the state of Texas, and I've done an analysis on that.
  • of doing.
  • in favor of the bill.
  • I'm speaking on behalf of the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers, of which I'm a past
  • zoning, or some type of deed restrictions, or some type of development restrictions.
Summary: The meeting centered around discussions on affordable housing legislation, particularly focusing on HB627 and HB1865. The chair laid out HB627, which aims to address issues related to the resolution of no objection (RONO) requirement for affordable housing projects. This bill is designed to improve the process for developers by mandating timely responses from local jurisdictions, which would facilitate an increase in affordable housing units in Texas. Numerous witnesses, including representatives from housing associations, testified in favor of the bill, highlighting the need for greater efficiency in housing development. Concerns were raised regarding the removal of public hearing requirements for smaller jurisdictions, with some members expressing the need for community input on housing developments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 20th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the former chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and the current chair of the
  • students in our schools are aware of one of these images.
  • incidents that they were aware of, 65% of those instances occurred in the state of Texas.
  • this, solicitation of this type of information may result in the prosecution of up to a life sentence
  • elusive because of the shortness of the time.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss a wide range of bills, focusing particularly on topics related to sexual assault, victim compensation, and oversight of parole violators. The meeting was characterized by a series of bills being introduced, each accompanied by testimonies from experts and public advocates. Notably, HB2355, which aims to enhance protections for victims of crime, saw extensive discussion, highlighting how the proposed changes intend to close existing loopholes in current law, ensuring that necessary records are kept confidential and victims' details are handled with the utmost privacy. Other significant bills included HB305, which addresses competency restoration for defendants, and HB47, an omnibus bill centered around sexual assault survivors' protections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government May 19th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, it's like 38 feet above the ocean on top of two World War II bunkers.
  • of fresh eggs.
  • of disease, and the attraction of predators like snakes.
  • Testify, even though you're a veteran of the committee, you've
  • analysis of the bill to each of the members.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on a range of bills covering various legislative matters. Notably, bills concerning property rights, environmental sustainability, and public safety were debated prominently. HB2011 was presented and discussed in detail, with supporters highlighting its importance for ensuring property owners can repurchase their land if it has been acquired through eminent domain without due payments of property taxes. Furthermore, Senator Cook emphasized the need for accountability in the process while several senators expressed concerns regarding potential unintended consequences of new laws affecting local jurisdictions and public safety standards. Public testimony was also received from stakeholders both in support and against various bills, reflecting a diverse range of views on the proposed legislation. In addition to HB2011, several other bills, including HB4809 and HB2421, moved forward with recommendations for passage and were set for future calendars.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Jul 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Justice?
  • in favor of the redistricting of the state?
  • Texas; the majority of the people in the middle of the state are in the middle of the state.
  • And of course, it's open to any member of the Senate.
  • of Texas.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the congressional redistricting resolution prompted by the governor's request due to constitutional concerns flagged by the U.S. Department of Justice. Members discussed the procedural steps necessary to establish a special committee on congressional redistricting, emphasizing the need for transparency and public participation. Concerns were raised about the limited number of planned regional hearings and the implications for community input. A strong commitment to include public testimony through both in-person and virtual means was stated, ensuring that Texans can engage with the process regardless of their geographical location. Discussions included the necessity of adopting prior successful procedures similar to those in past sessions, with an acknowledgment of the unique challenges posed by current legal requirements. Members expressed varying viewpoints on balancing the need for thorough public participation while addressing logistical challenges inherent in the redistricting process. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a collaborative atmosphere aimed at crafting a fair and lawful redistricting plan while acknowledging the diverse opinions of constituents throughout Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • funds, which is partially offset by an increase in grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • My father, who has passed, is a Korean War veteran, and so it's my deep honor to serve as chair of the
  • Of course, number one is veterans, unfortunately.
  • of acre-feet of water, potentially tens of thousands of acre-feet of water.
  • of the events of the day.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues, notably focusing on funding appropriations for the Gulf Coast Protection District and infrastructure projects, including the Alamo complex. Members expressed concerns over budget constraints, with requests for substantial funds aimed at supporting environmental initiatives and the upcoming biennium. Discussion points included the efficacy of previous funding and the anticipated impact of new capital on local communities. Public testimony was encouraged at various intervals throughout the meeting, adding robust dialogue amongst members and stakeholders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have just a couple of questions for each of you.
  • Not in terms of a gap of funding or a gap of commitment.
  • I am the CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow. I am here to testify in support of Senate Bill 2253.
  • compete with another one, especially the pride flag, but also the flags of foreign countries.
  • in foreign wars, and one of them paid the ultimate price
Summary: The meeting focused on key legislative measures aimed at enhancing school safety and student communication technology. Senator Nichols discussed SB1262, emphasizing its role as a follow-up cleanup bill on previous measures that improved public school safety through House Bill 3. The committee adopted a committee substitute which includes provisions for the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers for school safety purposes, thereby enabling better collaboration with local law enforcement in case of emergencies. The discussions were enriched by testimony from resource witnesses, including security professionals from the Texas School Safety Center.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • a different set of types of debt.
  • This is a refiling of HB 40 from the 88th legislative session, which came out of this with 10 out of
  • level of evil in terms of taxation.
  • A significant portion of them are veterans or persons...
  • The port has grown to be a leading port in the nation, ranking 10th in the area of foreign waterborne
Summary: The meeting of the Ways and Means Committee was marked by significant deliberation on several bills aimed at improving tax policies and supporting community welfare. A noteworthy discussion surrounded HB1256, which proposes tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the pressing issue of water conservation amid drought conditions affecting Texas. Representative Zwiener emphasized the necessity of incentivizing families to conserve water, championing the bill as a common-sense solution. The committee also considered HB1632, which aims to make pet food tax-exempt, further engaging legislators in a light-hearted yet crucial dialogue about affordability for pet owners amidst rising living costs. Following these discussions, a series of resolutions and bills were reported favorably out of the committee, including HJR138, which seeks to prohibit a carbon tax in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential economic repercussions. The meeting concluded with clear communication regarding upcoming votes and recommendations for moving these bills forward to the full house. The atmosphere fostered a collaborative spirit as committee members shared their insights on pressing issues, highlighting their commitment to supporting Texas families and communities.

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