Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public accountants'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The public can follow along with the decision materials available at the back of the room or on the Sunset's
- will now turn to voting on the Commission decisions for the Sunset Commission staff reports we heard public
- span>
I think this is one of the things you hear from the public—they
- We are here to find ways to improve the efficiency and accountability of Texas government.
- Thank you again to the commission members, Sunset staff, agencies under review, my staff, and the public
Keywords:
Sunset Commission, Texas Ethics Commission, Trinity River Authority, modifications, recommendations, late filing penalties, public testimony
Summary:
The final Sunset Commission meeting of this biennium was marked by a series of votes on modifications and new recommendations affecting multiple agencies, including the Texas Ethics Commission and the Trinity River Authority. Notable discussions included a modification proposed by Senator Middleton, aimed at alleviating concerns regarding the accumulation of late filing penalties, particularly for post-election reports. The modifications addressed public feedback on the need for clearer guidance and support from the Ethics Commission for filers navigating the complexities of compliance. The committee successfully passed all recommended changes without objection.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human ServicesAudio only. Mar 27th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Keywords:
Senate Committee, Health and Human Services, SB731, SB732, SB1589, SB397, SB1188, compliance period, public testimony
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met to discuss multiple bills, notably including SB731, SB732, SB1589, SB397, and SB1188. Senator Miles explained amendments to SB732, detailing that the bill now allows existing buildings a five-year compliance period, and emphasized that it is not retroactive. Senator Cook moved the adoption of the community substitute to SB732, which passed without objection. SB1589 was also favorably reported and recommended for a local calendar, while SB397 faced a similar fate with unanimous support from committee members.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Feb 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, public testimony on Senate Bill 503 is closed.
- At this time, I will open up public testimony on Senate Bill 740.
- Ian Gretsch here for the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
- Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
- Public testimony is now closed.
Keywords:
Senate Committee, Water and Agriculture, SB384, Operation Game Thief, poaching, legislative measures, public support, funding
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Finance (Part I) Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we review Article V, Public Safety and Criminal Justice Agencies.
- The table below shows amounts associated with this account, and this account is almost entirely for the
- 5010, which is the sexual assault program account.
- This chart shows account revenue and beginning balances.
- This account is used for a variety of programs, with the OAG accounting for approximately half of that
Keywords:
Attorney General, budget recommendations, Crime Victims Compensation, method of finance swaps, funding challenges, public safety
Summary:
The meeting of the committee primarily focused on the Office of the Attorney General, where General Ken Paxton and his staff presented budget recommendations, highlighting a proposed decrease of $163.9 million from the 2024-25 biennium budget. Discussions included essential service funding such as the Crime Victims Compensation Program, which is facing challenges due to revenue shortfalls and increased demand. The committee raised concerns regarding the method of finance swaps that impacted the overall budget, leading to a $38 million cut that the Attorney General’s office deemed an error. Representatives from the LBB were also questioned about the implications of these funding changes.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Finance (Part I) Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- in revenue for the retained collection account.
- of Crime Account, and federal award money.
- This account is used for a variety of programs, with the **OAG** accounting for approximately half of
- Is it the 5010 account you're asking about? Right.
- But we know it's the right thing to do on behalf of the public, and sometimes a public hearing is the
Keywords:
Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement
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
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 27th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- >
Moving on to item six, the Texas Forensic Science Commission account
The fifth legislative session, GRD account 5173, or the
- Texas Forensic Science Commission account, was transferred from San.
- by TIDC, who regularly share fair defense accounts with the
- shortfall and It also frees up $7.7 million in the Fair Defense account
Keywords:
Texas Forensic Science Commission, funding, specialty courts, case management, fee increases, public testimony, best practices
Summary:
The meeting of the committee centered around various crucial topics, with notable discussions on funding for the Texas Forensic Science Commission and considerations for improving specialty court case management systems. Specific attention was given to the challenges posed by inconsistency in reporting systems that hinder the agency's ability to deliver best practices. Various members expressed concerns regarding the agency's funding requests and the implications of potential fee increases for court reporters. Public testimonies brought forward contrasting views on the efficacy of current systems and necessary reforms.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The TEC makes disclosure reports available to the public.
- That includes things like redacting information from reports before making them public, sending late
The Chair calls Thomas Gleason, Chair of the Public
- The Chair calls Connie Corona, Executive Director, Public Utility Commission.
- For the record, Thomas Gleason, Chairman, Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Keywords:
Public Utility Commission, Senate Bill 1929, HB2555, crypto mining, system resiliency, infrastructure standards, Permian Basin
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on the activities and initiatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) since the last legislative session. Key discussions included the implementation of Senate Bill 1929 regarding large crypto miners in Texas, which has led to 12 companies registering with the PUC and a projected demand of around 4,000 megawatts. Additionally, the committee addressed system resiliency plans authorized by HB2555, which allows electric utilities to file these plans to better handle extreme weather events and security threats. The meeting showcased the ongoing efforts to ensure infrastructure can meet growing demands, particularly in the rapidly expanding Permian Basin, and highlighted the need for minimum standards for utility infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance to improve resiliency against adverse conditions.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Veteran Affairs (Part I) May 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, I'll open up public testimony on House Bill 5308.
- Hearing none, public testimony is now closed. House Bill 5308 will be left pending.
- At this time, we'll open up public testimony on House Bill 101.
- Hearing none, public testimony is now closed. House Bill 290 will be left pending.
- Hearing none, public testimony is adjourned. House Bill 3359 will be left pending.
Keywords:
veterans benefits, HB2193, support system, public testimony, Texas Veterans Commission, military education, state tuition assistance
Summary:
During the meeting of the Veteran Affairs Committee, legislators discussed several significant bills aimed at providing support to the veterans community. House Bill 2193 was introduced by Representative Guillen, focusing on creating a comprehensive study to improve veterans' access to benefits statewide. Senator Eckhardt emphasized the growing population of veterans living far from military bases and the need for a geographically responsive support system to ensure that veterans receive the assistance they deserve. Public testimony was opened, but no witnesses registered to speak, leading the committee to leave the bill pending for further consideration.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
State Affairs (Part I) May 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Then we will open public testimony.
- The funeral industry is a huge part of providing public health. We are public health servants.
- If not, then the chair opens public testimony.
- Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed.
- Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed.
Keywords:
committee meeting, HB4749, SB621, HB201, HB3133, deepfake legislation, social media, public testimony, tactical medical professionals
Summary:
The meeting conducted by the committee saw extensive discussion surrounding several key bills, including HB4749, SB621, and HB201. Notably, HB3133, which involves legislation regarding explicit deepfake content and social media, was presented and debated vigorously with a committee substitute being proposed to align it with federal standards following the recent federal 'Take It Down' Act. The committee moved to report several bills favorably, including HB1506, emphasizing support for updating laws concerning political contributions and expenditures. Public testimonies were held on various bills, allowing stakeholders to voice their perspectives, particularly on legislation concerning tactical medical professionals and their role during high-risk incidents. The committee concluded the meeting by laying out additional bills for further discussion in subsequent sessions, underscoring a commitment to thorough legislative review.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Health May 22nd, 2025 at 08:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
Public health will come to
I remind everyone that we do limit public testimony to
Okay, hearing none, we will move to public testimony
- " data-time="702"> I want to remind everyone we do have a two-minute time limit per individual on public
- Hearing none, the Committee on Public Health stands adjourned, subject to the call.
Keywords:
Senate Bill 125, blood donation, directed donations, public health, patient care, blood safety, infectious diseases
Summary:
The meeting of the Public Health Committee focused on several significant bills concerning blood donation practices and patient care. Notably, Senate Bill 125 faced opposition from multiple testimonies that raised concerns about the potential risks associated with directed donations. Testimony from representatives of the blood centers highlighted alarming statistics about the increased incidence of infectious diseases among directed donors, urging the committee to reconsider the bill's implications. Supporters of the bill argued for the necessity of such provisions to protect patients with rare blood types, stressing the importance of ensuring their access to appropriate care. As discussions unfolded, the challenges of maintaining a balanced blood supply while accommodating specific patient needs became a central theme.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Aug 20th, 2025 at 09:08 am
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- made a number of changes to the bill to address not only the governor's concerns but to take into account
- All right, seeing none, the chair will close public testimony on House Bill 16.
Bills:
HB16
Keywords:
House Bill 16, judiciary, omnibus courts bill, public testimony, court creation dates, Maverick County, amendments
Summary:
The meeting of the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence focused on House Bill 16, an omnibus courts bill that was previously vetoed by the governor. The committee discussed several amendments aimed at addressing the governor's concerns as well as other member requests. Significant changes included the adjustment of court creation dates and the establishment of a new county court at law in Maverick County. Public testimony was heard, featuring insights from representatives including Megan LeVoy of the Office of Court Administration and Steve Bresnan of the Texas Court Reporters Association, both supporting the bill and highlighting its importance for the judiciary system.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of Public Education.
Refer to the Committee on Public Health.
Refer to the Committee on Public Security, Public Safety
- school finance system, is referred to the Committee on Public Education.
- schools, is referred to the Committee on Public Education.
Keywords:
legislation, constitutional amendments, taxation reforms, public testimony, mental health, Ketamine Treatment Grant Program, daylight savings time
Summary:
The committee meeting predominantly focused on a multitude of bills concerning various legislative amendments. Key discussions included the pros and cons of constitutional amendments, such as one by Schofield proposing year-round daylight savings time, and issues around taxation reforms highlighted by various members. The committee engaged in vibrant discussions, inviting public testimonies from both supporters and opponents of several bills, emphasizing the importance of community input in legislative processes. Notably, there were extensive debates on HB720, which pertains to the Ketamine Treatment Grant Program for veterans and first responders, underscoring the significance of mental health legislation. Members expressed their concerns about implementing the program effectively while ensuring adequate funding and oversight.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think not least among them is that we had no public accountability system for education in the last
- two years, and we have reason to know that public school accountability improves.
- I'm a public school product.
- Typically, that's going public.
- Public schools.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, legislation, policy issues, committee meetings, public testimony, pending bills
Summary:
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, focusing primarily on pending legislation and various policy issues facing the committee. Discussions were notably animated surrounding several bills, with members expressing both support and concern over their implications. Witness testimonies were heard, shedding light on different perspectives regarding the legislation in question, indicating a robust public interest and engagement in the topics discussed. Members collaborated to address constituents' concerns while seeking solutions that align with the committee's objectives.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Culture, Recreation & Tourism Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This program has accounted for $5 billion over the last 10 years.
- We also provide public services at the Lorenzo Di Zavala Building.
- We have many programs available for the public. The second...
- So we publish those in a written publication, the best of the best.
- That was mentioned earlier this morning in the purchase of public lands.
Keywords:
HB2, HB22, HB4, legislation, witness testimonies, public engagement, local community impact, economic implications, social justice reform
Summary:
During this committee meeting, members discussed several bills, including HB2, HB22, and HB4, focusing on various state issues. Key discussions revolved around the impact of legislation on local communities, with members expressing differing viewpoints on the measures proposed. Witnesses were invited to provide testimonies, highlighting both support and concerns regarding the bills, particularly in terms of economic implications and social justice reform. Overall, the meeting reflected a robust engagement from the members and public, showcasing the complexities of the legislative process.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Energy Resources Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am
House Energy Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- comments may refer to the public notice posting regarding the comment period on the matters.
- Accounts, and I have no positions on today’s agenda.
- , public hospitals, and various other organizations.
- Anything on the other side of the meter is managed by the Public Utility Commission.
- We serve only public entities, and we're very proud of that fact.
Keywords:
Energy Resources, orphaned wells, produced water, hydrogen production, regulatory policy, environmental concerns, public testimony, Texas energy
Summary:
The House Committee on Energy Resources held its inaugural meeting where members emphasized their commitment to addressing critical issues facing the energy sector in Texas. Chairman Darby initiated discussions focused on legislative priorities, notably the management of inactive and orphaned wells, which have become a significant economic and environmental concern. The committee also discussed the balance between regulatory oversight and industry growth, emphasizing collaborative efforts among members and stakeholders to create effective policy. Testimonies highlighted the importance of tackling concerns related to produced water and ensuring sustainable practices in Texas's vast energy landscape, including innovations in hydrogen production and recycling.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I am opening up public testimony.
- Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
- Hearing none, the public hearing is closed.
- At this time, we'll open up public testimony.
- Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
Keywords:
Texas Water Day, water management, public utilities, emergency response, Senate Bill 790, SB971, SB1066, community projects
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs convened to discuss multiple key pieces of legislation focused on water management, emergency response, and related matters commemorating Texas Water Day. Notably, Senate Bill 790, introduced by Senator Alvarado, seeks to implement a simplified resolution process for tenant complaints regarding water discrepancies, which could reduce lengthy administrative hearings. During the session, several bills were passed without opposition, including SB971, which cleaned up inconsistent definitions related to rural political subdivisions, and SB1066, which amended payment and performance bond thresholds, promoting more local vendor access for community projects. The discussions revealed the committee's intent to streamline processes and better address the ongoing challenges faced in water management and emergency services, which are becoming increasingly critical in the face of climate change and resource scarcity.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Article II
Transcript Highlights:
- We have increased education of public health, both at our state health department.
- After all, these services are public-private.
- Account 709 is a public health Medicaid reimbursement amount, primarily from newborn screening activities
- Is there public access to that information?
- Tomorrow, we're going to meet back in this room to hear public testimony.
Keywords:
SNAP benefits, fraud, Texas Health and Human Services, budget, congenital syphilis, state peace officers, public health
Summary:
The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee focused on the budget and operational needs of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with a particular emphasis on addressing the significant issue of SNAP benefit theft. Key discussions included the challenges faced by the agency in combating fraud, the need for increased support for state peace officers, and the implications of rising health concerns such as congenital syphilis, which has seen an alarming increase in Texas. Representatives expressed their concerns about handling these issues effectively and discussed the importance of resource allocation to prevent further fraud and provide adequate care to Texans in need.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
The Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans
- This is the organizational meeting of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs Committee
- the overall project of public safety, so no.
- The Department of Public Safety performs every day.
- I'm with the Department of Public Safety's Office of Homeland Security. I lead the...
Keywords:
border security, SB4, illegal immigration, Operation Lone Star, Texas Department of Public Safety, Attorney General, testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs Committee fostered extensive discussions primarily focused on the ongoing border security issues. Members of the committee, chaired by Rep. Huffman, emphasized the shifting strategies under the new federal administration and highlighted the successful implementation of SB4, which seeks to curb illegal entry into Texas. Notably, the Attorney General's Office reported a 54% decrease in illegal crossings over the past year, signaling a change in the migration trends impacting Texas, largely due to new state and federal cooperation efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed the development of Operation Lone Star, which is now a statewide initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and crime associated with it.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Feb 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The public issuance of accountability ratings causes the
- That having a public accountability system is good for children
- In terms of public accountability ratings, we have not had accountability for the last two years.
- Accountability is fine.
- There was accountability.
Keywords:
public education, funding, teacher retention, deficit budgets, legislative changes, Texas Education Agency, educational landscape, workforce development
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Education convened a comprehensive meeting focused on critical issues impacting education in Texas. Chairman Buckley emphasized the committee's commitment to providing the largest public education investment in the state’s history while addressing pressing concerns such as funding disparities, teacher retention, and legislative changes impacting the educational landscape. Notably, Commissioner Mike Morath presented an extensive report detailing the current state of public education, highlighting a pressing need for adequate funding aligned with student needs and the challenges posed by deficit budgets in various school districts stemming from overreliance on temporary federal funding sources.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence SC New Offenses and Changed Penalties Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am
Transcript Highlights:
- accommodate all who wish to testify, there will be a hard limit of two minutes per witness during the public
- ensure that individuals who commit indecent assault against elderly or disabled individuals are held accountable
- A name along with a unique identifying account number is what
- to unfamiliar and unsafe environments, and created safety risks for zoo staff, visitors, and the public
- to educate the public and lead, fund, and participate in
Keywords:
animal facilities, trespassing, HB1720, public testimony, HB2593, indecent assault, HB4414, mail theft, elderly protection, disabled individuals
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation, including discussions around HB1720, aimed at enhancing the security of animal housing facilities to prevent unauthorized trespassing. Representative Gerben-Hawkins emphasized the bill's importance in protecting both the animals and the safety of facilities. The discussion highlighted personal accounts, including a notable incident involving a break-in at the Dallas Zoo, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter penalties for trespassers in these settings. The bill aims to classify such trespassing as a jail felony or even a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances of any harassment towards the animals involved.
Additionally, HB2593 was brought up, proposing to increase penalties for indecent assault against the elderly and disabled, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of vulnerable populations. The committee also discussed HB4414, which addresses mail theft related to checks and introduces offenses for the theft of mail keys. The meeting was well-attended, with ample public testimony supporting these legislative measures, indicating a strong concern from the community about animal welfare and protection for vulnerable citizens.