Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'America Act'

Page 33 of 51
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • It doesn't require any kind of particular intent in doing the act; you could accidentally do something
  • the purpose of the protective order statute is not to remedy past wrongs or punish prior criminal acts
  • Back and look at prior bad acts in 404, or prior acts,
  • The court would determine relevance under evidence rules 401 through 403 and then side on prior acts
  • If somebody goes off and commits an act of crime that's not associated with that person, meaning that
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by rigorous discussions focused primarily on child protection legislation, particularly HB116. The bill seeks to amend existing laws that allow for the termination of parental rights under vague circumstances, often without sufficient due process. Kate Murphy, Director of Child Protection Policy at Texans Care for Children, delivered a heartfelt testimony supporting the bill's intent to prioritize family preservation and ensure that parents facing challenges receive adequate support rather than facing punitive measures. This stirred considerable discussion among committee members about the implications of the current legal framework and how it disproportionately affects families without proven endangerment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 22nd, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • use the City of El Paso versus Heinrich from lawsuits brought under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act
  • then act on the zoning case.
  • data-time="378"> so people don't even know what's happening, and it's violating not only the Open Meetings Act
  • because Selma is a general-law city, the mayor acts as the
  • Historic district before the effective date of this act,
Bills: SB2215, SB2639
Summary: The meeting focused on the review of two bills: SB2215 and SB2639. SB2215, presented by Representative Alders, aims to enhance property owners' rights by clarifying their ability to challenge municipal zoning ordinances that are improperly enacted without due process. The bill garnered support from various stakeholders who emphasized the need for accountability in zoning practices. Conversely, SB2639 sparked significant debate, as it seeks to provide further transparency in historic designations and ensure fair compensation for property owners impacted by such designations. Testimonies from developers and preservationists highlighted the ongoing tension between property rights and the safeguarding of historic sites, illustrating the complexities and implications of these bills on Texas communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 20th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> Yesterday, President Trump signed into law the Take It Down Act
  • We also need to spread awareness of the new tools provided in the Take It Down Act on how students can
  • First, Senate Bill 1447 solves an unintended consequence of the Scope Act that prevented some use of
  • districts and students have better guidance on what accommodations can be provided under the Scope Act
  • IEP meeting, and the school said, "Well, we can't use this specific app anymore because of the Scope Act
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical bills aimed at improving educational standards and student safety in Texas. Notably, the discussions around SB735 concerning Holocaust education highlighted the urgency of addressing rising anti-Semitism and ensuring comprehensive education on human rights histories within public schools. Testimonies from various witnesses underscored the necessity for students to learn from historical injustices to prevent future atrocities. Moreover, SB570, aimed at implementing stricter truancy policies to enhance student attendance, was discussed with testimony supporting its significance in improving educational outcomes for at-risk students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • as we've heard regarding the grant from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Act
  • of Senate Bill 1013 actually reach back to 2017, when there was a bill called the Lisa Torrey Smith Act
  • span> So, in 2021, Senator Huffman passed the Lisa Torrey Smith Act
  • It's not applicable under the Lisa Torrey Smith Act as it does not apply to other sidewalk users, like
  • Smith Act and where he saw deficiencies in the transportation
Summary: The committee meeting focused on legislative discussions surrounding multiple Senate bills, with a significant emphasis on Senate Bill 2080, which aims to modernize outdated regulations affecting navigation districts and port authorities in Texas. Senator Alvarado led the discussion on this bill, highlighting its potential to streamline operations and enhance flexibility in Texas ports, aligning them with national best practices. Several members of the committee expressed support for this legislation, citing its economic implications for Texas, particularly in relation to job creation and infrastructure improvement. However, concerns were raised by representatives from the city of Corpus Christi regarding provisions within the bill that might expand the port's authority, potentially impacting local governance and tax revenue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • acted within the letter of the law and demonstrated great
  • This is the second piece of the reforms to the Emergency Powers Act.
  • Pastors are limited to acts of God or man-made catastrophes
  • itself, the Emergency Act, or a provision related to the sunset of an agency of the state.
  • It does not change the ability of the PUC to later say we acted imprudently or gold-plated, to use Mr
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

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • This resolution acknowledges that reality and calls on us to act.
  • And so in 2001, Texas passed the Uniform Parentage Act,
  • No one would consider that parent who commits such an act to be a fit parent.
  • And so I urge the committee to pass this act.

  • Then the court can't act.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee, several key bills were debated, most notably HB3281, which addresses the grounds for terminating parental rights. The discussion revolved around significant concerns presented by various members regarding the language change in the bill that requires serious bodily injury for termination, a shift that many find troubling. Witnesses also testified, with some advocating for amendments to ensure child safety, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach without unintended consequences. Additionally, HB4696 was introduced, focused on improving access to protective orders through remote testimony, further engaging committee members and experts on the necessity of such reforms for survivors of domestic violence.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025 at 03:08 pm

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 79" data-time="468"> Per division request, the committee substitute will transfer authority of this act
  • data-time="486"> That TDM remains in the loop on the disaster plan, but we do not have two entities acting
  • Act Texas is generous.
  • It's clearly an opportunity for us to not only act quickly but to...
  • Also, there are 70 counties that only have one JP acting. So we think that it would be beneficial.
Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: The meeting focused heavily on disaster preparedness and management strategies in response to recent catastrophic events in Texas, particularly concerning House Bills related to flood response and communication infrastructure. Notably, House Bill 19 was introduced to mandate that campgrounds in flood-prone areas develop actionable flood plans to ensure safety during emergencies. Stakeholders voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance for child safety in recreational areas. Additionally, House Bill 18 aimed at improving emergency communication systems received considerable attention, as members raised concerns about the need for efficient and interoperable communication during disasters. Similar themes of ensuring preparedness and safeguarding communities were echoed throughout the discussions, with experts and witnesses providing impactful testimony on the challenges confronted during recent flooding incidents in Kerr County.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under current law, when a municipality acts to disannex

  • acts of territory and cease providing services because they
  • House Bill 5437 is a cleanup bill that proposes to validate the creation of, and subsequent acts of,
  • opposition to the validation of the district and its acts
  • Specifically, House Bill 5437 validates prior acts

Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding the challenges faced by municipalities in managing growth and public safety. Bills such as HB447 and HB3897 sparked conversations on the impact of Municipal Utility Districts in high-density areas and the necessity of thorough traffic impact assessments before approving new developments. Representative Cook highlighted concerns over a specific project related to HB3671, which aimed to dissolve a municipal district due to contradictory prior agreements. Public testimonies included concerns from residents, signaling the tension between development needs and public safety requirements.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="168">We're also committed to making permanent the proven tax policy of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
  • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made the tax code more progressive, helped all Americans keep more of their
  • data-time="1272">We're also committed to making permanent the proven tax policy of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
  • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made the tax code more progressive
Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'm here today to testify in support of SB 1350 and to stress how essential it is that we act now
  • I filed and passed the Save Girls Sports Act, which ensured
  • In 2023, I worked closely with Senator Middleton to file and pass the SAVE Women's Sports Act, which
  • The Save Girls Sports and Save Women's Sports Act, excuse me, provided fairness and equality for Texas
  • This is what I am trying to pass—the Save Women's Sports Act.
Summary: The committee meeting extensively discussed SB1350, which aims to establish a commission for the Bicentennial Anniversary of Texas Independence in 2036. Several witnesses, including Lacey Finley and Russell Molina, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing the importance of extensive planning and community engagement for this significant celebration. They argued that the bicentennial should encompass the diverse history and culture of Texas and encouraged the committee to include a non-profit structure to facilitate fund-raising and coordination efforts. Furthermore, HB738 was debated, focusing on the preservation of Rosenwald schools and their potential use as community learning centers, with members advocating for support to maintain this integral part of Texas's educational heritage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • to act as fire marshal and take on the immense responsibility
  • that the act applies only if the material deviation occurs
  • This act takes effect September 1, 2018.
  • As you mentioned, all prior acts are forgiven. So we're simply.
  • Learning from those, and acting prospectively here.
Summary: The meeting of the committee covered significant legislative matters, emphasizing the discussion around several bills such as HB2025, which aims to streamline the process of filing plats with tax receipts to prevent rejections. Representative Tepper and Senator Hughes led extensive discussions to clarify the implications of this bill, which resulted in public testimony that was ultimately closed with no opposition. Additional discussions included SB3065 regarding the creation of specific municipal management districts, where the committee expected to reconcile drafting errors in a forthcoming committee substitute. Besides, the committee reviewed HB4506, which proposes electronic delivery of zoning notices to enhance communication efficiency in municipalities. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a focused approach towards improving housing and governance-related processes within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Federal law pursuant to the Adoption and Safe Families Act
  • The federal law, the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), the whole point of that law was to achieve
  • But their reading is that Texas is not out of compliance with that act.
  • I think that obviously this act came into law in 1997.
  • the review of child and family services programs under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Fiduciary Relationships Committee involved extensive discussions focused on improvements in family law, particularly regarding child welfare and representation in court. Several bills were presented, including HB3382, which aims to enhance the standard of representation for children and parents in legal proceedings. Testimony highlighted concerns over attorney performance and the necessity of timely communication between attorneys and their young clients. Members voiced both support and opposition, especially regarding the timelines set forth for attorney consultations prior to hearings, reflecting a strong concern for the welfare of children involved in custody and welfare cases.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • he does not have a role at SSA and was not part of the decision-making process led by the current acting
  • Bisignano did not have a role at SSA and was not part of the decision-making process led by the current acting
  • marker="149" data-time="1776"> Brief introductory phone calls with individuals chosen for various acting
  • Bisignano said he has not spoken with Acting Commissioner Dudek beyond a short introductory phone call
Summary: The meeting of the Finance Committee primarily focused on the nomination of Frank Bisignano for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Members discussed the nominee's qualifications extensively, raising concerns about his past connections to Doge and the implications for Social Security. Several Senators expressed doubts about Bisignano's ability to improve the existing issues faced by the Social Security Administration, particularly related to staffing, customer service, and the potential for service cuts that could ultimately harm beneficiaries. The atmosphere was contentious, with divisive opinions visible among the committee members as they scrutinized Bisignano's past dealings and strategies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • /p>

    Last session, we passed the Workplace Violence Prevention Act

  • As was laid out, the Gold Card Act did pass in 2021.
  • ...Act.
  • It's on a drug that is administered under the Emergency Use Authorization Act, so.
  • It was under the Emergency Use Authorization Act, I believe, so it would fit.
Summary: The meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee covered a variety of bills focused on improving health care access, patient protections, and enhancing oversight of health-related services. Key discussions were held around SB1640, which aims to broaden the scope of criminal history checks for Medicaid providers to enhance accountability and prevent fraud. Senator Hagenbooth explained the committee substitute, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening vetting processes within Medicaid programs. Additionally, SB1784 was introduced, which seeks to protect patients from unexpected medical debt collection practices by mandating advance written notices before debt collection actions are initiated. Discussion around this bill reflected a collective concern for transparency in medical billing and the financial wellbeing of patients.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But you now have the chance, and even myself as teachers, to take the admission of the prophet to act
  • lot of blackmail, potential threats, and so they feel forced to be back in the field and do those acts
  • Its intent is to alter the Sandra Bland Act and exclude in-custody deaths ruled as natural causes from
  • of the Sandra Bland Act as it was originally intended and
  • I think it's important to reiterate the Sandra Bland Act and how it came to pass.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, the focus was on various bills aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing issues within the criminal justice system. Notably, Senate Bill 2460 was discussed, which allows for rapid DNA analysis at booking stations to address delays in forensic testing. The bill received support from several witnesses, including law enforcement officials, who emphasized the importance of this technology in solving cases more efficiently. Another significant topic was Senate Bill 1573, intended to provide due process protections for law enforcement officers accused of misconduct, which sparked a debate on balancing accountability and protecting the officers' reputations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ="88" data-time="522"> The reason it exempts that information is that the National Child Protection Act
  • ...And in certain parts of the state, law enforcement acts
  • law enforcement professional and a person whose life was forever changed by individuals failing to act
  • It says this act applies to the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, and then in section...
  • We would hope that the responsible parties act promptly.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of important issues, particularly focusing on school safety and the impact of certain proposed bills on vulnerable populations. Notably, Senator Creighton presented Senate Bill 2623, which seeks to establish school safety zones by preventing navigation services near schools, aimed at ensuring the safety of children in educational settings. Concerns were raised regarding the potential adverse effects of this bill on homeless navigation centers, with various stakeholders expressing their positions during the public testimony session. The importance of balancing community services with student safety was a recurring theme throughout the discussions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The act will be forever named in honor and in memory of the
  • This wasn't an act of God, this was an act of pure complacency.
  • We urge you, from the depths of our grief, to act now.
  • Training should prepare staff and campers to act, not to wait in danger.
  • For now, the time is to act in support of SB1.

Summary: The meeting focused on discussion around SB1, addressing safety reforms in youth camps in light of a tragic flooding incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including family members of the victims, who shared heartfelt stories and the urgent need for reforms to ensure that such a tragedy would not happen again. The testimonies highlighted the importance of establishing better safety measures, including evacuation plans and compliance with new safety regulations. Senator Perry emphasized that the bill aims to create objective standards that protect children attending camps, prompting a strong emotional response from attendees as they reflected on the lives lost during the flash floods.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Of course, that would include a meet-and-confer agreement, the Sandra Bland Act, the Michael Act, and
  • ...into that act, the criminal act that led to the shooting
  • Could media request it under the Public Information Act?
  • This act wouldn't change anything?
  • Prosecutors would never knowingly bring charges against someone forced to act by a trafficker.
Bills: SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee prominently featured discussions surrounding several critical bills, including SB1, which addresses natural disasters and emergency preparedness in Texas. Senator Perry presented detailed amendments focusing on enhancing the state's response capabilities to flooding, which included the establishment of better training protocols for first responders and the development of a statewide flood monitoring system. Public testimony was actively solicited, with multiple witnesses providing input regarding the implications of SB1, highlighting the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies following recent floods that impacted the community severely. Additionally, considerable dialogue took place around SB6, relating to abortion-related civil liabilities, where senators debated the bill's implications on women's health and wellness in Texas, leading to contentious voting results and reflections on the bill's social impact.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 22" data-time="126"> Thank you for hearing our testimony on HB 1188, now renamed the Caitlin Handley Act
  • well-loved bunny, I'm here to represent myself and to testify in support of HB 1188, the Caitlin Hanley Act
  • disruptions, and from my experience as a kid, when you're with your peer groups, you can see when they act
  • 4662">The Gallup organization says hope is a better predictor of college success than the SAT or the ACT
  • When a student initially acts up, because here's the thing
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, K-16, revolved around multiple bills, notably HB1188, HB2856, HB3126, HJR5, and HB6. Key discussions highlighted the importance of early intervention for families with special needs through HB1188, which aims to provide better resources for parents. Public testimony included compelling narratives that underscored the personal impact of such legislation. Additionally, the committee engaged in important dialogue concerning student discipline, specifically focusing on vaping in schools and its consequences under HB6.

Research Filters

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