Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'county judge'
Page 33 of 51
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Land & Resource Management Mar 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Land & Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, the chair calls Judge Shepard. Is she present?
- My name is Judge Shiphart.
- I'm not a judge; that is not a title.
- The next two after that will be Judge Shepard, who is not a judge, and Wes Benedict. Thank you.
- The chair calls Judge Shepard.
Keywords:
zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, recreational vehicle parks, campgrounds, construction standards, safety regulations, fire protection
Summary:
The meeting centered around discussions on land use and zoning regulations, prominently featuring HB24 and HB3172. Representative Orr emphasized the importance of reforming the existing zoning laws to empower property owners and streamlined processes for development. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the impact of the current supermajority requirements which hinder necessary housing projects, creating frustration among local developers and advocates for affordable housing. Notable support was expressed for these bills, highlighting the necessity for cities to modernize their zoning systems to facilitate growth and adequate housing development.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Natural Resources Aug 21st, 2025 at 02:08 pm
House Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I had the unenviable position of representing both a water-rich county and a water-needy county: Milam
- County and Williamson County.
- Although we reside mainly in Oasis County, we provide water to seven different counties in our surrounding
- You've got a single county district and a same county district
- County, so...
Keywords:
groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, groundwater, permitting, conservation, Texas Water Development Board, aquifer, hydrological impact, groundwater, House Bill 24, House Bill 27, water conservation, public testimony, scientific study, moratorium, East Texas
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on House Bill 24 and House Bill 27, which pertain to groundwater management in Texas. Representative Ashby expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts and emphasized the significance of these discussions, given the ongoing concerns around groundwater conservation in East Texas. The committee engaged in detailed dialogue regarding the implications of groundwater exports and the need for scientific studies to understand the potential impacts on local water resources. House Bill 27 aims to conduct a scientific study on the aquifers, requiring a temporary moratorium on new export permits to facilitate better data-driven decision-making. Public testimony included a wide range of stakeholders who shared perspectives on the importance of maintaining a balance between urban growth and rural water needs.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 7th, 2025 at 10:05 am
House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- According to HHS, child care is cheaper in rural counties than in urban ones.
- I've been the County Fire Marshal in Bexar County for 10
- But statistically, looking at the size of some of the county fire marshals...
- And so the Bexar County Fire Marshal is not wrong.
- We serve 254 counties and 3,000 police agencies, providing day-to-day...
Keywords:
criminal history, background checks, government code, licensing, information access, rural law enforcement, child care grants, community support, law enforcement retention, advisory committee, motorcycle profiling, law enforcement, discrimination, civil rights, police policy, complaint procedure, motorcycle profiling, law enforcement, police policy, civil rights
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on the discussion and voting of various bills, with significant attention given to HB2082, which addresses the definition of short barrel firearms, and HB5528, related to the establishment of the Texas Law Enforcement Crisis Prevention Task Force. Chairman Heffner led the meeting, facilitating discussions that included debates on several bills and their implications. Notably, HB3626 concerning coroners' state benefits saw a unanimous vote supporting its passage. Public testimony highlighted the impacts of these legislative efforts, particularly in relation to law enforcement's operational effectiveness and community safety initiatives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been trying; we've been working with the county association, the local government...
- They joined it, which is a significant jurisdiction for the entire county.
- **Senator West**: ...which counties are we targeting?
- It would be a general list of the 24 counties we're targeting, yes.
- No, I mean, he's got veterans, okay, in Hood County.
Summary:
The meeting involved a comprehensive review of various legislative bills, with members voicing their opinions and concerns on each. Significant discussions centered around land use policies, education reforms, and public health initiatives. A number of witnesses were called to share their insights, providing both supportive and opposing perspectives on the proposed bills. The committee demonstrated a commitment to thorough deliberation, ensuring all voices were heard before taking votes on the legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- ...judge to address those concerns.
I actually served on a grand jury in Collin County years
- Did the court not hold that district and county attorneys
- ...by giving county prosecutors six months to act.
- We are looking to develop an area in Webb County.
Bills:
HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40
Keywords:
power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties
Summary:
The committee meeting featured extensive discussions on various bills, with a notable emphasis on public testimony regarding energy efficiency and electoral ethics. HB5323 was presented, aiming to establish the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee, which seeks to tackle energy waste and improve power system reliability across Texas. Supporters highlighted the importance of coordination among state agencies to enhance existing programs and reduce energy consumption especially during high-risk periods. The bill progressed amidst a supportive public sentiment and promises of accountability through regular reporting to the legislature.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- judges within a 50-mile distance.
- ="190" data-time="1134"> Railroad ties or flooring panels instead of throwing them into a city or county
- For more than 1,000 cities and 254 counties, restaurants
- Maybe never been to Starr County.
- That was because traffic was down in our South Texas county, which was positive from that standpoint.
Bills:
HB246, HB796, HB1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98
Keywords:
federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several important bills aimed at providing support and protections for agricultural producers affected by border-related crimes. Notable discussions centered around HB246, which proposed an expanded compensation program for damages, including not just real property, but also crops, livestock, and the necessary funds for soil restoration due to pollutions from such crimes. Representative Ginn led the conversations, emphasizing the critical role agricultural landowners play in the state’s economy and their need for fair compensation. Witnesses, including stakeholders from agricultural organizations, provided testimonies highlighting the inadequacies of the current framework and the urgency for legislative action.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , say, in Travis County, but the case is tried in Williamson.
- I'm the chairman of the Williamson County Republican Party.
- And the counties have the...
- It was Don, a fire captain from Orange County.
- I'm a constituent of Travis County.
Keywords:
sex designation, privacy rights, public facilities, civil penalties, gender-specific spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, employee misconduct, department file, personnel records, confidentiality, SB7, SB14, transgender rights, women's safety, public testimony, LGBTQ+ issues, law enforcement transparency
Summary:
The meeting focused on two primary bills, SB7 and SB14, which elicited passionate testimony from various stakeholders. Many speakers opposed SB7, arguing it disproportionally impacts transgender individuals under the guise of protecting women's spaces. Testimonies highlighted concerns about safety, privacy, and the potential for increased harassment against vulnerable populations, such as transgender youth. Supporters of the bill asserted it was a necessary measure for women's safety, yet critics emphasized that it would create further harm rather than protection. SB14 also saw substantial discussion regarding its implications for law enforcement record transparency, with some stakeholders supporting the need for confidentiality while others warned of accountability risks.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Higher Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Both counties, Hidalgo and Stark County, and because of the
- " data-time="234">Back in, like, 1995, the constitutional reformation ballot was held within the counties
- in non-border counties.
- Members, 168 of 254 counties do.
- Not have a licensed psychiatrist. 78 counties are without
Keywords:
living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, higher education, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, higher education, cost of attendance, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, dual credit, computer science, higher education, course credit
Summary:
The meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB37, which aims to overhaul the governance and curriculum oversight of higher education in Texas. Representative Shaheen expressed that the bill is intended to ensure that degrees earned in Texas are valuable and properly aligned with workforce demands. Witnesses presented both support and opposition to the bill, presenting various perspectives on its potential impact on academic freedom and educational quality. One associate professor voiced concerns regarding SB37, arguing it could stifle open discussions and critical thinking in classrooms by imposing political oversight on curricula. The discussion highlighted a divide between representatives who support increased legislative oversight and those who fear it will undermine educational integrity.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And the rate of change for the city and county is literally...
- I was the Travis County Auditor for 24 years. I'm now retired.
- It isn't for city or county taxes or community colleges.
- At least the county judge was, in my opinion, on purpose. But we'll be dealing with those issues.
- The 3.5% that's on cities and counties is about 30,000.
Keywords:
property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, property tax relief, homestead exemption, SB4, SJR2, public testimony, local government spending, Texas economy
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm gonna share with you a story of Norm Adams Wade from Dallas County.
- The DA's involved, the county clerk's involved, and they're trying to remove the cloud on the title.
- When this happened, the DA got involved, the county clerk
- , Rockwall County, and others.
- I am the clerk for Dallas County.
Bills:
HB1958, HB2031, HB2879, HB3285, HB3995, HB4487, HB4558, HB4560, HB4876, HB4899, HB5212, HB5317, HB5543, HB5567, SB1333
Keywords:
firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, tenant rights, landlord regulations, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, online sales, clothing, bot usage
Summary:
The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Employment held a meeting focused on various bills related to workforce development, consumer protection, and business regulations. Notably, HB5317, aimed at establishing a self-insured retention fund to lower insurance costs for state agencies, received significant attention, with discussions on its potential fiscal benefits. The committee also reviewed bills concerning unemployment benefits, regulation of food service surcharges, and property rights for homeowners, particularly in the context of water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions. Public testimony highlighted concerns over transparency in mandatory fees charged by food service establishments, with stakeholders advocating for clearer disclosures to protect consumer trust.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , Hardin County, Tyler County, and Jasper County at just under 4,000 square miles.
- I'm the County Commissioner for Precinct 4 in Hays County, Texas, and I'm here testifying on behalf of
- the county.
- I'm a County Commissioner in Johnson County, Precinct 4.
- I'm here representing Johnson County as well as the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
Keywords:
water infrastructure, regional collaboration, Senate Bill 1169, water accessibility, Texas Senate Committee, public testimony, small communities, water shortages
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee was notably focused on critical infrastructure bills, particularly dealing with water resource management in Texas. Discussions centered around SB1169, which proposes a regional collaboration model to enhance water accessibility, particularly for small, rural communities facing significant water shortages. Advocates from various sectors provided testimony highlighting the urgency of addressing water supply issues exacerbated by population growth and climate challenges. Senator Hinojosa and other committee members expressed strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the need for expanded solutions and proactive legislation to secure Texas's water future.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- span> I run peer centers and after school programs in Fort Bend County
- In consultations with county and district clerks, we will have a committee.
- We show you registered as John Warren, testifying on behalf of the county and district clerks association
- filing fee for the motion in the district clerk's office, nor does it require a recording fee in the county
- collaborated to make sure that we're doing everything we can to help the citizens of all of our counties
Bills:
HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122, HB4876
Keywords:
property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance, sustainability, water conservation, shrimp, restaurants, food service, imported shrimp, domestic shrimp, consumer protection, notice requirements, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, ticket sales, event tickets, transparency
Summary:
Additionally, the committee reviewed HB4531, aiming to protect property owners from fraudulent ownership claims, which generated extensive discussions on real estate fraud and the support mechanisms for citizens lacking legal representation. Testimonies from various stakeholders pointed out the bill's potential to streamline the process for dispute resolution and protect vulnerable property owners, furthering the overarching goal of ensuring justice and accountability within the property systems. The committee concluded with the discussion of HB4903, which seeks to enhance workforce support through better child care initiatives.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources (Part I) May 21st, 2025
Senate Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Over 500 feet tall and it does not apply to counties with
- a population over 500,000 or a county with a city over 300,000.
- counties like Matagorda.
- I think that would be a more targeted approach than all of the county and the county next to it.
- ...facility proposed to be located within Lee County.
Keywords:
oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes, environmental safety, beneficial use, motor vehicle, air quality, energy source, engine, state implementation plan, construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights
Summary:
The committee meeting covered several significant bills with a focus on environmental concerns and public health implications. Notably, House Bill 2440 was discussed, which aims to prevent state agencies from restricting vehicle ownership based on energy sources, ensuring Texans can choose the vehicles that suit their needs. Representative Curry presented the bill, emphasizing the need for consumer choice and the protection of personal freedoms in transportation policies. The bill left the floor pending after no public testimony was provided.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 21st, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Elisa Tamayo, Governmental Affairs Manager for El Paso County.
- Every one of our counties is impacted.
- We also have the county attorney's office.
- We have the Harris County Commissioner's Court and the Conference of Urban Counties supporting this bill
- The Texas Realtor Panel judging me had no access to it either.
Keywords:
discrimination, trade association, membership rights, professional organizations, freedom of speech, discrimination, professional association, trade association, membership rights, freedom of speech, social media, bot accounts, misinformation, disclosure, civil penalty, Texas legislation, Economic Development, SB315, SB584, SB7105
Summary:
The meeting of the Economic Development Committee was marked by a series of important discussions surrounding a range of bills, including SB315, SB584, and SB7105. SB2670, which aims to protect businesses from misleading solicitations, was highlighted during the session, where its provisions were debated among committee members. Additionally, SB2637 was presented to tackle misinformation disseminated on social media platforms. Witnesses provided insights into the implications of these bills, specifically focusing on consumer protection and the balance between technological advancement and public safety. The chair urged thoughtful consideration of the bills in the context of their impact on both businesses and residents of the state.
The meeting concluded with a call for further analysis of several key bills that were left pending, indicating strong interest in ensuring that legislations align with public interests while addressing modern challenges posed by technology and misleading practices. Attendance was robust, with committee members actively engaging with witnesses and each other to ensure comprehensive discussions were had. Notable commentary emphasized the need for regulations to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and protect citizens from dishonest business practices.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025 at 10:08 am
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties for the Committee
- During a disaster, the county Judge or the mayor are the
- And then how many counties have a Justice of the Peace without a medical examiner?
- In Travis County, there had been thousands of volunteers.
- Based in Austin, its area of operations includes Travis County and 19 surrounding counties, each with
Keywords:
youth camp, emergency preparedness, safety standards, regulation, civil penalties, emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communication, broadband, funding, natural disasters, technology, disaster preparedness, emergency plans, Texas youth camps, SB2, HB1
Summary:
The committee meeting conducted a thorough review of multiple bills aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response in Texas. Key discussions focused on HB1, the Resident Youth Camp Emergency Plans, presented by Mr. Darby, which emphasizes creating emergency plans for youth camps following tragic incidents. The bill received broad support and passed mostly unanimously, highlighting a collective commitment to improving safety for vulnerable populations. Another significant piece of legislation, SB2 by Mr. King, aimed at disaster recovery and preparedness, also saw robust discussions, resulting in a passing vote that underscored the necessity of establishing clear emergency management protocols at local levels.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- in Dallas County.
- Four years ago, our county, Brazos County, got spaghettified into District 10.
- I live in Hidalgo County.
- Let me tell you some stats about Hidalgo County.
- He came to Southlake and is now renowned as the county judge.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting convened to gather public input regarding redistricting in the North Texas region. With an emphasis on improving public participation, several committee members expressed the need for in-person hearings, highlighting the limitations of virtual formats. Despite technical glitches, participants were encouraged to provide testimony via video conference. Notably, one citizen voiced concerns about the legislature's shift away from traditional redistricting processes, arguing that mid-decade changes undermine fair representation. The committee reiterated its commitment to collecting public opinion and plans to hold future hearings in different regions of Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Is marijuana being sold in the stores in my county and in your county?
- County and in all of your counties.
- , very conservative county.
- For those that don't know, Coffman County is a growing county, with a population close to 200,000.
- I'm a county attorney in the more rural jurisdiction of Hill County, where...
Bills:
HB5
Keywords:
hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, House Bill 5, THC regulation, public health, cannabis testimony, hemp regulation, legalization debate
Summary:
The meeting of the Public Health Committee focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB5, which seeks to regulate THC consumables in Texas. Numerous witnesses provided testimony, both in favor and against the bill, highlighting concerns regarding public health and safety as well as the economic implications of regulation versus prohibition. Chairman Van Dever and other committee members actively engaged with witnesses to clarify the potential impact of the proposed legislation. The testimonies brought to light intense disagreements over how best to approach the management of hemp and cannabis products, demonstrating a division between those advocating for strict regulations versus those calling for responsible oversight without outright bans on THC.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we need more facilities, especially in our county, to separate inmates from those with severe
- ...This month alone, three officers from the Harris County
- This has also been echoed by multiple sheriff's offices regarding jailers in our county jails.
- It's Lee County; it's my district. This one happened in the Cedar Creek area in Bastrop County.
- He is currently in Bastrop County, awaiting trial. So at this point, we don't know what sentence...
Keywords:
community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, community supervision, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, criminal justice reform, time credits
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on several significant bills addressing public safety and reform within the correctional system. Notably, HB2103 was discussed, which aims to provide mental health leave for correctional officers, amid growing concerns about their wellbeing due to the psychological stress associated with their duties. Support was voiced by various stakeholders, highlighting the need for better support systems for officers facing trauma related to their jobs. This bill was aimed at recognizing the critical role that mental health plays in maintaining a safe working environment for those in the corrections field.
In another part of the meeting, HB2017 sparked heated debates, as it sought to instate stricter penalties for intoxication manslaughter committed by undocumented individuals. The discussion brought forth views on fairness and the implications of distinguishing sentences based on immigration status. Several witnesses offered testimony, both for and against the bill, leading to a contentious atmosphere that reflected the broader societal debates about immigration and public safety. Overall, the meeting highlighted the challenges of reforming laws while considering the variables of mental health and immigration status in the context of public safety.
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:
- Ellis County is just south of Dallas County in North Texas, and we have an all-DJI fleet.
- or counties where the property is located.
- Texas should judge each other by character, not birthplace.
- I should not be judged based on my Asian face.
- I have assisted with County Road and State Highway improvements.
Keywords:
foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, foreign adversaries, government contracts, national security, prohibition, civil penalties
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.