Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'county legislation'

Page 33 of 58
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part I) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I wondered if you wouldn't mind just describing the difference between this legislation and prior legislation
  • Stop legislating things that don't need to be legislated and focus the priorities on what needs to happen
  • It's legislate, not legislate. We need flood control, not bathroom control. When is enough enough?
  • And the counties have the...
  • I'm a constituent of Travis County.
Bills: SB7, SB14
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, I thank you and Bell County. Bell County thanks you.
  • This bill would mandate participation for counties over 100,000, and there are 40 counties...
  • El Paso County is a border county, you can imagine what...
  • The counties foot the bills.
  • El Paso County, for instance, if El Paso County saw an incredible surge...
Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Jan 30th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My favorite county to discuss, of course, is Harris County.
  • living in their county who are eligible?
  • And then they can go to the county, is that right?
  • where you could get better details from a county.
  • where you could get better details from a county.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical budget recommendations for various state agencies, including the Texas Facilities Commission, which proposed significant funding changes. Chair George Purcell highlighted a reduction in appropriations, along with the introduction of new funds aimed at refurbishing the Rudder Building and supporting facilities operations. Discussions also touched on border security, where it was reported that Governor Abbott formally requested congressional support to reclaim $11 billion in funding for Texas operations. The ongoing dialogue regarding the maintenance and responsibilities relating to border wall constructions was emphasized, noting the complexity and the need for clear allocation of responsibilities as discussions with federal authorities develop. Throughout the meeting, there were notable conversations about operational efficiencies, particularly in the context of expanding cyber threats and the need for improved cybersecurity measures at state agencies. Members engaged in deliberating the future hiring of staff and resources necessary for maintaining effective service delivery amidst increasing demand. The discussions concluded with a commitment to keeping an open line with constituents regarding the implications of these funding decisions and the overall strategic direction of the agencies involved.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We had budgeted $18 billion in the last legislative session.
  • And the rate of change for the city and county is literally...
  • We have in our legislative body a report from our legislative
  • It isn't for city or county taxes or community colleges.
  • The 3.5% that's on cities and counties is about 30,000.
Bills: SB4, SJR2
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

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lee County is a small rural county about 60 miles east

  • We have a legislative committee that actively monitors pending legislation and evaluates whether a bill
  • Travis County.

    It's in Travis County. Okay. Yeah.

  • I serve as County Commissioner and I serve on the board of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency
  • resolutions of Hays County, the city of Bee Cave, and the West Travis County Municipal Utility District
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will reconvene the Senate Committee K through 16, and Chairman Bettencourt, I know you have legislation
  • We are the regional economic development partnership for the Austin area across five counties.
  • I think it's an excellent piece of legislation, and we're fully supportive.
  • With this map, all of the counties that are in blue are counties where providers would get an additional
  • It's a legislative council draft. Members, are there any questions for Senator Creighton?
Summary: During the meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, including SB1961, which focuses on improving the data reporting on post-secondary outcomes for graduates. The bill was supported by various stakeholders, including workforce development representatives from Samsung, highlighting the importance of aligning educational outcomes with job market needs. Multiple testimonies were provided that underscored the need for robust data to aid both students and institutions in making informed decisions regarding career paths and education. Additionally, the committee addressed SB1325, which was subject to amendments and subsequently passed, with motivations surrounding the effective distribution of respiratory distress medication in schools. The meeting concluded with the passage of several bills to favorable reports for further consideration in the Senate, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance educational compliance and workforce development initiatives throughout Texas. Members actively participated in both providing essential context for these bills and facilitating public input, emphasizing the shared commitment to benefiting the state's educational infrastructure and workforce readiness.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • How do you keep your court from legislating from the bench?
  • know, parameters of county commissioners' courts, city councils?
  • The legislative branch...
  • degree, can be a disadvantage to the legislative branch.
  • She also previously served as the legislative liaison.
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • by legislative members.
  • Counties of over a million. What counties would those be? Well, let's start at the top.
  • Harris County. Dallas County. My county. Bexar County.
  • Oh, Tarrant County is there.
  • as opposed to like a random sampling of all the counties?
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the discussion of various bills aimed at addressing key issues related to housing development and youth tobacco use. Notably, SB1882 was brought to the floor by Senator Betancourt, which aims to reassess the regulations surrounding moratoriums on residential and commercial property development. Several industry representatives testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the necessity of increased transparency and more robust guidelines for imposing moratoriums. The discussions highlighted the economic impact that open-ended moratoriums can have on local builders and potential homeowners, urging the need for legislative changes to protect development rights and housing availability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The intent of the bill is admirable and certainly makes sense in counties that border large counties.
  • My name is Lauren Rodgers, and I'm the elected county and district clerk for Sherman County.
  • for Sherman County and the Election Legislative Chair for the County and District Clerks Association
  • the legislation goes into effect.
  • to county.
Summary: The House Committee on Elections convened to deliberate on several legislative measures, focusing significantly on the accessibility and integrity of the voting process. Key discussions included the presentation of HB5430, which addresses the declaration of a candidate’s ineligibility based on their filing status. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill SB901, a companion bill that echoes the intentions of HB5430. Other bills such as HB2253 aimed to introduce flexibility for local governments in case of disaster declarations, allowing them to cancel elections in a specified timeframe, emphasizing the need for local leaders to act decisively during crises. Additionally, Senate Bill SB760 was introduced to protect vulnerable populations, ensuring that legal guardians are notified when mail-in ballots are requested by individuals in long-term care facilities. Testimonies both supported and challenged the measures, revealing deep concerns regarding potential implications of these bills on voter rights, particularly for disabled stakeholders and elderly populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections May 5th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • For example, the Harris County CSCD has over 30 detailed budgets.
  • Harris County is...
  • Dallas County is the same size; it probably has 30 budgets too.
  • But I know the Dallas County judges.
  • These aren't county funds.
Bills: SB663, SB958
Summary: During this committee meeting, significant discussions surrounded various bills including HB1969, SB958, and SB663. Representative Allen moved that HB1969 be reported favorably without amendments, which was adopted amidst a few dissenting votes concerning amendments on fees. The most notable conversation revolved around SB958, where Representative Thompson and other advocates passionately presented the case for trafficking survivors and the need to expand the list of sealable misdemeanors for these individuals. Witness testimonies reflected real-world implications, with survivors sharing their experiences to underscore the urgent need for legislative action.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That legislation... Your work deeply matters to me.
  • Three in ten families are being evicted each month in Tarrant County.
  • Members, Adam Haynes, Conference of Urban Counties.
  • So the way the legislation is written, Haven for Hope is gone.
  • We serve Tarrant and Parker counties.
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development May 19th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • lender that primarily represents a county or municipality.
  • Last year in Polk County, a key timber hub washed out county roads and culverts, delaying...
  • This ambiguity has caused confusion across counties, with some courts accepting appeals.
  • These efforts resulted in a report with robust legislative recommendations.
  • I'm also here on behalf of the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition, which is a coalition...
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Economic Development Committee focused on several key bills aimed at enhancing economic development and addressing infrastructure needs in Texas. Notably, House Bill 5195 was discussed to modernize state agency websites, making them accessible and user-friendly for small businesses. Senator Alvarado emphasized the importance of this legislation in providing a better online experience for Texas residents and businesses alike, noting that outdated websites pose significant barriers. The bill received strong support from both committee members and public witnesses, highlighting its potential to spur economic growth. Furthermore, House Bills 2760 and 2765 were also favorably reported, aimed at refining the unemployment benefit appeal process and expanding resources for rural economic development, respectively.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here today to express strong support for the legislation that would enable Medina County to pursue
  • The county has experienced rapid growth as Bexar County

  • ...in the county to develop an ASR project in Medina County
  • I'm here on behalf of the Medina County Regional Water Alliance.
  • I guess it's by county.
Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several pivotal bills primarily relating to water management, environmental regulations, and labor standards. Amongst key discussions, SB243 aimed to reform migrant housing penalties, transforming the flat fee structure into a more compelling model that could incite improvements in living conditions for migrant workers. Furthermore, the committee deliberated on SB2159 and SB2568, both significant for addressing water resource management in Medina County, with testimonies from local water authority representatives emphasizing the urgent need for updated legislative support amid local growth pressures. Other bills discussed included SB1891 and SB1442, which prompted lively debates regarding utility rate adjustments and environmental compliance procedures for wastewater facilities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We also, of course, like all agencies, have legislative appropriation requests.
  • What if you're in a county where maybe the county judge or maybe the county commissioner's court doesn't
  • I have long said I have one county that has really developed in that regard, and that is Fort Bend County
  • , a little bit of Western Harris County.
  • I know that the herd in El Paso County is expected to double by April.
Summary: The meeting, led by Chairwoman L'Oreal Stepney, covered several crucial topics focusing on Texas water management and the associated legislative priorities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) presented its initiatives including the implementation of a 50-hour workweek for Texas Game Wardens, the Cultivated Oyster Mariculture Program, and enhanced funding requests aimed at improving water infrastructure and conservation efforts. Notably, discussions centered around the integration of innovative practices in oyster farming to ensure sustainability and boost coastal resources. Chairwoman Stepney also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to address water quality and supply challenges given Texas's growing population demands. In addition to water management, there was a significant emphasis on expanding the biosecurity program to combat recent agricultural threats and the establishment of a suicide hotline for farmers, reflecting the committee's commitment towards the well-being of agricultural stakeholders. The meeting concluded with a strong sense of collaboration among committee members and commitments to addressing the pressing needs concerning water resources, conservation, and agricultural safety in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence May 20th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • District Attorney Josh Teetons from McLennan County.
  • That journey led me to this legislation.
  • It was legislated after, I'm sorry, the history.
  • And Harris County, I'm very familiar with Harris County.
  • Good morning, legislators. I'm Dr.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence was marked by extensive discussions around various legislative bills, including measures to combat organ trafficking and address custody interference issues. Notably, SB456 aimed to impose stronger penalties on organ trafficking, with supporting testimonies emphasizing the severity of the issue, alongside a proposal to enhance existing laws on deepfake media by SB442. The committee sought to tighten the definitions and penalties surrounding these crimes, reflecting a growing urgency to safeguard vulnerable individuals in society. Witnesses from various organizations echoed the necessity for these legislative changes, presenting evidence and arguments supporting the amendments. The session concluded with positive indications of potential legislative action, as well as plans for further meetings to review additional measures. This well-attended meeting showcased active participation from both committee members and public stakeholders, demonstrating a collective commitment to addressing these pressing legal issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Opening Ceremonies of the 89th Legislature Jan 14th, 2025 at 12:01 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cody Vassute of Missouri County.
  • Ramos of Dallas County.
  • Burroughs of Lubbock County.
  • for David Cook of Tarrant County.
  • and the Honorable David Cook of Tarrant County.
Summary: The meeting of the Texas House of Representatives marked a significant start to the 89th Legislature, highlighted by the election of the new Speaker, Dustin Burroughs. The session began with heartfelt speeches from various members, emphasizing unity and the importance of collaboration in tackling Texas's pressing issues such as property tax relief, educational support, and water infrastructure investment. Members voiced their support for Burroughs, noting his ability to foster an inclusive environment for all representatives. The elected speaker's commitment to transparency and cooperation was a recurring theme throughout the discussions, which set an optimistic tone for the upcoming legislative session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • , as well as Harris County.
  • The people of Kerr County...
  • in between Parker County and Tarrant County.
  • Galveston County.
  • My name is Ramon Rodriguez, and I am the county chair for the Presidio County Democratic Party.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed the contentious issue of congressional redistricting, following concerns about the legality and fairness of past maps that allegedly disenfranchised minority voters. The testimony predominantly rejected the notion of conducting mid-decade redistricting, with multiple witnesses arguing against the initiative citing lack of legal justification and the risk of exacerbating racial gerrymandering. Prominent discussions included calls for more transparency in the redistricting process, with several members expressing the need for public engagement through field hearings and meaningful opportunities to review and comment on proposed maps. Senator King and other members led discussions emphasizing the significance of community involvement in shaping equitable congressional districts that reflect Texas' demographics.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 20th, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And they're coming for the other 24 counties too.
  • 5 is Fort Bend County Day at the State Capitol.
  • ="739" data-time="4428"> counties in the state of Texas.
  • Some of the largest AAPI communities in Texas can be found in Harris County, Collin County, and Fort
  • Bend County.
Summary: The meeting encompassed extensive deliberations on various bills and their implications on public policy. Members voiced their opinions on key issues including education reform, healthcare access, and environmental regulations. Notably, debates arose around HB123, where representatives expressed concerns about funding mechanisms, with some advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources. Public testimonies were also heard, bringing different perspectives to the table and illustrating the diversity of opinions on the proposed legislation.

Research Filters

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