Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'environmental policies'

Page 33 of 50
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 4th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • discussions and their debates would be both productive and effective, that actions would be taken and policies
  • and effective, that actions would be taken and policies enacted
  • Texas is forever grateful for their service and dedication, and we remain committed to policies that
  • 148" data-time="882"> ...and we remain committed to policies
  • Any of you who are involved in Houston policy know that they are the premier business association in
Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SR19, SR27, SR30, SR32, SCR11
Summary: The meeting focused on several resolutions, notably including House resolutions which recognized the academic achievements of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and its merging with the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. Senator Menendez and others praised the benefits of the merger, highlighting its potential for advancing research and education in Texas. Furthermore, various senators acknowledged the presence of community leaders and representatives, emphasizing the importance of local contributions to state development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Skills in international business, law, trade, trade policy
  • changes two of the provisions to give the Higher Education Coordinating Board more flexibility on policy
  • Now, I do policy advocacy professionally.
  • I'm a senior policy analyst at Texas Appleseed.
  • have adopted the required policies.
Summary: The committee meeting led by Chair Wilson focused on higher education legislation, notably addressing bills related to tuition fee exemptions, financial assistance for students, and combating fentanyl abuse on campuses. Significant discussions revolved around HB1527, which proposes fee exemptions for peace officers at public institutions, and HB3062, aimed at implementing educational initiatives to raise awareness of fentanyl dangers among students. Several representatives expressed support for these measures, citing the crucial need for educational programs to combat substance abuse and provide equitable access to education.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • State agencies can buy insurance policies to help offset
  • Premiums for state-sponsored insurance policies are often affected by market fluctuations and events
  • Functionally, it's similar to raising your deductible on your insurance policy.
  • One piece from a policy perspective is dealing with enforcement, right?
  • Self-defense is good policy in Texas. A lot of these folks in rental communities...
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

Business and Commerce Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="235" data-time="1404"> The director will be responsible for developing and implementing policies
  • significant challenges in both executing a cohesive of policy
  • The notice requires a clause informing the tenant that most renter's insurance policies do not cover
  • You know, if you think about, I learned in law school about this term, contrary to public policy.
  • I just don't think that's good policy.
Summary: The meeting of the committee commenced with the establishment of a quorum, where members discussed and voted on five significant bills related to energy efficiency, insurance regulation, and public utility governance. Notably, Senate Bill 2717 was presented, incorporating feedback to foster collaboration among various state agencies for improved energy efficiency performance. This was followed by a detailed discussion on Senate Bill 1642, which proposed changes to the Texas Department of Insurance's executive structure to optimize management and consumer focus. Each bill saw active participation from senators who moved to adopt committee substitutes for clarity and responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, indicating a proactive approach to legislative issues.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Molly Boyles, and I'm the Director of Public Policy at the Texas Council on Family Violence
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs carries out red flag policies on its veterans as seen in their patient
  • They used this to combat these policies.
  • Also, I am subject to those policies set by the VA.
  • Children deserve to live free from violence, and we should pursue policies that protect the safety and
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding several proposed bills, including Senate Bill 990, which aims to expand the death penalty criteria. This bill faced substantial opposition from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. They expressed concerns about the effectiveness and fiscal implications of the death penalty, urging the committee to consider alternative methods for ensuring public safety. Testimony highlighted research disputing the efficacy of the death penalty as a deterrent and called for a nuanced approach to justice, particularly concerning crimes against children. In addition to SB990, the committee reviewed SB1362 and SB1379, both related to increasing penalties for financial crimes in response to fraud surges exacerbated by the pandemic. Witnesses, including law enforcement representatives and banking officials, provided testimonies supporting these bills as proactive measures against rising financial fraud cases. The meeting concluded with motions on these bills pending further consideration, reflecting the committee's ongoing commitment to addressing these critical issues while debating the broader implications of each legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part III) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In every session, I come to this floor and I tell you about these policies from CRT,
  • I think that's how you get good policy.
  • In the formation of policy in this chamber, I look over
  • It has everything to do with good policy, because this historic...
  • This map is about policy, it's about continuing good policy
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: In the recent committee meeting, the primary focus was on HB4, the congressional redistricting bill. Intense debates ensued regarding the implications of this proposed map on minority voting representation. Senator Zaffirini and other members expressed strong opposition, citing that the redistricting efforts were not only untimely but also undermined the gains made by minority communities in past elections. Significant testimony was provided from the public, showing overwhelming disapproval of the proposed changes, with 98% of the testimonies against the bill. Members highlighted the historical context of disenfranchisement and warned that this redistricting would further dilute the voices of crucial voting blocs in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • " data-time="1926"> If it's shifting to everybody, and don't get me wrong, I think this is a good policy
  • span> Exempting perishable goods from property taxation is good policy
  • Again, in summary, this is a great policy.
  • My name is Joyce, and I am a Public Finance Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy
  • While no single policy can solve every economic challenge families face, Senate Bill 2907 is an important
Summary: The committee meeting saw the discussion of several significant bills aimed at reducing the tax burden on small businesses and addressing public services in municipalities. Notably, Senate Bill 2907, introduced by Senator West, proposes to exempt perishable inventory and pharmaceutical goods from property taxes. This bill received robust support during public testimony, with various stakeholders emphasizing its potential to lower food prices and improve business conditions. Similarly, Senate Bill 1331 addressed the protective measures for smaller municipalities facing threats from petitions to remove municipal services, aiming to reduce the requisite population threshold for such actions. The lively discussions underscored the committee's commitment to supporting local communities and businesses in a challenging economic climate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Middleton, thank you and your office for having an open-door policy to talk about some of the
  • My name is Sally Bocco, I'm the Director of Policy and Governmental Relations for the City of Galveston
  • As TWIA's exposure and policy count increase due to private market contracting along the Gulf Coast,
  • /span>

    and policy

Summary: The committee meeting revolved around important discussions regarding two significant bills, SB2530 and SB2571, intended to address the funding challenges faced by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Senator Milton highlighted the need for reforms due to escalating reinsurance costs that have risen to over 60% of premiums. A notable focus was the proposed dynamic funding model, which aims to reduce reliance on fixed assessments and public securities tied to the current Probable Maximum Loss (PML) structure, allowing funding to adjust based on actual needs. Both bills received mixed responses, with public testimonies citing the potential for increased financial burdens on insurance companies if the assessments were restructured without careful consideration of market conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Andrew, I've got you on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation registered for HDR.
  • I'm the vice president of policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I oversee our work on child
  • and family policy.
  • I'm also the Legislative and Policy Director of the FAMI.
  • They're trying to invoke insurance policies and are trying to invoke deep pockets.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on various legislative proposals, with significant discussions surrounding bills aimed at enhancing legal protections for citizens and jury privacy. Notably, House Bill 1110, presented by Chairman Shaheen, addresses safeguards for citizens reporting suspicious activities, ensuring they are protected from legal repercussions when acting in good faith. There was unanimous support for HB 349, which relates to civil liabilities associated with removing individuals from vehicles, illustrating the committee's commitment to providing social protections amid rising concerns around public safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...on some of your treatment under your policy.
  • That verdict to effectuate the policy changes.
  • But also, I believe in policy.

  • Several incidents with minor bumper damage have led to policy limit...
  • ...These are limited liability policies, very small policies
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm a policy analyst.
  • I'm a policy analyst representing the Texas Public Policy Foundation, here to testify in support of HB
Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussions surrounding several bills aimed at reforming aspects of criminal justice in Texas. Representative Little laid out HB413, detailing its provisions which aim to prevent pretrial detention from exceeding the maximum time a person could be sentenced if convicted. The bill generated significant discussion, emphasizing the importance of due process and the financial burden of detaining individuals unnecessarily. Public testimonies were presented, with varied opinions on the efficacy and implementation of this bill. Additionally, discussions on HB2507 and HB1418 highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve transparency and reliability in the judicial process, specifically addressing issues related to grand jury proceedings and in-custody informants, respectively. Witnesses from both supporting and opposing sides provided comprehensive insights, showcasing the depth of concern regarding wrongful convictions and the need for reform in testimony verification practices. The committee concluded the meeting with plans for a follow-up session to continue these crucial discussions and potentially advance the bills further.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also have the member from the Texas Public Policy who actually wrote the bill for me.
  • their illegal policies.
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation, and you are for the bill, is that correct?
  • I am a policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am here to testify in support of House
  • That opinion goes into some of the public policy.
Summary: The meeting addressed multiple pieces of legislation related to property appraisal, primarily focusing on HB1952, HB4703, and HB3524. There was a lively discussion surrounding HB1952, which proposes to increase the number of elected members on appraisal boards, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. Public testimony included varied perspectives, with residents expressing a desire for more representation in appraisal decisions, while some members voiced concerns about the potential politicization of these boards. The committee left the bill pending for further scrutiny, indicating the complexity of the subject matter and the differing opinions within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • No, I mean, those are policy questions.

  • Yep, and you're right, they are policy questions for us to decide, so thank you very much.
  • Polishing our policies on the Rainy Day Fund is something we need to go back and...
  • Very technical questions for you, not policy.
  • And I'm not saying that's always even the best policy, but just historically, whether it was the aftermath
Bills: SJR4
Summary: The meeting focused on Senate Joint Resolution 4, which proposes to raise the constitutional cap of the Economic Stabilization Fund from 10% to 15%. Members engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the potential implications of this increase, especially in relation to Texas's long-term financial liabilities. Concerns were raised about maintaining adequate reserves while simultaneously addressing the need for taxpayer relief, especially considering factors such as property tax compression and future economic downturns. Various members voiced their opinions on the balance between saving for potential future needs and returning money to taxpayers, fostering a vigorous debate on the state's fiscal strategy and priorities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance May 20th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Schwertner, and I appreciate the opportunity to give it a full hearing and thoroughly consider the policy
  • The policy question before us, I think, is whether requiring

  • is going to change their rates for their policies.
  • has been an issue because it costs TWA money to issue bonds, which takes away money from paying policies
  • The PML issue you've touched upon, that's a policy

Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530
Summary: The committee meeting held extensive discussions on multiple pieces of legislation focused primarily on insurance and healthcare. A significant portion of the meeting revolved around SB1643, which proposes changes to how property and casualty insurance rates are regulated in Texas by requiring prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for any rate changes exceeding 10%. Members expressed mixed feelings about this proposal, with concerns that it might lead to increased costs for consumers while discussing the balance between consumer protection and maintaining a competitive insurance market. Witnesses offered testimony both in favor and against the bill, highlighting the importance of thoughtful regulatory frameworks amidst rising insurance costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 24th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • Isn't that bad policy?
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • It includes a 72-hour refund policy for fraud victims who are new customers.
  • I'm the Vice President of Public Policy.
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved discussions surrounding multiple bills focusing on financial legislation, including crucial developments related to certificates of obligation (COs). Representative Tepper presented HB1453, which aimed to increase voter input regarding local government debt issuance and address growing concerns about financial accountability. The discussions highlighted the recent trends in CO debt, particularly in areas like El Paso, which has seen a dramatic rise in local government debt without direct voter approval. Several members voiced their support and concerns regarding the bill's implications for taxpayer rights and community involvement in financial decision-making.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is not amnesty; it's not an open-door policy.

  • data-time="234"> ...which would be required, ensuring continued respect for national immigration policy
  • I'm the Director of Policy and Legal Services for the Texas Immigration Law Council.
  • I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project and a proud alum of the Immigration Clinic
  • I'm the Policy Director of the Greater Edwards.
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions surrounding several bills focused on immigration, border security, and campaign finance reform. Notably, House Bill 1554 was presented to address the use of public funds for legal services for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., sparking significant opposition from several witnesses who voiced concerns about racial discrimination and the implications for immigrant communities. Other key bills discussed included House Bill 4823, the Campaign Finance Transparency Act, which aims to enhance reporting processes for political contributions, and House Bill 3676, related to energy policy. The committee heard from various stakeholders, both in support of and against the proposed legislation, reflecting a diverse range of opinions on these critical issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement for Prism Health North Texas, and I'm
  • My name is Ammon Blair and I'm a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • Chairman, as we discussed, and members, not necessarily testifying against the policy.
  • It's a state policy, and if you pass this state policy

  • My name is Daniel Woodward, and I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project.
Summary: The meeting was productive, primarily focusing on the discussions surrounding several key bills, notably HB2012, HB3174, and HB5580. The bills addressed significant issues like public health, immigration enforcement, and developmental initiatives. Notably, HB3174 aims to combat the spread of blood-borne diseases through syringe exchange programs in specific counties, with robust support from public health officials. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of perspectives on the efficacy and implications of these bills, particularly regarding how they would impact public safety and health in Texas. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on law enforcement and the appropriateness of mandating immigration mechanisms in local jails under HB5580, generating passionate discussions among committee members and public testimonies alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The adopted policies must also be posted on the district's website.
  • I understand, yeah, I mean, it's just a policy.
  • But I know it doesn't preempt any policy.
  • Existing policy and if there is a current policy that a
  • That's not just bad policy; it's foolish.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding House Bill 4, which aims to reform the Texas public school assessment and accountability system. The bill proposes to eliminate the existing STAAR testing framework and replace it with a nationally norm-referenced assessment that emphasizes growth over year-end testing, promoting a more individualized learning experience for students. This shift was widely supported among educators and stakeholders, with many testifying in favor of creating a system that aligns better with both educational outcomes and community accountability. Notably, there were concerns raised about maintaining adequate oversight and integrity in the assessment process, as well as the timing of implementing these significant changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At present, the policy of the...
  • Our recommendation is to see both policy and appropriations
  • 745" data-time="4464">So, anyways, I think if you want to require schools to stay open, these are policy
  • So that's a potential policy change that could be made.
  • To discipline in particular, discipline policy is governed
Summary: The meeting covered various topics, but specific discussions and bills were not detailed in the available transcript. Despite the lack of documented debates or acknowledgments, it was noted that committee members were present, and there may have been attempts to address crucial legislative matters. The dynamics of the meeting suggested a standard procedural gathering where routine insights were likely shared among the attendees.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • /span> Under this amendment, an evaluation of the findings and policy
  • The Republican Party of Texas has long supported the policy that has not been declared by the United
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am in support of House
  • is not going to be the case, especially since we, ever since the 70s, have adopted a total force policy
  • in U.S. history or U.S. law for a state to lose its National Guard funding due to retaliation over policy
Bills: HB39, HB227, HB930, HB1078
Summary: During the meeting, the committee deliberated on several bills primarily focused on veteran welfare and transition issues. One of the main highlights was the discussion of HB39, which proposes to improve data collection on veteran suicide rates, addressing the alarming statistics that reveal veterans are dying by suicide at a rate significantly higher than the general population. The bill seeks to mandate the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to submit aggregate data regarding deceased veterans to the Texas Veterans Commission, ensuring proper analysis and reporting on this critical issue. Witnesses, including mental health professionals and veterans, provided their insights, emphasizing the importance of having accurate data to inform better policies for preventing veteran suicides.

Research Filters

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