Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Keeping Texas Prepared'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Texas miracle is clear.
  • families in preparing for the school year.
  • So I represent Corpus Christi, Texas. We are an economic driver for the state of Texas.
  • Texas is home to over 1 million veterans.
  • So, just please keep this in mind.
Summary: The meeting of the committee explored various bills with significant discussions centered around House Bills like HB8, HB2723, and HB3093. Members expressed concerns about the financial implications of property tax assessments and the impact of unjust appraisals on local government budgets. Representative Cunningham highlighted the urgency of addressing the discrepancies in property tax laws as they relate to non-profit cemeteries, pointing out historical injustices that have led to the loss of community burial sites. Meanwhile, the discussions on HB3093 revolved around ensuring fair taxation practices to reduce financial uncertainties for local governments, emphasizing the need for realistic revenue calculations in budget projections. The committee actively invited public testimonies, illustrating the widespread interest and implications of these legislative efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • He just keeps filing motions.
  • Does the state of Texas have the ability here to keep

  • Since the notaries are required to keep records for 10 years, what would they keep?
  • And you got to keep it.
  • in West Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting encompassed a wide range of discussions focusing heavily on various bills aimed at enhancing community safety and legal procedures. Notably, House Bill 2176 was introduced by Chairman Harless as a cleanup bill that seeks to improve courtroom safety. This drew significant attention as witnesses, including Holly Williamson from the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, testified regarding the alarming increase in security incidents reported in Texas courts, emphasizing the need for reinforced court security measures. The concerns raised about the safety of judges, court personnel, and the public during court proceedings highlighted the gravity of the situation and the necessity for legislative action.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The biggest tourist place in Texas.
  • Social workers are essential to public service in Texas.
  • So I keep hearing the term "recruiting tool."
  • The Texas balance of state continuum of care uses.
  • They both have an entire chapter in the Texas Penal Code.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Ben Martin; I represent Texas Housers.
  • If you keep up your part of the deal, I keep up mine, and
  • Other states are ahead of Texas in this area.
  • I'm representing the State Fair of Texas.
  • I've done a good job of trying to keep it up.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee was focused on various housing-related bills, including HB411, which seeks to prevent discrimination against tenants based on their source of income, particularly targeting landlords who refuse Section 8 or other housing vouchers. Representative Rosenthal presented compelling arguments advocating for the bill, highlighting the discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect low-income families, including veterans. The discussion included public testimonies that underscored the vital need for housing reforms to provide a fair chance at stable housing for those relying on assistance programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • as the Texas Association of Builders.
  • We're gonna keep this one or we're gonna keep the top one and delete that one, right?
  • Homes, Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing.
  • Providers and Texas Association of Builders.
  • As we all know, Texas is currently experiencing an affordable housing shortage.
Summary: The meeting centered around discussions on affordable housing legislation, particularly focusing on HB627 and HB1865. The chair laid out HB627, which aims to address issues related to the resolution of no objection (RONO) requirement for affordable housing projects. This bill is designed to improve the process for developers by mandating timely responses from local jurisdictions, which would facilitate an increase in affordable housing units in Texas. Numerous witnesses, including representatives from housing associations, testified in favor of the bill, highlighting the need for greater efficiency in housing development. Concerns were raised regarding the removal of public hearing requirements for smaller jurisdictions, with some members expressing the need for community input on housing developments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Jamie Olsen, the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy with Feeding Texas.
  • The Texas Department of Agriculture did a food study.
  • I thought this was, I thought Healthy Texas Women was mostly.
  • I'm a policy coordinator with the Texas Women's Health Care Coalition.
  • for Everybody Texas.
Summary: The meeting revolved around critical discussions regarding health-related bills, particularly focusing on women's health and food access issues highlighted in HB1786 and HB231. Representative Howard proposed HB1786 to reinstate the Women's Health Advisory Committee, emphasizing its necessity to address women's healthcare challenges in Texas due to the dissolution of the committee, which had previously facilitated valuable collaboration among healthcare providers. The discussions included testimonials from various stakeholders including health professionals and representatives from advocacy groups, all supporting the need for an advisory body that could effectively address women's health concerns. Additionally, there was strong support for HB231, which aims to study the impact of food deserts on vulnerable populations, as articulated by Representative Morales, making a case for equitable access to nutritious food across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • This would be an investment in our Texas families.
  • But in Texas Medicaid...
  • You are here on behalf of the Texas Radiological Society, the Texas Medical Association, and yourself
  • It's different than what Texas verbiage is.
  • Texas Counseling Association.
Summary: The committee meeting engaged in comprehensive discussions surrounding various health-focused bills aimed at improving community services and mental health care access. Notably, House Bill 475 was refiled by Representative Johnson, highlighting the deficiencies in Texas Medicaid regarding community-based care for youth at risk for criminal behavior. The committee examined the merits of the bill, emphasizing the need for evidence-based intervention programs. Meanwhile, House Bill 2060 received attention for its focus on ensuring automatic Medicaid coverage for infants, addressing gaps in access highlighted by a report indicating a significant number of newborns missed enrollment at birth. Members expressed strong support for this initiative, delineating the critical nature of health coverage for Texas’ youngest citizens.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Education Aug 21st, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, you know, by keeping us in the loop, keeping us..

  • Do y'all agree with the Texas essential knowledge and skills?
  • LaVonda Loney, and I represent the Texas Educational Policy Institute.
  • I was born and raised in Texas.
  • I'm the Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036.
Bills: HB8
Summary: The committee meeting focused on HB8, which proposes significant changes to the assessment and accountability system in Texas education. Key discussions involved the transition from the previous STAR testing framework to a new instructionally supportive assessment program that aims to provide timely feedback to enhance instructional strategies. Proponents of the bill argue that it encourages a growth-oriented approach, while opponents express concerns about the potential increase in high-stakes testing and the makeup of the advisory committee, which has limited educator and parental representation. Numerous witnesses spoke, highlighting both support and apprehension regarding the bill's implications for students, educators, and accountability standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:02 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • This signature program in Texas sends a clear message to Texas families that higher education in our
  • It's the foundation supporting higher education in Texas, and it's critical that it keeps pace with inflation
  • presence in Texas, the 16th Air Force's presence in Texas
  • We serve as the East Texas hub for the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, and we're excited <
  • Texas.
Summary: The meeting focused on various initiatives related to health, education, and technological advancements. Notably, the Fentanyl Detection Initiative was presented, highlighting the urgency as five Texans die daily from fentanyl poisoning. Researchers at UT Dallas are developing portable detectors to accurately quantify fentanyl, facilitating faster medical responses by first responders. Additionally, funding requests for the Center for Advanced Pain Studies, aimed at developing effective pain therapies without addictive opioids, were discussed, which emphasize the need to address the opioid crisis. The conversation also covered funding allocations to support various health-related programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Mar 27th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas.
  • The Chair calls Emily French with Common Cause Texas.
  • Texas, you know, Texas state law in this area preempts local
  • The Texas League opposes HB817.
  • Texas spends a little over $7 million. It's my...
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on various election-related bills, with significant discussions revolving around HB1783, HB1090, and HB1478. Notably, HB1783 faced opposition from representatives of the Texas Civil Rights Project, who argued that the bill would impose undue restrictions on local governments regarding ballot proposition language, potentially hindering timely responses in elections. Another contentious bill, HB1090, proposed prohibitions on certain individuals serving as volunteer deputy registrars, which drew criticism for its implications on accessibility and fairness in the electoral process. Public testimony included voices both in favor and against these bills, highlighting the ongoing debates over election integrity and administrative efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , the Texas Dental Association, and you are for the bill, is that correct?
  • , and the Texas Dental Association, which together represent more than 11,000 member dentists in Texas
  • I've been practicing for over 10 years in Austin, Texas, exclusively.
  • Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association.
  • Thank you for serving Texas.

    Yes, thank you.

Summary: During this meeting of the Committee on Public Health, members discussed several significant bills focused on expanding the scope of practice for dental professionals, specifically regarding the administration of neuromodulators such as Botox for aesthetic purposes. Senator Van Dever presented SB1117, which would allow licensed dentists to administer these treatments following proper training, a point that sparked a lively debate among committee members. While proponents emphasized the benefits of improving patient access to regulated aesthetic care, opponents raised concerns about the potential for dentists to prioritize cosmetic procedures over essential dental care, fearing that the marketplace could prioritize profit over patient safety. The bill enjoyed bipartisan support, having passed the Senate unanimously but faced scrutiny regarding the implications of allowing such expansion beyond traditional dental practices.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These agencies are the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Lottery Commission, and the Texas
  • I'll keep this brief.
  • In our view, this bill will help Texas keep its leadership position in the autonomous vehicle industry
  • We want to keep this industry here in Texas and make it the epicenter and the hub of this growing and
  • They keep failing.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussing several bills pertinent to public safety and regulatory standards for emerging technologies, specifically autonomous vehicles and charter school oversight. Notable discussions surrounded HB3837, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Texas. Vice Chair Bajani highlighted the rapid advancements in the autonomous vehicle industry and the necessity for updated regulations that ensure safety while promoting innovation. Additionally, SB2425 was examined for its proposals to enhance public safety while balancing industry interests, garnering support from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. There was considerable concern regarding previous incidents involving autonomous vehicles and their implications for public trust and safety standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Summary: The committee meeting engaged in a robust discussion regarding several key bills aimed at improving community services and infrastructure. Notably, the discussion surrounding SB4 highlighted concerns about funding allocations which were addressed by various members during the session. Public testimony was also a significant element of the meeting, particularly in relation to HB2214, where residents expressed their views on the proposed changes to community resources. The meeting concluded with a general consensus to forward the discussed bills to the next stage in the legislative process, reflecting a productive day of debate and collaboration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 19th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="432"> cases where students are graduating and going into the armed services and being prepared
  • about this historic legacy level of funding, and all the great things that will come from this for Texas
  • Could you just keep the teacher pay raise permanent but also skew a little?
  • Thank you for keeping in mind our bilingual educators

  • It's going to make a huge difference, and we just want to thank you from South Texas.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened to discuss House Bill 2, which focuses on public education funding and reforms. Senator Creighton presented amendments to the bill, highlighting significant increases in funding for special education and enhancements to teacher pay. Notably, the committee adopted a new substitute version of the bill after thorough discussions regarding its implications on districts and educators. Several senators expressed their concerns and support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all educational stakeholders are adequately compensated and that the bill addresses ongoing educational challenges in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections May 5th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="4" data-time="18">As a reminder, anyone present wishing to testify before this meeting should prepare
  • Current Texas law recognizes this injustice by allowing

  • They also keep them from escaping their victimization

  • I'm a director of a probation department in Texas. I've been in the business since 1990.
  • Those sorts of things involve the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
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

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Fair Defense Act created the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense, which is now part of the Texas
  • Moody, are you prepared to lay out House Bill 4733?
  • So if you keep a record, another...
  • That is not expunction as it's ever existed in Texas.
  • I mean, we're turning expunctions, which are special in Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting featured comprehensive discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at reforming laws related to criminal justice and individual rights. Notable among the bills was HB2309, which intends to update the civil asset forfeiture laws in Texas, empowering the Attorney General's office to pursue forfeiture in serious cases like human trafficking and organized crime. Representative Villalba presented this bill, emphasizing the need for state-level resources to address broader criminal enterprises effectively. The bill's testimony included insights from witnesses associated with the Texas Attorney General's office who affirmed the necessity for such changes to enhance law enforcement's capabilities across jurisdictions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, and Early Matters Texas.
  • Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036.
  • Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036.
  • Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036.
  • Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The committee meeting addressed various pressing issues, notably the funding and appropriations for transportation and housing programs. Presentations focused on $40.4 billion in funding for highway projects, which is directed towards construction, maintenance, and infrastructure development for the upcoming biennium. Discussions highlighted the importance of addressing the capacity for project delivery amid increasing demands due to population growth and increased vehicle miles traveled in Texas. Additionally, Senator Hinojosa pushed for clarifying the funding available for driver education programs, especially for homeless and foster youth, which underscored a need for legislative support to ensure adequate resource allocation. Public testimonies lent depth to these discussions, presenting the human impact of legislative decisions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If we want to keep OB access In rural Texas, targeted support
  • money in along the way to keep rural Texas hospitals from
  • Can quality health care be delivered in rural Texas? And does rural Texas deserve quality care?
  • , you don’t have rural Texas.
  • how to successfully keep children with their families while keeping them safe.
Summary: The meeting of the committee included extensive discussions around several key bills focused on child welfare and health care initiatives. Notably, Senate Bill 577 addressed the management of Social Security benefits for foster children, with multiple testimonies highlighting the importance of ensuring these benefits directly support the children's needs rather than offsetting departmental costs. Senator West passionately argued for better stewardship of these funds, citing the high number of foster youth in financial hardship and emphasizing the bill's potential to improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations. Public testimonies both supported and raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential implications of the bill on children's welfare and parental rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Education Aug 21st, 2025 at 08:08 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • to prepare and set expectations.
  • What I want for all of us to keep in mind when we open discussion on this bill is what is best for Texas
  • I'm here representing Woodson ISD and the Texas Association of Rural Schools.
  • Texas is a diverse state.
  • and Texas students.
Bills: HB8
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on House Bill 8, which seeks to reform the public school accountability and assessment system in Texas. Key discussions included the repeal of the STAAR test and its replacement with a series of shorter assessments throughout the school year, aimed at reducing the high-stakes nature of a single day test. Educators and advocates provided testimony on the need for assessments that better reflect student progress while ensuring accountability measures are fair and based on diverse community needs. Members raised concerns about the implementation timeline and the necessity of teacher involvement in the development of assessment items to enhance trust in the system. Overall, the atmosphere was collaborative, with many participants eager to improve educational outcomes for Texas students.
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:
  • Bartlett, you are with the Texas Lawyers for Children, and you're testifying for yourself and Texas Lawyers
  • That is the interpretation of Texas Lawyers for Children; the state of Texas is not.
  • ...when Texas gets audited there is a deem for Texas.
  • I came prepared to tell this body that...
  • The Texas Family Code.
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.

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