Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'utility rates'

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TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • of public utilities.
  • data-time="126"> extends cost-based fee protections to include developers, not just retail public utilities
  • In the original bill, it mirrored the protections for utilities, including the right to challenge unduly
  • Again, we've talked about this in looking at export fees and how that is utilized to better the county
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed significant issues surrounding groundwater conservation, with a focus on several proposed bills aimed to enhance the management and sustainability of water resources in the region. House Bill 1633 was discussed, which seeks to strengthen criteria used by groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) when permitting, ensuring that they factor in potential impacts on neighboring exempt wells. Positive sentiments were expressed regarding the need for more stringent evaluations of groundwater permits to preserve resources effectively. This bill aims to reinforce accountability among GCDs, emphasizing the criticality of groundwater, especially in rural areas where access is essential for agricultural and domestic use. In addition, House Bill 1689 and Senate Bill 3058 were presented, both aimed at improving how GCDs utilize export fees and manage water conservation measures. Public testimony highlighted the concerns of landowners about excessive pipeline construction fees and a lack of adequate authority to collaborate with counties on water projects. The committee adopted several amendments to these bills to better align the interests of landowners with water conservation goals. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the pressing need to balance development and conservation, signaling a collective intent to move forward with actionable legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • ">Like other segments of SH 130, segments 5 and 6 require veterans to pay the full toll fees for utilizing
  • disabled low-income veterans who need to make frequent trips for medical treatment, many of whom only utilize
  • to fund a veterans discount program for those utilizing SH
Summary: The meeting focused on the consideration of three main bills: HB3643, HB3821, and HB3849. Representative Troxler presented HB3643, which aims to allow municipalities like Lago Vista to withdraw from a transit authority with more reasonable exit fees. The bill faced strong support from local officials who argued that the current financial obligations are burdensome for smaller cities, and as a result, they cannot negotiate better service conditions with the transit authority. Public testimony was provided, with several community leaders advocating for the bill, highlighting the frustrations of Lago Vista residents who have been underserved by the transit agency. Conversely, there was opposition from CapMetro, who raised concerns about the potential destabilization of the transit system due to increased risks of municipalities opting out.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Get done without the help of the local utilities, the roads
  • I think that this bill is appropriate when you're under or when you're reporting or when you're utilizing
  • And so what that involves, obviously, is re-looking at the roads, re-looking at the utilities, and re-looking
Summary: The committee meeting involved robust discussions focusing on three key bills: HB791, HB1729, and HB2876. HB791, presented by Representative Gortez, quickly passed through the committee with no objections, relating to approval for Central Catholic High School. Next, HB1729, which concerns term limits for commissioners of the free board, also saw no discussion before being moved favorably to the full House. The final bill discussed, HB2876, was pulled back from subcommittee and addressed amendments to a comprehensive development agreement aimed at enhancing portions of State Highway 130. The chair demonstrated an intent to expedite these measures, highlighting a commitment to advancing local infrastructure projects efficiently. Additionally, public testimony was not on the agenda for this meeting, indicating a focus on internal discussions. Members expressed gratitude for the cooperation shown during the session, suggesting a positive working environment. As the meeting adjourned, it was noted that the upcoming agenda would include numerous bills, ensuring ongoing legislative activity in the following weeks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 3rd, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We appreciate and recognize the rate compression policy, and lowering the rate for all taxpayers helps
  • What's your total tax rate?
  • We have the voter-approved rate, which is the highest rate that you could approve without triggering
  • We have typically adopted a rate lower than the voter-approved rate in the last several years in order
  • to pay for that higher rate.
Bills: HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB22
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding bills HB9 and HCR1, aimed at providing tax relief and addressing disparities between residential and commercial taxpayers. Members expressed concerns over the rising property taxes and the burden small businesses have faced, particularly due to recent economic conditions. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Oil and Gas Association and the Texas Association of Manufacturers, emphasized the need for equitable tax policies that would benefit all taxpayers. The committee was engaged in vibrant discussions, evaluating the implications and potential benefits of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 27th, 2025 at 10:08 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • span>

    Overall, there is a 50% reduction in the mortality rate

  • So essentially, we're just utilizing a registry that's already created, that's housed within TDEM, so
  • an elected official, the constables, to set their own rates
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions on several bills, with a notably vibrant debate around HB25, which seeks to authorize pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without prescription. Supporters highlighted the potential benefits for rural communities by improving access to affordable medications, while opponents raised concerns around safety and the implications of over-the-counter availability. Following extensive discussion, HB25 ultimately passed with a vote of 88 ayes to 51 nays. Additionally, HB192 and HB254 were discussed, both of which passed with strong support, marking a productive session for those advocating for the modernization of public health and infrastructure funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are burdened by a 6% interest rate on arrears.
  • One effect is that a high interest rate could encourage, punitively, parents to pay.
  • When non-custodial parents see those interest rates drop, they actually pay more in child support.
  • Research shows lowering interest rates work.
  • If the bill is implemented, then whatever hourly rate or flat fee the county pays for those.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the Jurisprudence Committee featured significant discussions surrounding several bills focused on improving legal representation for indigent families and reforming the child support system in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 2501 was presented to enhance access to legal counsel for families involved with the Child Protective Services, allowing them to choose their own attorneys. The bill was well-received with various testimonies supporting its potential positive impact on legal outcomes for families. Additionally, Senate Bill 629 aimed at reducing the interest rates on child support arrears was highlighted, with studies presented that indicated a decrease in non-custodial parents’ debt burden would lead to increased compliance in payments and better support for families.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine insurance markets and the role of mitigation policies. May 1st, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Insurance rates in Massachusetts went up 16 percent just last year alone.
  • But even in areas not hit by natural disasters, rates are climbing fast.
  • insurance companies to seek prior approval for rate changes.
  • Homes built to 2008 standards have a much higher survival rate.
  • insurance rates.
Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Local GovernmentAudio only. Aug 26th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • What inflation rate are we using?
  • Above the voter-approved rate.

    Yeah.

  • Even if you're not planning on raising the tax rate?
  • Well, we don't know what the tax rate is going to be because the tax rate should be going down as the
  • You generally set your rates by now?
Bills: HB17, HB23
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government focused primarily on two bills, HB23 and HB17. HB23, which clarifies existing tax exemptions for charitable organizations, particularly concerning the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, received unanimous support from committee members and was reported out without opposition. Meanwhile, HB17 sparked more robust discussions surrounding transparency in property tax notifications. Proponents argued the necessity of providing clear, direct information to taxpayers about rate changes, while opponents raised concerns about the financial burden this would impose on school districts and local governments, asserting that the bill could lead to significant mailing costs and create an unfunded mandate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everybody has the ability to change their tax rates.
  • We want to, we have consistently lowered our tax rate.
  • We've lowered our tax rate and adopted rates below the no-new-revenue rate over the last decade.
  • I think it was last year our voter approval rate was six cents above our adopted rate, which is something
  • Urban cities experience higher rates of home flipping.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key bills related to property tax appraisals and education funding. Notable discussions included House Bill 2786, which proposed annual reappraisals to ensure property values reflect current market conditions. Representative Turner highlighted concerns around inconsistent appraisals that could adversely affect funding for local schools, particularly in Tarrant County. The session also saw testimony from representatives and concerned citizens advocating for the bill, emphasizing the importance of fair and accurate appraisals for maintaining educational funding and taxpayer equity. The committee members discussed the overall impact of property tax policies on local districts and pushed for a resolution to this ongoing issue.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • utilized in the same way as freshwater fishing stamp revenue
  • , the bill clarifies the understanding that requires the Railroad Commission to notify the Public Utility
  • The bill utilizes audio-visual telecommunications technology
  • Veterinary telemedicine is a valuable tool that we already utilize.
  • And you get a big DOD contract that allows that to be utilized in that type of thing.
Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss various Senate Bills, focusing on issues pertinent to agriculture, environment, and public health. Notably, Senator Perry spearheaded discussions on SB1247 and SB1948, emphasizing the need for committee substitutes to adapt the bills to recent legislative requirements. SB1948, in particular, was introduced to exempt agricultural structures from certain fire safety regulations, reflecting concerns among agricultural producers regarding compliance costs. Multiple members supported this legislation, highlighting the impact on the agricultural sector's operational viability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 6th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • process and reduced the voter approval tax rate, previously known as the rollback rate, for cities and
  • rate, to two and a half percent.
  • The current voter-approved rate will be reduced from 3.5% to 2.5%.
  • Specifically, counties have now actually raised their rate of increase.
  • They would allow them to increase the tax rate.
Bills: SB15, SB9, SB7
Summary: During this committee meeting, significant attention was directed towards property tax relief and reform, notably through discussions led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the upcoming options for homestead exemptions that would be voted on in November. The committee also reviewed a series of bills, including Senate Bill 9, which was presented as a committee substitute. There was a strong emphasis on how the legislation aims to streamline tax guidelines for local government expenditures while balancing taxpayer relief against budgetary constraints. The meeting was characterized by a collaborative atmosphere where committee members shared insights and feedback on the various bills under consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development May 19th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> It would raise the threshold to 200,000, including public utilities
  • Manufacturing teeters on available roads and utilities.
  • These maps will include key information like building layouts, utility shutoffs, and the location of
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:
  • Our electricity rates are going to go up, and our electric bills are going to be higher.
  • marker="2500" data-time="14994">In District 18, there is economic disparity and prevalent poverty rates
  • Shortages, fear of immigration rates, and food deserts
  • ...rates of voting in the nation.
  • ...and infant mortality rates.
Summary: The House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting convened to discuss a revised congressional redistricting plan as part of a special session. The meeting focused on public testimony regarding potential revisions to the redistricting map due to concerns about representation for Congressional Districts 2, 7, 8, and 9. Several witnesses testified against the proposed changes, expressing worries about gerrymandering and the disproportionate impact on minority communities. Notably, Deborah Allen, a former city council member, implored the committee members to heed the concerns of constituents who fear losing representation during this critical redistricting process. The atmosphere was charged as multiple lawmakers and public members voiced their frustrations about the perceived political motives driving the redistricting efforts rather than addressing urgent local needs. The committee faced questions regarding the lack of concrete maps available for public commentary, raising concerns about transparency in the redistricting process. Some members argued that the hearings should prioritize community engagement across the state rather than being limited to a few locations. Various testimonies highlighted fears that the redistricting plan might undermine the gains made in voter representation, particularly among marginalized groups. As the meeting concluded, it became clear that the committee might need to hold further hearings to ensure the public's voice was adequately represented before moving forward with any decisions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="450"> If I'm reading this bill right, we're going to have an Uber driver who's just being utilized
  • This is for curbside specifically, but it is utilized.
  • I just want to make sure that we're not going too far and hurting those tools that are utilized for individuals
  • data-time="1674"> Like Representative Bucy said earlier, a lot of our concerns are with people who utilize
  • "814" data-time="4878">Texas has provided seniors and individuals with disabilities the option to utilize
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

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="576"> But I also know when we give more access, it always leads to more access and more utilization
  • Access equals utilization. There's always a correlation there.
Summary: The meeting of the committee covered critical discussions focused on several key bills aimed at enhancing safety and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and pediatric patients. The members heard testimony in support of SB1283, with Lieutenant Jonathan Blanchard from the Dallas Police Department advocating for the bill as a means to ensure safer environments in senior facilities by instituting criminal history checks for employees. Carmen Tilton from the Texas Assisted Living Association also highlighted the bill's balance between safety and privacy, showing strong support from various stakeholders. Additionally, the committee discussed SB527, which addresses the challenges of obtaining insurance coverage for general anesthesia required for pediatric dental procedures. Experts testified about the urgent need for reform to prevent potential health crises in children and to streamline care access for parents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • us to plan a tabletop event, and especially it takes weeks for us to plan an event where we are utilizing
  • vast majority of Americans, the majority of the folks living in this country and in this state, to utilize
  • > Constituents—those persons who are lawfully in the country utilizing
  • ...is another tool that can be utilized and just bypass all
  • to post these notices of seized or unclaimed property on the internet and social network websites utilized
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Then the entire market's going to be expecting to follow those rates.
  • Those companies will have negotiated with the banks for lower rates.
  • You know, there's a default rate of close to four percent on credit cards.
  • So the whole system is designed to accommodate the rate program.
  • I know the rate we pay is standard with no hidden fees because we track it.
Summary: The meeting exhibited a heated discussion on the implications of House Bills 4124, 4061, and 40. Chairman Darby emphasized the importance of reducing credit card swipe fees that adversely affect small businesses in Texas, presenting HB 4124, which aims to exempt sales tax and gratuities from being subject to these fees. Various witnesses, including representatives from the Texas Retailers Association and the National Restaurant Association, supported HB 4124, arguing that it would alleviate financial burdens on local businesses and promote economic fairness. However, several opposing voices raised concerns regarding potential complications and regulatory hurdles that could complicate the business landscape 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:
  • All right, so I'm assuming that they would need to do this before they set their tax rate.
  • Currently, appraisal districts determine these rates independently.
  • rates.
  • It would be valued based on market rate, so it would go back to the traditional conventional market rate
  • The last thing we want to do is get sued and argue over cap rates.
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

Criminal Justice (Part II) Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill has to do with improving crime clearance rates across the state of.
  • Higher clearance rates are crucial for maintaining public trust and confidence in the criminal justice
  • The violent crime clearance rate, which is the number of
  • Senator Hagenbuch mentioned that low clearance rates are
  • The chair now recognizes that addressing these rates

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss several key legislative bills, focusing significantly on public safety and law enforcement. Among the prominent bills discussed was SB1858, which aims to amend the eligibility criteria for a law enforcement body armor grant program to include independent school districts (ISDs). This bill addresses safety concerns surrounding school resource officers by allowing them access to necessary protective gear. The committee also reviewed SB1723, which received a favorable recommendation for local non-contested status without any opposition. In total, a number of bills were passed with unanimous votes demonstrating bipartisan support for enhancing community security measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So in the example that we've utilized here, but I've...
  • 589" data-time="3528"> work on that, but whenever you have an easement, you have the easement for utilities
  • You don't know who's coming on that; you just trust that whoever hired the utility people has done their
  • First, I do encourage the judges to utilize remote interpretation
  • Judges are welcome to utilize Zoom court or video court

Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive deliberations on several bills, most notably House Bill 1110, concerning civil suits against individuals reporting suspicious activity in good faith, proposed by Chairman Shaheen. The committee expressed unanimous support for the bill, and it was reported to the full House without amendments. Additionally, House Bill 865, introduced by Speaker Moody, addressing civil liability related to firearm hold agreements, also garnered unanimous approval, underscoring a collaborative effort among committee members. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding proposed bills, specifically criticisms of House Bill 1748, aimed at exempting municipal courts from language certification requirements, which raised significant opposition related to equitable access to justice for non-English speakers.

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