Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Heal Texans Act'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Basically, this is a continuation of the Baby Moses Act

  • Our Texans, your constituents.
  • span marker="349" data-time="2088"> To refine and advance this legislation for the betterment of all Texans
  • A landlord is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act from

Summary: During the committee meeting, several bills focused on enhancing safety and welfare legislation were discussed. Notably, House Bill 3195 received poignant commentary, as it aims to improve communication and safety measures in senior living communities following tragic incidents. Representative Garcia-Hernandez highlighted the need for mandatory background checks for employees at these facilities, emphasizing the bill’s importance in preventing avoidable tragedies. The bill garnered strong support from witnesses, including family members of victims who shared their personal stories of loss and the importance of safeguarding seniors. Additionally, House Bill 5223 was discussed, aiming to implement standardized emergency response protocols in daycare facilities, ensuring that children are adequately protected during emergencies. This bill also received testimonies underscoring the critical need for regular safety audits in these establishments.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As was noted just a little bit ago, we lose about 28,000 Texans each year.
  • And with the tobacco industry targeting young Texans with their addictive and dangerous products, the
  • Last March, THECB acted to bring Texas higher education in line with the U.S.
  • I'm here on behalf of every Texan, and we are against the bill as filed.
  • We have Texans on those boards. I think you're taking an unnecessary risk.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the evaluation of several bills related to higher education funding and performance. Notably, the committee discussed HB1868, which was transformed into a study to analyze funding disparities between community colleges and school districts. Representative Wilson highlighted concerns raised by community colleges regarding funding thresholds and the potential fiscal impact, which is estimated at over $1 billion over the next biennium. The committee also passed HB271 after adopting a committee substitute that addresses success rates for students with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in higher education. Overall, the discussions emphasized the need for equitable funding and data-driven decisions for future legislative sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • all FDA-approved epinephrine delivery methods, including current and future technologies, and help Texans
  • As we know, not all Texans have access.
  • The Texas TEKS are by Texans, for Texans. And we ask that you vote this bill out of committee.
  • By educating Texans on the reality of adoption, we can combat the stigma.
  • Texans need to be educated about their options when it comes to adoption.
Summary: The Senate Education Committee convened to discuss multiple bills, primarily focusing on SB1619 and SB6019. Senator Dean Zaffirini presented SB1619, and the discussion revolved around modernizing the state's approach to epinephrine delivery devices. The highlighted importance of addressing anaphylaxis treatments in schools, particularly focusing on ensuring that both current and future delivery methods are adequately represented in the legislation was prominent. Participation from public testimony was also anticipated, allowing for community engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • service providers whose shared goal is to connect all Texans
  • data-time="1764"> The attachment process in rural Texas needs to be addressed for the benefit of all Texans
  • I had to go get a little notarized statement that I was there acting as a land agent.
  • Without reasonable industry standard terms, Texans

  • that the state can rely upon for those entities to act
Bills: HB3445, HB3448
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband centered around significant issues regarding broadband deployment in rural Texas. Notably, discussion focused on HB3448, which aims to address barriers related to pole attachment rates charged by electric cooperatives, which have historically operated under different regulatory standards compared to other utilities. Chairman Darby emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in pricing to accelerate broadband deployment, especially given the state’s substantial investments in infrastructure. Several stakeholders, including representatives from electric cooperatives and broadband providers, expressed varied opinions on the proposed bill, with some highlighting concerns about the existing disparities in pole attachment costs and others advocating for cooperative protections against undue financial burdens from legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 17th, 2025 at 01:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think all Texans share our gratefulness for the services these local agencies provide.
  • I'm here to act as a resource and answer any questions

  • This bill addresses the problems that taxing units and Texans face during unexpected closures.
  • We have 4.7 million rural Texans.
  • That means one out of every five Texans is outside of a Texas city.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was dominated by discussions surrounding House Bill 134, which proposes a shift from origin-based sales tax sourcing to destination-based sourcing in Texas. This bill generated significant debate among committee members and witnesses, with several city representatives expressing strong opposition due to the potential financial impact on their municipalities. Concerns were raised that the bill could lead to the loss of millions in sales tax revenue, which is crucial for funding essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and local development initiatives. As the discussion progressed, the chairman emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the bill's implications on all economic stakeholders, while supporters of the bill argued for its potential to streamline tax regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 10th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> ...years, the Federal Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act
  • It reminds Texans to show the same respect to others while driving that they would like to be shown in
  • We're now adding 1,500 new Texans every year.
  • Before that, there was the FAST Act, then there was T-21 and Safety.
  • The one thing that the FAST Act did do was that it

Summary: The meeting of the Standing Subcommittee on Transportation addressed crucial issues relating to state transportation funding, focusing primarily on Propositions 1 and 7. The discussions, led by Chairman Canales, highlighted the significant contribution these propositions make to Texas's transportation budget and the impending challenges tied to a projected funding shortfall of $15 billion. Mark Williams, Executive Director of TxDOT, along with Stephen Stewart, CFO, emphasized the importance of sustained funding to support Texas’s growing infrastructure needs amidst rising costs and diminishing revenue sources, notably due to changes in vehicle fuel efficiency and increased reliance on electric vehicles. Notable public testimony from Pete Sepulveda from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority provided insights into local funding mechanisms and their role in enhancing the regional transportation networks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We provide water, wastewater, and cold water services to a population of 2.1 million Texans.
  • in mind that not all Texans are on a wastewater system.
  • The ability for Texans in both rural and urban areas to reduce their water risk by investing in their
  • We serve 600,000 Texans in total.
  • to about 3.5 million Texans.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="46" data-time="270">It specifies that the claim is based on the defendant's independent act
  • So if the employer acts negligently in regard to the employee.
  • It's an independent act of negligence.
  • Texans reported over 135,000 cases in 2020, resulting in nearly 900 million in losses to consumers.
  • So it acts as a deterrent. Right.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered on several bills related to liability, fraud, and public safety. Representative Slauson's HB1088 concerning healthcare liability claims related to gender modifications was revisited, with discussions highlighting the implications of amendments and a contentious vote that resulted in a 7-4 decision to report it to the full House. Notably, HB4101, led by Vice Chair Hayes, introduced a committee substitute that raised the limited liability from $50,000 to $250,000 for funeral service providers in cases of mental anguish, which passed after brief deliberations. Additionally, the committee discussed HB4281 targeting fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, aiming to provide victims legal recourse, which sparked an emotional response due to real-life implications presented by witnesses.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a very large article that has lots of intricacies and serves millions of Texans.
  • What they can't do is act aggressively, like they can't hit the person back.
  • What they can't do is act aggressively; like, they can't hit the person back.
  • What they can't do is act aggressively, like they can't hit the person back.
  • and Services Act.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • But at the end of the day, we have too many people out there acting irresponsibly, selling a product
  • for thousands of Texans.
  • These are serious risks to consumers, and Texans deserve to know what is going into their bodies.
Summary: The meeting centered on the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-CUP) and recent legislative changes, primarily focusing on HB46, which aims to improve accessibility and regulations within the program for medical cannabis. Senator Roland Gutierrez expressed continued support for the T-CUP, underscoring the importance of ensuring safety for minors and regulating the untested hemp products on the market. He highlighted the need for a more robust framework to mitigate risks posed by synthetic cannabinoids and to protect patients relying on the program, particularly veterans and individuals with chronic illnesses. Discussions revealed a bipartisan commitment to enhancing T-CUP, though challenges persist regarding the oversight of hemp production and sales.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships May 5th, 2025 at 02:05 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • that in the state of Texas, all of our children are critically important and all courts should be acting
  • Texans. Are we in the right place?
  • Okay, over the last decade, the homeownership rate of lower and middle-class Texans has dropped over
  • However, many working-class communities are accustomed to informal transfers of property, and too many Texans
  • The 84th Legislature gave Texans a convenient tool.
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Family and Fiduciary Relationships focused on a range of bills concerning child support, child welfare, and probate law. Notable discussions included HB1980, which aims to require fathers to provide financial support from the moment of conception. This bill was presented by Representative Hicklin, who highlighted the economic challenges faced by single mothers and the importance of ensuring paternal responsibility. Public testimonies were received both in favor and against this bill, including criticisms about the fairness of imposing retroactive child support. The committee members expressed varied opinions, leading to a nuanced debate about the implications of the bill on family dynamics and economic responsibilities . Other bills discussed included SB1923, which allows child support payments to follow the child to non-parent caregivers, thus aiming to better serve children in kinship care situations. This bill was supported by advocates highlighting the financial strain on kinship caregivers without custody. Additionally, HB5642 addressed clouded titles in real estate and the importance of providing clear information to homebuyers regarding estate planning. Overall, the meeting was productive and well-attended, with substantial participation from committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) May 1st, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span>

    The final thing I'd say is that this bill is uniquely Texan

  • First, HB 149 fills the Texan leadership void on AI by

  • The country and the world need to see the Texan values of liberty
  • For example, we want to make sure that updates to the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act are aligned
Summary: The committee meeting focused heavily on the discussion surrounding HB149, an act aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Texas. The bill seeks to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that is both innovative and responsible, addressing potential harms while protecting individual rights and privacy. Chairman Schwartner led the conversations, emphasizing the importance of balancing regulatory measures with the need for technological advancement. Several stakeholders, including legal experts and industry representatives, provided testimony in support of the bill, praising its potential to position Texas as a leader in AI governance. Public testimony reflected a mixture of support and caution, with some witnesses advocating for greater accountability and regulatory oversight to mitigate risks associated with AI systems.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Local Government Aug 1st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "> ...by 62.5% in this time frame, primarily due to the creation of MUDs by individual legislative acts
  • best return on investment for the people of Texas and how we can work as a team to make sure every Texan
  • " data-time="3401"> Say, you take a look at the one big beautiful bill in the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act
  • It says... and you put it into several bills and several appropriation acts that says...
  • I'm with Every Texan, and I am against the bill. I really appreciate the discussion so far.
Bills: SB9
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to discuss the implications of Senate Bill 9, which focuses on property tax appraisal reforms. The bill's primary goal is to lower the voter-approved tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%. During the meeting, various stakeholders provided testimony, highlighting concerns about the potential impact of the cap on local governments, especially in rapidly growing areas. Senators engaged in extensive discussions about the balancing act between tax relief and the need for robust public services, emphasizing the need for local flexibility to meet constituents' needs. The bill faced opposition from local officials who argued that the cap could hinder essential services like police and fire departments, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:02 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, for failing to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  • One of our most recent ones that we've launched is a safety campaign called Drive Like a Texan.
  • Well, it started with the enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I think...
  • One in six Texans live in a flood hazard area, making it a crucial issue for the state.
  • We spoke of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act that was signed into law in 2021.
Summary: The meeting focused on significant discussions surrounding the Texas state water planning process and flood mitigation efforts. During the session, experts presented on the need for an adaptive and collaborative approach to manage Texas's water resources. A particular emphasis was placed on the upcoming updates to the state water plan, which aims to address projected shortages and enhance infrastructure to handle both drought and flood conditions. The collaboration involved regional groups who play a vital role in identifying community needs regarding water infrastructure development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • hearings that were required, and did not publish notice in the paper, which violates the Open Meetings Act
  • marker="94" data-time="558"> It's well-established in state law that under the Declaratory Judgment Act
  • just gives clarity to the existing law and confirms the existing law under the Declaratory Judgment Act
  • United States, this final extension of the Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most important acts
  • Yes, sir, following all warnings about the consequences of the act
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on the discussion of several significant bills including HB3526, which aims to improve transparency in local government bond obligations. Advocates from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association and Texas Public Policy Foundation emphasized the importance of this legislation for making financial information accessible to taxpayers and policy makers. Furthermore, the meeting included deliberations over HB148 and HB762, which seek to enhance the regulatory framework around appraisal district board training and limit executive severance packages in local government, respectively. Public testimonies reflected a range of perspectives, underscoring the complexities surrounding property rights and fiscal responsibility in governance.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • about wildlife rehabilitation, the Texas State Aquarium remains a treasured destination for every Texan
  • span marker="160" data-time="954">However, They're all Texans
  • In my opinion, they're the greatest people you could ever want to meet; they're West Texans.
  • the lives of millions of Texans.
  • I believe that this will touch the lives of almost every Texan.
Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions focusing on resolutions recognizing various communities in Texas. Notable among these were Senate Resolutions recognizing March 5th, 2025, as City of Alamo Day, Harlingen Day, Texas State Aquarium Day, and Wichita Falls Day. Senator Hinojosa took the lead in discussing the contributions and cultural significance of the cities being honored, showcasing the diverse heritage and community spirit within Texas. Each resolution highlighted the unique traits, strengths, and challenges faced by these cities, with representatives from each city present to receive acknowledgments from the Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • taxpayer, and so in order to get these forms of common ID, Texans
  • I'm the Assistant General Counsel for Texans for Law Suit Reform, and I'm here in support of this bill
  • But the state that that new Texan left might not get

  • Be clear, this will not affect Texans at all, but since a
  • Again, from which the new Texan moved.
Summary: The meeting involved several key discussions surrounding new legislation, notably SB801, which addresses barriers faced by unhoused young adults in obtaining necessary documentation like birth certificates. Witnesses, including Maria Benavides from SA Youth, testified on how these hurdles impact access to jobs and housing, emphasizing the importance of removing financial barriers to obtaining identification. Additionally, the committee examined SB1200, aimed at increasing transparency in lawsuits against defense contractors connected to foreign adversaries, highlighting national security concerns. Senator Cole Corse articulated the bill's aim to disclose relationships between plaintiffs and adversarial nations, promoting accountability in litigation funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • It shields Texans from wrongful contempt charges due to no fault of their own.
  • attorney ad litem, and the attorney ad litem is the attorney for the proposed ward and can actually act
  • Courts are not acting on these orders, or not issuing orders
  • And then they don't have any authority to act on behalf

  • Just to tell you a little bit about HB 1892, it adopts the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Apr 14th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...contributed to a grid failure that left millions of Texans
  • My name is Lanson Jones; I'm an 8th generation Texan, and if I...
  • We need to act now, and hydrogen is how we do it.
  • Instead of wasting that, we can turn it into dollars for Texans, and we can absolutely...
  • We employ about 300 Texans today.

Summary: The meeting focused on a series of bills primarily related to oil and gas infrastructure, safety, regulatory issues, and the burgeoning hydrogen industry in Texas. Several bills were discussed and voted on, including HB3911 concerning voluntary plugging of orphan wells, HB3021 related to oil and gas emergencies, and HB5600 aimed at establishing Texas as a leader in the clean hydrogen market. The Chair and members debated the provisions of these bills, considering environmental implications and economic impacts, particularly in light of recent natural disasters like the winter storm Uri.

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