Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'North Texas'

Page 35 of 58
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Look, I don’t have a faithful urban county representative here, but I don’t see a Texas.
  • We had our Texas Attorney General, and I think that’s a great point.
  • , in partnership with Texas Tech.
  • The bill allows for the transfer of portions of Reese to Texas Tech and requires the president of Texas
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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:
  • In 2024, Texas A&M AgriLife estimated that the total economic value lost to South Texas by not having
  • So Texas, especially South Texas, focused on the roots.
  • In the north, we have Edinburgh.
  • South Texas is vital to the economic growth of Texas, and we need reliable sources of water.
  • The water crisis in Texas...
Summary: During this committee meeting, significant discussions focused on water resource management and legislative measures required to address the ongoing water crisis in Texas, particularly the implications of non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty by Mexico. Chair Senator Perry highlighted the urgent need to enforce water allocation agreements as they have direct impacts on Texas agriculture and local economies. Notably, Senate Bill 744 and Senate Bill 1248 were passed, addressing the pressing needs for improved water management practices and data protection for wildlife information gathering, respectively. There was overwhelming support expressed for SCR 13, emphasizing the necessity for action to ensure Mexico meets its water obligations, which are critical for sustaining Texas's agricultural sectors and economic stability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas, one state proud, one indivisible.
  • The university has evolved and thrived within the Texas A&M system since 1917.
  • Education Agency and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
  • Leadership North Houston, if you will, please stand so we can recognize you.
  • So we're very glad that Texas Democratic Women also honor Justice Malberg.
Summary: The meeting encompassed extensive deliberations on various bills and their implications on public policy. Members voiced their opinions on key issues including education reform, healthcare access, and environmental regulations. Notably, debates arose around HB123, where representatives expressed concerns about funding mechanisms, with some advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources. Public testimonies were also heard, bringing different perspectives to the table and illustrating the diversity of opinions on the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, last session we passed Senate Bill 1932 to keep Texas wines in the Texas market by authorizing
  • Article 15 of the Texas Constitution currently provides an overview of impeachment in Texas; however,
  • This issue is not new to Texas.
  • until finally making Texas my home.
  • If Texas is to remain a...
Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussions regarding various bills, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 240, which aims to address safety and privacy concerns for women and children in public restrooms. Numerous testimonies were heard both in support of and against the bill, highlighting the emotional and polarized nature of the discussions. Proponents argued for its necessity in safeguarding women's rights, while opponents raised concerns about the potential harms and discrimination it may perpetuate against transgender individuals. The atmosphere was tense but respectful, evidence of the deeply personal stakes involved in such legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state of Texas was paying for his care under the Texas Medicaid Care Waiver Program as an individual
  • I'll start with some figures here, according to the Texas House.
  • In 2005, there were 3.8 million people in Denver, here in the state of Texas.
  • In a day, there would be 5.4 million people in the state of Texas.
  • , with Texas CASA, and you're for the bill?
Summary: The committee meeting focused on three significant bills: HB1151, HB1155, and HB1041. A notable discussion arose surrounding HB1151, which aims to protect parental rights regarding medical decisions for children, especially in foster care settings. Supporters highlighted concerns about coercive practices by Child Protective Services that could label parents as neglectful for refusing certain medical treatments. Several witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for parents to retain autonomy over their children's medical care. There was also a compelling narrative shared regarding a family's struggle with the complexities of health decisions under CPS supervision, further underscoring the importance of this legislation. The committee also reviewed HB1155, aimed at providing temporary financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families who have completed their service plans for the reunification of children removed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. The sentiment in favor of this bill echoed the challenges faced by families trying to navigate the system while meeting their basic needs. Furthermore, HB1041 was discussed, which seeks to prevent non-family caregivers from being named beneficiaries on life insurance policies of individuals under their care, highlighting a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As the Vice Chair noted, unfortunately in Texas...
  • Texas receives approximately $5 billion.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • We look forward to working with the Texas House on HB 2798 to achieve the right balance to protect Texas
  • In Texas, we have pretty strong...
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

Criminal Justice Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm from San Antonio, Texas, and I'm...
  • I had another fellow in Bedford, Texas, who lived under a roof.
  • Texas in particular is seeing.
  • I'm also a member of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.
  • I love the prosecutors across the state of Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered a range of legislative measures focusing primarily on the improvement of mental health services and clarifying procedural aspects of emergency detention for individuals experiencing mental illness. Key bills, such as SB1164, which aims to enhance emergency detention procedures, were discussed. Testimonies from both supporters and critics highlighted the need for clear standards in mental health emergencies to ensure that due process is maintained while providing necessary care. The committee also addressed concerns around legislation impacting community supervision and administration, exemplified by SB663, and how it could streamline budget processes for local agencies. Overall, the discussions emphasized balancing public safety with mental health needs and ensuring fair representation in the judicial process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good morning, my dear friend from the North Texas area

  • In November of 23, the Texas...
  • CSHB 5144 and 4107 uphold that principle in Texas.
  • The legislature appropriates Texas taxpayer money to the Texas Veterans Commission for claims officers
  • As many of you know, Texas offers subsidized child care through the Texas Workforce Commission to support
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development convened to discuss a range of bills addressing workforce policies, business practices, and data privacy issues. A highlight was the presentation of HB5146, aimed at expanding subsidized childcare eligibility to include parents pursuing non-credit workforce training, which drew significant support from both committee members and witnesses. Additionally, SB2121 was introduced to rectify clerical errors within the data broker law, ensuring better consumer protections around the collection and use of personal data. Various other bills saw quick passages with unanimous support, reflecting broad agreement among members regarding workforce development and operational efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Texas.
  • We will provide an incentive for Texas restaurants to purchase Texas farm-raised oysters.
  • These wells will help Texas families and the state of Texas.
  • Texas.
  • Texas prides itself on being...
Summary: The committee meeting focused heavily on evaluating a series of bills aimed at improving fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government borrowing. A significant discussion centered around HB19, which proposes reforms to debt issuance by local governments. Members expressed concerns that some provisions could hinder local government operations. Some stakeholders acknowledged positive aspects of the proposed reforms but highlighted potential impacts on public safety and ongoing projects due to stricter debt limits. Throughout the meeting, various representatives voiced differing opinions, contributing to a robust dialogue on improving taxpayer protections while ensuring local governments can meet community needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, there are over 1.5 million veterans that call Texas home.
  • In Texas, we support our veterans, and this makes it official.
  • We urge Texas legislators to champion policies recognizing the contributions of Texas veterans.
  • economic leader, and we ensure that Texas remains strong.
  • , invest in Texas, and be the next generation of risk takers and job creators for Texas.
Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 10th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • I'm the Executive Director for Texas in the South at TechNet.
  • We've had an example here in a Texas election of a still image ...
  • I'm representing Common Cause Texas today in support of Senate Bill 893.
  • and candidates in Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs focused on various legislative bills, including SB1346, which seeks to address challenges in the Texas Lottery resulting from fraudulent activities. Senator Hughes, the bill's author, highlighted recent investigations regarding an international syndicate's attempt to purchase nearly all possible winning tickets for a $95 million jackpot, thus undermining public trust in the lottery system. The committee engaged in a deep discussion about the bill's measures to prevent similar future occurrences, suggesting strict penalties for licensed retailers involved in such schemes. The testimony included endorsements from several stakeholders, emphasizing the bill's significance for fair lottery practices in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas has one of, if not the...
  • And Texas is higher than the national average. Rep.
  • I've been involved with the fight for Texas gun rights for 18 years.
  • Texas is one of Kanekuk's largest locations.
  • My name is Joseph Cleveland, and I live in Huntsville, Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussions of three key bills: HB865, HB1928, and HB748. Notably, HB865, presented by Speaker Moody, received significant attention as it aims to clarify liability protections for federal firearms licensees, emphasizing its importance for supporting veterans' mental health and safety. Testimonies were provided by various stakeholders, including city council members and law enforcement representatives, who underscored the pressing need for legislative support in the wake of alarming suicide rates among veterans. The committee engaged in comprehensive discussions, highlighting the bill’s potential impact on improving public safety and mental health support within the veteran community. Throughout the session, the committee showed commitment to addressing issues within the statutory probate court system as well, referring HB1928 directly to a relevant subcommittee for further evaluation. The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration among committee members and public input, setting the stage for further review and action on these significant legislative proposals. Overall, the meeting was efficient and well-attended, with active participation from both committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My Central Texas region, as Chairman Buckley just mentioned a moment ago.
  • Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in our state.
  • I went through the Texas Water Development Board database.
  • I’m trying to head north and they’re going south. Okay. This is a chance.
  • My name is Aaliyah Formont with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing several important water-related bills, including HB391, HB420, and HB2626 among others. Representative Bell presented updates on HB391 related to accountability for rural water districts, achieving a consensus for statewide applicability and allowing for virtual meetings. Multiple testimonies were heard, showcasing both support for and concerns regarding the bills, specifically emphasizing the significance of maintaining water resources and addressing community needs amid Texas's growth. Representative Buckley advocated for HB2626 aimed at establishing the Central Texas Water Alliance to ensure sustainable water management across the region, which involves collaboration among various public, private, and state entities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Nathan Hecht's legacy of service to the people of Texas is unparalleled.
  • Texas isn't perfect. But no place in this life ever will be.
  • But instead of comparing life in Texas to perfection...
  • And under this Supreme Court, it is the law in Texas.
  • But the State Bar of Texas is a public organization, and every lawyer in Texas is compelled to join.
Summary: The meeting focused notably on judicial salaries and the importance of retaining qualified judges in Texas. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock discussed the need for a significant pay increase for judges, citing that their base salary has not risen since 2013 despite rising inflation. He made a compelling case that increasing judicial salaries would attract better candidates to serve the public as judges. The Chief Justice emphasized that the state's judicial system relies on highly capable individuals to uphold the rule of law and deliver fair justice to Texans, especially in family law cases where outcomes dramatically affect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025 at 03:08 pm

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're here on behalf of the Texas chapter of the U.S.
  • Use the Rainy Day Fund to fix Texas flooding.
  • I wonder if, since we have a prime example of higher education entities, be it University of North Texas
  • They partner with Texas State. Texas State has a forensic anthropology unit.
  • In one of the North Texas school shootings, they had

Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: The meeting focused heavily on disaster preparedness and management strategies in response to recent catastrophic events in Texas, particularly concerning House Bills related to flood response and communication infrastructure. Notably, House Bill 19 was introduced to mandate that campgrounds in flood-prone areas develop actionable flood plans to ensure safety during emergencies. Stakeholders voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance for child safety in recreational areas. Additionally, House Bill 18 aimed at improving emergency communication systems received considerable attention, as members raised concerns about the need for efficient and interoperable communication during disasters. Similar themes of ensuring preparedness and safeguarding communities were echoed throughout the discussions, with experts and witnesses providing impactful testimony on the challenges confronted during recent flooding incidents in Kerr County.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee staff watches, and people in Texas watch.
  • I'm with Texas AFT. I'm a government relations specialist, and I'm here testifying on the bill.
  • Since the 2018-19 school year, before COVID-19, Texas has seen a steady increase in some of the most
  • Texas must make continued investments in career and technical education.
  • Before joining Texas 2036, I was a high school teacher.
Summary: The meeting largely centered on discussions about House Bill 120, which aims to improve career and technical education in Texas, particularly focusing on rural students. The bill was introduced as an innovative approach to enhance educational pathways for high-demand jobs, including programs for military readiness and industry-based certifications. Various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Career and Technical Association of Texas, provided testimonies in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to address the workforce requirements of the state. Conversely, concerns regarding the bill's implications were raised by several witnesses, primarily focusing on the potential unintended consequences for students with disabilities and the importance of maintaining a collaborative educational approach rather than a punitive one.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the executive director at the Autism Society of Texas.
  • My name is Grace Atkins with Texas 2036, testifying in support of HJR5.
  • That particular program is connected to Texas Tech Health Science Centers.
  • With the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
  • It's a really great thing I can tell my kids that we care about Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, K-16, revolved around multiple bills, notably HB1188, HB2856, HB3126, HJR5, and HB6. Key discussions highlighted the importance of early intervention for families with special needs through HB1188, which aims to provide better resources for parents. Public testimony included compelling narratives that underscored the personal impact of such legislation. Additionally, the committee engaged in important dialogue concerning student discipline, specifically focusing on vaping in schools and its consequences under HB6.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, Senate Bill 1414 would establish the Texas.
  • Texas already...
  • I am the co-executive director of Texas Advocates, Texas...
  • And if we had our own program here in Texas, we could save a lot of money for Texas families.
  • Due to the work of this committee and other leaders in Texas state government, Texas higher education
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Education K-16 was characterized by a series of discussions on multiple Senate Bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the state. Notably, SB750 was presented by Senator Eckhardt, which seeks to close a loophole that currently excludes standalone EMS employees from receiving tuition exemptions available to firefighters and law enforcement. The testimony from James Monks of the Austin EMS Association highlighted the critical shortage of EMS personnel and the need for incentives to attract workers to this career path. The committee allowed public testimony, which generally supported the bill, leading to positive discussions among members regarding the importance of equal benefits for all first responders. Additionally, SB2430, introduced by Senator Higginbotham, aims to regulate higher education institutions' interactions with foreign adversaries. The bill received support from witnesses such as Michael Lucci, who emphasized the necessity of securing Texas's higher education from potential threats while facilitating collaborations with trusted entities. These discussions emphasized the need for strategies that not only bolster educational funding and accessibility but also protect academic integrity. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, with robust engagement from both committee members and the public.

Research Filters

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