Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legislative power'

Page 35 of 57
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 21st, 2025 at 02:08 pm

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, as you are aware, Governor Abbott added legislation

  • If you wanted to add to that bill, also enabling legislation for Houston County, I think that would be
  • Streams for irrigation, power, and other purposes are all
  • That meant that a lot of legislative bodies considered it
  • Whether it's railways, pipelines, or power lines crossing
Bills: HB24, HB27
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on House Bill 24 and House Bill 27, which pertain to groundwater management in Texas. Representative Ashby expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts and emphasized the significance of these discussions, given the ongoing concerns around groundwater conservation in East Texas. The committee engaged in detailed dialogue regarding the implications of groundwater exports and the need for scientific studies to understand the potential impacts on local water resources. House Bill 27 aims to conduct a scientific study on the aquifers, requiring a temporary moratorium on new export permits to facilitate better data-driven decision-making. Public testimony included a wide range of stakeholders who shared perspectives on the importance of maintaining a balance between urban growth and rural water needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="568" data-time="3402"> goes to EDC, my team and I are committed to working with our local legislative
  • delegation and other legislators to ensure that Pecos-Reeves County leverages opportunities like those
  • But it depends on leadership that recognizes both the importance of reinvestment and the power of proactive
  • It always helps when you and the rest of the legislative delegation go to TxDOT to ask for that to be
  • So this puts the power to make this decision ultimately in the hands of the people of Texas.
Summary: The meeting primarily centered around significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB188, HB265, HJR35, and HJR47. Members highlighted the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in the energy-producing regions of Texas, particularly focusing on the economic contributions and challenges faced by local communities impacted by the oil and gas industry. The committee witnessed a strong show of support for House Bill 188 from representatives who stressed its importance for reinvesting severance tax revenues back into communities that greatly contribute to the state’s economy. Testimonies from local economic development officials and community leaders reinforced the necessity of these investments for ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • is a recommendation from the emergent bilingual strategic plan required by SB 560 from the 87th legislative
  • .the fact that the statute, as it currently exists, defines bullying as exploiting an imbalance of power
  • It simply defines it, as I said a moment ago, as an imbalance of power that involves engaging in written
  • The amendment of this statute by the legislation for the
  • first time puts into the legislation a particular religion and a particular group.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on multiple bills pertaining to educational reforms and initiatives. Notable discussions included the passage of HB824, which aims to expand civics education in Texas high schools, emphasizing the importance of understanding government functions and participation in democracy. The bill received unanimous support from the committee members, reflecting broad consensus on the need for enhanced civic education. Similarly, HB1581 and HB1579 were discussed, aiming to improve bilingual education and establish a state seal of bilingualism and biliteracy for high school students, respectively, thereby emphasizing the educational framework's inclusivity and quality enhancement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yet as Texans, we cannot support legislation that treats

  • I'm the chief of legislative affairs for Every Texan.
  • I'm looking forward to working on this legislation in the House as well.
  • I urge you to consider the human cost of such legislation within our justice system that SJR 5 would
  • Instead of legislation like this that threatens to erode the basic principles of liberty in this country
Summary: The Senate Committee for Criminal Justice convened to discuss several significant pieces of legislation, including SB999, SB1047, SB40, SJR1, and SJR5. Notably, SJR5 sparked a robust debate among committee members and witnesses regarding its potential implications on pre-trial detention practices. Witnesses expressed concerns about the risks of pre-emptive detention outlined in the bill and the associated human costs, particularly for those who are innocent. Testimonies highlighted the disparity in how such legislation could disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to increased incarceration rates without addressing the root causes of crime. Overall, the committee displayed a commitment to ensuring public safety while wrestling with the balance of due process rights for individuals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation is a critical component to effective cybersecurity.
  • We commend your leadership in introducing this forward-thinking legislation.
  • But it's something that I learned from you that you don't have to have legislation to do this.
  • So, it seems like this would be a very powerful tool that you all could use.
  • Representative Cain, have you talked to any legislators?
Summary: The meeting held by the committee involved significant discussions surrounding various bills, notably focused on transparency and budgeting processes. There were multiple testimonies from public citizens advocating for improved access to local budgets, emphasizing the need for transparency within governmental operations. One speaker highlighted that enabling public access to finalized budgets within three business days can ensure that community voices are heard prior to important votes, enhancing local governance and accountability. The committee members engaged actively, with questions posed to witnesses to clarify points made regarding public access to financial documentation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 28th, 2025 at 10:07 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are so grateful that you are all-powerful, all-knowing.
  • We pray that you give this legislative body wisdom and

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on procedural motions and the attendance status of committee members. A number of excusals were noted due to important district business, indicating active participation in local matters by several representatives. The chair acknowledged the invocation and the pledges of allegiance led by a member, which framed the session with a sense of civic responsibility and decorum. However, no substantial discussions on specific bills were recorded in the transcript, showcasing a more administrative nature of the meeting rather than legislative debate or public engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 4th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the power of that district attorney has been granted to one
  • It is my opinion that until the court takes that power away
  • In the last legislative session, we were granted $200 million and tasked with creating 200 beds, and
  • I know there's some other legislation pending that is going to address some of that acuity level.
  • You know, you can request those through legislative privilege.
Summary: The meeting of the Texas Juvenile Justice Committee focused on addressing key issues within the juvenile justice system, particularly outlining a severe staffing shortage that impacts service delivery to youth in secure facilities. The Director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department presented significant findings, including a spike in violence among youth and a concerning increase in youth with heightened aggressive behaviors and mental health needs. The committee emphasized the urgent need for additional staffing and funding to enhance the living and working conditions in juvenile facilities and ensure adequate programming for the youth involved.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) May 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • > Teacher pay raise in state history, this expansion becomes a powerful
  • The Fine Arts Allotment is more than a funding line; it's a declaration that Texas believes in the power
  • Over the years, I've heard from legislators that they need
  • LeMond with Disability Rights Texas, here in favor of the legislation.
  • Similarly, the teacher incentive allotment is a powerful tool to expand investments in educators and
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused prominently on the discussions surrounding HB2, which entails significant investments in public education and aims to reform funding mechanisms to better support students and teachers. Multiple stakeholders, including educators and policymakers, conveyed their support while also voicing concerns about the bill's potential shortcomings. Witnesses discussed the urgent need for increased funding for special education and the necessity of expanding pre-K eligibility for students with disabilities. The testimony highlighted the historical context of the funding model and emphasized the importance of creating equitable solutions for all public school districts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Public Health Aug 13th, 2025 at 09:08 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Legislation in Kauffman County, these are cases that we prosecute. But understand that...
  • and our legislative priorities that are approved by our leadership.
  • You're claiming that the legislators have been lying to you.
  • Words have power and our leaders should use theirs responsibly.
  • The marketing is misleading and the product has the power to trick you.
Bills: HB5
Summary: The meeting of the Public Health Committee focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB5, which seeks to regulate THC consumables in Texas. Numerous witnesses provided testimony, both in favor and against the bill, highlighting concerns regarding public health and safety as well as the economic implications of regulation versus prohibition. Chairman Van Dever and other committee members actively engaged with witnesses to clarify the potential impact of the proposed legislation. The testimonies brought to light intense disagreements over how best to approach the management of hemp and cannabis products, demonstrating a division between those advocating for strict regulations versus those calling for responsible oversight without outright bans on THC.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The intent has always been, or the legislative intent has
  • I ask for your favorable consideration of this legislation, and with that, I close, Mr. Chairman.
  • And what about federal legislation?

  • So now we're starting to see states pass legislation.
  • This legislation provides important regulatory clarity for our...
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

89th Legislative Session Feb 5th, 2025 at 10:02 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move to consider H.R. 153, recognizing Midland and Odessa Legislative Day.
  • I move to consider H.R. 153, recognizing Midland and Odessa Legislative Day.
  • ...Odessa Legislative Day. You've heard the motion.
  • They enable students across Texas to be productive contributors to our powerful Texas economy.
  • of paper; they enable students across Texas to be successful and productive contributors to our powerful
Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions on various resolutions presented by members, including the recognition of different communities and contributions. Notably, H.R. 153 was introduced by Mr. Landgraf to recognize Midland and Odessa Days at the State Capitol, which was highlighted as a crucial economic region within Texas. Several members expressed pride in the accomplishments of their communities, emphasizing their contributions to state growth and development. H.R. 160 commemorated Webb County Day, led by Mr. Raymond, who spoke on the county's role as an international trade hub.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 21st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...it or can be impacted by this piece of legislation.
  • I believe this represents a good piece of legislation

  • This can also happen to legislators, and that is real serious.
  • I'm here to testify in favor of the bill and reveal how the association's unchecked power can destroy
  • This broken system punishes whistleblowers and protects the powerful.
Summary: The meeting of the Economic Development Committee was marked by a series of important discussions surrounding a range of bills, including SB315, SB584, and SB7105. SB2670, which aims to protect businesses from misleading solicitations, was highlighted during the session, where its provisions were debated among committee members. Additionally, SB2637 was presented to tackle misinformation disseminated on social media platforms. Witnesses provided insights into the implications of these bills, specifically focusing on consumer protection and the balance between technological advancement and public safety. The chair urged thoughtful consideration of the bills in the context of their impact on both businesses and residents of the state. The meeting concluded with a call for further analysis of several key bills that were left pending, indicating strong interest in ensuring that legislations align with public interests while addressing modern challenges posed by technology and misleading practices. Attendance was robust, with committee members actively engaging with witnesses and each other to ensure comprehensive discussions were had. Notable commentary emphasized the need for regulations to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and protect citizens from dishonest business practices.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

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

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As you recall, this committee passed legislation related

  • of that legislative mandate.
  • We don't change it unless it's consistent with legislative action.
  • Legislative staff work...
  • One of the most powerful parts of this bill is the requirement that 75% of all 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.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • its Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence about how it is implementing recently passed legislation
  • before using this hearing or any hearing as an impetus for future legislation.
  • The executive power grants the president the authority, both
Summary: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Mar 24th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are we giving them the power to go in and look at a lot of the issues within hospitals, or within rural
  • Very powerful. Thank you.

  • And so we support legislation that would promote

  • This is powerful testimony.
  • You know, I think that for us as legislators, we always look at the fiscal note.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions on healthcare legislation, specifically focusing on two main bills: HB18 and HB37. HB18, known as the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act, was presented to ensure that rural Texans have access to healthcare services, outlining a series of grants and the establishment of a new office to aid rural hospitals. The chair emphasized the importance of this legislation, particularly for counties with limited access to hospitals. In contrast, HB37 was discussed with emphasis on perinatal palliative care, where various members voiced their opinions regarding its impact and necessity, noting the compassionate approach it signifies for families dealing with life-limiting diagnoses.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • This abuse of power disqualifies him from leading one

  • So if confirmed, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you.
  • But there's also an element where the overreach in the power of prosecution and the power of law enforcement
  • We have some legislation we work with Congress.
  • When I say we, CBP has exposed to me that they've been working on some legislation that will improve
Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...regards to this legislation, House Bill 5150.
  • and the legislative process I was confronted with during my freshman year.
  • I think they exhibit immense passion about this legislation and why it is so vital.
  • He once stated that "Education is the most powerful weapon that we can use to change the world."
  • Talk about the preventive power.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on several bills related to education and public safety. Notable discussions included HB1105, which seeks to provide EMS employees with tuition exemptions similar to those received by firefighters and police officers, thus addressing educational parity among first responders. Representative Ward-Johnson presented the bill and highlighted the growing responsibilities of paramedics in the changing landscape of emergency services. Witnesses from the Austin EMS Association spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of quality education for EMS workers in enhancing public safety and service delivery. The committee also discussed HB1705 and HB2290, which aim to improve educational accreditation and health benefits for students, respectively, indicating a broad focus on enhancing the educational framework within the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am honored to work with both wonderful legislators,

  • In the 2015 legislative session, the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) was abolished
  • After our sunset review in the 88th legislative session

  • Infrastructure includes water, includes roads, it includes power, and it includes everything that is
  • We have met with those companies and with the developers on what they are doing to plan for those power
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implementation and impacts of the Texas CHIPS Act, aimed at bolstering the semiconductor industry within the state. Legislators praised its potential to create jobs and capital investment. The discussion also highlighted recent international business development missions undertaken by Governor Abbott, including visits to India, the UK, and Taiwan, to foster stronger economic ties and attract foreign investment. Chairwoman Button emphasized the importance of a robust economic development strategy to maintain Texas's leading position in job and economic growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislation that would accomplish most of this would require you to put 90% of the surplus in there
  • We know that post-COVID inflation has reduced schools' purchasing power.
  • I mean, this legislative body has done extraordinary work over a number of years to really chip away
  • You know, the legislative decision back then was to cut education and not cut property.
  • But one of the things that makes his testimony so powerful is not just what he's going to say, but he
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 Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation enhances efficiency, accountability, and equity.
  • This type of legislation was born out of the Florida legislature over 20 years ago, and so...
  • From what I understand, I know Senator Sparks had a similar piece of legislation that...
  • Allowing medical students to make their own informed decisions would send a powerful message.
  • It's an important layer and probably our most powerful layer, but it's only one layer.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services primarily focused on several pieces of legislation aimed at improving mental health care in Texas, especially for vulnerable populations. Notable discussions were held around SB719, which seeks to conduct a comprehensive assessment of inpatient psychiatric bed capacity in Texas, addressing the significant shortages faced by facilities. There was widespread support from committee members and public testimonies praising the need for improved mental health resources and proactive measures to enhance service delivery. Witnesses highlighted the critical situation surrounding mental health admissions, emphasizing the human impact of ongoing bed shortages and the tragic consequences for patients awaiting treatment.

Research Filters

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