Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senate Committee on Natural Resources'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence will come to order.
  • The changes mirror those made in the Senate companion to the committee substitute.
  • Senate, and its companion, House Bill 15, which was heard in this committee.
  • The bill builds on the work started by Senator Zaffirini's SB478 from last session, which spoke on the
  • Chair and the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
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

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development

  • It do pass and be printed and sent to the Committee on Local
  • pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local
  • We need better information on all available resources, including where there are deserts and where we
  • It’s nice to see my fellow Pasoans on the committee as well.
Summary: The meeting of the committee covered a range of bills focusing on various legislative measures aimed at improving transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. Notably, HB576 drew attention as it sought to clarify the legal definition of a 'person' in relation to real property transactions, addressing longstanding confusion in property law. Witnesses provided testimony supporting this bill, arguing it would greatly enhance clarity and uniformity in property dealings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 25th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Its sponsor is Senator Sparks, and our colleague Senator Hall will be chairing the discussion on House
  • Committee members, any questions for the dean on House Bill 220?
  • in committee, on the House side.
  • Thank you, Senator Hughes. Good afternoon, members of the committee.
  • Senator, are there any questions for any of our witnesses on this panel?
Summary: The committee meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills, notably HB220, HB3336, and HB4904. HB220, which addresses access to emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault, sparked intense debate among committee members and witnesses. Various stakeholders testified for and against the bill, emphasizing the importance of immediate access to such services while also raising ethical concerns regarding contraception. Public testimony was robust, showcasing strong opinions on both sides of the legislation, with many advocating for the rights and protections of survivors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Further, the Committee on Land and Resource Management

  • Further, the Committee on Land and Resource Management

  • Part of the Committee on Natural Resources, HB 5672

  • Committee on Natural Resources, HB 5673 by Zwiener

  • on Land and Resource Management.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding several House Bills, particularly focusing on topics such as the payment for college athletes and the commemoration of veterans. HB290 was passed with a vote of 115 to 29, while HB300, aimed at updating the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program, garnered unanimous support with 147 votes in favor. A notable moment came during the discussion of HB2143, which proposed to dedicate a segment of a farm-to-market road in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lenz, eliciting heartfelt responses from members as they recognized his sacrifice and service to the country. Overall, the meeting included both procedural motions and passionate debates on the implications of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • On page one, recommendations.
  • that one, and I'm going to touch on the other.
  • Starting on page one, there's a net decrease.
  • We have one.
  • Yeah, I mean, I mentioned in the Texas Senate Finance on this rider, you know, I mean, try and imagine
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on budgetary recommendations and exceptional item requests from various state agencies, with a significant emphasis on enhancing staffing and operational capacities. Key discussions revolved around the funding requests that support improved service delivery, particularly for the Funeral Service Commission and the Veterinary Medical Examiners. Members expressed concerns regarding staff retention and the need for salary adjustments to align compensation with market standards, seeking to decrease turnover rates and maintain effective service levels. Public testimonies reflected support for the agencies' requests while also raising some concerns about fee increases to accommodate budgetary needs. The chair concluded with expectations of further discussions on residual budgetary items in subsequent meetings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Finance will come to order.

  • Senator Zaffirini: Light on. Light off.

  • So I'm having to set, on Senate finance, I'm very clear on one-time expenditures and exceptional items
  • It's been going on since I've been in the Senate.
  • Senator Perry on the water crisis.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting centered around significant budget recommendations for the General Land Office (GLO) and the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD). The GLO presented a request for $2.7 billion in funding for the 26-27 biennium, highlighting a 57% reduction from the previous biennium. Critical discussions included necessary funding for the Alamo preservation, with a request for $150 million to address inflation-induced cost increases in renovation measures. The GLO emphasized the importance of these funds to protect the Alamo as a cultural landmark and to manage unexpected surprises in construction, such as the need for a new roof and structural reinforcements. Several members expressed their support for this initiative, citing the importance of preserving Texas history. Further discussions addressed the funding for the GCPD and other critical projects aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and ensuring environmental protection. The proposals included funds for coastal erosion response efforts and cybersecurity enhancements. A notable consensus emerged around the need for efficient use of taxpayer funds for ongoing environmental initiatives and disaster recovery efforts. With significant public interest and testimony on these issues, overall, the meeting captured a comprehensive perspective on the state’s budgetary priorities, emphasizing a collaborative effort among legislators to protect both cultural and environmental resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • He asked me if I'd like to be back on his committee.
  • Is there anybody on this committee? Probably not.
  • We stand ready to work with the committee on...
  • Members, the Senate bill has already passed the Senate and was referred to this committee on Thursday
  • She is working with Senator Hall on this bill.
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs will come

  • As I briefly touched on, Senator...

  • I have one more for you, Dean, and then we'll move to you, Senator Swerdner.
  • The committee substitute focuses on protecting the Devil's River in Val Verde County.
  • The committee substitute for House Bill 5659 is reported in favor to the full Senate.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on a variety of bills primarily concerning water management and rights. Significant discussions included House Bill 3333, which addressed the management of groundwater and was moved favorably with a recommendation for local and contested calendars. Additionally, House Bill 4158 was passed unanimously, relating to the oversight of ecological water rights dedicated to the Texas Water Trust. Members of the committee emphasized the importance of these bills for sustainable water management practices in the state, reflecting a shift towards more responsible governance in resource use.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Education K-16 Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Committee on Education, Case 16.
  • Senator Milton. Questions for Senator Milton on Senate Bill 1241?
  • Let's hold on Senate Bill 1873. I do have a committee substitute.
  • Parker is voting aye on the committee substitute for Senate
  • on Senate Bill 1878.
Summary: The meeting focused on significant education reform, particularly the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M system. Senator Kohlkorst led the discussions, highlighting the historical context of the partnership and the challenges ahead in transitioning governance, especially regarding accreditation and technical support. Community leaders expressed their support, emphasizing the need for alignment with regional industry needs to enhance educational programs that would ultimately benefit both students and the local economy. Notably, testimony from James Hallmark and Dwayne Crocker highlighted both the potential growth for the region and the collaborative spirit of the involved institutions in implementing this transition.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development will now

  • The area where we put the most focus, after a period of time, was on trusts, just because of the nature
  • webpage and get all the information they need on the resources that are available to their employees
  • is Kathy Green, and on behalf of the committee, I would like to thank you for your time today.
  • The Committee on Economic Development is now adjourned.
Summary: Additionally, the committee reviewed HB4531, aiming to protect property owners from fraudulent ownership claims, which generated extensive discussions on real estate fraud and the support mechanisms for citizens lacking legal representation. Testimonies from various stakeholders pointed out the bill's potential to streamline the process for dispute resolution and protect vulnerable property owners, furthering the overarching goal of ensuring justice and accountability within the property systems. The committee concluded with the discussion of HB4903, which seeks to enhance workforce support through better child care initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Natural Resources will come to order.

  • Chairman, Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy with Texas 2036.
  • Members, we also have a resource from TCEQ to testify on this bill if anybody has any questions for them
  • And so I just want to say thank you to the committee. I've served on this committee.
  • Good morning, Chair Harris and members of the Natural Resources Committee. My name is Cody Falk.
Summary: The recent meeting of the Natural Resources Committee covered significant discussions primarily focused on various water-related bills, notably HB685, HB1918, HB2601, and HB2608. Representative Wally introduced HB1918, which seeks to limit water rate increases for Class A utilities to a maximum of 20% every 36 months. The bill is in response to alarming reports from constituents who experienced drastic increases in their water bills, leading to concerns about financial sustainability for residents on fixed incomes. Supporters emphasized the need for better regulations to protect consumers, while opponents argued that the bill could dissuade necessary investments in utility infrastructure, jeopardizing service quality. Public testimony was a vital component, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to the proposals under discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • on Natural Resources will come to order.
  • So we humbly ask this committee to act favorably on this bill.
  • resource witnesses from the TCEQ on this bill, as well as a resource witness from LCRA.
  • Wally has a bill, but we're not in that committee or on that bill.
  • We all admire your diligence in protecting Texas's natural resources.
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 17th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • What I don't want to do is impose on 254 counties a solution to a problem in the biggest one.
  • Going on, on, on third, and Representatives Zwiener

  • He's on the Senate committee here. He's still hung up over there. All right.
  • If not, we would call on Representative Schofield to close on this bill.
  • On June 19, 1865, units...
Summary: In this meeting, discussions centered around public safety and law enforcement contracts in unincorporated areas of Harris County. Key bills, including HB336, were examined which aim to allow homeowners and municipal utility districts the right to contract for police services directly, ensuring that these communities have reliable law enforcement amid growing populations. Representatives voiced concerns regarding oversight, fiscal responsibility, and the need for adequate policing coverage, especially as the unincorporated areas continue to expand rapidly without corresponding funding for public safety. Witnesses testified both in support and opposition to the proposed legislation, highlighting the need for accountability and clarity in contracting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, Committee, Smiley, everyone on the committee

  • I'm neutral on the bill, and I'm here as a resource if there are any questions.
  • Chairman, committee members. My name is Jason Hermos. I'm here on behalf of John Cruz.
  • The bill has already been voted out of the Senate committee and is on the way to the Senate floor.
  • And again, there were no objections in the Senate hearing on this bill.
Summary: The meeting of the Juvenile Justice Committee on March 26th focused on multiple significant bills aimed at enhancing the juvenile justice system. Noteworthy discussions included House Bill 1831, presented by Vice Chair Johnson, which seeks to expand juvenile eligibility for drug court programs with a goal of increasing access to rehabilitative treatment for youth. The bill received strong support, passing with a vote of 9-2, and was recommended for favorable reporting to the full House. Additionally, House Bill 2147, introduced by Chairman Van Dever, allows for remote juvenile depositions and court proceedings to increase access and efficiency in the legal process, also passing unanimously with a vote of 10-1. The committee members engaged in thorough debates regarding the impact of these bills on families and juveniles, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation over punishment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Higher Education will come to order.

  • The House Committee on Administration established an electronic

  • There was one witness who registered not to testify on the bill but was called up as a resource witness
  • with specifics to the committee on that.
  • I don't know if there's a committee substitute waiting on
Summary: In this meeting of the Committee on Higher Education, various bills were laid out and discussed, with particular emphasis on education and research funding, alongside measures to support Texas's agricultural sector. Notable discussions included House Bill 5339, which aims to establish a program for regenerative agriculture, facilitating long-term research on agricultural practices and aiming to improve soil health and food quality. The committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of such research on local farming communities, stressing the importance of evidence-based practices in addressing modern agricultural challenges. The meeting also included concerns related to the nursing shortage, with House Bill 3032 presented as a measure to identify more clinical training sites for nursing students. Additionally, members touched on issues such as retaining Texas students in state universities, given the rising trends of students leaving for opportunities in other states.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Article

  • which is the Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Science
  • Our agent network provides expertise in agriculture, natural resources, and community health, and thanks
  • , in this area, we focus on the state's natural resources to include.
  • If there is no objection, the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee Article 3 stands adjourned
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical funding and legislative matters regarding various state initiatives, notably focusing on workforce development, health services, and emergency management. The discussions revealed the heightened importance of supporting community colleges and addressing workforce shortages in healthcare, especially considering the increased demand for veterinary services as pet ownership rose due to the pandemic. Representatives from various organizations presented their requests for funding, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing educational outcomes and preparedness programs.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Energy and Natural Resources Committee's hearing on research
  • As ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural

  • Resources Committee and also a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, counterintelligence
  • Additionally, as no one on this panel is currently at DOE or any of the national labs, I think it's important
  • On the one hand, we must recognize and embrace that much of America's science and technology expertise
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

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

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of the committee, hold on just a second.
  • Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs for the 89th legislative session.
  • In the interim, the Senate committee met, and there were recommendations made to that committee to streamline
  • Chairman and members of the Natural Resources Committee,
  • Resources Committee and the Interim Committee charges of May 2024, that being to examine Texas groundwater
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.

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