Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act'
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TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 3rd, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and referral to committee.
- , and Financial Services.
- Brain Research Institute of Texas and the Mental Health and Brain Institute.
- construction of the infrastructure, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- , and Financial Services.
Keywords:
constitutional amendments, property tax, ad valorem taxation, environmental rights, public testimony, Texas Legislature, Committee on State Affairs
Summary:
The committee meeting included extensive discussions on numerous proposed constitutional amendments, focusing particularly on issues related to property taxation and environmental rights. Various members, including Representative Metcalfe and Representative Goodwin, brought forward bills addressing the appraised value of residential and commercial properties for ad valorem tax purposes, as well as amendments guaranteeing citizens the right to a clean environment. The conversation was vibrant, with a mix of supportive and opposing views presented by committee members and public witnesses who joined the discussions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And 22... 26.
- However, under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2014, fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, projects are going
- Let me go ahead and I'll do that one and then we'll do mine.
- Its economic regime, flexible regulatory environment, and expansive infrastructure make Austin the ideal
- Texas has attracted significant A.V. investment and has become the epicenter of autonomous trucking.
Keywords:
sidewalk user, pedestrian safety, traffic laws, bicycles, electric scooters, mobility devices, transportation, aviation, economic development, grants, loans, SB1598, SB1493, law enforcement, collision report, public safety, flashing stop lamps, CARFAX program, crime solving
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- 60 companies that are invested mostly in solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects throughout
- industrial infrastructures that already operate near and even in wildlife refuges across the Texas coast
- and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, both administered by the U.S.
- and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
- I understand your position, and I get it, but shouldn't TPWD be able to not only speak but also act at
Keywords:
construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, oyster mariculture, HB3724, ecological balance, migratory birds, construction regulations, environmental protection, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting focused on the discussion of several bills, with members engaging in detailed commentary on the implications of each legislative proposal. Notably, House Bill 3724, aimed at supporting oyster mariculture along the Texas coast, was highlighted by Representative Villalobos, who provided insights into its potential ecological benefits. Public testimony was sought, and Representative de Villalobos garnered support from environment advocates who emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy oyster populations for ecological balance. The discussion around this bill reflected a collaborative approach to environmental legislation, indicating a consensus on the need for sound management practices.
In addition, House Bill 3556 was introduced, which mandates notification to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the construction of tall structures that may pose risks to migratory birds. Representative Flores expressed concerns over potential exemptions for spaceflight structures, indicating the complexities of balancing development with environmental protection. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending, emphasizing a commitment to careful scrutiny and consideration of the legislative impacts before final decisions are made.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Energy Resources May 12th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Energy Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- infrastructure, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas 811, and the Texas One Call Board.
- required to have and where they're required to load and cross—is essential for us.
- job.
- Thanks to our continued investment in infrastructure and
- And you have?
Keywords:
LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, HB2, SB2949, fuel regulations, gas facilities, Texas-Mexico border, public safety, illegal fuel operations
Summary:
The meeting featured robust discussions surrounding several bills, particularly focusing on HB2 and SB2949, which aim to establish better regulations for gas facilities and address concerns over fuel transportation. Representative Rosenthal introduced HB2, explaining its intent to improve protocols for gas installations, and shared a personal account of safety concerns that arose from similar incidents in his area. SB2949 was discussed with emphasis on curbing illegal fuel operations while protecting legitimate trade across the Texas-Mexico border. The bill drew attention due to a rise in fuel-related crimes and the need for effective tracking of fuel movements. Both bills left pending, highlighting the committee's commitment to revisiting and refining the proposed measures.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Higher Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a strategic and investment to incentivize new health
- under the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and their job is to act as an intermediary between the
- In order for us to continue this job growth and opportunities, we need to maintain a first-class workforce
- And yet, this bill and the other...
- my professors and keeping them from doing the job they are really excellent at.
Keywords:
living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, higher education, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, higher education, cost of attendance, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, dual credit, computer science, higher education, course credit
Summary:
The meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB37, which aims to overhaul the governance and curriculum oversight of higher education in Texas. Representative Shaheen expressed that the bill is intended to ensure that degrees earned in Texas are valuable and properly aligned with workforce demands. Witnesses presented both support and opposition to the bill, presenting various perspectives on its potential impact on academic freedom and educational quality. One associate professor voiced concerns regarding SB37, arguing it could stifle open discussions and critical thinking in classrooms by imposing political oversight on curricula. The discussion highlighted a divide between representatives who support increased legislative oversight and those who fear it will undermine educational integrity.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, Representative Howard did a really great job of laying out the concerns that we have, and I'm going
- And with those $3 billion, that would free up GR revenue to invest.
- payments could be invested and used strategically, offsetting the cost of the discount and improving
- On those jobs, we've already required performance and payment bonds, and we believe that those overseeing
- The act of HB 5381 would strengthen the hiring practices and require more in-depth background checks
Bills:
HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381
Keywords:
education funding, school district, attendance credit, financial incentive, public school finance, juvenile justice, education, instructional time, alternative education, Texas Legislature, waiver, charter schools, admission policies, enrollment, educational standards, employment policies, homeschooling, education policy, regulation, Texas Education Agency
Summary:
The committee meeting included discussions centered around educational bills, notably focusing on enhancing inclusivity and accountability within Texas public schools. One significant bill was House Bill 2354, aimed at aligning laws governing charter schools with those of traditional public schools, which received favorable testimonies emphasizing its importance for equal treatment of educational institutions. Representative Morales' House Bill 178 provided a platform for advocates to discuss the need for ethnic studies courses to be counted towards social studies credits, which was met with broad support, showcasing a commitment to diverse educational content. Additionally, House Bill 5201 stirred debate regarding construction oversight for school projects, highlighting the ongoing concerns over management failures in large-scale school construction and its implications for taxpayer funds.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And surplus...
- When the job is mixed union and non-union, it's about 8%
- And what I'm really getting at, and I have...
- and...
- to extract that information, communicate it, and act on it accurately and clearly to the person.
Keywords:
dispatchable generation, electricity, natural gas, ERCOT, energy credits, utilities regulation, renewable energy, arbitration, insurance contracts, surplus lines, Texas law, insurance policy, collective bargaining, public work contracts, labor unions, state funding, government contracts, insurance, declination, cancellation
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Business included significant deliberations on multiple bills, specifically SB765, SB929, and SB455. Notably, Senator King advanced SB765 amid discussions on its committee substitute, clarifying issues related to confidentiality protections for law enforcement. The committee unanimously adopted the substitute, indicating broad support. Moving on, SB929 was similarly discussed, with minor amendments clarified before being favorably reported without objections. This reflects a positive atmosphere aimed at smoothing the legislative process for these initiatives.
Senator Melton presented SB455, which addresses Texas law and arbitration for surplus lines of insurance that faced a veto in the previous session. This bill aims to establish arbitration processes that are more favorable to Texas policyholders by mandating that disputes be governed by Texas law and conducted within Texas. Stakeholders voiced strong support for this bill, emphasizing the importance of upholding Texas jurisdiction over such disputes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and act accordingly.
- I had a job at a lab, and I had a scholarship, which was revoked, and I lost my job.
- Linda works two full-time jobs and one seasonal job just to keep her family afloat.
- and regulating safe THC products face the prospect of shutting down, leading to job losses and reduced
- This is a growing crisis, and we must act now.
Keywords:
water parks, liability, safety regulations, recreational activities, injury waivers, THC regulation, public safety, Senate Bill 3, Texas Compassionate Use Program, bipartisan support, public testimony, cannabis legislation, economic impact
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate State Affairs Committee provided a platform for discussing a comprehensive agenda featuring multiple bills, particularly focusing on concerns surrounding THC regulations and its implications for public safety. Notably, Senate Bill 3, which seeks to ban consumable hemp products containing THC, drew strong public testimony from various stakeholders who expressed both support and opposition. Supporters argued the necessity to curb the proliferation of high-potency THC products in schools and among youths, while opponents warned of the potential negative economic impacts and push towards unregulated markets if such a ban were implemented.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Environmental Regulation May 8th, 2025 at 10:05 am
House Environmental Regulation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- These job-creating companies are unquestionably important to the Texas economy, and I agree that we must
- years, and you do an even better job than he does.
- TCEQ already does a phenomenal job in evaluating and updating the surface water quality standards and
- acting perfectly normal and healthy.
- Clean Water Act, and the practice has been done for centuries, right, land application.
Keywords:
hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, hydrogen sulfide, public health, air quality, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various environmental legislative bills, notably HB1341, which sets maximum allowable ground level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, and HB1674 regarding PFAS regulations in biosolids. Representative Reynolds presented HB1341, emphasizing the health risks associated with hydrogen sulfide and the need for clear regulatory standards to protect communities near industrial operations. This received support from health advocates and oversight bodies, highlighting the urgent need for regulations to safeguard public health. Meanwhile, HB1674 faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental organizations which argued that the bill's provisions could disrupt biosolid disposal processes and increase costs significantly. Many testimony segments reflected concerns regarding the adequacy of scientific understanding related to PFAS and its implications for agricultural safety and water quality.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And the faster and the more we invest, the quicker you get an answer when you're literally...
Second, we need to invest in South Texas and help us
- Its closure was a direct result of the lack of water, and more than 500 people lost their jobs due to
- Thousands of jobs and livelihoods in the Texas agricultural
- part-time jobs that depend on the production and sales of these commodities for some portion of their
Keywords:
water crisis, 1944 Water Treaty, Senate Bill 744, Senate Bill 1248, SCR 13, water management, agriculture, Hidalgo County
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
Transcript Highlights:
- requests and provides support and guidance.
- as a kid, when you're with your peer groups, you can see when they act up, disrupt, and there's an immediate
- Researchers find that schools that do a far better job of managing, coping with, and responding to student
- I do that as part of my job, and I'm lucky that I get to
- All of these students are suffering, and teachers are losing their jobs, leaving the profession unless
Keywords:
education funding, Texas State Technical College System, constitutional amendment, capital projects, workforce education, mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, vendor contracts, school district, criminal offense, conflict of interest, educational governance
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
S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am
House S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman and members, thank you for hearing this, and I close. Thank you, and I appreciate you.
- an infrastructure to oversee facilities providing vital education and community support.
- and dementia.
- ...Public Funds Investment Act to ensure district funds are
- invested safely and responsibly under state law.
Bills:
HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114
Keywords:
juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, local government, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, county purchasing, government authority, local government
Summary:
The meeting focused on significant legislative proposals primarily centered around public health and criminal justice reforms. Notably, discussions centered on HB3841 and HB5108, which aim to enhance transparency and accountability in death investigations within county jails. Representatives shared compelling testimonies involving the necessity for improved oversight following recent incidents of in-custody deaths, highlighting the emotional impact on affected families. Witnesses from advocacy groups passionately urged the committee to approve the bills to foster trust in the system and uphold public safety standards. Additionally, various members addressed HB5611, which would empower emergency services districts to provide preventative healthcare services, contributing to the prevention of unnecessary 911 calls.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am
House Higher Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas government class, and this is emblematic of how faculty do their jobs.
- SB 37 will make it impossible for me to continue being good at my job, and here's why.
- It got me to grad school at UT and it got me a job here at UT teaching development.
- Administrators, fearing noncompliance, act aggressively, and educators and students are who pay the price
- The factors that SB37 proposes for basing the value of classes and degrees on return on investment and
Keywords:
living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, higher education, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, higher education, cost of attendance, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, dual credit, computer science, higher education, course credit
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on heated discussions surrounding SB37 and HB4848, with numerous testimonies given by concerned citizens, educators, and students. Advocates for SB37 emphasized the need for educational reform, arguing that current higher education standards are overly influenced by political ideologies and do not adequately prepare students for the workforce. Opponents voiced strong concerns about the bill's potential to undermine academic freedom and lead to the removal of essential courses from the curriculum, which would diminish the quality of education in Texas. The meeting highlighted a clear divide on the future of educational policies and governance in universities, reflecting broader social and political tensions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Do their job and shut all those 90% down because they're not registering with the city?
- Requiring Airbnb to act responsibly, and so Airbnb ...
Chairman: And how do they want Airbnb to act?
- ...ensuring the safety and security of our spaceport infrastructure
- ...is doing a great job, and we want to thank Representative
Bills:
HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463
Keywords:
expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, ethics, transparency, political subdivisions, administrative penalties, compliance, religious freedom, commission, government, advocacy
Summary:
The meeting of the State Affairs Committee convened to discuss House Bill 1606, focusing on public safety and communication regarding vegetation management near power lines. Representative Metcalf presented the bill, highlighting concerns raised by constituents about overgrown vegetation posing risks such as power outages and fire hazards. The bill aims to mandate electric utilities to provide customers with information on how to request vegetation management, thereby enhancing public awareness and safety without imposing new regulations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- on their business and infrastructure, but no formal report.
- On critical loads and gas infrastructure, what you see is
- and not to just residential and small consumers.
- And we're just 300,000 people. I mean, I can't imagine Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston and all that.
- They will occasionally visit with us and give us updates on their business and infrastructure, but no
Keywords:
energy policy, HB5066, power generation, energy demand, renewables, transmission, fund allocation, Texas grid
Summary:
The meeting convened primarily to discuss HB5066, focusing on energy policy and power generation in Texas. Key discussions revolved around the challenges and opportunities associated with forecasting energy demand and the balance between different types of generation sources, including renewables and thermal energy. Members voiced concerns about the speed at which new power generation can be integrated into the grid, with panelists emphasizing the critical need for effective transmission enhancements to keep pace with increasing demand. Notably, members also scrutinized the historical allocation of a $5 billion fund intended for energy projects, urging a review of previous allocations before committing further funds.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- accountability and updating the loan and grant programs.
- To continue feeding our state, our country, and much of the world, we must act now.
- With all these jobs and industries, people are wanting to
- We have advanced degrees in animal science and business, and we've won state and national...
- It's our industry and our infrastructure, and we appreciate
Keywords:
agriculture, House Bill 43, House Bill 4163, Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, municipal regulations, economic crisis, fertilizer, drought, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs was marked by critical discussions surrounding several agricultural bills aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the farming community in Texas. Notably, House Bill 43 was presented, which seeks to update the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority to improve financial support for farmers experiencing crisis due to extensive agricultural losses, exacerbated by drought and supply chain issues. The committee heard testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need for these reforms to help secure the agricultural industry’s future and ensure support for farmers during these trying times. Another significant topic was House Bill 4163, which aims to relieve agricultural operations from excessive municipal regulations concerning land management along public roadways, highlighting the burdens placed on farmers by local governments.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence S/C New Offenses and Changed Penalties May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
- loans, and their ability to get jobs.
- Protection Act, the Veterans Second Amendment Restoration Act, and Lauren Boebert's Shall Not Be Infringed
- Is this going to affect my job and my livelihood?
- ...as of them coming back in and finding the job.
- invest in ineffective and irresponsible solutions to public ills.
Keywords:
death penalty, financial fraud, SB990, SB1362, SB1379, public safety, legislative testimony, justice system
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding several proposed bills, including Senate Bill 990, which aims to expand the death penalty criteria. This bill faced substantial opposition from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. They expressed concerns about the effectiveness and fiscal implications of the death penalty, urging the committee to consider alternative methods for ensuring public safety. Testimony highlighted research disputing the efficacy of the death penalty as a deterrent and called for a nuanced approach to justice, particularly concerning crimes against children.
In addition to SB990, the committee reviewed SB1362 and SB1379, both related to increasing penalties for financial crimes in response to fraud surges exacerbated by the pandemic. Witnesses, including law enforcement representatives and banking officials, provided testimonies supporting these bills as proactive measures against rising financial fraud cases. The meeting concluded with motions on these bills pending further consideration, reflecting the committee's ongoing commitment to addressing these critical issues while debating the broader implications of each legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And that takes into consideration your job, and the difficulty of it is when you have the compassion.
- step in where we need to help them prosecute and do their job.
- Paranoia, isolation, and volatility set in. He lost 40 pounds, lost his job, and couldn't sleep.
- election integrity, like school choice, and even the Texas Women's Privacy Act which...
- The DA patted him on the back and said, "Alan, you did a wonderful job."
Keywords:
hemp, cannabinoids, licensing, consumable products, criminal offenses, registration, age restrictions, administrative penalties, election laws, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, local prosecutor, election laws, attorney general, criminal prosecution, law enforcement, jurisdiction, lobbying, public funds
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on discussions surrounding public safety and health, particularly in relation to the regulation of THC products through Senate Bills 5, 11, and 12. A significant point of contention was Senate Bill 5, which sought to regulate THC products to prioritize child safety, with law enforcement officials arguing that existing regulations have failed to protect youth adequately. The committee heard several testimonies from both supporters and opponents of the legislation, emphasizing a deep divide on the efficacy of regulation versus prohibition. Lawmakers debated the implications of these bills, with some members advocating for a complete ban while others called for more moderate, regulated approaches to address the concerns surrounding THC consumption and its impact on mental health. Notably, the meeting concluded with a series of votes indicating a strong push towards tightening regulations on THC products to ensure public safety.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The following bills and resolutions on first reading and referral
- of investment practices and performances of certain public retirement systems, referred to the Committee
- on Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
- HB 3495 by Ben Baumgartner relating to the investment and management
- , and Financial Services.
Summary:
In the recent committee meeting, a wide array of bills were discussed, including significant topics such as education reforms, public health initiatives, and environmental regulations. Members engaged in a robust discussion regarding HB3478, which relates to definitions of child abuse and neglect, where concerns were raised about the implications for vulnerable children. Additionally, HB3487 sparked debate over tax collection practices that affect restaurant owners involved in oyster shell recycling programs, highlighting the balance between environmental sustainability and business concerns.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Agriculture & Livestock Aug 19th, 2025 at 02:08 pm
House Agriculture & Livestock Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, thank you for the job you're doing and for your attention to this matter.
- What we lack is the funding and infrastructure to adequately support this research and operational implementation
- We had a 55-gallon drum of it when I was a little boy, and that was part of my job—to go those.
- We act like it's super secret and super. It's not that hard.
- And so they did a phenomenal job going through every environmental issue that might arise.
Keywords:
New World Screw Worm, livestock management, sterile fly facility, Texas agriculture, FDA emergency use, animal health
Summary:
The meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock addressed the ongoing threat of the New World Screw Worm, which poses significant risks to both livestock and wildlife in Texas. Chairman Kitzman emphasized the importance of a coordinated response among state and federal agencies, including the recent $750 million investment for a new sterile fly facility in south Texas, crucial for combating this threat. Several invited witnesses provided insights on current research, management strategies, and the collaboration needed to effectively handle potential infestations.