Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senate Committee on Criminal Justice'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I close on the committee substitute. Are there any questions?
  • Let's get this bill out of committee and on the road.
  • And it died on the Senate side?

    That is correct.

  • It's data specific to everyone on the committee.
  • the Transportation Committee for 2023, we had at least 52 deaths based on this TxDOT data.
Summary: The committee meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills, particularly focusing on infrastructure projects and their implications for the community. House Bill 2989 initiated a dialogue around modernizing the legal framework for Cedarport National Park, which is vital for enhancing maritime transport and reducing truck traffic. Supporters emphasized the economic benefits and the project's potential to create a more efficient and sustainable transport network, highlighting testimonies from local officials who noted the bill's importance for regional growth and safety. Representative Metcalfe and others advocated strongly for the bill, underscoring its necessity in addressing the increasing container demand due to recent shifts in shipping patterns. The meeting was well-attended and included various testimonies for and against bills, showcasing the passionate involvement of community members and stakeholders. One key point mentioned was the need for grade separations to improve safety around railway crossings. In particular, concerns were raised about the impact of long trains blocking intersections in residential areas, prompting discussions about potential solutions. Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between legislators, industry representatives, and community leaders to enhance infrastructure and ensure public safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The House Committee on Poverty will come to order, and the clerk will

  • What's being touched on is a one-on-one scenario or a situation where a student is directly being spoken
  • Chairman, committee members, thank you for this. I'm testifying on my own behalf against HB1655.
  • One of the committee members mentioned that schools should only teach subjects and not ideology.
  • I would encourage the committee to vote no on HB1655

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the controversial HB1655, which aims to prohibit public school employees from facilitating or promoting the social transitioning of students. Testimonies for the bill emphasized parental rights and concerns about the mental wellbeing of children undergoing social transition without parental knowledge. Witnesses highlighted alarming cases, invoking examples of children being socially transitioned in schools that negate parental involvement, framing it as dangerous and deceptive. Conversely, opposition testimony raised concerns that the bill infringes upon the rights of transgender students to express their identities in supportive environments, highlighting the mental health implications for LGBTQ+ youth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to the Committee on Public Health.

  • The Chair lays out a Committee Substitute.
  • those and the committee substitute as well.
  • I appreciate the committee substitute she has provided to focus on perinatal bereavement care, addressing
  • neutral on House Bill 37.
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I could go on a long time talking about all of the House members and Senate members with like names.
  • It's just unfathomable to us, especially on this committee
  • Chairman, we're working on a committee substitute.
  • That being said, we are working as well on a committee substitute to further strengthen the bill.
  • It's not a state one; just a non-profit one. But I've been on both sides of the hotline process.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed several bills focusing on transparency and innovation in Texas governance. A significant portion of the discussions revolved around House Bill 4990, which seeks to establish an open records hotline to better facilitate public access to government information. Witnesses, including local journalists, strongly supported the bill, citing its importance for accountability in government operations. Other bills, such as HB 4751, focusing on technological advancements, were also highlighted as critical to maintaining Texas's competitive edge in the quantum technology industry. Each bill was left pending for further consideration, indicating ongoing negotiations and a collaborative effort among committee members to refine the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

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

  • I served on the committee that heard the bill that they were trying to pass last session.
  • We do have a committee substitute coming that will address the language concerns from the one witness
  • This is the Senate companion to HB4901 by Representative Fallon that we have already heard in the committee
  • When sentenced to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for incarceration, that harassment continued
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions revolving around HB2343. This bill, presented by Representative Leo Wilson, aims to enhance transparency in the shrimping industry by requiring restaurants to disclose the origin of shrimp served. The bill was met with mixed reactions, especially from the Texas Restaurant Association, which raised concerns regarding the burdensome requirements for menu updates and potential liability issues if inaccuracies were reported. Meanwhile, the committee passed other bills, including HB4204 aimed at protecting older homeowners from unfair contracts, which received support from AARP Texas and sparked discussions about the implications on consumers' rights. In addition to presentation and testimony on bills, the committee also examined HCR76, which urges the federal government to regulate imports of foreign shrimp, reflecting a proactive stance on protecting local industries from unregulated competition. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing economic concerns, consumer protection, and the sustainability of local businesses. The chamber was well attended, and many stakeholders provided public testimony for and against the various proposals.
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

  • is Kathy Green, and on behalf of the committee, I would like to thank you for your time today.
  • this one.
  • We show you registered as Michael Carr, who will testify on behalf of the Texas Civil Justice League,
  • 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

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So depending on the final funds available and future discussions of the conference committee on...
  • Depending on the funds available and the boundaries of the overall budget process of the conference committee
  • We had a pretty different version of this bill passed out of this committee, and we were on the bill
  • Senate Bill 1809 by Senator Flores.
  • Members, this is the Senate companion to my bill, House Bill 3014, which was voted out of this committee
Summary: During the meeting, the committee discussed several important bills focused on state employee pensions, the education sector, and consumer credit resources. One of the main topics was HB886, which proposes a 13th check for state retirees to help alleviate financial challenges faced by those who have not seen any pension adjustments for over a decade. The bill received support from various stakeholders who emphasized its necessity given the rising costs of living and inflation. Additionally, HB3221 was examined, addressing unequal pension contributions between traditional school districts and charter schools, which has placed undue financial burdens on charter schools since 2019. The bill aims to unify the contribution rates to ensure fairness and retain essential funding for education.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have several on this committee.
  • co-author on the bill because it is absolutely what we tried to do with you with the committee substitute
  • companion bill, Senate Bill 1493, by a vote of 30 to 0 in committee.
  • Senate Bill 1371 is pending. Chair, the Senate Bill 1371 is pending.
  • Chair and committee.
Summary: The meeting focused on various transportation-related bills, including discussions around essential infrastructure for flood control, electric bicycles, and safety measures for cyclists. Representative Martinez introduced HB3544, highlighting the flooding issues in the Rio Grande Valley and the need for proper stormwater management. The bill garnered attention as it addresses urgent concerns for local emergency services and community safety. Additionally, CSHB4089 outlined regulations for electric bicycles in state parks, promoting access and safety for all park-goers. There was a significant public turnout, with testimonies both in support and against various proposed bills, reflecting community engagement and interest in transportation safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Chairman Leach and the committee for the opportunity to testify on HB 1088, and thank you,
  • The chair lays out the committee substitute to House Bill 2637, which is the bill we're on, and recognizes
  • This section of the code seems to concern you that it deals more with the criminal justice system and
  • But hold on, hold on, hold on. Yeah. I always let you talk, please let me finish.
  • Committee members, as you heard, there's a committee substitute.
Summary: During the meeting, the committee engaged in substantial discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, particularly focusing on HB3004 which aims to enhance safety standards around high voltage power lines. Testimonies revealed concerns about the historical inadequacies of existing safety protocols, with multiple stakeholders advocating for strengthening provisions to avoid incidents of electrocution. Additionally, HB1088 was addressed, with debates regarding its potential implications on healthcare access, especially concerning transgender youth. There were conflicting opinions expressed regarding the necessity and impact of these legislative changes, highlighting the broader societal debates occurring around health and safety regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As always, I'm happy to work with any member of this committee on how we can make this a better bill,
  • But have you heard from DAs or what are their thoughts on this last provision from the hypothetical committee
  • We were able to be here and testify in front of our committee on cybersecurity and efficiency as well
  • My committee was the Joint Committee on...
  • I believe this committee started on the 3rd or some date in February.
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of House Bill 3700, presented by Representative Vaux, which seeks to amend the Texas Labor Code to enhance the regulatory authority for the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Representative Vaux highlighted the need for clear statutory authority to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in all TWC programs, engaging members with an emphasis on the implications of the changes proposed. Public testimony was also invited, allowing various stakeholders to express their views on the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence will come to a

  • Three of us sit on an advisory committee to the Texas Commission on Mental Health, and we have looked
  • Yes, it passed out of this committee unanimously last session and died on the...
  • The committee substitute will clarify that this only applies to Justice Courts.
  • The committee substitute, which you do not have before you, and I'm not testifying on the committee substitute
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive deliberations on several bills, most notably House Bill 1110, concerning civil suits against individuals reporting suspicious activity in good faith, proposed by Chairman Shaheen. The committee expressed unanimous support for the bill, and it was reported to the full House without amendments. Additionally, House Bill 865, introduced by Speaker Moody, addressing civil liability related to firearm hold agreements, also garnered unanimous approval, underscoring a collaborative effort among committee members. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding proposed bills, specifically criticisms of House Bill 1748, aimed at exempting municipal courts from language certification requirements, which raised significant opposition related to equitable access to justice for non-English speakers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair Lambert, Senate Finance Committee Chair Huffman, Mayor
  • on the bill.
  • But I guess we would need to see the committee substitute to assess it fully because one thing that we
  • I'm still working on it, so I would ask the committee to leave the bill pending.
  • He served as our Chief Justice in the Senate, second court of appeals, and did a fine job in serving
Summary: The meeting was focused on a range of significant legislation including discussions on retirement benefits for public safety officers and specific bills aimed at addressing current challenges in the pension systems. Representative Busey introduced HB2802, aimed at stabilizing the Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund, which received support from various stakeholders including Mayor Kirk Watson, reflecting months of collaborative effort. Testimony emphasized the need for proactive changes to prevent future financial crises in the fund. Additionally, HB4029, proposed by Chairman Guillen, generated appeals from various members about the necessity of addressing retirement needs for peace officers in public schools, linking it directly to their recruitment and retention challenges in the current environment. Issues regarding recruitment and the financial sustainability of the Houston Fire Department were also highlighted with HB2688, enabling timely action on pressing pension reform to retain skilled personnel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are actually working on a committee subcommittee.
  • We're working on a committee.
  • And no, let's see, there's not a committee substitute, is there? I don't have one.
  • So we do not have a committee substitute, but we are working with stakeholders on...
  • Hold on just a minute. There’s a committee substitute.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We would encourage the committee to follow his lead on that.
  • Because obviously, our goal here on this committee, we've stated many times, is to look to lower rates
  • It's pretty easy to put on other places, and so my preference would be for this committee to deliberate
  • If that's going on, a specific instance, I think this committee would like to know about it.
  • Senator Rubin turns it on.
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance convened to discuss multiple bills aimed at enhancing consumer protection and improving access to essential services. Notable discussions included HB2528, which seeks to eliminate prior authorization requirements for medications treating substance use disorders, thereby expediting access to crucial treatments for Texans. Representative Boosie laid out HB722, addressing transparency in auto insurance valuation processes, prompting engagement from various witnesses on how current practices potentially exploit consumers. Members voiced concerns about the intersection of bureaucratic delays and the urgency of addiction treatment, emphasizing the bill's potential life-saving implications.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair offers a committee substitute to House Bill 1835 and moves that the committee substitute be
  • March 2025, 11.05 acres and one.
  • for filing on March 7th, 2025.
  • Is Trey Leary on behalf of Clay Partners Mustang Ridge Land Number One?
  • Committee to vote favorably on House Bill 5437.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding the challenges faced by municipalities in managing growth and public safety. Bills such as HB447 and HB3897 sparked conversations on the impact of Municipal Utility Districts in high-density areas and the necessity of thorough traffic impact assessments before approving new developments. Representative Cook highlighted concerns over a specific project related to HB3671, which aimed to dissolve a municipal district due to contradictory prior agreements. Public testimonies included concerns from residents, signaling the tension between development needs and public safety requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on State Affairs

  • On this committee and in the legislature on the trades.
  • And I see here on...
  • Excellent projects, on time, on budget, great experience.
  • No one is limiting.
Summary: The committee meeting centered around several bills, most notably House Bill 1951, which provoked significant debate among members and public witnesses concerning the implications of project labor agreements (PLAs) for public works projects in Texas. Advocates for the bill argued that it aimed to create a more competitive environment for bidding on government contracts, thereby ensuring taxpayer dollars were spent effectively. Opponents, including labor representatives and apprentices, voiced concerns that the removal of PLAs could jeopardize worker safety, fair wages, and job opportunities for local craftsmen, particularly those engaged in union and apprenticeship programs. Testimonies from various workers highlighted the critical role PLAs play in maintaining quality standards and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 4th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator Creighton, to close on the resolution.
  • I apologize to Senator Nichols on the resolution to join with me and Senator Creighton in welcoming the
  • The Chair recognizes Senator Cook on the resolution.
  • Thank you, Senator Cook. The Chair recognizes Senator Hall on the resolution.
  • God bless each one of you. The Chair recognizes Senator Bettencourt on the resolution.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of topics, including memorial resolutions in honor of influential figures such as L. Clifford Davis and Reverend Dr. William Lawson. Senator West spoke warmly about Judge Davis, highlighting his contributions to civil rights, while others praised Reverend Lawson for his community service and leadership. These discussions underscored the committee's focus on recognizing individuals who have shaped Texas's history and values, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's heritage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Withdrawals on the committee substitute.
  • Things that the criminal justice system asked you to do, correct?
  • I didn't even know existed before I got on this committee, you know, last session, because I tend to
  • I ask the committee to vote no on House Bill 1586

  • I urge the committee to vote no on House Bill 1586.
Summary: During this meeting of the health committee, several key bills were discussed primarily focusing on health care practices and patient rights in Texas. In particular, House Bill 4553 drew significant attention as it aims to improve transparency in midwifery practices and ensure the safety of out-of-hospital births. Testimonies were presented both in support and opposition, with concerns raised by midwives regarding the implications of the bill on their practice and autonomy. Additionally, House Bill 3708, designed to assist those burdened by medical debt, was strongly supported by several witnesses bringing forth personal stories underscoring the need for improved access to charity care information. The meeting also covered discussions on organ transplant eligibility and informed consent related to vaccines, echoing larger public health considerations in the post-pandemic era.

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