Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'trade policy'

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TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Policies addressing sexual abuse.
  • If we require those policies, we must also create recourse when they are ignored.
  • They're not even following their own policy to act immediately.
  • Good evening, my name is Mary Lynn Panetta, and I'm the director of education and workforce policy at
  • It outlines some substantive policy points.
Summary: The committee meeting covered significant legislative discussions, focusing largely on educational reform bills, particularly the committee substitute for HB4 which aims to replace the STAAR test with a simpler, nationally-normed assessment model. This proposed shift intends to reduce testing fatigue while providing timely feedback for teachers and parents. Senator Bettencourt presented reinforcing points for HB4, arguing it would create a more equitable education system that aligns classroom assessment with state standards. Feedback from numerous education stakeholders highlighted the urgency for a transparent and reliable evaluation framework. The conversation also included contrasting public testimonies, where some community members voiced concerns about the perceived inadequacies of the reform efforts, citing a need for genuinely transformative changes in education policy. The session concluded without final votes on the bills, leaving several pending for further review and consideration.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Cassidy discussed the potential benefits of the proposed policies
  • Well, do you know if the new policy that prevents elected
  • I just wanted to ask about the return to office policy.
  • They're a reflection of a system that is not only broken but actively weakened by policy choices that
  • This isn't just a matter of mental health policy.
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> After a hundred and five years of rate-making, it's bad policy
  • However, we don't believe this is good policy either.
  • You can have policy that benefits the utility and also benefits customers.
  • There may be disagreements on various policies, but I just want to...
  • It doesn't make the policy agreements easy, but it's great to work in such a professional organization
Summary: The meeting included a robust discussion on several bills aimed at addressing regulatory issues in the state. Key among these was House Bill 4384, presented by Representative Darby, which focuses on alleviating financial burdens caused by regulatory lag for natural gas utilities. The bill seeks to allow temporary deferral of costs related to new infrastructure, and public testimonies highlighted a significant division in opinion, with some stakeholders arguing it would increase costs for consumers without adequate oversight. The committee members engaged actively with the testimonies, indicating a comprehensive review of the implications of the bill. House Bill 2663 was also introduced, aimed at preventing wildfires through better oversight of outdated electrical infrastructure at inactive oil and gas well sites, emphasizing the need for removed or de-energized equipment to avoid future incidents. Additionally, several other bills like HB1237 and HB3071 were discussed, with the latter addressing the cancellation of inactive landfill permits to reflect current land use and community development. The overall tone of the meeting was collaborative, with members expressing gratitude for professionalism despite some disagreements on policy details. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further discussion before moving to votes in subsequent sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This practice contradicts the long-standing policy

  • , or lack of public policy, has done.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm the Director of Policy and Governmental Relations for the City of Gallaudet.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="25" data-time="144">We have one witness registered, John Banura from the Texas Public Policy
  • I'm a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation
  • span> resulting in outcomes that no longer reflect the original policy
  • with what you've already heard this morning, but my name is Sally Bocco, and I'm the director of policy
  • I'm Amanda Possen, a senior policy analyst at Every Texan.
Summary: The meeting was marked by an extensive discussion of several bills aimed at enhancing Texas' economic landscape and infrastructure. Notably, SB2925 focused on modernizing the state's manufacturing sector by promoting automation and digital technology, which received strong support from industry representatives, emphasizing its potential job growth impact. Public testimonies reflected a consensus on the need for Texas to lead in innovation to remain competitive in the manufacturing arena. Furthermore, SB1520, which seeks to create the Texas Bicentennial Trail, also garnered significant support, particularly for its vision of connecting historical sites across Texas without resorting to private property condemnation. The committee faced a good turnout of stakeholders, which added depth to the discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Megan Benton, the Strategic Policy Associate for Texas Values Action.
  • The organization, the Women's Sports Policy Working Group, says that there are I'm the Policy Director at the Transgender Education
  • I use he/him pronouns, and I'm the policy coordinator for TENT, the Transgender Education Network of
Summary: The committee meeting extensively discussed SB1350, which aims to establish a commission for the Bicentennial Anniversary of Texas Independence in 2036. Several witnesses, including Lacey Finley and Russell Molina, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing the importance of extensive planning and community engagement for this significant celebration. They argued that the bicentennial should encompass the diverse history and culture of Texas and encouraged the committee to include a non-profit structure to facilitate fund-raising and coordination efforts. Furthermore, HB738 was debated, focusing on the preservation of Rosenwald schools and their potential use as community learning centers, with members advocating for support to maintain this integral part of Texas's educational heritage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Sep 3rd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Receive the lion's share of the policy reforms that have been
  • He approaches education policy not as a partisan issue, but as a moral one.
  • live on through the students whose futures you shaped, the institutions you strengthened, and the policies
  • He's worked tirelessly, and the policies that he's been able to pass over the years will really transform
  • A certain legislation that was not good public policy

Bills: SB8, SB1, SB2, SB5, SB10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB20, HB18
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant legislative actions, particularly in relation to youth camp safety reforms. Senator Perry presented the committee substitute for HB1, emphasizing the collaborative effort with the House to enhance youth camp emergency preparedness following tragic events in the community. The bill, which maintains essential safety provisions, was received positively and passed without opposition. Additionally, discussions highlighted the importance of funding for flood management and the need for ongoing dialogue around public safety enhancements, including interoperability among emergency services. Overall, the meeting reflected a strong commitment to community safety and legislative integrity.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of the few areas in education policy where we can

  • My name is Gabe Grantham, and I serve as the public education policy advisor at Texas 2036.
  • Back when I was in school, funding wasn't just some policy debate; it was the difference between...
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Arc of Texas.
  • I'm the policy manager for Teach Plus Texas.
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 2nd C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • instrumental in providing agencies and legislators with the data to make informed decisions about policy
  • Work with you to develop policies to safeguard every child
  • However, Texans are suffering from floods and from the policy failures that made them worse.
  • It's simply a direction, policy change, and law change to start making everyone look towards.
  • We're asking for a tactical policy.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed multiple bills related to emergency preparedness and flood prevention, with significant discussions on HB48, SB3, and HB75. Representative Darby opened the meeting by advocating for the creation of a nine-member alert notification system to address public saturation with emergency alerts and to streamline the notification process by evaluating the effectiveness and coordination of existing systems. Testimonies from various stakeholders underscored the necessity of reducing alert fatigue among residents while enhancing the state’s overall readiness for impending natural disasters. The meeting featured robust support for HB75, aimed at establishing stricter safety standards for youth camps located in flood-prone areas following recent tragic flooding incidents that highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Feb 4th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Andy Keller, and I lead the Meadows Mental Health Policy

  • Madam Chair, members, my name is Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, and I serve as the Director of Public Policy
  • I would like to start by recognizing an area of Texas Medicaid budget policy that I think is working
  • I'm also the director of policy for Recovery People and co-chair for the Texas Coalition for Healthy
  • Medicaid budget policy that I think is working very, very
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on public testimony regarding key health and human services issues affecting various groups in Texas. Notable discussions included funding requests for recovery housing, maternal health programs, and behavioral health services. Testimonies addressed the urgent need for additional resources to improve recovery housing availability, with advocates pushing for an increase in the number of accredited recovery homes and mentioning that Texas currently ranks low in recovery housing access. Similar testimonies highlighted the rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among minority populations, and the necessity for robust funding for maternal health initiatives. The session also saw voices advocating for better support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the critical need for transformed waiver services and improved provider accountability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • >

    My name is Lissette Galvan, and I serve as the Public Policy

  • My name is Nicole Malone, and I'm a policy fellow with the National Association of Social Workers, Texas
  • mental health and well-being of Texans through strategic grant making, research and learning, and policy
  • I am the policy specialist with the housing and transportation team at Disability Rights Texas, and we
  • My name is Lauren Juveros, and I'm a public policy manager at the Texas Council on Family Violence.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means May 5th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Citizens' groups, universities, and policy analysts who wish to study property tax systems on a statewide
  • Members, HB 5217 represents prudent fiscal policy and a commitment to fairness.
  • data-time="5130"> Here on behalf of the Texas Public Policy
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • You're testifying on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Summary: The meeting covered several key legislative proposals aimed at enhancing property tax relief and supporting community development initiatives. House Bill 2032, which addresses tax exemptions for disabled veterans, was discussed; the bill proposes a proportional property tax deduction based on disability ratings, helping veterans secure housing stability amidst rising property costs. House Bill 4270 was also introduced to revitalize declining neighborhoods by offering property tax exemptions for young families moving into these areas—an initiative prompted by demographic shifts in urban areas such as El Paso. The discussions emphasized the critical need for fostering sustainable communities and supporting vulnerable populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Molly Boyles, and I'm the Director of Public Policy at the Texas Council on Family Violence
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs carries out red flag policies on its veterans as seen in their patient
  • They used this to combat these policies.
  • Also, I am subject to those policies set by the VA.
  • Children deserve to live free from violence, and we should pursue policies that protect the safety and
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Edwards Aquifer Alliance, testifying for the bill, and Larry French on behalf of the Texas Public Policy
  • I'm with the Texas Water Association, which is a statewide water policy association focused on water
  • > For the record, my name is Larry French with the Texas Public Policy
  • I'm the Policy Director at the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, and I'm very happy to be able to support
Bills: SB7
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on Senate Bill 7, which aims to enhance Texas's water infrastructure amid growing population and environmental challenges. Various stakeholders, including representatives from engineering firms, environmental organizations, and water associations, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing its potential to address pressing water supply issues and improve infrastructure reliability. Key topics of discussion included water reuse, flood infrastructure funding, and the need for legislative oversight to ensure effective management of financial resources. The testimony underscored the importance of adapting to aging water systems while promoting innovative solutions for sustainability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm a policy analyst.
  • I'm a policy analyst representing the Texas Public Policy Foundation, here to testify in support of HB
Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussions surrounding several bills aimed at reforming aspects of criminal justice in Texas. Representative Little laid out HB413, detailing its provisions which aim to prevent pretrial detention from exceeding the maximum time a person could be sentenced if convicted. The bill generated significant discussion, emphasizing the importance of due process and the financial burden of detaining individuals unnecessarily. Public testimonies were presented, with varied opinions on the efficacy and implementation of this bill. Additionally, discussions on HB2507 and HB1418 highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve transparency and reliability in the judicial process, specifically addressing issues related to grand jury proceedings and in-custody informants, respectively. Witnesses from both supporting and opposing sides provided comprehensive insights, showcasing the depth of concern regarding wrongful convictions and the need for reform in testimony verification practices. The committee concluded the meeting with plans for a follow-up session to continue these crucial discussions and potentially advance the bills further.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also have the member from the Texas Public Policy who actually wrote the bill for me.
  • their illegal policies.
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation, and you are for the bill, is that correct?
  • I am a policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am here to testify in support of House
  • That opinion goes into some of the public policy.
Summary: The meeting addressed multiple pieces of legislation related to property appraisal, primarily focusing on HB1952, HB4703, and HB3524. There was a lively discussion surrounding HB1952, which proposes to increase the number of elected members on appraisal boards, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. Public testimony included varied perspectives, with residents expressing a desire for more representation in appraisal decisions, while some members voiced concerns about the potential politicization of these boards. The committee left the bill pending for further scrutiny, indicating the complexity of the subject matter and the differing opinions within the community.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement for Prism Health North Texas, and I'm
  • My name is Ammon Blair and I'm a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • Chairman, as we discussed, and members, not necessarily testifying against the policy.
  • It's a state policy, and if you pass this state policy

  • My name is Daniel Woodward, and I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project.
Summary: The meeting was productive, primarily focusing on the discussions surrounding several key bills, notably HB2012, HB3174, and HB5580. The bills addressed significant issues like public health, immigration enforcement, and developmental initiatives. Notably, HB3174 aims to combat the spread of blood-borne diseases through syringe exchange programs in specific counties, with robust support from public health officials. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of perspectives on the efficacy and implications of these bills, particularly regarding how they would impact public safety and health in Texas. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on law enforcement and the appropriateness of mandating immigration mechanisms in local jails under HB5580, generating passionate discussions among committee members and public testimonies alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm compelled to support this policy change based on my awareness of brain science and the understanding
  • So I urge you to consider this policy change so that we can continue investing in developing our young
  • As you stated, I'm Jenny Andrews, and I'm a policy analyst
  • Working directly with these youth has given me a unique opportunity to see the impact that policy has
  • Like everybody else has said, I urge you all to change these policies.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding HB2234, which aims to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Texas. There was a strong consensus among witnesses advocating for the change, citing the psychological and social implications of prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults. Several testimonies highlighted the damages inflicted by adult incarceration on youth, recommending a shift towards juvenile systems that provide rehabilitative support tailored for younger individuals. Chairman Dutton acknowledged the historical significance of this session's discussion, emphasizing the need for legislative change to align Texas with national trends and prioritize youth rehabilitation over punishment. The committee remains engaged in discussions on how to effectively implement this legislation, considering fiscal impacts and community needs. The meeting concluded with the bill left pending due to ongoing concerns regarding the financial implications for counties and the judicial system. A diverse panel of advocates, including youth service organizations and legal professionals, reinforced the argument that raising the age is not merely a matter of policy but an essential aspect of ensuring fair treatment and rehabilitation for young individuals in the justice system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • /span> Under this amendment, an evaluation of the findings and policy
  • The Republican Party of Texas has long supported the policy that has not been declared by the United
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am in support of House
  • is not going to be the case, especially since we, ever since the 70s, have adopted a total force policy
  • in U.S. history or U.S. law for a state to lose its National Guard funding due to retaliation over policy
Bills: HB39, HB227, HB930, HB1078
Summary: During the meeting, the committee deliberated on several bills primarily focused on veteran welfare and transition issues. One of the main highlights was the discussion of HB39, which proposes to improve data collection on veteran suicide rates, addressing the alarming statistics that reveal veterans are dying by suicide at a rate significantly higher than the general population. The bill seeks to mandate the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to submit aggregate data regarding deceased veterans to the Texas Veterans Commission, ensuring proper analysis and reporting on this critical issue. Witnesses, including mental health professionals and veterans, provided their insights, emphasizing the importance of having accurate data to inform better policies for preventing veteran suicides.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, changes in commission policies and federal regulations can lead to significant revenue
  • To the policy, correct. Yeah. And so whether your bill sort of thinks about...
  • I am Brian Lloyd, Vice President of Regulatory Policy for Encore Electric Delivery, and I am in strong
  • First, that we believe that this bill has good underlying policy.
  • We think it's the right time to have this discussion on this policy
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions on several key legislative measures, particularly focusing on amendments to emergency powers and local food vendor regulations. A highlight was the presentation of SJR 40 by Representative Slauson, aimed at redefining how the state handles emergency declarations and asserting legislative authority beyond the traditional session times. This proposal elicited significant interest and debate among committee members, emphasizing the need for a more responsive governance framework to better handle future crises like COVID-19. In regards to food regulations, House Bill 2844 was discussed, seeking to streamline licensing requirements for food trucks operating across multiple jurisdictions. Testimony included perspectives from both supporters advocating for fewer regulatory hurdles and critics warning about potential public health risks.

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