Video & Transcript DataContr Research : '89th legislative session'

Page 38 of 57
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • that we can be nimble in addressing threats as they arise, especially if the legislature is not in session
  • With respect to this legislation, they've achieved

  • I am so honored to carry this legislation.
  • In Trey's honor today, this legislation is essential to the
  • I'm asking my home state to pass Trey's Law this session as an urgent matter of public safety.
Summary: The meeting held by the committee covered multiple critical bills focusing chiefly on the implications of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to child sexual abuse and the prohibition of state investments in companies tied to nations deemed as threats, such as China and Russia. Debate around HB34 emphasized the necessity of protecting Texas taxpayers and maintaining national security by avoiding investments in these adversarial nations. Additionally, House Bill 748 spurred poignant reflections and testimonies from abuse survivors aiming to combat the silencing effect of NDAs on victims. The legislators expressed a consensus on the urgency of these issues, particularly the need for Trey's Law, which aims to empower survivors and diminish the influence of NDAs that shield abusers from accountability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a very straightforward piece of legislation,

  • And so, in the aftermath of that experience, legislators
  • And last session, you voted and authorized it.
  • This is the water session, right?
  • ...us at the beginning of this session that while we've had
Bills: SJR4
Summary: The meeting focused on Senate Joint Resolution 4, which proposes to raise the constitutional cap of the Economic Stabilization Fund from 10% to 15%. Members engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the potential implications of this increase, especially in relation to Texas's long-term financial liabilities. Concerns were raised about maintaining adequate reserves while simultaneously addressing the need for taxpayer relief, especially considering factors such as property tax compression and future economic downturns. Various members voiced their opinions on the balance between saving for potential future needs and returning money to taxpayers, fostering a vigorous debate on the state's fiscal strategy and priorities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 24th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I don't want to do this again next session.
  • So did we do that last session or not?
  • And we've increased list maintenance requirements session after session that I've been here.
  • and the Arizona legislation.
  • We are in opposition to this legislation.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on HB5337, which aimed to implement stricter voter identification requirements in Texas. During the session, various stakeholders, including members of the public, expressed their concerns regarding the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly among older citizens and tribal populations. Critics of the bill highlighted that many Texan citizens might not possess the necessary documentation to comply with the new requirements, resulting in unintended consequences at the polls. Notably, representatives raised questions about the practicality of enforcing these regulations without negatively impacting voter turnout, especially for vulnerable demographics.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • property tax bill, even with the relief that has been passed by this body in the last couple of sessions
  • In this session, tax relief must be paired with tax reform

  • I just became aware of the references to the $400 million in the legislation.
  • Since then, I have pursued this legislation.
  • That's why I'm reintroducing the Monument Protection Act this session.
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

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If the state of Texas, have you seen the legislation? Yes, we have.
  • Chairman, for your support of this legislation.
  • last session.
  • This session, it's public libraries and booksellers. Where will it end?
  • You're considering legislation that takes away my parental rights and I cannot...
Summary: The meeting saw significant discussions centered around several Senate bills, notably SB2487, SB1698, and SB2101. Senator Parker introduced and advocated for SB2487, which aims to enhance crisis service models for mental health interventions, receiving feedback from various stakeholders during formal testimony. The committee adopted the substitute version of this bill, which emphasizes local governance, expands service options, and tightens clinical timelines, responding to concerns from communities about service accessibility. Furthermore, the bill successfully passed from the committee with unanimous support, moving forward to the full Senate for consideration. In addition to SB2487, the committee reviewed SB1698, focusing on regulatory changes surrounding e-cigarette products. The committee recognized the importance of aligning state law with federal guidelines while ensuring strong consumer protections. Public testimonies included insights from enforcement officials and industry participants, highlighting the newly proposed measures aimed at preventing youth access to e-cigarettes. Lastly, SB2101, which addresses the regulation of sexually explicit materials in public libraries to ensure safe environments for minors, generated mix responses, with testimonies reflecting concerns over censorship and parental rights. The meeting concluded with the passage of SB2819 as well, which addresses political activities of county election administrators.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was passed out of the House 136 to 8 in the previous session.
  • the 87th legislative session.
  • And there have been so many improvements made just in the last couple of sessions.
  • Last session, this bill passed out of Homeland Security.
  • This bill was introduced last legislative session, and it didn't get far enough that time.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • be back next session asking for more money for our judges.
  • The money is there this session, and this session is

  • , I will not be back next session asking for more money for our judges.
  • The money is there this session. And this...
  • , I will not be back next session asking for...
Summary: The meeting featured a address by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal system and ensuring fair access to justice for all Texans. He addressed the challenges facing the judiciary, notably the need for increased funding for district judges, which has not seen a raise since 2013. The Chief Justice highlighted how inadequate compensation has affected the ability to attract and retain qualified judges. He urged the legislature to consider a substantial increase in judicial salaries as a matter of public interest and necessary for the state's judicial system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 3 and the legislation passed by this body has been historic.
  • During the 2017 legislative session, the...
  • , and four special sessions on school finance after Judge F.
  • Last session in legislation, HB 1605, but this particular
  • For parents, this legislation provides peace of mind.
Summary: The meeting focused on key legislative measures aimed at enhancing school safety and student communication technology. Senator Nichols discussed SB1262, emphasizing its role as a follow-up cleanup bill on previous measures that improved public school safety through House Bill 3. The committee adopted a committee substitute which includes provisions for the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers for school safety purposes, thereby enabling better collaboration with local law enforcement in case of emergencies. The discussions were enriched by testimony from resource witnesses, including security professionals from the Texas School Safety Center.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the second session.
  • We're going to go till we go in session right before.
  • But should that not occur and other legislation moves forward, that would prevent
  • They said that is up to the legislation.

  • That is up to the legislators. That is Joe.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by detailed discussions on four significant bills, notably HB5597, HB2462, HB4420, and HB4429. Each bill was thoroughly examined, with representatives offering insights and public representatives providing testimony. One of the standout moments was when Representative Leach presented HB2462, which seeks to allow pregnant drivers to use HOV lanes, described as a step toward elevating motherhood and supporting life in Texas. The committee enjoyed robust dialogue around the implications of this legislation, leading to inquiries about potential impacts and reception from the public and other stakeholders. As the meeting progressed, urgent matters pertaining to the other three bills were deliberated, with various opinions being voiced about their respective benefits and drawbacks. Notably, discussions included concerns regarding safety, economic implications, and community impact. After addressing all bills, the meeting concluded with plans for upcoming sessions to explore these topics further. The committee encouraged continued public engagement and input on the matters discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing community needs through thoughtful legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • So if we were trying to do a thoughtful analysis around the impact of the 87th Session, SB4, SB8, the
  • And those two years of data, as you said, are taking into account what that legislation has done for
  • Again, just really excited to be here and present this legislation.
  • The proposed substitute is simply making the bill a Legislative Council draft.
  • Try in the Senate and the House last session.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions regarding various bills aimed at improving public health and welfare, including chronic kidney disease resources and statewide health literacy initiatives. Chair Guillen presented House Bill 3269, which proposes the creation of a centralized resource center for chronic kidney disease that is tailored to help patients and healthcare providers with information and resources, garnering robust support from the committee. Additionally, House Bill 1295 was discussed, focusing on enhancing statewide health literacy with a long-range coordination plan from the Department of State Health Services, which was also received favorably by committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we were very clear with you that I want to see the images of horses in this legislation.
  • Everybody is looking at this legislation.
  • session.
  • session.
  • I do want to make one special point about this proposed legislation.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism centered around the discussion of HB4568, aimed at enhancing the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Key witnesses including film industry representatives, local officials, and the Executive Director of the Texas Film Commission, Adriana Cruz, presented testimony supporting the bill's potential to boost economic growth and job creation in Texas. Notably, celebrity supporters, such as Matthew McConaughey, emphasized the importance of keeping film production within Texas, highlighting the economic benefits it brings to local communities and industries.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I respectfully urge you to pass this important legislation,
  • I can't believe you guys do this every night during session. My name is Mike Hines.
  • We received it from Legislative Council, a draft of our committee substitute, too late last night.
  • So once the session started up, I have not talked to anyone from there. Okay, thank you.
  • House Bill 2956 builds on the framework we passed last session with HB 5202.
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills concerning law enforcement training, mental health crisis management, and resource allocation. Notably, House Bill 2929 aimed at requiring police officers to undergo specialized training related to autism, was discussed with testimonials highlighting the need for improved understanding of individuals with autism in potential law enforcement encounters. Additionally, House Bill 4993 gathered attention as it proposed measures to enhance the health and readiness of military service members, emphasizing the importance of fitness standards and supportive health programs.
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:
  • Chairman, switches out the non-council draft to a legislative council draft.
  • A way that will benefit everyone involved, which is sometimes rare in legislation.
  • Members, last session we had this same bill.

  • This legislation is by Senator West, and the chair will recognize Senator Menéndez to speak.
  • As the legislature agrees, we've been studying this issue since the 84th legislative session.
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

Health and Human Services Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I thank you for your consideration and support of this important legislation.
  • You were for a bill this session?
  • other than cleaning it up through the legislative council process.
  • Senate Bill 2269 will codify the legislative intent that...
  • Several other states are currently considering similar legislation.
Summary: The committee meeting showcased extensive discussions surrounding multiple bills, predominantly focusing on the health sector and legislative processes. Senator Cook presented Senate Bill 1310, emphasizing the need for independent living facilities to develop disaster response plans to better protect vulnerable residents during emergencies. This bill sparked discussions on the importance of balancing regulatory oversight with compliance implementation, showcasing testimonies from stakeholders who supported the proactive measures outlined in the bill. Together, the members evaluated the relevance of continuing legislation aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness for Texas' senior population, illustrating a palpable concern for their welfare and safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I served in this session, in this committee, and it...
  • I thank you for your time on this important legislation.
  • session by Senator Hughes.
  • I think this bill is the most important bill of the whole session and of many sessions.
  • I just want to say, which, how many sessions? This is my seventh session.
Summary: The House Committee on Elections convened to discuss HB3709, a bill focused on reforming the post-election audit process. Representative Dialo presented the bill, emphasizing its bipartisan support and the critical need for modernization to enhance the integrity and transparency of the voting process. The existing auditing method, which relied on random precinct selection, was criticized for being outdated and inefficient. The proposed changes aim to standardize audits across various voting methods, allowing election officials to evaluate results by voting locations instead of individual precincts, and thus improving accuracy and efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • session in 2025, and is that still a secret?
  • I just as a legislator, I'd be curious to know what your advocacy agenda is halfway through the legislative
  • session.
  • And depending on what comes out of the legislative session, and if programs are moved over to us, I would
  • Rulemaking is essentially a legislative process.
Bills: HB10, HB12, HB675
Summary: The meeting featured extensive discussions surrounding the Local Government Purchasing Cooperative, emphasizing approaches to enhance procurement processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Representatives from Pearland City Council provided firsthand insights regarding their experiences with cooperative purchasing. Key topics included the complexities of contracts, the challenge of aligning with state procurement laws, and the importance of supporting local vendors through cooperative initiatives. The session also included invited testimony, exploring how the cooperative model influences municipal and educational budgets across Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As is often the case at this point in the session, members

  • ...committee and the legislature did last session.
  • In accordance with the city's legislative program, I'm here to...
  • Per our earlier session, I think this is a good move. It's efficient.
  • There are two ways it's approached, I would say, in session.
Summary: The meeting addressed several key pieces of legislation, including SB1626, which proposes to enhance Texans' ability to pursue legal action against social media platforms for censorship. The bill aims to provide statutory damages, making it easier for individuals to protect their free speech rights. Testimonies were heard from various public representatives expressing support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in maintaining free speech in the digital age. Other bills discussed included SB1719 and SB1494, each receiving varying levels of scrutiny and support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our consumers are very price conscious, so that's why we're opposed to this legislation.
  • So, this is my first session.
  • Regarding this legislation, seeing none, thank you TABC for being here.
  • Probably last session a lot of them testified and said we don't want to sell that.
  • Governor Connolly called a special session in 1968.
Summary: The meeting was marked by thorough discussions regarding several pivotal bills aimed at addressing safety and regulatory reforms within various sectors. Notably, House Bill 3352 was a focal point, where industry representatives highlighted the urgent need for enhanced driver safety training in work zones due to a rise in fatalities. Supporters argued that including work zone safety in driver education programs could significantly improve awareness and reduce accidents. Additionally, House Bill 2186 drew scrutiny from small business owners who expressed concerns about the regulatory burden it would impose on electricians and the potential impact on employment within the industry. Despite the commitment to improve safety, stakeholders warned of unintended consequences that could affect operational viability for non-signatory firms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this session we have witnessed spirited debate

  • And again, that was a foreign person, and there are other legislation.
  • None of that would be in danger by passing this legislation.
  • My name is Luis Figueroa, Chief of Legislative Affairs.
  • I mean, do you have to have legislative directive to do this if you have?
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing legislative issues, with a significant emphasis on immigration-related bills such as HB256 and HB253. Witnesses provided differing perspectives on the implications of these bills, particularly concerning privacy and familial integrity in the context of immigration law. Notably, there were arguments against the invasive DNA testing proposed in HB256, highlighting concerns about accuracy and the potential consequences of errors leading to wrongful separations of families. This discussion revealed a palpable tension between security measures and the preservation of individual rights, prompting the committee to consider the ethical ramifications of such legislation. Additionally, House Bill 4552 was introduced, aimed at ensuring equal treatment in government contracting, which spurred further debate on the balance of meritocracy and social equity in public sectors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Feb 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Obviously in the last session...
  • Obviously, we're not the legislative body.
  • It's very disappointing as a legislative member.
  • Senate Bill 14 that was passed in the 88th legislative session, where it prevented parents from transitioning
  • So that's what this does: passed in a bipartisan fashion last session.
Summary: The meeting was a crucial session for discussing several important bills including SB992, which aims to establish a clear time frame for the Attorney General's approval on outside legal counsel for state agencies. Senator Nichols presented the bill, emphasizing its necessity for timely responses to ensure efficient legal processing. Another notable discussion centered around SB523, which seeks to allow parole and probation officers to use a business address on their driver's licenses for safety and security purposes. This bill passed favorably out of the committee, with public testimony supporting the need for such provisions due to the risks these officers face.

Research Filters

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