Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senate Business Commerce Committee'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human ServicesAudio only. May 5th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Sparks sends up the committee substitute.
  • committee substitute for Senate Bill 466.
  • Senator Perry moves that the committee substitute for Senate
  • I understand there is a committee substitute. Senator Miles sends up the committee substitute.
  • Senator Perry sends up the committee substitute.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services meeting featured extensive discussions surrounding several bills pertaining to health services and child protection. Notably, House Bill 109, aimed at establishing therapeutic residential treatment placements for children, was presented along with a committee substitute that included a provision for pass-through grants to build mental health facilities. The bill passed unanimously and was recommended for the local and contested calendar without any objections. Furthermore, House Bill 140 saw significant amendments to sharpen its focus on child protective services, receiving unanimous support as well.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development May 19th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Economic Development Committee will come to order.

  • They'll be here shortly, and then another senator is walking away from their committee now and coming
  • Number one was reducing the inventory tax on small businesses, for which I want to commend the Senate
  • Senator Johnson sends up a committee substitute for House Bill 4341 and moves it to the floor.
  • Senator Johnson moves that the committee substitute

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Economic Development Committee focused on several key bills aimed at enhancing economic development and addressing infrastructure needs in Texas. Notably, House Bill 5195 was discussed to modernize state agency websites, making them accessible and user-friendly for small businesses. Senator Alvarado emphasized the importance of this legislation in providing a better online experience for Texas residents and businesses alike, noting that outdated websites pose significant barriers. The bill received strong support from both committee members and public witnesses, highlighting its potential to spur economic growth. Furthermore, House Bills 2760 and 2765 were also favorably reported, aimed at refining the unemployment benefit appeal process and expanding resources for rural economic development, respectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Millivan moves to adopt the committee substitute to Senate Bill 777.
  • committee substitute to Senate Bill 1965?
  • Senator West moves to adopt the committee substitute to Senate Bill 2835.
  • Senator West sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2262.
  • Senator West sends up the committee substitute to Senate Bill 2631.
Summary: The meeting of the committee effectively reviewed and voted on multiple bills pertaining to public safety, affordable housing, and local governance. Notably, Senator Cook introduced SB2262, which grants municipalities authority to regulate automated defibrillators, aiming to enhance public health responses in urban areas. Public testimony was heard on several bills, illustrating community support and concerns, particularly around affordable housing issues raised by Senator Menendez's SB2137, which seeks to improve access to low-income housing by altering existing criteria used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Additionally, the discussions also touched on the impact of various bills on local governance and property rights, highlighting the committee's aim to address essential services within communities effectively.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Sparks sends up a committee substitute, and Senator
  • Senator Sparks sends up a committee substitute, and Senator

  • Senator Sparks sends up a committee substitute for House Bill 2313.
  • Senator Sparks sends up the committee substitute for House Bill 3793.
  • Senator Sparks sends up a committee substitute for House Bill 5616, and Senator Johnson is recognized
Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee convened to discuss several proposed bills, primarily focusing on enhancing economic growth, infrastructure, and public safety. Key discussions included HB112, which aims to establish Texas Science Park Districts to foster innovation and secure the state's economic future. Senator Parker presented this bill, emphasizing its potential to support local entrepreneurs and technology leaders while safeguarding Texas jobs. There were no witnesses registered for public testimony for this bill, highlighting the requirement for robust stakeholder engagement moving forward. Additionally, HB3686 was addressed, which involves the recognition of retired peace officers' ranks on their credentials, a measure intended to uphold their dignity and address past oversights in the credentialing process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Nichols sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2425.
  • Senator Nichols moves that the committee substitute for Senate
  • The chair lays as a matter of pending business Senate Bill 1493 by Senator Parker, which was laid out
  • The chair lays out as a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch.
  • Pending business. Senate Bill 1895 by Senator Perry.
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

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm happy to be back on this committee. I've been on it since I arrived in the Senate.
  • also Senator Birdwell to the committee.
  • Senator Alvarado moves that the committee rules be adopted.
  • , and I welcome Vice Chair Hagenbuch and also Senator Birdwell to the committee.
  • Senator Alvarado moves that the committee rules be adopted.
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 14th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Madam Chair, committee members, and Senator Perry.
  • Chair lays out as a matter of pending business, House Bill 1612, Senator.
  • The Chair lays out the committee substitute for Senate Bill 719 and recognizes its author, Senator Eckhardt
  • Senator Cook moves the adoption of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 719.
  • That is all of the business to come before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured a series of discussions primarily focusing on various bills aimed at enhancing accountability and safety in the healthcare sector. Notable highlights included the passage of HB694, which aims to promote transparency in the operations of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by shortening the notification timeline for significant events from ten days to 48 hours. This bill received unanimous support from all members present, underscoring a strong consensus on improving communication with parents and stakeholders involved in the child welfare system. Another significant topic was the introduction of HB2187, which seeks to amend and update the existing nursing staffing laws to address emerging challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was presented as a response to the increased burnout rates among nurses and aims to provide a more stable working environment to retain talent in the healthcare sector. The committee took testimony from several experts and stakeholders, highlighting the urgency and importance of these legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Order of Business on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 14. Mr.
  • order of business on Committee Senate Bill 1.
  • Committee Substitute Senate Bill 14.
  • Senator Committee substitutes Senate Bill 2.
  • Members, Senator Bettencourt moves suspension of the regular order of business on committee substitute
Bills: SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee prominently featured discussions surrounding several critical bills, including SB1, which addresses natural disasters and emergency preparedness in Texas. Senator Perry presented detailed amendments focusing on enhancing the state's response capabilities to flooding, which included the establishment of better training protocols for first responders and the development of a statewide flood monitoring system. Public testimony was actively solicited, with multiple witnesses providing input regarding the implications of SB1, highlighting the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies following recent floods that impacted the community severely. Additionally, considerable dialogue took place around SB6, relating to abortion-related civil liabilities, where senators debated the bill's implications on women's health and wellness in Texas, leading to contentious voting results and reflections on the bill's social impact.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Last year, Hancock sends up a committee sub for Senate

  • We are grateful to Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Senator Sparks, Chairman Perry, and this committee for
  • , Senate Bill 823 by Senator Milton.
  • The committee substitute for Senate Bill 823.
  • Is there any other business to come before the Senate

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

Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Johnson sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1250, and Senator Henderholtz is recognized
  • Senator Alvarado sends up the committee substitute, and Senator Paxton is recognized to explain the difference
  • Senator Johnson sends up the committee.
  • I respectfully oppose the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2532.
  • Senator Johnson sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1520, and Senator Alvarado is recognized
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

Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Natural Resources Committee will come to order.

  • As a pending business, Senate Bill 2188 by Senator Hinojosa
  • Senator Hancock moves adoption of the committee substitute. Is there any objection?
  • We also appreciate all committee members for considering this Senate Bill.
  • Senator Birdwell sends up a committee substitute.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Natural Resources Committee centered around several key pieces of legislation, particularly focusing on the energy and infrastructure sectors. Discussion highlighted Senate Bill SB2037, aimed at expediting the LNG export terminal permitting process, receiving strong support from industry representatives. Notably, SB1758 and SB1759 were also discussed, addressing the contentious interactions between aggregate production operations and semiconductor wafer manufacturing, with testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the need for careful regulatory oversight to cater to all parties involved. Concern was voiced regarding the vibrations caused by mining operations, potentially impacting manufacturing processes, particularly in Grayson County.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Agricultural lending is a good business, and we work with our customers to improve their business, both
  • We look forward to working with the Senate Agricultural Committee to develop a new farm bill.
  • I've been on this committee my entire time in the Senate.
  • Thank you, Senator McConnell. Senator Hoeven.

  • Thank you for the question, Senator.
Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation (Part II) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • is a committee substitute that Senator Johnson sends up.
  • I'm going to assume that Senators and a host of moves the Senate bill committee substitute.
  • The chair lays out, as a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 2246 by Senator West.
  • The chair lays out, as a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 2323 by Senator Johnson.
  • The chair lays out, as a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 2439 by Senator Zaffirini.
Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around several bills focused on public safety and infrastructure, particularly involving the Texas Toll Road Authority. A prominent topic was SB2722 and its implications for funding essential services at the local level. Various members expressed concerns that the bill could undermine local budgets and infrastructure projects, potentially redirecting funds intended for critical transport services to cover emergency responses without proper oversight. Fire and police representatives emphasized the importance of toll revenue being used for its intended purposes rather than being diverted to address fiscal mismanagement within the city.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will come

  • There's Senator Kolkhorst to explain it. I do understand there is a committee substitute.
  • You've seen this bill through Senate Bill 961, which passed out of this committee.
  • Senator, I understand there's a committee substitute.
  • Is there any other business to come before the committee?
Summary: The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Let me welcome you to the first hearing for the Senate Committee on Natural Resources for the 89th legislative
  • : Senator Alvarado, Senator Blanco, Senator Hancock, Senator Hughes, and Senator Sparks.
  • , has returned to the active roster for the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.
  • Members, our first order of business is adopting the committee rules.
  • of the Senate.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on several key legislative initiatives, including the implementation of new regulations concerning geothermal injection wells as per SB786, and the jurisdiction over brine mining clarified by SB119 and SB1186. Commissioner Christy spoke about the achievements of the Railroad Commission of Texas in regulatory standards and emphasized the importance of updating environmental practices that safeguard groundwater and surface water while facilitating economic growth. Senators expressed their concerns regarding operational impacts on various sectors, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between agencies to address challenges related to water management and environmental compliance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

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

  • Senator Schwertner sends up the committee substitute for

  • The committee substitute for Senate Bill 2345 reforms the

  • Senator Schwertner moves that we adopt the committee substitute without objection, so ordered.
  • Senator Schwertner moves that we adopt the committee substitute without objection, so ordered.
Bills: SB771, SB2345, HB135
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee meeting covered crucial legislative discussions surrounding several important bills, particularly focused on firefighter pension reforms and tax equity for diesel fuel. Senate Bill 771, presented by Senator Hinojosa, seeks to rectify a gap in state tax law regarding tax credits for diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units. The bill drew support from several witnesses who emphasized its importance for maintaining fairness in tax treatment across fuel types. Additionally, House Bill 135, aimed at providing tax exemptions for exotic game sales, was discussed with fervent support from stakeholders within the industry. Public testimonies highlighted the positive economic impact of the bill on rural communities in Texas. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 2345, another pension-related bill, which showcased collaboration between the city and the firefighters' association.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 25th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's good to have you in the committee, Senator.

  • The Dean of the Senate sends up a committee substitute.
  • Thank you, Senator Hughes. Good afternoon, members of the committee.
  • Senator Hancock, House Bill 3385, Senator Hancock.
  • Senator Schwertner moves that we adopt the committee substitute which was laid out earlier.
Summary: The committee meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills, notably HB220, HB3336, and HB4904. HB220, which addresses access to emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault, sparked intense debate among committee members and witnesses. Various stakeholders testified for and against the bill, emphasizing the importance of immediate access to such services while also raising ethical concerns regarding contraception. Public testimony was robust, showcasing strong opinions on both sides of the legislation, with many advocating for the rights and protections of survivors.

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