Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'rural Texas'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've been an immigration attorney in Texas.
  • I'm here on behalf of the ACLU of Texas, speaking against SJR 5.
  • I'm representing the Texas Civil Rights Project and I'm opposed to SJR 5.
  • Texas is like my husband, who's...
  • Last year, 135 people died in Texas county jails.
Summary: The Senate Committee for Criminal Justice convened to discuss several significant pieces of legislation, including SB999, SB1047, SB40, SJR1, and SJR5. Notably, SJR5 sparked a robust debate among committee members and witnesses regarding its potential implications on pre-trial detention practices. Witnesses expressed concerns about the risks of pre-emptive detention outlined in the bill and the associated human costs, particularly for those who are innocent. Testimonies highlighted the disparity in how such legislation could disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to increased incarceration rates without addressing the root causes of crime. Overall, the committee displayed a commitment to ensuring public safety while wrestling with the balance of due process rights for individuals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • " data-time="180"> are that we're talking about probably close to 200,000 students in the state of Texas
  • Jennifer Deacons, on behalf of the Texas Optometric Association, and you are testifying for the bill,
  • More than one-third are considered at risk by the Texas Code of Education.
  • Our optometrists in Texas are really at the forefront of diagnosing and addressing these issues.
  • Our optometrists in Texas are really focused on diagnosing
Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions surrounding several bills aimed at improving vision care for students in Texas. Chairman Dutton introduced HB2967, which aims to enhance vision screenings in public and private schools and ensure that students identified with vision problems receive necessary resources like eyeglasses. Testimonies from educators highlighted the connection between vision issues and learning difficulties, emphasizing that many children struggle academically due to unaddressed vision disorders. Public testimony revealed the pressing need for a more robust system to not only identify but also aid students with vision impairments, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The committee engaged in an in-depth discussion about the importance of timely interventions and adequate support mechanisms to ensure equal educational opportunities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for your time and consideration and for your commitment to the future of Texas.
  • According to the Texas...
  • I'm the executive director of the Texas Association of Sports Officials.
  • Nobody's going to show up, and that just doesn't seem like the right outcome for Texas.
  • Of Texas students.
Summary: The meeting focused on advancing several significant pieces of legislation, particularly those pertaining to education and school finance. Notable discussions included the adoption of committee substitutes for various Senate Bills, such as SB2392, which introduced new reporting requirements for educators regarding misconduct cases. The committee also addressed SB1635, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens of high coastal insurance costs on school districts, which included provisions for credits against required recapture payments. Senator Hinojosa emphasized the urgency of responding to the challenges faced by local districts, underscoring the need for legislative support to ensure fair funding in coastal areas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 100,000 of those families on our Texas mailing list.
  • I hear these stories from a lot of my rural communities. An example is Valentine, Texas, where...
  • I'm the Executive Director for the Texas Association of Rural Schools, and I'm testifying on SB1581.
  • That's one of the great things about Texas, I think.
  • With a little over 1,200 school districts in Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily addressed several significant bills, including SB2398 which aims to ensure that students recovering from concussions receive timely accommodations to support their academic, social, and behavioral needs. Senator Campbell presented the bill, emphasizing its importance in preventing long-term setbacks for affected students. The committee heard from various stakeholders, and testimony reflected strong support for the bill's intent, although concerns were raised regarding implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas Behavioral Executive Committee.
  • a proud Texas school psychologist.
  • of the Board of Directors of the Texas School Safety Center.
  • And I encourage our lawyers to step up for the Texas Lawyers' Creed.
  • And not all school districts in Texas are districts of innovation.
Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on educational legislation, with discussions spanning several key bills concerning mental health support for students, school safety measures, and the involvement of students in school governance. House Bill 1441, aimed at enhancing training for school resource officers on mental health awareness, received notable attention. Advocates highlighted the importance of equipping officers with the skills to address grief and trauma, thereby fostering a supportive environment for students. The bill was backed by testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures in schools to prevent crises and support students in need. Another significant piece of legislation was House Bill 3672, introduced by Chairman Ashby, focused on creating grant programs for extracurricular community education, providing essential resources for youth development and engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas deserves to know about this exceptional family.
  • I'm the presiding officer of the Galveston-Texas City Pilots.
  • The Texas Chicken...

    The Texas Chicken...

  • ="334" data-time="1998"> 16 pilots perform the Texas Chicken?
  • The Texas Chicken?
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

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • would enable the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with the Texas institutions
  • Recent high-profile incidents, including those at Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at
  • I am a third-year law student at Texas Law.
  • Texas at Austin.
  • The brain drain is happening in Texas.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Education Committee, multiple bills were discussed, focusing on educational policies and procedures. Notably, Senate Bill 1241 was introduced by Senator Middleton, which proposed a committee substitute for establishing standardized college entrance exams accepted by Texas public universities. The committee engaged in significant dialogue about the necessity of addressing concerns surrounding exam equivalency standards, and the need for a data-driven approach to admissions decisions. Various committee members voiced their support for the enhancements proposed in the substitute, leading to its unanimous adoption and favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This will directly support Texas students and the economy.
  • students and the Texas economy.
  • People come to Texas from across the country...
  • People will choose not to either come to Texas, or in your case, stay in Texas.
  • I'm from Texas, but I was desperate to escape Texas.
Summary: During the committee meeting, key issues surrounding higher education legislation were discussed, focusing on several significant bills. Notably, discussions revolved around SB2233, which mandates public institutions in Texas to prohibit non-immigrant visa holders from supporting terrorist activities. This bill raised concerns regarding free speech and potential overreach in monitoring students and faculty, with various testimonies highlighting its implications for academic freedom. The bill faced opposition from various civil rights organizations and law students who emphasized that such measures could create a chilling effect on political expression and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In contrast, SB735 on Holocaust education received strong support, aiming to improve educational resources and awareness amid rising anti-Semitism, with calls for comprehensive training for educators. Other bills discussed included SB2683, which restricts institutional benefits from foreign entities considered to pose a national security risk, further emphasizing the tension between security concerns and academic freedom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 30th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and the Texas Academy of Audiology.
  • Texas has been at the forefront with Texas CASA in addressing this with resources.
  • Texas.
  • of Texas and the Texas Association of Health Plans.
  • I know we're in Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services covered multiple bills focusing on healthcare, education, and child welfare. A key highlight was the presentation of Senate Bill 3001, which aims to add medical nutrition counseling as a Medicaid service for patients with chronic conditions. Chairman Korkhorst emphasized the importance of this bill in addressing healthcare needs in low-income communities. Public testimony was gathered, with several professionals supporting the inclusion of nutrition services to improve health outcomes for Texans, particularly those battling chronic diseases. Another notable discussion revolved around Senate Bill 425, designed to enhance the accuracy of investigations into child and adult protective services. Members raised concerns regarding the need for transparency and improved protocols in these sensitive areas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm happy to come speak about Texas Family Care.
  • State, Texas.
  • SJRC Texas? Yes. Wonderful.
  • It is a challenge in our largely rural service area.
  • In Texas, TFI operates a child placement agency.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding child welfare and community-based care, focusing primarily on SB1398 and HB5396. Notably, representatives expressed concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the current system, emphasizing the need for stronger documentation and accountability measures in handling cases of children and families. Senator Davis discussed the implications of SB596, which seeks to enhance data collection regarding outcomes of cases handled by the Department of Family and Protective Services, aiming to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable children. Public testimony was heard from various stakeholders, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding throughout the legislative process, which ultimately aims to better support families and prevent the need for child removal from their homes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's huge in Texas.
  • To serve rural Texas patients, we respectfully request

  • Sul Ross State University was established in March of 1917 in Alpine, Texas, to serve West Texas rural
  • Rural Texas is especially at risk as strong science on water availability, recharge, and projections
  • We are in a rural area of Orange. It's the heart of Texas.
Summary: The meeting primarily revolved around discussions on higher education funding, workforce development, and new program initiatives addressing critical shortages in Texas. Various university representatives presented requests for funds to support expansion in nursing, engineering, and technical programs aimed at meeting the demands of a changing job market. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of combatting healthcare and workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and STEM fields, with calls for increased funding for institutional enhancements and support for significant projects like new education centers and degree programs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Many of them live in rural areas.
  • On behalf of the Texas Radiological Society, the Texas Medical Association, and myself,

  • I'm the president of Homemade Texas.
  • Many of the Texas rural communities redeem their SNAP benefits in these types of stores.
  • It is not in the rural areas.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several significant bills aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Texas's Medicaid and long-term care systems. Notably, SB457 seeks to ensure that a substantial portion of Medicaid funds is allocated directly to patient care in nursing facilities, addressing concerns about the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Various testimonies were provided from key stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by nursing homes and the pressing need for reform. Notably, AARP Texas endorsed SB457, emphasizing the critical need for improvements in care quality, especially in light of staffing shortages and neglect issues prevalent in some facilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas.
  • helps us embody the Texas...
  • My name is Randy Willis, and I am the executive director for the Texas Association of Rural Schools.
  • We represent about 350 rural schools across Texas and

  • I know the worth of Texas children, and I'm sorry to say this bill does not reflect the worth of 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 Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 11th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the president of HomeMade Texas.
  • A lot of the Texas rural communities redeem their SNAP benefits in these types of stores.
  • It is not in the rural areas.
  • It's been a lot of time in rural Texas at these dollar stores, but I'll also say there are other things
  • I'm with the Texas Hospital Association.
Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24
Summary: The committee meeting centered around special education funding and safety provisions for children with disabilities. Key discussions were led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the transformative potential of SB568, which proposes a transition to an eight-tier service intensity funding model. This model is designed to better accommodate the needs of special education students, ensuring they receive the necessary services tailored to their unique requirements. The bill received strong support from stakeholders and included testimony from educators and advocates highlighting the importance of early intervention and the need for ongoing funding support.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Rural Water Association.
  • Four years later, the legislature created a trust, the Texas Water Trust, as a program within the Texas
  • these Texas Water Trusts.
  • The Texas Grant Management Standards are guidelines established under Chapter 738 of the Texas Government
  • Under current law, several Texas Water Development Board programs are already exempt from these Texas
Summary: The committee meeting was centered around critical discussions on various bills aimed at improving water management and mitigating losses in municipal water systems. Notably, Senate Bill 1190 sparked significant conversation regarding the high water loss rates among large utilities, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for stringent, consistent validation measures and penalties. The chair expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts to enhance groundwater management through Bill 1855, which aims to clarify the certification process for groundwater availability, addressing concerns on the ambiguities in the previous legislation. Public testimonies were heard, with supportive sentiments towards improving water conservation strategies and accountability measures within water utilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Citizens of Texas.
  • Texas represented one of the largest overhauls to Texas

  • Thank you for pointing your service to Texas.
  • I'm the president of the Texas Association of Pre-Trial Services.
  • I'm the vice president for Texas Cure, and we're...
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions of Senate Bill 9, focusing on bail reform and the recent trends affecting public safety in Texas. Multiple witnesses provided testimony, both in support of and against the bill, highlighting the implications of current bail practices. Supporters argued that the bill would enhance public safety and reduce the release of violent offenders, while opponents raised concerns about due process and the potential negative impact on low-income individuals unable to pay bail. The chair acknowledged the heartfelt testimonies from victims' families, emphasizing the emotional weight of the legislative changes being considered. The meeting was marked by a passionate discourse about balancing public safety with individual rights in the judicial system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I encourage you to support HB 2225 to keep Texas, Texas

  • The Texas Association, the Texas A&M Research Center

  • development in Texas.
  • APA Texas suggests modifying the bill to clarify.
  • In Texas, we had Bandera, Bastrop, and Austin.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several pressing bills concerning housing and municipal regulations. Notably, House Bill 2225, presented by Representative Buckley, aimed to improve transparency regarding impact fees, which have been increasingly burdening homebuyers in Texas. The bill proposes that political subdivisions must present land use plans at least 60 days prior to hearings, giving stakeholders ample time to review. The discussion highlighted the significant effects of rising impact fees on housing affordability, with testimonies from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for accountability and clearer processes. The bill stirred a lively debate, with proponents arguing for increased transparency and opponents expressing concerns about the ramifications of the proposed changes on local governance and infrastructure funding. House Bill 2304 was another crucial point of discussion, seeking to streamline the approval process for residential backup power systems. The bill faced support from numerous witnesses, including energy industry representatives, who touted its potential to enhance energy resilience and efficiency. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency for revisiting these issues in future sessions, as committee members and advocates for both bills anticipated more rigorous discussions ahead in light of the housing market challenges in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Small dollar credit has not kept pace with the needs of Texans, consumers in Texas.
  • I'm a senior policy analyst at Texas Appleseed, and I am respectfully...
  • My name is Stephanie Mason, and I'm representing AARP Texas and its 2.5 million members.
  • Texas, I think, is about ninth out of 44 states.
  • Converters operate in a unique niche in Texas law.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee was marked by discussions on several significant bills, with a keen emphasis on legislative updates and committee substitutes. Notably, Senator Blanco presented a new committee substitute for SB2610, which modifies the employee cap from 100 to 250 and extends the update timeline for cyber security programs for small businesses. This substitute was adopted unanimously, reflecting a collaborative agreement among the committee members. Additionally, there were discussions surrounding SB1856 as Senator Crayton provided insights into how stakeholder feedback influenced the bill's committee substitute. The committee ultimately voted in favor, pushing it towards the local and contested calendar, indicating the bill's progression through legislative channels.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • to go into rural areas of the state.
  • Would this affect many other manufacturers in Texas?
  • The average population size of our rural communities is 2,100, and that's where most of the rural rental
  • areas out in nowhere, Texas.
  • Texas.
Summary: HB2464, presented by Representative Heffner, seeks to reduce unnecessary local regulations on home-based businesses, supporting Texans' abilities to operate no-impact businesses from their residences. The discussions highlighted the balance between enabling entrepreneurship and ensuring community standards are upheld, along with concerns regarding potential impacts on existing zoning laws. The meeting concluded with a call for more clarification and a focus on ensuring the bill protects local interests while promoting small business growth.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • On behalf of the Texas Association of Rural Schools, you'll
  • We saw that, yeah, representing Texas Association of Rural Schools, that's before the bill.
  • They've just come out of Texas Tech University or Texas A&M.
  • ' rural workforce.
  • So the future of Texas depends on the strength of our rural schools. We cannot afford to allow...
Bills: HB2
Summary: The committee meeting was focused on discussing HB2, a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming school finance in Texas. During the discussion, members highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by school districts, including the impact of county appraisal districts failing the comptroller's property value study, which has led to budget reductions for many districts. Concerns were raised about ensuring that schools receive their entitlement funding and the need for potential amendments to address unresolved issues permanently. Various members expressed appreciation for the efforts made in HB2 to increase funding for at-risk students and improve overall educational outcomes.

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