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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the Texas Rising Star Program.
  • I'm excited that we're talking about the Made in Texas program.
  • Do you have an update on the program or how that's going so far?
  • It's an exciting program for small businesses.
  • Thank you so much; I'm looking forward to seeing the program.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions revolving around HB2343. This bill, presented by Representative Leo Wilson, aims to enhance transparency in the shrimping industry by requiring restaurants to disclose the origin of shrimp served. The bill was met with mixed reactions, especially from the Texas Restaurant Association, which raised concerns regarding the burdensome requirements for menu updates and potential liability issues if inaccuracies were reported. Meanwhile, the committee passed other bills, including HB4204 aimed at protecting older homeowners from unfair contracts, which received support from AARP Texas and sparked discussions about the implications on consumers' rights. In addition to presentation and testimony on bills, the committee also examined HCR76, which urges the federal government to regulate imports of foreign shrimp, reflecting a proactive stance on protecting local industries from unregulated competition. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a commitment to addressing economic concerns, consumer protection, and the sustainability of local businesses. The chamber was well attended, and many stakeholders provided public testimony for and against the various proposals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Education K-16 Aug 6th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB8 creates an instructional support assessment program

  • by establishing a grant program to help districts create local
  • In recent years, the legislature has invested wisely in many evidence-based programs to improve student
  • A ninth grader who had started in a program that was being
  • phased out won't be penalized for that; they can go ahead and finish the program.
Bills: SB8
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened to discuss Senate Bill 8, focusing on revising Texas's statewide assessment system by eliminating the STAR test and replacing it with a more efficient structure. This bill was highlighted as an important effort to enhance student accountability and academic performance through three testing phases: beginning, middle, and end of the academic year, to commence in the 2027-2028 school year. During the meeting, various stakeholders including educators and business leaders presented their support, emphasizing the need for a timely, transparent, and actionable assessment strategy that better serves students' educational needs and alleviates the pressure of over-testing in schools. Furthermore, the committee addressed the importance of ensuring assessments align closely with the Texas educational standards and provide teachers with the resources to adapt instruction based on real-time student data.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • On Election Day, for those counties that are opting to utilize the countywide polling place program,
  • If a county is opting to use the countywide program and has applied and been deemed successful through
  • I would really recommend some kind of pilot program.
  • To make sure they work, maybe have a little pilot program
  • We would let the state move to their new program, what we're calling Teams 2.0.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee involved deliberations on a series of significant bills addressing issues such as election procedures, mental health crises, and the interplay between homelessness and public safety. Notably, Senator Parker presented Senate Bill 2487, focusing on creating infrastructure for mental health crisis management in urban areas, emphasizing the need for crisis service centers. Testimonies were heard from various stakeholders about the impact of mental health on homelessness, with supporters advocating for more comprehensive care while opposing viewpoints cautioned against conflating mental illness with criminal behavior. Another prominent discussion was around Senate Bill 2876, which proposed increasing penalties for rioting, specifically targeting those who conceal their identities. This stirred public outcry as civil rights advocates raised concerns about potential profiling and freedom of expression.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • That comes down to kinship benefits that may come down to the PCA program, which you'll hear about in
  • They actually said that DFPS was looking at a pilot program to do this in certain regions of the state
  • We provide transition and financial services support through our Foster Youth Independence Program, or
  • And our Next Step Supervised Independent Living Program.
  • Current law already allows for a parent's attendance at a substance abuse program.
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Fiduciary Relationships Committee involved extensive discussions focused on improvements in family law, particularly regarding child welfare and representation in court. Several bills were presented, including HB3382, which aims to enhance the standard of representation for children and parents in legal proceedings. Testimony highlighted concerns over attorney performance and the necessity of timely communication between attorneys and their young clients. Members voiced both support and opposition, especially regarding the timelines set forth for attorney consultations prior to hearings, reflecting a strong concern for the welfare of children involved in custody and welfare cases.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="61" data-time="360"> Texas A&M established the Academic Security and Counter-Exploitation Program
  • This bill seeks to bolster a core curriculum and minor and certificate programs to ensure that they're
  • , research programs, etc.
  • My students or any students in my program.
  • This program was recognized by the New York Times as a very successful university.
Summary: The meeting convened with significant discussions centered around higher education legislation in Texas, particularly focusing on research security and curriculum governance. Senator Brian Hughes introduced SB1273, which aims to establish a Higher Education Research Security Council to bolster security practices against potential espionage while promoting collaboration among Texas Tier 1 research institutions. Witness testimony included insights from Dr. Kevin Gamache of Texas A&M University, who underscored the importance of safeguarding academic resources to maintain Texas’s leadership in research. The committee unanimously adopted a substitute for the bill which elevated its scope to include private institutions as well, reflecting a broader approach to research security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 17th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • She has extensive experience as a researcher and an effective program leader.
  • The program is funded by the state of Texas.
  • I'm a Program Coordinator here at San Antonio Water System, also known as SAWS.
  • ...in this program at all?
  • Our leadership for our utilities program is part of the solid.
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative discussions, prominently featuring HB1285 and HJR107, which aimed to address significant issues around energy production and damage prevention. Key discussions involved providing the Railroad Commission with additional tools for inspection and responding to incidents, as articulated by proponents emphasizing the benefits for public safety and efficiency. Members voiced their concerns about balancing energy production with environmental protection, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic development and ecological sustainability. Testimonies from industry experts and environmental advocates framed the debate, with strong support for maintaining Texas's status as a leader in energy while ensuring public health is not compromised. Throughout the meeting, several members expressed their intent to refine policies surrounding utility damage prevention and excavation standards, as current laws have reportedly not evolved to address modern challenges. There was a clear acknowledgment of the technological advancements that necessitate an update to existing regulations. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of optimism for proactive legislation and apprehension regarding potential impacts of energy-related developments. As discussions drew to a close, there was a commitment to revisit these topics in future sessions to ensure thorough consideration of both industry and community perspectives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="15" data-time="131"> Including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program
  • Grant Program for School District Local Accountability Plans
  • > The applicability of certain immunity and liability laws to certain charter school campuses or programs
  • funding for dual credit or dual enrollment courses under the public junior college state finance program
  • matter of pending business, the bill relates to requiring that competency-based baccalaureate degree programs
Summary: In this meeting of the Senate Committee on Education K-16, significant discussions were held regarding a variety of educational bills. Notable among these was the discussion on HB4, which focuses on public school accountability and the implementation of an instructional assessment program. The committee substitute proposed for HB4 was passed with a majority vote, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational standards. Additionally, HB4687 was favorably reported, aiming to address immunity and liability laws pertaining to charter schools. Members actively debated the merits of each bill, reflecting diverse viewpoints and concerns, particularly around educational policies and their impacts on school governance and accountability. Further deliberation led to the reporting of several other bills, including HB2598, which pertains to licensing requirements for school psychologists, and HB3629, which aims to prohibit sex offenders from serving on school boards. Each of these bills was discussed thoroughly, with motions made to certify them for conditional calendars, moving them forward in the legislative process. The meeting showcased robust participation from committee members, indicating a proactive approach to shaping the future of education policy in the state.
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:
  • We struggle to find programs.
  • In my small county, as I stated before, we struggle to find local resources and programs daily.
  • We have a program that's very similar to that, and it's extremely costly.
  • This impacts certain programs. And I think if nothing else...
  • They both have two separate diversion programs.
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

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It does offer a health insurance program, but it is fully
  • That's why we need to have a self-funded program.
  • , we hire a company like Aetna to administer the program.
  • It's a good idea to create these kinds of programs so that we are more proactive in this regard, not
  • The Higher Learning Commission has higher standards that focus on programs which lead to higher paying
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the evaluation of several bills related to higher education funding and performance. Notably, the committee discussed HB1868, which was transformed into a study to analyze funding disparities between community colleges and school districts. Representative Wilson highlighted concerns raised by community colleges regarding funding thresholds and the potential fiscal impact, which is estimated at over $1 billion over the next biennium. The committee also passed HB271 after adopting a committee substitute that addresses success rates for students with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in higher education. Overall, the discussions emphasized the need for equitable funding and data-driven decisions for future legislative sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This measure, as Chairman Metcalf mentioned, is an expansion of an existing program.
  • utilities and working with us on House Bill 2869, allowing ERCOT utilities to have access to the program
  • During the interim, the SB 1133 program was implemented, and valuable lessons were learned.
  • Dedicated to the program
  • The current program was not covering damage to the actual land from trash, debris, and pollutants.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several important bills aimed at providing support and protections for agricultural producers affected by border-related crimes. Notable discussions centered around HB246, which proposed an expanded compensation program for damages, including not just real property, but also crops, livestock, and the necessary funds for soil restoration due to pollutions from such crimes. Representative Ginn led the conversations, emphasizing the critical role agricultural landowners play in the state’s economy and their need for fair compensation. Witnesses, including stakeholders from agricultural organizations, provided testimonies highlighting the inadequacies of the current framework and the urgency for legislative action.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • for four years for the program.
  • We do educational programs and a number of other things.
  • We rely on them, and we need them to have a healthy program so that they can deliver for Texas.
  • It's a fantastic program.
  • This allows TechSouth to program for businesses who wish to impact adjacent vegetation.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on significant discussions surrounding various legislative bills, particularly those affecting infrastructure and navigation regulations in Texas. Notable among these was HB4148, which aims to modernize outdated regulations impacting navigation districts and port authorities. Vice-Chairman Peruzza presented this bill emphasizing its importance in enhancing operational efficiency and updating management practices to better serve Texas's economic needs. Additionally, the chair laid out HB3332, which addresses regional mobility needs and aims to expedite infrastructure projects, reflecting the growing pressures on local communities due to population influx and outdated facilities. The meeting featured public testimonies that highlighted the urgency for legislative action to support infrastructure developments crucial for economic vitality in the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 13th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • A grant program will continue to exist with the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office in
  • and the grant program, to be able to carry this out.
  • Then we have the Governor's Criminal Justice grant program for which they can apply.
  • state, such as ALERT, which is a state program.
  • I've got a lot of experience with the Valley situation, the alert program.
Summary: During the meeting, multiple bills were reviewed and discussed, with the most prominent being HB33, known as the Uvalde-Strong Act. This bill aims to improve school safety and preparedness in active shooting situations by implementing stringent security measures and training requirements for law enforcement and educational institutions. The bill generated significant discussion about its provisions, the urgency for enhanced safety protocols, and the lessons learned from previous tragedies. HB1261, which allows for dual publication methods for public notices, was also reported favorably without objections, reflecting a growing need to adapt legislative processes to modern communication standards. The meeting concluded with several bills advancing to the full Senate for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Aug 6th, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • like our Landowner Incentive Program.
  • Again, programs are set up to cost-share restoration

  • They're just programmed to do that, and that's part of what fish do after drought conditions to help
  • The Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Program, our conservation easement program, has a primary focus of ensuring
  • associated with running the program.
Summary: The meeting held by the Cultural, Recreation, and Tourism Committee focused primarily on emergency preparedness and responses to natural disasters, notably in the context of the recent floods that occurred in Texas on July 4th. The committee expressed deep sympathy for the affected communities and acknowledged the impressive efforts of first responders during the calamity. Testimonies were provided by representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Historical Commission, and various youth camps, focusing on the challenges faced during these emergencies and the steps taken to ensure visitor safety and habitat preservation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ="7" data-time="36"> Revised rider 27 concerns estimated appropriations for the handgun licensing program
  • tuition assistance, for 1,500 service members per semester, and this will allow for an increase in program
  • part of the National Guard, and then there's a small percentage of the State Guard that access the program
  • span>

    7B is for 12 FTEs to establish a DNA investigation program

  • span> Item 27 estimates appropriations for the handgun licensing program
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee focused primarily on discussions surrounding the details of HB1, along with recommendations regarding law enforcement stipends. Several members expressed their concerns about updating the stipends to address discrepancies with local law enforcement agencies and enhance competitiveness. The conversation also touched on the technical adjustments and modifications needed for the current funding proposals, affirming a collaborative approach to managing the agency's budget and needs. Members expressed appreciation for each other's hard work and laid out future meeting plans to review riders and finalize recommendations for the chairman.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • programs and multicultural family programming.
  • Beyond leadership development, the program emphasizes community engagement.
  • or the juvenile justice DAP program.
  • in order to be included in any new programming.
  • This will equate to about 40 additional high school students enrolled in the FAST program.
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I work for the Coastal Bay and Estuaries Program based in
  • I think it is an improvement over the voluntary programs that are in place right now.
  • We were involved in the initial bill in 2013 that created this program for produced water and established
  • I'm here to answer any questions about the composting program.
  • Yes, our composting program was set up very similar

Summary: The committee meeting covered several significant bills with a focus on environmental concerns and public health implications. Notably, House Bill 2440 was discussed, which aims to prevent state agencies from restricting vehicle ownership based on energy sources, ensuring Texans can choose the vehicles that suit their needs. Representative Curry presented the bill, emphasizing the need for consumer choice and the protection of personal freedoms in transportation policies. The bill left the floor pending after no public testimony was provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Their efforts are crucial in providing support and resources for these individuals, and their programs
  • They're an incredible organization, and this program is going to be able to illuminate the problem and
  • data-time="930">So together, we must be able to fight this and bring education and awareness to this program
  • It's a four-year program, and I think the most important

  • operations, and he's put together a team of top professionals so that we can produce a four-year program
Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16
Summary: The meeting focused on the critical issue of human trafficking in Texas, particularly highlighting the trafficking of boys and young men. Several legislators, including Senator Parker, emphasized the necessity of raising awareness about the misconception that trafficking predominantly affects women and girls. The introduction of the first-ever safe house for young male victims was a significant point of discussion, with various stakeholders, including the Texas Trucking Association, collaborating to promote awareness campaigns. Senator Parker and Representative Baumgartner expressed their commitment to eradicate this issue and highlighted the urgency due to its prevalence within communities across Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 08:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • program reports.
  • Talk a little bit about what we aim to achieve there, the coverage of that project, and it's a pilot program
  • span marker="85" data-time="504"> boot two and even areas that include the first round of the boot program
  • Opportunities of Texas' last mile grant program, but we didn't receive formal bids in those locations
  • Video programming provided, and here's the magic language
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills: HB2838 and SB924. House Bill 2838 aimed to modernize broadband speed standards in line with FCC definitions, aiming to enhance access and reduce tax burdens on Internet services. Chairman Ashby explained the bill's intent to clarify requirements for the Broadband Development Office and included provisions for tax relief to support broadband expansion. Public testimonies presented both neutral and supportive views, emphasizing the importance of aligning state regulations with federal standards, especially for underserved areas. Senators questioned the bill's implications for service equity and federal funding eligibility.

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